.jpg)
Philodendron erubescens
Philodendron erubescens · Araceae
📷 Opsylac · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant philodendron erubescens: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Red-veined Philodendron or Philodendron erubescens
- Foliage
- Evergreen, dark green with red to purple veins and petioles
- Growth
- Fast
- Growth habit
- Climbing (vine)
- Adult size
- Up to 2 m indoors, more under optimal conditions
- Hardiness
- None (tropical plant, min 13-15 °C)
- Origin
- Colombia and Central America
- Ideal light
- Bright indirect light
Expert tips
The key tip
Arrose quand les 2 premiers centimètres du terreau sèchent, pas avant : ce philodendron tolère mieux la sécheresse courte que l'engorgement chronique qui pourrit les racines en 3 semaines. En hiver, espacer davantage. Brumise le feuillage régulièrement, surtout en air sec, pour limiter les cochenilles qui adorent cette espèce.
The common mistake
Garder le substrat constamment humide en pensant « bien faire » : la plupart des Philodendron erubescens meurent d'excès d'eau, pas de soif. Le terreau doit sécher légèrement entre deux arrosages.
The pro's trick
Utilise un tuteur ou une mouche-mur : tu verras la plante produire des feuilles deux fois plus grandes et plus colorées avec des pétioles plus courts, au lieu de rester étriquée en suspension. Elle grimpe naturellement et adore avoir un support.
Seasonal watch
En automne et hiver, surveille les attaques de cochenilles et araignées rouges (air intérieur sec). Inspecte le revers des feuilles chaque semaine : une intervention précoce à l'eau savonneuse t'épargne une infestation qui dégarnit la plante en quelques semaines.
Care
Watering
Water when the substrate dries slightly on the surface, without waterlogging. In winter, space out waterings. Use room-temperature, filtered water if possible. Avoid standing water, which promotes root rot.
Exposure and light
Place it in bright indirect light, away from direct sunlight which can burn the foliage. The red veins intensify with more light. Avoid complete shade, where the plant would become leggy.
Pruning and staking
Pinch the stems to encourage branching and a bushier shape. Install a stake, moss pole, or trellis to guide its natural climbing growth. Regularly remove yellowed or damaged leaves.
Fertilizer
Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks during the growing season (April to September) with diluted balanced fertilizer. Reduce applications in winter. Be careful not to overload with nitrogen, which could weaken the plant.
Substrate
Use rich, well-draining potting mix made of horticultural soil, perlite, or sphagnum moss to replicate its tropical conditions. Ensure efficient drainage at the bottom of the pot.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites and red spider mites in dry air: mist the foliage regularly. Monitor for mealybugs and aphids. Excess humidity can promote rot or fungi; ensure good air circulation in your space.
Did you know?
The Philodendron erubescens is prized by indoor plant collectors for the ruby-red tint of its young leaves and petioles, which gradually turns pink then dark green. Its red veins remain visible and embody tropical beauty in themselves. This species is one of the queens of the Philodendron genus due to its spectacular bicolored foliage and climbing nature, which allows for highly decorative tall displays.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Calla lilyZantedeschia aethiopica
- TaroColocasia esculenta
- Giant taroAlocasia macrorrhizos
- Tree PhilodendronThaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
- Anthurium roseumAnthurium roseum
- ZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifolia
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.