Philodendron 'Imperial Red' in pot

Credit: Jungle rebel

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' leaves

Credit: Meise botanic garden

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' petioles

Credit: Meise botanic garden

Young leaf of Philodendron 'Imperial Red

Credit: Meise botanic garden

Philodendron 'Imperial Red', leaves that change from red to green

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' is said to have been bred in the 1980s from Philodendron erubescens. Like the botanical variety, it belongs to the Araceae family. And like it, its leaves change color as it ages.

How to recognize Philodendron 'Imperial Red'?

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' is a perennial with a compact, bushy habit. In pots and indoors, it grows to between 60 and 90 centimetres in height, with the same spread.

Stems are red atbirth. They turn dark green when mature.

The tough, glossy leaves also change color over time. They start out copper-red, then turn light green. Eventually, they turn a dark green, almost black, with purple and violet highlights. Their shape, however, remains the same. Heart-shaped, the leaf blades reach 45 centimetres in length when fully grown.

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' is toxic. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, a noxious and irritating substance for humans and animals. Don't let your cat or dog nibble the leaves, and wear gloves when repotting or pruning the plant.

Our maintenance tips

Philodendron 'Imperial Red enjoy part shade, regular watering and high humidity. If you have several, group them together to improve humidity!

Watering

Philodendron 'Imperial Red 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.

Spray

Brumisez le feuillage avec une eau non calcaire améliore l'hygrométrie et lutte contre les attaques de nuisibles.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’ to give it more space.

Obtain a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Line the bottom with clay balls or pebbles to promote drainage.

Pour in a layer of potting soil for green plants. Would you like to grow your Philodendron 'Imperial Red as a climber? Plant your stake. You can choose a model covered with sphagnum moss or coconut fibres, for example.

Plant your Philodendron 'Imperial Red and add some substrate. You can encourage your plant to cling to the stake by gently tying its stems to the post with wire. Water generously to encourage rooting.

If your indoor air is dry, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls. This improves humidity.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

To stimulate the growth of your Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’, use a liquid fertilizer for green plants.

Cleaning

Leaves can collect dust. If you choose to clean them, dust them gently with a clean, damp cloth.

Prune

You don't have to prune your Philodendron 'Imperial Red. 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.

Pinch

Pinch your Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’ during its growing season.

Philodendron 'Imperial Red are not plants to be pruned. If yours grows beyond the size of your living room, you can pinch off the end of the stem. The plant will stop growing vertically and produce new leaves at the base.

Don't forget that sap and leaves can cause irritation! Remember to wear gloves when handling your plant.

Cutting

Cutting 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.

Pour potting soil for green plants into a drilled pot. Make a pilot hole with a pen or pick. Plant your cutting in the center

Press lightly to remove air bubbles and water with room-temperature water to encourage rooting.

Place your cutting in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Philodendron - Philodendron
Species	Philodendron erubescens - Philodendron erubescens
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs
Categories	Climber Interior Herbaceous
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Toxic
Origin	South America
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color