Philodendron erubescens (Blushing Philodendron) Care Indoors and Propagation

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Philodendron erubescens also called Blushing Philodendron or Red-leaf Philodendron is among evergreen, vigourously-growing, climbing Philodendron varieties and bears red stems and glossy, large, heart-shaped leaves which appear reddish and eventually turn green as they mature.

Blushing Philodendron can be grown as a climber on a trellis or on a moss pole like Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens), Finger-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron elegans), Spadeleaf Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum), Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum) and Philodendron ilsemanii 'Variegata'. Firm support for the stems needs to be provided for these climbers.

Philodendron erubescens produces aerial roots from the stems and these roots have an important part to play. Push them into the soil to provide moisture for upper leaves.

To encourage branching, pinch the growing tips to prevent the Red-leaf Philodendron from growing with long, single stems. Always pinch after a leaf node as a new stem will grow from the node.

Botanical name: Philodendron erubescens
Family: Araceae
Common names: Blushing Philodendron, Red-leaf Philodendron

Origin

Philodendron erubescens is native to Columbia where it grows as an epiphyte on trees, climbing by means of the aerial roots to the tree canopies in search of light.

Size

Red-leaf Philodendron is a fast-growing plant which can grow to a height of 10-20 feet in its native habitat but it only grows to about 3 feet when grown indoors. The leaves are large and measure about 16 inch long.

Flowers

Blushing Philodendron flowers are deep-red, fragrant spathes about 6 inches long appearing in summer through fall. However, flowers rarely appear under room conditions.

Varieties

Several cultivars of Philodendron erubescens have been developed. These cultivars are self-heading and not climbing. They include;

*Black Cardinal
*Birkin
*Imperial Green/Red
*Burgundy
*Pink Princess
*Prince of Orange
*Moonlight
*McColley's Finale
*White Princess among others.

Is Philodendron erubescens toxic?

Yes. Philodendron erubescens like other Philodendrons is toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by National Capital Poison Center. The plants contain Calcium oxalate crystals.

If ingested, these crystals can cause burning and swelling in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Therefore, keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets.

Where to Buy

Are you looking to add these beauties to your plant collection? Philodendron erubescens cultivars are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy) and on Amazon (Link to Amazon).

How to Care for Philodendron erubescens Indoors

To care for Blushing Philodendron indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 15-27⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with regular feeding in the growing season.

Philodendron erubescens requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat, encourage a bushy growth and rejuvenate growth. Repotting of the young plant is needed when pot-bound while the large plants require annual replenishment of the soil. Keep reading for a detailed account on these conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

How often should I water Blushing Philodendron?

Do not water on a schedule. Water Blushing Philodendron thoroughly in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Cut down on watering in fall and winter to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. However, do not let the soil dry out completely as underwatering can lead to wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.

Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking the plant as it can cause reduced growth and leaf fall. Only use chlorine-free water like rain water to prevent browning of leaf edges.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging which can result in root-rot and eventual death of the plant.

Light Requirements

How much light does a Blushing Philodendron need?

Blushing Philodendron thrives in bright indirect light; a spot infront of a large, brightly-lit, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight or use a light curtain to filter the sunray to prevent scorching of the leaves.

If the light is too low the plant will exhibit leggy growth with small-sized pale leaves. Where the natural lighting is not enough, instal full spectrum grow lights to increase it.

Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth as well as prevent legginess.

Temperature & Humidity

Blushing Philodendron prefers a warmth of 15-27⁰C. Keep it away from from sources of drafts as they can cause stunted growth, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Philodendron erubescens prospers in a humidity of 60-70%. However the plant can withstand dry air for short periods but low humidity for prolonged periods will result in brown leaf tips and edges.

To step-up humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, laundry area and other moist areas in the home. Maintain good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Which is the best fertilizer for Blushing Philodendron?

Feed Blushing Philodendron with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer to promote lush growth. Withhold feeding in fall and winter to avoid fertilizer burn since growth is reduced at this time

Occasionally, flush out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to get rid of most of the salts.

Potting Soil

Which is the best kind of soil for Philodendron erubescens?

The best potting soil for Philodendron erubescens should be a rich, free-draining soil to prevent sogginess while providing the required nutrients. A mix of 2 parts of potting soil and 1 part perlite is perfect for this plant.

Repotting

Repot young Blushing Philodendron at the beginning of the growing period. Use a pot that is 1 size larger that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy.

Philodendron erubescens is an excellent candidate for a hanging basket where it can beautifully display the magnificent leaves. Check out these hanging planters with macrame hangers on Amazon.

The large Red-leaf Philodendron may be impossible to repot due to their enormous size. Therefore, replenish the top 2-3 inches of soil at the beginning of the growing season or as necessary. Take care not to injure the roots to avoid fungal infestations.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Blushing Philodendron involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations.

To encourage a bushy and compact growth, pinch off the growing tips at a node as new growth emerges from a node. The tips can be used to propagate new plants.

Cutback the leggy stems at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.

Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of the dust and to discourage pest and disease infestations.

Philodendron erubescens Propagation

Blushing Philodendron propagation is best done during the growing season from stem cuttings or by plant division. The stem cuttings can be rooted either in water or in soil.

1. Rooting Blushing Philodendron from stem cuttings in water

1. Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy plant by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.


2. Submerge 2-3 inches of lower cut end of the cutting in a jar of clean water while ensuring at least one leaf node is below the water surface.


3. Position the set up in a well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


4. Change the water every 5-7 days until roots have developed.


5. Transfer the new plant into individual pots in moist, free-draining soil when the roots are about 4 inches long.


6. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged on the new cuttings.


7. Allow the new plant to be well established before transfering the pots to their permanent position after which you can begin routine.

2. Rooting Blushing Philodendron from stem cuttings in soil

1. Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy plant by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.


2. Insert the cutting in moist, well-drained soil while ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the soil.


3. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


4. Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges.


5. Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.

3. Propagating Blushing Philodendron by plant division

1. During repotting, divide a large plant into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate healthy roots.


2. Plant the sections in individual pots in moist, free-draining soil.


3. Place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight.


4. Maintain the soil moist until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Philodendron erubescens Problems & Solutions

Blushing Philodendron problems are yellow leaves, leaf drop, brown leaf tips & edges, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

The main causes of yellow leaves on Philodendron erubescens are too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, nutrients deficiency, salts buildup or aging.

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.

Inconsistent watering: Water only when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Do not water on a schedule.

Soggy soil: Use a free-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.

Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a balanced, water soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer but do not feed in fall and winter.

Salts buildup: Occasionally flush out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it comes out through the drainage hole.

Aging: Naturally the old leaves to turn yellow and drop as the plant matures.

Leaf drop

Leaf drop on Blushing Philodendron is caused by dry air, temperature stress, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, insufficient light, use of cold water among others.

How to fix it

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, heat sources, windy doors, drafty windows among others.

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot with a drainage hole and loose, well-draining soil.

Insufficient light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural light is not sufficient.

Use of cold water: Water with room temperature (tepid) water to prevent cold shock.

Brown leaf tips & edges

Brown leaf tips and edges on Blushing Philodendron are caused by dry air and being pot-bound.

How to fix it

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity for the plant.

Being pot-bound: Repot the plant into a pot 1 size larger. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth and small pale leaves on Blushing Philodendron is due to inadequate light.

How to fix it

Position the plant in a more brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or instal a grow light where natural light is not adequate.

Pests

Common pests of Philodendron erubescens are aphids, scales, whiteflies and mealybugs which are prevalent in dry air conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to the rest of the plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as recommended by the manufacturers.


3. Maintain the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.


4. To upscale humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together.

Diseases

Philodendron erubescens is prone to the following diseases:

1. Leaf spot disease which is characterized by brown, moist leaf spots. It is common in overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation.

How to fix it

1. Remove and burn the affected parts to minimize spread to the other plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil as indicated by the manufacturer.


3. Keep the plant on the dry side and do not mist it.


4. Ensure a good air flow to discourage the disease.

2. Stem-rot disease which is promoted by high moisture and too little warmth.

How to fix it

1. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.


2. Lessen the frequency of watering in fall and winter to reduce occurence of the disease.

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