In this blog post, you’re going to learn how to easily propagate and care for Philodendron Erubescens.
This is a comprehensive guide covering reliable information about different aspects of this variety.
In this post, I’ll cover:
- Interesting Facts
- Propagation
- Repotting
- Care
And
- Solutions to Common Problems
So, if you are looking to propagate and care for Philodendron Erubescens, this guide is for you.
Fun Facts
| Common Name | Blushing philodendron, red-leaf philodendron, imperial red philodendron |
| Botanical Name | Philodendron erubescens |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Fruit | 2-60 ft. long, 16 in. wide |
| Mature Size | 2-60 ft. long, 16 in. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Bright and indirect light (partial) |
| Soil Type | Well drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic |
| Native Area | Central and South America |
| Toxic | Toxic to humans and pets |
| Growth | Climbing |
Blushing philodendron or Philodendron erubescens is famous for its beautiful and unique-looking leaves. This plant is familiar to most people because of its characteristic broad leaves and red-pink inflorescence. It has leaves with a shiny texture that makes it magnificent to look at. It resembles other species of Philodendron by its vining, and also it can adapt to a wide range of light conditions.
P. erubescens grows best in soil that offers good drainage; however, it is suited for moderate watering but can stand a dry spell. Due to its flexibility of growth and its beautiful appearance, it is loved by gardeners and interior designers.
Leave Structure and Growth Period
The foliage of Philodendron erubescens is possibly one of the most attractively colored leaves among all the species of Philodendron. They are large heart-shaped with glossy texture and may vary from dark green to a reddish tinge, The veins of these plants stand out on the surface of the leaves, which gives them a decorative appearance.
They are long and broad, measuring 6 to 12 inches with an arrangement of being opposite or alternating with the stem. This structure of the leaf is meant to enhance the photosynthesis process, hence promoting the Plant’s healthy state.
This Plant has a constant growth rate all year round but has a vast increase during periods of warm temperatures, proper lighting, and water provision. Ideally, it can develop to a height of 1-2 feet per year, thus being among the fast-growing horticultural organisms.
The growth period is also comprised of months during which growth is slowed down as it rests. Appropriate care is provided to the Plant during its growing stage to keep it healthy and brightly colored.
Flower and Fruiting Structure
Flowers of Philodendron erubescens are not usually cultivated for flowering. The flowers are small and not very showy compared to the foliage; they can be greenish white seldom deeper in color. Flowering in this species is rare indoors and more common in its natural tropical habitat.
The fruit of Philodendron erubescens, when it forms, is a relatively small, somewhat berry type that forms on the spadix. These fruits are usually green or orange in color and are very flashy. The fruit structure consists of rather small berries in several groups; the seeds can be used for reproducing purposes. It functions in reproduction and the Plant’s distribution; in its natural setting, the fruit is mainly used to spread the seeds.
Philodendron erubescens is suitable for a wide range of indoor habitats because of its broad host culture needs. It prefers indirect bright light and can grow well in low light. Therefore, it is ideal for most homes and offices. It can also tolerate dry conditions.
Benefits
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, here are a few benefits of the P. erubescens are described;
Air Purification
Natural Air Filter: Jus like the other philodendrons, P. erubescens is also an air purifier that eliminates formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene, contributes to better air quality.
Oxygen Production: Oxygen production effectively helps add oxygen to your living area by breaking down carbon dioxide.
Low Maintenance
Easy to Care: For this plant; it doesn’t matter whether you are a first-time gardener or a specialist in plant cultivation. It is not very demanding, being able to grow in areas that are exposed to just a bit of indirect sunlight or a strong light.
Drought Tolerance: Philodendron erubescens does not require much attention and it may be left on its own for a few days and still survive under dry conditions.
Aesthetic Appeal
Attractive Foliage: This Plant, with large heart-shaped glossy leaves that can be green or have a reddish tinge, gives a classic look to your room.
Versatile Decoration: It may be trained to climb on a structure or let it trail on hanging baskets. It is suitable for most interior design themes.
Psychological Benefits
Stress Reduction: Having such plants like Philodendron erubescens can make a big difference in your stress and anxiety levels and even make you happier.
Increased Productivity: Research shows that having plants in workplaces can help boost productivity and creativity. This plant would be suitable for home or offices to make the environment productive.
Health Benefits
Humidity Regulation: Being a type of natural humidifier, Philodendron erubescens releases moisture into the air, which is good for soothing dry skin, respiratory problems, and other related ailments.
Allergy Relief: It also plays a factor of help in this aspect since it attracts dust and any other airborne allergens on its leaves.
Environmental Impact
This Plant has a very high rate of growth and propagation, practically making it an option for being friendly to the environment.
Uses
Used as a Masterpiece
Due to its appealing look, it is mostly used as an item of beauty in indoor settings.
Humidity Regulation
As a tropical plant, this Plant releases moisture into the air. So, it is helpful for humidity regulation.
Air Purification
P. erubescens filters the toxic components like; formaldehyde and benzene from the air. So, this feature is effective in maintaining a healthier indoor space.
Potential Medicinal Applications
Recent studies have shown that these plants have the potential to be used in medicaments for cancer, tumors, and immunological disorders.
Propagation
Philodendron Erubescens can be propagated quite easily, and the best method is stem cutting. Propagation must be carried out when the plant is actively growing normally in spring or early summer. Here is a step-by-step guide to propagate it;
Select a Healthy Stem: Select a stem which should have two or three nodes at least, that is where the leaves connect to the stem.
Cut the Stem: With a new sharp knife or scissors, make a clean cut in the stem at the required node.
Prepare the Cutting: Trim off the basal leaves down to one or two at the shoot tips.
Root the Cutting: Put the cutting in water, or directly into the potting mix. If using water, make sure the node is fully immersed in water in order to get the efficiency required. If soil is used, it must be good at drainage.
Provide Proper Conditions: The cutting should be placed in a warm environment with humidity and indirect sources of light. Some roots should form in a few weeks.
Transplant: It is also important to note that once roots are developed the shooting can be transplanted in a more suitable type of soil in a container of a larger size.
Repotting
Repotting is crucial to Philodendron Erubescens, especially when the Plant grows to maturity. Normally, a change of pot should be made every 1-2 years or whenever the Plant is outgrown by the pot. Here’s how to report:
Choose the Right Time
It is recommended to report during the growing season; this is the spring or early summer period.
Select a Larger Pot
Select almost 1-2cm larger pot in diameter than the previous pot.
Prepare the Potting Mix
Choose a well-draining medium for a specific potting mix that could hold moisture while not getting overly saturated. While perlite is a combination of peat or long-fibered sphagnum moss, perlite and compost are ideal.
Remove the Plant from the Old Pot
Very carefully, free the Plant from the existing container without any harm to the roots.
Prune the Roots
If the roots are crowded, then they need to be separated, but if they are very long, they may be cut short to fit properly.
Report the Plant
Transplant the Plant in a new pot, put the soil, and then carefully place the soil around the roots.
Water Thoroughly
You should water your Plant after repotting to help the settling of the soil and to minimize stress of the transplant.
Care
Pruning
It is also important to prune your Philodendron Erubescens so as to give it the correct shape and improve on its health. It is good to remove the yellow and dead leaves so that the plant can generate new ones and avoid diseases. It is also used to regulate the growth.
Soil
Philodendron Erubescens needs fast-draining soil that holds water but is not waterlogged. The plant uses a growing mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost to provide nutrients and provide proper drainage.
Do not use heavy or compacted soil, as roots like free drainage; they may rot. Mixing a little orchid bark or coarse sand in the potting media will greatly enhance the aeration.
Pot
Choose a pot that has well draining system to avoid water logging. The terracotta or ceramics made pots are preferred. Moreover, the plastic pots can also be used if they are not sealed.
Water
These plants require water regularly, but ensure you do not overwater the Philodendron Erubescens plant. It is required to water the plants only when the upper layer of the soil in the pot is dry.
Light
Philodendron Erubescens needs light and prefers bright, filtered light. It can also withstand low light conditions. However, the growth rate will be reduced and part of the vivid hue will also fade. The best place for it is a location close to a north or south window.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your Philodendron Erubescens using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at least once every 4-6 weeks during the growing period that is, spring and summer. A desirable thing to do is to either minimize applying fertilizers in the fall or stop applying during winter when growth is slow.
Excessive use of fertilizer results in soil compaction salinity build-up. So the use of fertilizer should be conducted in accordance with the label instructions.
Placement
Philodendron Erubescens prefer a stable temperature range of 65°F – 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Please do not keep it in areas with direct sunlight or areas where the temperature fluctuates. Save your plant from draughts, heaters, or air conditioners since the movement of temperature affects the Plant’s health.
Common Problems
Here are the common problems of the Philodendron erubescens with their respective preventive measures are explained;
Pests
P. erubescens is susceptible to common indoor pests like aphids and mites. These pests suck the sap from the plant tissues and damage them.
Regularly check the Plant for signs of such pests. If any type of the pests signs found then use the insecticidal soap or neem oil. The control of pests in the early stage is much easy and safer.
Fungal Diseases
Philodendron erubescens is also sensitive to fungal infection, just like the other members of this genus. The main causes of the fungal infection are water -logging and poor cleaning. This is because the dirty and moist environment is the favourite one for the fungus. The signs of fungus growth may be the dark spots or the powdery mildew on the leaves.
To prevent fungal diseases, do regular cleaning. If a fungal infection attacks, then first remove the rust physically, then spray with the antifungal agent.
Brown Tips
Inconsistent and low humidity may lead to the brown tips on the leaves. The dry air, especially during winter, mostly leads to the browning of the leaves. Ensure a maintained watering and a 60-80% humid environment to avoid brown tips.
Curling Leaves
The curling of leaves may occur due to a lot of conditions. But this manifest confirms that your Plant is under stress, which may be due to the lack of water, nutrients, humidity, or proper light. So, to stop curling of leaves, it is necessary to check and maintain all the physical conditions of the Plant.
Yellow leaves
Yellowing of the leaves is a significant sign of stunted growth. It may be due to improper care and diet. So, provide proper care with all the necessary nutrients required for the Plant to avoid the yellow leaves.
Varieties & Similar Plants
Philodendron erubescens have the following varieties and similar plants;
Varieties of the Philodendron erubescens
Philodendron Erubescens’ Red Emerald’: The variety has deep red stems and prominent large green heart-shaped leaves. The upperside of the leaves is green while the underside is red. It is a climber par excellence and serves very well as a statement plant.
Philodendron Erubescens’ Pink Princess’: This is one of the varieties favoured by many growers, as this Plant has dark green leaves with pink spots. Shading of pink may be thin lines or broad regions as the case may be in each respective leaf. It is less fastigiate than the standard form and demands bright, indirect light to continue to exhibit bright colors.
Philodendron Erubescens’ Black Cardinal’: This variety is characterized by almost black leaves with deep coloration. It has new leaves in bronze that turn dark as the leaves grow older. It is not so sprawling as most of the other Erubescens varieties but appears more compact.
Philodendron Erubescens’ Imperial Red’: This variety has large leaves that are dark when the plant is young and dark green as the plant grows older. It has a more erect and bushy type of growth and can be grown in pots
Similar Plants
Philodendron’ Rojo Congo’: This Plant is somewhat similar to ‘Imperial Red’ and has large and attractive dark green leaves that are initially red in color. They have a more compact growth habit and, therefore, are suitable for the interior décor.
Philodendron’ Prince of Orange’: This type has bright orange new foliage, which, in a short while, turns yellow and then green. Its growth habit is highly similar to ‘Imperial Red,’ and the Plant has an upright and bushy formation.
Philodendron’ Moonlight’: These plants have uniquely colored neon green leaves that make them easily identifiable in different collections. The leaves are somewhat smaller and elongate more than most of the Erubescens varieties. The plant characteristics are similar to those of P. erubescens in terms of low maintenance.
Philodendron’ Pink Congo’: This variety can be easily confused with ‘Pink Princess.’ Initially, this variety was characterized by shiny, bright pink leaves, but the pink color quickly faded as matured. It has the same stem color as Philodendron Erubescens, with red stems, and like other philodendrons, it requires minimal care.
Philodendron’ Xanadu’: This Plant has very large, dark green leaves with several deep lobes, creating a different-looking plant. It has a less graceful and more dense growth habit, making it ideal for growing in indoor environments.
