There’s something magical about nurturing greenery right in your backyard. As someone who loves spending time in my garden, I can say few plants are as striking and rewarding as the reddish philodendron. With its vibrant, coppery-red leaves and easygoing nature, this plant adds a bold yet elegant touch to any indoor or outdoor space. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned from growing and caring for reddish philodendron in my own backyard garden.
What is a Reddish Philodendron?
The reddish philodendron, often referred to as Philodendron erubescens or “Blushing Philodendron”, is a tropical plant known for its deep red or burgundy-colored stems and new foliage that unfurls in stunning shades of red before maturing into deep green. It’s a hybrid variety that thrives both indoors and in shaded parts of your garden.
Native to Colombia, this plant is part of the Araceae family, and like most philodendrons, it’s a climbing or trailing vine. You’ll often see it trained on a moss pole or left to cascade from hanging baskets.
If you love low-maintenance yet visually stunning plants, the reddish philodendron is a gem to grow.
Choosing the Right Location
One of the key factors to successful growth is choosing the perfect spot. From my experience, reddish philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the delicate reddish foliage, while too little light may cause slow growth and fading color.
For indoor growers, place your philodendron near a north or east-facing window where the plant can enjoy filtered sunlight. Outdoors, I like to plant mine under the canopy of taller trees or on a shaded patio wall where the leaves remain vibrant but protected from the afternoon sun.
Always ensure the location is warm and away from cold drafts. These plants enjoy a tropical climate, so temperature consistency plays a vital role in their health.
Soil Requirements for Optimal Growth
When it comes to soil, reddish philodendrons love it loose, rich, and well-draining. My go-to mix is one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part organic compost. This combination helps the roots breathe while also retaining enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated.
Avoid heavy garden soil or clay-like mediums, as they tend to retain water and may cause root rot. You can also buy pre-mixed indoor potting soil that’s designed for aroids—it works wonderfully for reddish philodendrons.
A slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0 is ideal. If you’re unsure, inexpensive soil test kits are widely available online and in garden centers.
Watering Tips and Moisture Needs
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started growing philodendrons was overwatering. These plants dislike sitting in soggy soil. The trick is to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out before watering again.
During the growing season (spring and summer), I usually water once a week. But in winter, I scale back to every 10-14 days. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, not wet.
Also, using room-temperature water is best to avoid shocking the roots. And always ensure that your pots have drainage holes. If water pools at the bottom, root rot can set in quickly.
A tip from my backyard: I always stick my finger into the soil before watering—simple and effective!
Fertilizing for Healthy Foliage
If you want your reddish philodendron to display vibrant leaves and healthy growth, fertilizing is a must. I feed my plants once a month during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (such as 20-20-20). For organic gardeners, compost tea or diluted fish emulsion also works great.
Avoid over-fertilizing, especially in winter. The plant naturally slows its growth during colder months, and extra nutrients can lead to salt buildup or leaf burn.
Look out for signs of nutrient deficiency—such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. If you see these, a diluted feeding regimen can often revive your plant within weeks.
Pruning and Supporting Growth
The reddish philodendron is a fast grower when conditions are right, and occasional pruning helps keep it tidy and encourages bushier growth. I like to prune in early spring before the major growth phase begins. Snip off leggy stems or any yellowing leaves using clean, sharp shears.
If you’re growing it as a climber, consider providing a moss pole or trellis. I’ve trained mine along a bamboo frame, and it gives my backyard a lush, vertical garden feel.
Remember to wear gloves while pruning, as the sap can be a skin irritant for some people. Dispose of pruned leaves responsibly, especially if you have pets, since philodendrons are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Pests and Common Problems
Even though reddish philodendron is fairly hardy, it can fall prey to common pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. I inspect my plants weekly—especially the undersides of the leaves. If I notice any pests, I wipe them off using a cloth dipped in soapy water or neem oil spray.
Overwatering is a major cause of issues like root rot and yellowing leaves. As mentioned earlier, a well-draining soil mix and a good watering schedule are your best defenses.
If your plant’s leaves start fading or turning pale green, consider moving it to a spot with more light or supplementing with a grow light indoors.
Propagating Reddish Philodendron
One of the joys of growing reddish philodendron is how easy it is to propagate! I often give cuttings to friends who are new to plant care.
To propagate, simply snip a 4–6 inch stem with a few nodes (the bumpy joints where leaves and roots grow). Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water or directly in moist soil.
Roots typically form within 2–4 weeks. Once they are about an inch long, you can plant the cutting in its own pot. I’ve propagated dozens of new philodendrons this way, and it’s always exciting to watch them grow.
Winter Care and Temperature Needs
Reddish philodendrons are tropical by nature, so they don’t handle cold temperatures well. If you live in USDA zones 10–11, they can be grown outdoors year-round. But in cooler zones, you’ll need to bring potted plants indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Keep them away from heaters and cold windows. They prefer humidity levels above 50%, so during dry months, I use a small humidifier or place a water tray near the plant to boost moisture in the air.
Proper winter care ensures your philodendron comes back strong and lush in the spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red philodendron rare?
Yes, some red philodendrons, like the Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ or Rojo Congo, are considered rare due to limited availability and high demand. Their striking red foliage makes them highly sought after by collectors and houseplant enthusiasts, which adds to their rarity and value.
Is there a red philodendron?
Yes, there are several red philodendron varieties. One popular type is the Philodendron erubescens, also known as the red-leaf or blushing philodendron. These plants display reddish stems and leaves, especially when new, making them a vibrant and eye-catching addition to any plant collection.
What kind of philodendron has red leaves?
The Philodendron erubescens, including varieties like ‘Imperial Red’ and ‘Rojo Congo’, is known for its red to burgundy-hued foliage. Young leaves often emerge in deep red shades before maturing into darker green or maroon, creating a stunning contrast that’s popular among tropical plant lovers.
How big does a red philodendron get?
Red philodendrons can grow up to 24 inches tall and spread about 2 to 3 feet wide indoors. In ideal outdoor tropical conditions, they may grow even larger. With proper care, support, and pruning, they can become lush, sprawling plants that fill their space beautifully.
How do you grow a red philodendron?
To grow a red philodendron, provide bright indirect light, keep the soil moist but not soggy, and use well-draining potting mix. Maintain temperatures above 60°F and fertilize monthly during the growing season. Prune regularly for shape and support climbing varieties with a moss pole.
You Can Also Read:
How Do You Grow and Care for a Whale Tongue Agave in a Home Garden?
What Are the Best Perennials with Pink Flowers for Home Gardens?
How Do You Grow and Care for an Opuntia Cactus Spineless Variety? (A Home Gardener’s Guide)
What Are the Most Popular Plants with Bluish-Purple Flowers for Gardens?
What Can You Do with Pistachio Shells in Your Garden? A Gardener’s Real-Life Guide
Final Thoughts: Why I Love Reddish Philodendron
Out of all the plants in my backyard garden, reddish philodendron holds a special place. Its rich, dramatic foliage adds personality, and its forgiving nature makes it perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Whether trained up a pole or cascading from a hanging pot, it’s a plant that never fails to impress. With just a little care and attention, your reddish philodendron will thrive and become the showstopper of your garden or home.
References
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Philodendron Care
- North Carolina Extension Gardener: Philodendron erubescens
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Philodendron Erubescens Profile
- The Sill: Plant Care Guide
