Philodendron erubescens
This climbing tropical climber from Colombia features glossy green leaves that blush burgundy on the underside, purplish-red petioles, air-purifying qualities, and rapid growth, thriving in bright indirect light with moist, well-draining soil and watering when the top half of the soil dries; it is toxic if ingested.
Common Names
Blushing Philodendron, Red-Leaf Philodendron, Red Emerald, Imperial Red, Pink Princess, Prince Of Orange, White Knight, White Princess, White Wizard
Summary
Blushing Philodendron is a tropical evergreen climber native to Colombia, featuring glossy heart-shaped leaves with red undersides and red stems. Indoors, it typically reaches about 3 ft tall and 16 in wide, often trained on a moss pole or trellis with aerial roots. Cultivars include Red Emerald and Pink Princess, the latter displaying bright pink splashes.
Bright indirect light and temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) with humidity around 60–80% support growth. Use well-draining soil, such as peat moss–based with perlite. Water when the top inch of soil dries, and avoid soggy conditions. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Propagate by stem cuttings; prune to encourage bushier growth and speed up branching. Climbing support is useful, and the plant is valued for indoor decor and for its air-purifying qualities.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
2-60 feet
Spread
1-3 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 10–11
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter; ideal mix: peat moss + perlite + compost; pH around 6–7.
Soil Drainage
Well-draining, moisture-retentive, light and airy soil (peat-based mix with perlite and organic matter).
Soil pH
5.8-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Bloom Color
Deep red
Bloom Time
Spring and Summer
Foliage Color
Green foliage, ranging from dark green to emerald green, with red or burgundy undersides and occasional burgundy, pink, or red variegation.
Fall Foliage Color
Red, burgundy, reddish-purple
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Fast-growing, vigorous climber
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts other pollinators (including moths)
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- K.Koch & Augustin
- Publication
- Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1854(App.): 6 (1855)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Alismatales
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Philodendron