Philodendron Erubescens Care Guide

Philodendron erubescens is one of the tallest climbers of all indoor plants! Because of their exquisite beauty and abundant foliage, they make an excellent plant addition to any living space. They are easy to care for and less cold- and drought-tolerant than other species of philodendron. Many plant lovers enjoy their richly colored leaves - dark green, heart-shaped leaves with burgundy undersides and a tinge of red and long aerial roots. They are an absolute stunner!

To help you successfully grow your Philodendron Erubscens, we'll tell you everything you'll need to know to grow a healthy blushing philodendron of your own!

What Is Philodendron Erubsecens?

Philodendron erubescens is a stunning philodendron variety. The elongated heart-shaped dark green leaves have burgundy undersides, giving it the nickname "Blushing Philodendron." When the blooms, the flowers are deep red and contrast brilliantly with the bright green foliage. It's one of the more aggressively climbing philodendron varieties, reaching up to 20 feet high in its native South American habitat!

Philodendron Erubescens Care Requirements

Light

Philodendron erubescens would naturally grow under the canopy of large rainforest trees, using their trunks as climbing support. This means that all of the light it receives would be filtered and dappled. Philodendrons need some bright, indirect light and out of direct sunlight but do not require full, bright sunlight. Too much bright light hitting the leaves directly will cause the plant leaves to scorch and burn.

Great locations for indirect sunlight are near a south-facing window or an east-facing window if your morning sun isn't harsh. Philodendron erubescens can tolerate more shade than many other philodendron varieties, but if there is too little light, the plant will lose its red coloring.

Water

Blushing philodendron is prone to root rot, so don't overdo it! On the other hand, they don't like the soil to dry out completely between waterings either. Use your finger to test the moisture of the top inch or two of the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, water your Philodendron plant. Be sure that all excess water can drain out by using a pot with drainage holes!

Temperature

Like all tropical plants, Philodendron Erubescens prefers temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Below that, they are susceptible to cold injury. In USDA Hardiness Zones 10 and 11, Philodendron plants can be grown outdoors. Otherwise, enjoy them as a climbing houseplant, and be sure that it's kept well away from vents and drafty windows.

Humidity

A humidity level of at least 50% is best for all Philodendron Erubescens varieties. If your home is typically drier than this, there are ways to boost the moisture in the air directly around your plant.

Place In Bathroom

Place your Philodendron plants in the bathroom, where the bursts of steam during showers provide adequate moisture.

Grouping

Group plants together. Every plant slightly elevates the air moisture around them.

Misting

Mist the heart-shaped leaves regularly with distilled water.

Use a pebble tray

Fill a tray with pebbles, then with water until the pebbles are almost covered. Set your Philodendron Erubescens pot atop the pebbles. As the water in the tray evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant above it.

Add Humidifier

Use a humidifier, whether for the whole room or a small one set next to your plant.

Soil

The Philodendron Erubescens plant needs loamy, well-draining soil with a pH level between 5.8 and 7.5. You can mix your own soil by adding peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite to a well-draining potting mix.

Fertilization

Because this philodendron grows so vigorously, you will need to boost it with fertilizer once or twice a month. Without regular fertilizing, growth will slow, and the glossy green leaves will start to yellow. Dilute a balanced fertilizer to half strength, and apply it directly before a thorough watering, to move the fertilizer evenly throughout the pot.

Pruning

While not required, Philodendron Erubescens can reach stunning heights of 20 feet! You'll likely want to prune them in order to help them maintain their shape and structure. Simply cut away a length of the stem just above a leaf node. And be sure to support your climbing plant with a moss pole or trellis!

Propagation

It's very easy to propagate Philodendron erubescens. The vines are covered with leaf nodes that will readily sprout aerial roots, and stem cuttings with aerial roots make propagating simple!

1. Use clean shears to cut a length of stem 4 to 7 inches long, ideally with multiple aerial roots. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.

2. Fill a pot with moist soil, then plant your cutting with the aerial roots and leaf nodes under the soil.

3. Place the pot in a warm, humid location with indirect light. To boost humidity, place a plastic bag over the top of the pot. Roots will grow within four weeks!

Common Problems

Philodendron cultivars show an early resistance to many pests and diseases, giving you time to treat them before significant damage is done.

Pests

The most common pests you'll encounter with your Blushing Philodendron are aphids and scales. With both, remove as many bugs as possible by hand, prune the remaining infected stems, then use an insecticide or neem oil.

Root Rot

Philodendron Erubscens is prone to root rot if overwatered. To treat plants that have been affected mildly, clip away infected leaves or roots. Correct watering period to help prevent further infection.

Leaf Spot Disease

Philodendron Erubscens sometimes get infected with bacterial leaf spots, which appear as either reddish brown, brown, or yellow spots on the leaves. For plants that have already been affected mildly, apply fungicide to the entire leaves and stems.

Slow Growth

If you notice your Philodendron Erubscens is growing very slowly or is growing smaller, it could be caused by incorrect lighting, watering, humidity level, or growing medium.

Philodendron Erubescens Varieties

With massive domestication, breeding techniques, and natural or lab-induced mutation, there are wide varieties of Philodendron species. Including Philodendron erubescens. There are wide varieties of Philodendron Erubecens, and these variants are evident in terms of leaves. Here are some types of blushing philodendrons.

Philodendron 'Pink Princess'

The Philodendron' Pink Princess' is known for its exceptional color. This variety has a marbled pink and green coloration on large, waxy leaves. This variety is quite rare, and it can come with a high price tag to obtain one.

Philodendron Erubescens ‘Ruby’

Philodendron erubescens' ruby' is an evergreen plant with a striking appearance. Unlike the other variations, "ruby" has burgundy stems that holds lush dark green with a mild hue of red underside.

Philodendron Erubescens ‘Imperial Red’

Philodendron erubescens' Imperial Red' is a magnificent tropical plant that has oval, large, leathery leaves with shades of dark red and green.

Philodendron Erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

Philodendron Red Emerald is a red variety of Philodendron erubescens. It is known for its heart-shaped leave and deep red flowers. Unlike 'Imperial Red,' which grows in a brush-like manner, 'Red Emerald' is a climbing variety.

Philodendron Erubescens ‘Green Emerald’

Philodendron erubescens' Green Emerald' is a climbing plant that is known for its vibrant, bright green foliage with glossy leaves.

Philodendron Erubescens ‘Gold’ 

Philodendron erubescens' Gold' has bright lime yellow leaves that will turn orange and then pink with aging. It has a red to orange color stem that makes this plant truly unique and stunning.

Philodendron Birkin

Philodendron Birkin is a strikingly unique plant with deep green leaves with creamy white stripes.

Philodendron Erubescens ‘Dark Lord’

Philodendron erubescens' Dark Lord' is a hybrid variety of Imperial Red Philodendron. The leaf shape of this plant changes as it matures and grows, and it can grow as big as a dinner plate or larger. The foliage will begin as deep orange, then blood red, and then deep dark green.

Is Philodendron Erubescens Pet Friendly?

If ingested, Philodendron Erubescens is toxic to both animals and humans. All varieties of philodendrons have calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals cause a painful, burning sensation along with swelling of the lips and throat, and this can lead to choking, difficulty swallowing and vomiting.

FAQ

Can philodendron Erubescens be grown outside?

Yes, they can be grown outside if you live in an area with warm winters and hot summers. Be sure to provide the plant with plenty of sunlight, water, and fertilizer.

How fast does Philodendron Erubescens grow? 

Philodendron erubescens can grow up to 10 cm (4 inches)per week during the growing season.