Philodendron erubescens, the blushing philodendron
Philodendron erubescens
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Philodendron
- Species
- Philodendron erubescens
If Daenerys is the mother of all dragons, then Philodendron erubescens is the father of all philodendrons! This Araceae native to Colombia has given rise to numerous cultivars, such the Philodendron 'Pink Princess', ' the Philodendron 'Imperial Red' and philodendron 'White Wizard'
How can you recognize Philodendron erubescens, the blushing philodendron?
A perennial climbing plant, Philodendron erubescens grows three to six meters tall.
While most philodendrons, such as philodendron hastatum, have green stems, Philodendron erubescens has red stems and petioles.
These are topped by stiff, heart-shaped leaves. The largest can reach 40 centimeters in length. Young leaves display a very bright, iridescent red or pink color. As they mature, they turn dark green on top and coppery on the underside.
The plant rarely blooms indoors. In the wild, it produces fragrant flowers with dark red spathes.
Some claim that Philodendron erubescens has air-purifying properties. While these benefits have not been proven, all scientists agree that the plant is toxic to humans and animals. Its leaves and sap contain calcium oxalate, a substance that is irritating if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin. Keep your philodendron out of reach of your four-legged friends and wear gloves when pruning it!
Our care tips
The Philodendron erubescens enjoy part shade, regular watering and high humidity. If you have several, group them together to improve humidity!
Watering
The Philodendron erubescens appreciate moderate, regular watering. Between two applications of water, leave the potting soil to dry out by two or three centimetres. Check this simply by touching the soil.
Always use water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock, which can damage the roots.
Be sure to remove any standing water in the saucer or planter.
Misting
Brumisez le feuillage avec une eau non calcaire améliore l'hygrométrie et lutte contre les attaques de nuisibles.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Philodendron erubescens to give it more space.
Get a pot with drainage holes that's larger than the previous one. Line the bottom with clay pellets or small stones to improve drainage.
Add a layer of potting soil for houseplants. Do you want to grow your Philodendron erubescens as a climbing plant? Set up your support stake. For example, you can choose a model covered with sphagnum moss or coconut fiber.
Plant your Philodendron erubescens and add more substrates. You can encourage your plant to cling to the stake by very gently tying its stems to the stake with string. Water generously to help it take root.
If the air in your home is dry, place the pot on a saucer filled with moist clay pellets. This helps maintain humidity.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Philodendron erubescens, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
To stimulate the growth of your Philodendron erubescens, use a liquid fertilizer for green plants.
Cleaning
The pages may collect dust. If you choose to clean them, gently dust them with a clean, damp cloth.
Prune
You don't have to prune your Philodendron erubescens. However, if the plant becomes too imposing, you can shorten the vines to control its dimensions.
Cut just above a node to encourage branching. Use a clean, sharp tool, such as scissors or pruning shears.
The plant is toxic. Wear gloves to protect yourself from its sap and avoid skin irritation.
The plant is toxic. Wear gloves to protect yourself from its sap and avoid skin irritation.
Pinch
Pinch your Philodendron erubescens during its growing season.
The Philodendron erubescens These are not plants that are pruned. If your plant grows larger than your living room, you can pinch off the tip of the stem. The plant will stop growing upward and produce new leaves at its base.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Remember that the sap and leaves can cause irritation! Be sure to wear gloves when handling your plant.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a stem with leaves and aerial roots. Using clean pruning shears, cut a section about fifteen centimetres long. Cut two centimetres below a node.
Remove the limbs at the base of the stem. Keep only the two terminal leaves.
In a pot with drainage holes, pour in potting soil for houseplants. Make a small hole using a pen or a stick. Plant your cutting in the center
Gently firm the soil to remove air pockets and water with room-temperature water to encourage rooting.
Place your cutting in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- In potsIn tubs
- Categories
- ClimberIndoorHerbaceous
- Tags
- BeginnerCold-sensitiveToxic
- Origin
- South America
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenRedRose
- Flower color
- Red
Discover plants from the same family
Philodendron 'Birkin'
Philodendron erubescens 'Birkin'
Philodendron 'Imperial Red'
Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’
Philodendron 'White Wizard'
Philodendron erubescens ‘White Wizard’
Philodendron 'Pink Princess'
Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess'
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
