Philodendron tenue
 
Common Names Ecuador Tenue, Ripple-Leaf Philodendron, Serrated Climber
 
Zones 10A–11 (outdoors); Zone 9+ with protection; indoor year-round in colder zones
 
Philodendron tenue is a rare hemiepiphytic species native to wet tropical forests of Ecuador, Colombia, and Central America. Known for its deeply pleated, heart-shaped to narrowly oval leaves, this climbing aroid morphs dramatically between juvenile and mature forms. Its rippled texture and elongated leaf shape give it a sculptural presence in interiorscapes and tropical vivariums.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Appressed climber; hemiepiphytic; moderate growth rate
Height: Up to 13 ft. in habitat; 4–6 ft. indoors with support
Trunk: Herbaceous; short internodes; aerial roots at nodes
Leaves: Glossy green to gray-green; pleated or ridged; juvenile leaves oval to heart-shaped; mature leaves narrowly oval to triangular; 8–18 in. long
Petiole: Green; slightly ridged; upright to arching
Inflorescence: Rare in cultivation; white spathe and spadix
Fruit: Not typically produced in cultivation
Ecology: Native to premontane wet forests and tropical moist woodlands from 20–2,300 m elevation2
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Bright indirect light; avoid direct sun
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; allow top inch to dry between waterings
Soil: Loose, fast-draining mix with peat, perlite, orchid bark, and charcoal
Temperature: 64–90°F (18–32°C); protect below 55°F (13°C)
Humidity: High (80–90%); thrives in humid environments or with misting
Propagation: Stem cuttings with node; rooting in moss or water
Tolerance: Sensitive to cold and low humidity; toxic if ingested
 
Landscape Use Best suited for interiorscapes, tropical greenhouses, and vivarium backgrounds. Pairs well with Philodendron sharoniae, Anthurium crystallinum, and Monstera dubia for layered climbing compositions.