How to Grow and Care for Philo Campo

The Philodendron camposportoanum, or Philo Campo, is a vining aroid from the rainforests of Brazil, admired for its manageable care and dynamic foliage. Its most captivating trait is the dramatic change its leaves undergo as the plant matures. This transformation from juvenile to adult foliage makes it a unique and visually interesting houseplant.

The Unique Leaf Transformation

The most remarkable characteristic of the Philodendron camposportoanum is its ability to produce differently shaped leaves during its life stages. In its juvenile phase, the plant has small, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves. These young leaves have a soft, velvety texture and can display shades of deep red or coppery-pink on new growth before settling into a rich green.

As the plant matures, its leaves transform by elongating and developing distinct lobes, eventually forming a tri-lobed shape resembling “ears” or wings. This change indicates the plant is reaching adulthood. The primary trigger for this shift is the opportunity to climb, so providing a support structure like a moss pole or trellis is necessary for it to produce its mature leaf form.

Without a vertical structure, the Philo Campo will remain in its juvenile state, continuing to produce smaller, heart-shaped leaves. The texture of the mature leaves also changes, becoming smoother and more leathery than the velvety juvenile foliage. This process showcases the plant’s adaptation to climbing trees in its native habitat to reach for better light.

Philo Campo Care Guide

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal placement is near an east or west-facing window for several hours of gentle morning or evening sun. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, causing them to yellow and burn. If your only spot receives harsh sun, filter the light with a sheer curtain or place the plant a few feet back from the window.

Water

This philodendron prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the pot, then wait until the top one to two inches of soil are dry before watering again. Checking the soil moisture with your finger is the best way to prevent over or underwatering. If the leaves appear wilted or droopy, it is a sign the plant needs water.

Soil

A well-draining, chunky soil mix is necessary for the Philo Campo, as standard potting soil is too dense and retains excess moisture. An ideal aroid mix is light and airy, combining peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. This mixture provides root aeration and ensures excess water drains freely. The soil should also be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.

Temperature and Humidity

The Philo Campo prefers warm and humid conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 65 and 85°F (18 to 29°C). Protect the plant from sudden temperature drops and cold drafts from windows or air conditioning units. It is not frost-tolerant and must be kept from temperatures below 55°F (13°C). This plant also thrives in higher humidity, which can be provided by a small humidifier or by grouping it with other plants.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer growing season, the Philo Campo benefits from regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. In the fall and winter, reduce or pause fertilizing as the plant’s growth slows. Always water the plant before applying fertilizer to avoid damaging dry roots.

Support

Providing a support structure is highly recommended for this vining plant. A moss pole or trellis encourages upward growth and is required for the plant to develop its mature, tri-lobed leaves. As the plant grows, gently secure the vine to the support to guide its growth and create a tidy vertical display.

How to Propagate Philo Campo

The most effective way to propagate this plant is through stem cuttings. Identify a healthy section of vine on the mother plant that has at least one node, which is the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Using clean, sharp scissors or shears, make a cut just below a node.

You can root the cutting in a glass of water by submerging the node and changing the water every few days. Another method is to place the cutting in a pot of moist sphagnum moss or perlite. Keep the medium moist and in a warm location with bright, indirect light. Roots will begin to form within a few weeks.

Once a root system of one to two inches has developed, the new plant is ready to be potted in a well-draining aroid mix. Water the newly potted cutting thoroughly and care for it as you would the mother plant. It will soon begin to produce new leaves.

Solving Common Problems

Yellowing leaves are the most common issue and are often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil, and if it feels soggy, allow it to dry out more between waterings. While less common, severe underwatering can also cause yellow leaves, so always assess the soil’s moisture level before adjusting your routine.

Leggy growth, which appears as long, sparse stems with few leaves, indicates the plant is not receiving enough light. Move your Philo Campo to a location with brighter, indirect sunlight to encourage more compact growth. Insufficient light can also cause a lack of new growth.

Regularly inspect your plant for pests like spider mites and mealybugs. If you spot them, treat the plant by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap. If your plant has stopped producing new growth, it may need fertilizer during the growing season. Another cause for a lack of growth is the plant being root-bound and needing to be repotted.