Philodendron erubescens
| Philodendron erubescens | |
 | |
| Classification | |
| Group: | Angiosperms |
|---|---|
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Philodendron |
| Species: | P. erubescens |
| Classified: | K.Koch & Augustin, 1855 |
| Growing | |
| Propagation: | From From seeds, cutting, layering |
| Adult size: | over 30 m (90 ft); ~ 2 m indoors |
| Lighting: | Medium |
| Watering: | Let the soil dry slightly before watering |
| Fertilization: | Monthly during active growth |
| Soil: | Well drained |
| Humidity: | High humidity preferred, low humidity tolerated |
| Other information | |
| Toxicity: | Toxic sap |
| Rarity: | Common |
| See more Philodendron | |
Common names:
Red Leaf Philodendron, Blushing Philodendron
Philodendron erubescens is a epiphytic plant of the Araceae family. Native to Colombia, it makes an excellent houseplant and will tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Contents
Name
Philodendron comes from the Greek words philo- or "love" and dendron or "tree". This refers to the epiphytic nature of many Philodendron and their adaptations to growing on or up trees.
Erubescens means "reddening" in reference to the colour of the spathe and stems.
Characteristics
Foliage
P. erubescens has glossy dark green, triangular-ovate heart shaped leaves. A quality of philodendrons is that they do not have a single type of leaf on the same plant. Instead, they have juvenile leaves and adult leaves, which can be drastically different from one another. As the P. erubescens matures the leaves become larger.
Cultivars
Pink Princess
Philodendron "Pink Princess" is a cultivar of P. erubescens with dark green, almost black leaves and splashes of pink variegation. The variegation seems partially triggered by the quality of the light the plant is receiving, and so insufficient light will lead to fewer splashes of pink and more green leaves.
Black Cardinal
Philodendron "Black Cardinal" is a cultivar of P. erubescens with dark green, almost black leaves. New growth has a red hue.
Flowers
The P. erubescens inflorescence consists of an erect spadix enclosed in a red, boat-shaped spathe. The corn-like spadix is covered in small flowers.
Care
P. erubescens wants bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct light but avoid hot midday sun or the leaves will scorch.
Use a well draining soil mix (see aroid soil) and water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain. A waterlogged soil will lead to yellow leaves.
Common issues
Yellowing/dropping leaves
Yellowing leaves are a sign of too much water. Ensure the pot has good drainage and allow the surface of the soil to dry between watering. Older leaves will naturally yellow and die eventually.
If the soil is staying moist for more than two weeks between watering, or the soil feels soggy or very wet after a week then consider repotting the plant into a smaller container: the roots staying wet for too long will lead to root rot and a quick decline in the plant's health. When repotting use a well drained mix (see aroid soil)
Sun damage
P. erubescens cannot take direct sun, except in the early mornings or late evenings. Make sure it is situated away from parts of the home that get direct, hot midday sun.
Pests
P. erubescens is relatively resistant to pests, however it can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, scale, thrips and whitefly.