Name: Philodendron fibrosum Sodiro ex Croat

Etymology: The genus name Philodendron is derived from the Greek words phílos ("loving") and déndron ("tree"), referring to the climbing habit of many species on trees. The specific epithet fibrosum means "fibrous" and refers to the fibrously decaying, long-persisting cataphylls.

First description: Validly published in 2010 by Thomas B. Croat in Aroideana, volume 33; the species name had been used previously by Luis Sodiro.

Origin/Distribution: The species is distributed from southern Colombia to central Ecuador.

Location/Habitat: Philodendron fibrosum grows as a climber, frequently epiphytic and occasionally terrestrial in moist mountain and foothill forests, predominantly at altitudes of about 1,200–1,800 m. We recommend warm-temperate conditions of approximately 17–26 °C with a slight drop at night, high humidity, good air circulation, and bright, indirect light. A coarse, airy aroid substrate should be kept consistently slightly moist without becoming waterlogged.

Description and notes: The species develops large, broadly ovate to almost round, deeply cordate leaves with a velvety to matte-looking dark green upper surface. Particularly characteristic are the conspicuously scaly, fibrous, hair-like petioles and the long-persisting cataphylls. As a climbing plant, it grows best on a moist moss pole. Soft water, constant humidity, and protection from direct sun promote uniform, undamaged leaf development.