Philodendron erubescens is a beautiful exotic plant known for its large glossy leaves. Philodendron comes from the Greek words “Philo,” which means love, and “dendron,” which means “tree.” This Greek name is due to the Philodendron’s habit of climbing on or up trees.
While it is an aggressive climbing plant outdoors, it is also happy as a houseplant. Native to South America, the erubescens Philodendron does well in zones 10 to 11, where the weather is warm and humid.
However, most people outside of those zones keep the erubescens indoors.
Some gardeners who grow this plant outdoors outside zones 10 to 11 will overwinter their plants indoors.
To do this without shocking your Philodendron, gradually move it indoors near a window with access to bright, indirect light.
Then, once the nighttime winter temperatures are above 55° degrees Fahrenheit, you can take your Philodendron outside again.
Two popular cultivars are the “Pink Princess” with leaves with pink variegation splashes and the “Black Cardinal” with dark green, almost black leaves.
If you have a curious cat or puppy, ensure the plant is placed in a safe location as it is toxic.
Erubescens also goes by several common names, including:
- Blushing Philodendron
- Red-leaf Philodendron
- Imperial Red Philodendron
Quick Facts On Philodendron Erubescens
- Family: Araceae
- Light: Bright filtered light
- Temperature: 60° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water moderately
- Fertilizer: Regular houseplant fertilizer twice a month
- Propagation: Cuttings
- Common Problems: Brown edges on leaves or color fading
Philodendron Erubescens Care
What Does The Blushing Philodendron Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
Philodendron plants are known for their glossy heart-shaped leaves.
However, one interesting thing about this plant is that the young leaves can be drastically different from mature leaves.
In its native tropical habitat, the Blushing philodendron can reach up to 60′ feet tall while climbing up trees.
However, your Blushing philodendron will not grow that tall indoors, at a maximum of 3′ feet.
When Does The Blushing Philodendron Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Blushing philodendron will not bloom indoors as they are not self-pollinating. To encourage blooming, you can hand pollinate your plant.
To pollinate, wait until nighttime when its spathe is open and then spread pollen to the spadix.
However, if planted outdoors, the species will bloom in the spring and summer, often with dark red flowers. Once the flowers bloom, you can trim them from the plant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
The Blushing philodendron thrives in bright indirect light. However, hot midday sun can scorch the leaves, so ensure your plant is safe from direct sun.
If you keep your plant indoors, an east-facing window is a great place to put it with access to morning sunlight.
However, if you find that several leaves turn yellow, it’s probably getting too much sunlight.
The Blushing philodendron thrives in high humidity and warm temperatures.
It does best in temperatures between 55° and 80° degrees Fahrenheit and exceptionally well in average room temperatures.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Blushing Philodendron?
The Blushing philodendron appreciates moderate watering, so it’s best to water it when the top inch or two of the soil is dry.
While it’s somewhat drought-tolerant, don’t let it go too long without water.
Conversely, the plant doesn’t do well if it’s overwatered, as it can lead to root rot or yellowed leaves.
So ensure that your pot has plenty of drainage holes to keep the Blushing philodendron healthy.
The plant does best by feeding twice a month with regular houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
What Is The Best Soil For The Philodendron, And When Should You Transplant?
The Blushing Philodendron isn’t very fussy about soil as long as it’s well-draining. While standard potting mixes are adequate, they thrive in a nutrient-rich, loamy soil.
Young philodendron plants are fast growers, so it’s a good idea to repot them every spring.
When it’s ready to climb, you might want to provide a climbing structure to grow on.
Does Philodendron Erubescens Plant Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Your Blushing philodendron can sometimes get a little large for its space, requiring pruning.
Prune during the spring or fall, but you can remove dead or injured leaves any time of year.
Use clean pruning shears and cut where the main vine meets the stem.
How To Propagate Blushing Philodendron?
Propagating your blushing philodendron is easy with either cuttings or division.
Most gardeners propagate their philodendrons in the spring when they are actively growing.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Get a pot ready for your cutting and fill it with well-draining soil.
- Find a stem with multiple aerial roots. If propagating by division, find a stem growing on the side of the plant.
- Using clean pruning shears, cut off the appropriate stem.
- Place the stem in the new pot.
- Ensure the pot has access to bright, indirect light.
- Water the plant appropriately, allowing it to drain.
Watch your new philodendron take root and grow!
Philodendron Erubescens Pests And Diseases
Many issues with Philodendrons are due to overwatering.
For example, if you don’t allow the soil’s surface to dry between watering, the leaves will turn yellow and eventually die.
The Imperial red philodendron is reasonably resistant to pests but, like most houseplants, can have an occasional infestation of spider mites, mealybugs, or thrips.
Treatment with a spray bottle of water can remove many pests, but neem oil or insecticide will definitely help if that doesn’t work.
Suggested Uses For Erubescens Philodendron
Philodendron erubescens, also known as Imperial Red Philodendron, is undoubtedly one of the most popular houseplants.
Not only are they unique with their tropical appearance and large leaves, but they can also purify the air by removing pollutants.
In addition, their fresh and tropical foliage gives off a sense of tranquility and calm.
Landscape architects often use Erubescens plants as oversized silhouettes against walls around a garden.
However, many place them on a windowsill or coffee table for a simple tropical look.