Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems
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Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) grows best in bright indirect light, average warmth, above average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, all purpose potting soils coupled with regular feeding in the growing season.
Philodendron erubescens also called Red-leaf Philodendron is among the evergreen, vigourously-growing, climbing Philodendron varieties with red stems and glossy, large, heart-shaped leaves which appear reddish and eventually turn green as they mature and measure about 16 inch long.
Blushing Philodendron can be grown as a climber on a trellis or 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.
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.
Blushing Philodendron 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.
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. It is one of the fast-growing plants for the indoors.
Flowers
The flowers in Blushing Philodendron 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.
Toxicity
Blushing Philodendron (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).
Philodendron erubescens Care Indoors
Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) grows best in bright indirect light, average warmth of 15-270C, above average humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting soils coupled with regular feeding during 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 it becomes 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
Water Blushing Philodendron thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.
Cut down on watering during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking the plant as it can cause reduced growth. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can result in root-rot and eventual death of the plant.
Light Requirements
Blushing Philodendron grows best in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight as it can cause scorching of the leaves.
If the light is inadequate the plant will exhibit leggy growth and small-sized pale leaves. Where the natural lighting is not enough, you can use grow lights to supplement it. Check out these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
Rotate the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth as well as prevent legginess.
Temperature and Humidity
Blushing Philodendron prefers average warmth of 15-270C. Keep it away from from cold drafts which can cause stunted growth and leaf drop.
Blushing Philodendron requires above average humidity of 60-70% to thrive. However the plant can withstand dry air for short periods but low humidity for prolonged periods will result in brown leaf tips and edges.
Keep the air moist through out the growing period by setting the pot on a wet pebble tray or grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom and other moist areas in the home. Learn how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping to get rid of dust and to discourage pest and disease infestations. Ensure that there is good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Philodendron elegans should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. All purpose potting soils are ideal for these plants.
Fertilizer
Feed Blushing Philodendron every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer to promote lush growth. Withhold feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal at this time and feeding at this time can result in fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.
Repotting
Repot young Blushing Philodendron at the beginning of the growing period. Use a pot that is 1 size larger than the current one. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot.
Philodendron erubescens is an excellent candidate for a hanging basket where it can beautifully display the magnificent leaves. Take a look at 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
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. Read more on how to prune houseplants.
Propagation
Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) propagation can be done during the growing season from stem cuttings or by plant division. The stem cuttings can be rooted in soil or in water.
How to propagate Blushing Philodendron from stem cuttings in soil
Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy Blushing Philodendron by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.
Insert the cutting in moist, well-drained soil while ensuring at least on leaf node is below the soil.
Place the set up in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged.
Allow the new Red-leaf Philodendron to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.
How to propagate Blushing Philodendron from stem cuttings in water
Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy Blushing Philodendron by cutting the stem below a leaf node. Strip off the lower leaves.
Place the cutting in a jar of clean water while ensuring at least on leaf node is below the water surface.
Position the set up in a well-lit place and change the water every 5-7 days until roots have developed.
Transfer the new plants into individual pots in moist, free-draining soil when the roots are about 4 in. long.
Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged on the cuttings.
Allow the new Blushing Philodendron to be well established before transfering the pots to their permanent position after which you can begin routine.
How to propagate Blushing Philodendron by plant division
During repotting, divide large Red-leaf Philodendron into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate healthy roots.
Plant the sections in individual pots in moist, free-draining soil and place in a well-lit shaded place.
Maintain the soil moist until the new plant is well established and begin routine care.
Philodendron erubescens Growing Problems
Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) growing problems include yellow leaves, drooping leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, rotting, leggy growth, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Rotting stems
The cause of rotting stems in Blushing Philodendron is stem-rot disease which is enhanced by high moisture and too little warmth. To save the plant repot it in fresh dry soil and keep the soil dry and warm for a period of time before watering.
Diseases
Blushing Philodendron is prone to leaf spot disease which is promoted by overwet conditions coupled with poor air circulation. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants and spray it with a fungicidal solution. Ensure to cover the entire plant; the leaves and the stems.
To prevent future infestation, avoid wetting the foliage and water from the bottom instead. Also ensure that there is good air circulation for the plant.
Pests
The common pests in Blushing Philodendron are aphids, scales, whiteflies and mealybugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Leggy growth and small pale leaves
Too little light is the cause of leggy growth and small pale leaves as Blushing Philodendron will not thrive in shade. 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 sufficient. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
Dropping leaves
The lower leaves in Blushing Philodendron will drop as they age but if there is an abnormal leaf drop, the reason is sudden change of the growing conditions. Avoid moving the plant to a new position before acclimating it.
If the leaves turn brown and dry before they drop, then too high temperature is the cause of leaf drop in Blushing Philodendron as it prefers average warmth of 15-270C. Protect it from hot drafts from hot air vents or near any heat source. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
Yellow leaves
Overwatering Blushing Philodendron is the reason for yellow leaves if many leaves are affected and there are signs of wilting and rotting. Water the plant liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
If there is no wilting and rotting, underfeeding is the cause of yellow leaves. Feed the plant every 3-4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Stop feeding in the cold season to avoid fertilizer burn. Learn how to feed houseplants.
If only lower leaves are affected and have dark spots and new leaves are dark and small, then underwatering is the cause of the yellow leaves. The solution is to water the plant thoroughly during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Reduce watering in the cold period to keep the soil slightly moist but never allow the soil to dry out completely. Learn more on how to water houseplants correctly.
If leaves are pale colored and have straw-colored patches the cause of yellow leaves in Blushing Philodendron is too much direct sunlight. Protect the plant or keep it away from direct sunlight.
Brown leaf tips and edges
There are two possible causes of brown leaf tips and edges in Blushing Philodendron. One possible cause of brown leaf tips and edges is dry air. Set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier to increase humidity for the plant.
The second possible cause of brown leaf tips and edges in Blushing Philodendron is that the plant is pot-bound. Repot the plant into a pot 1 size larger. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot and death of the plant.
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