What You Need to Know About Growing and Caring for Philodendron Erubescens

September 19, 2024

There are hundreds of different types that make up this vast species.

Within the realm of tropical plants, philodendrons are among the most exotic and stunning of all time. The philodendron, often known as the "Red Emerald," is a species that is indigenous to Costa Rica and the rainforests of South America. There are around 400 different kinds of philodendrons that may be found all over the world. Because of the reddish and pigmented undersides of the leaves, which produce a magnificent show as the leaves cascade down a growing surface, these plants are highly prized for their leaves. Furthermore, they do not like to be overwatered and like to remain in the shade. P. erubescens, like other philodendrons, is poisonous to both humans and animals; therefore, it ought to be cultivated in a space that is free from danger.1-

It is a climbing plant that is known to reach heights of sixty feet in its natural environment. If its connection with the ground is removed, it can sometimes transform into an epiphytic plant that grows completely on its own growth. Your plant, on the other hand, is likely to remain approximately three feet in length when it is grown as a houseplant, and it is simple to care for. Please continue reading for our care guide.

Feature	Details
Common Name	Philodendron Erubescens
Botanical Name	Philodendron erubescens
Light Requirements	Prefers bright, indirect light; can tolerate lower light but growth may be slower and leaves less vibrant
Watering Frequency	Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; typically every 1-2 weeks depending on light and humidity
Soil Type	Well-draining potting mix, such as a peat-based mix with added perlite or orchid bark for aeration
Humidity Requirements	Prefers high humidity; consider using a humidity tray or regular misting in drier environments
Temperature Tolerance	Thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C); avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C)
Toxicity	Contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested
Common Problems	Can experience leaf drop, yellowing, or browning due to overwatering, underwatering, or low humidity
Propagation Methods	Can be propagated through stem cuttings or division; ensure cuttings have a node for successful rooting
Growth Rate	Moderate to fast; grows well in optimal conditions but may slow down if conditions are less ideal
Foliage Color	Features striking reddish or bronze-colored leaves that can turn green as they mature
Size	Typically grows to 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) in height; can spread wider if grown in a large pot
Maintenance Level	Moderate; requires regular watering, humidity control, and occasional pruning to maintain shape
Repotting	Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its pot; use fresh potting mix to ensure healthy root growth
Special Care	Monitor for pests such as spider mites or mealybugs; avoid placing in direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn

Taking Care of Philodendron Erubescens

The primary care requirements for cultivating P. erubescens are as follows:

Prefers warmth and humidity
Can endure brief periods without water; irrigate when soil is arid.
Facilitate soil drainage

Light
P. erubescens is a photophilic philodendron that thrives in shaded environments. These plants are averse to intense sunshine and must not be subjected to direct sunlight outdoors. An east-facing window that receives morning light would be an advantageous indoor setting. Avoid direct sunlight on the foliage; if multiple leaves exhibit yellowing, it may be receiving much sunlight.

Soil
Philodendron plants are not particularly selective regarding soil, and most conventional potting mixtures are appropriate. The plant thrives in loamy, nutrient-dense, well-draining soil. Select a formulation with a neutral to acidic pH. If the soil mixture is very dense, incorporate a small amount of sand.

Water
When the soil's surface is dry, give the plant some water. Although P. erubescens can withstand drought, over watering can lead to the plant's demise. The leaves will start to turn yellow if there is an excessive amount of water. To maintain P. erubescens health, choose a pot with lots of drainage holes and give it regular waterings.

Humidity and Temperature
P. erubescens, like other philodendrons, prefers lots of heat and moisture to grow, yet once it's established, it can tolerate brief cold spells. The plant does best at room temperature, but it can tolerate temperatures as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Apply fertilizer
Apply a normal houseplant fertilizer one to two times a month to P. erubescens during the spring and summer growing seasons. Refer to the product label for directions on how much to use. In fall and winter, fertilizer applications can be reduced to around once every other month.

Philodendron Erubescens varieties

P. scandens: This variety grows leaves that are a light red tint, much to P. erubescens. It grows in a climbing manner with significantly smaller leaves.
P. erubescens 'Green Emerald': The leaves of this P. erubescens cultivar are vividly, brightly green.
P. erubescens 'Pink Princess': This variety, with its marbled pink and green coloration on its leaves, is well-known for its remarkable colors—and premium price tag.

Trimming

Although they don't require frequent pruning, philodendrons may grow a bit too big for their surroundings or get lanky and elongated. Although you can remove yellow leaves or cut weak growth at any time of year, the optimal seasons to prune P. erubescens are spring and fall.
Use pruning shears or sharp, sterilized scissors to make cuts in philodendrons. Cut the stem off at the surface of the earth if you are unable to identify where it connects to the main vine of the plant.

Philodendron Erubescens propagation

Similar to the majority of vining philodendrons, P. erubescens is easily propagated through division and cuttings. Make sure to remove a portion of the stem that has several aerial roots when you do so. On their leaf nodes, older plants will develop aerial roots that can cling to surfaces and function as roots at the same time. Philodendrons multiply best in the spring when they are actively developing, but if needed, plants that are outgrowing their pots can also be multiplied in other seasons. How to do it is as follows:

After assembling a fresh cutting container, add the proper soil mixture to it.
To take a cutting, find a stem that has several aerial roots. Find a stem that is growing on the side of the plant if you are replicating via division.
Cut off the desired stem with a clean pair of gardening shears.
After planting the stem in its new container, locate it in an area with indirect, bright light.
Water the soil and let it drain completely before giving the plant regular attention.

How to Raise Seeds of Philodendron Erubescens

P. erubescens is quite easy to grow from seed. How to do it is as follows:

Get your philodendron seeds, plastic wrap, and a new container filled with soil.
After planting the seeds in moist soil about 1/3 of an inch deep, cover the pot's top with plastic wrap to keep moisture in until the seeds sprout.
To make sure the soil doesn't dry out, check it frequently.
The pot should be placed in a region that receives consistent 70–75 degree Fahrenheit temperatures and bright, indirect light.
The seeds should sprout in two weeks to two months. The plants can now be taken care of normally.

The Care and Restoration of Philodendron Erubescens Pots

P. erubescens plants that are younger grow wildly. Your plant probably has to be repotted every spring when the growing season starts. It's useful to give it some support to climb on once it reaches climbing age, which is usually after a year or even on its first repotting after sprouting.

Although you can train a plant to "take hold" of its climbing pole and start climbing, this plant isn't really choosy about what it prefers to climb. Tie the main vine gently to the support and train it upward to promote climbing. It is hoped that at some point it will choose to cling to the pole by itself. The fact that older plants have climbing rods makes them much more difficult to repot. If this is a problem, just remove the top soil layers by scraping them off and replacing them with new soil and fertilizer.

Wintering Over

In most climes, P. erubescens should be cultivated indoors to maintain constant temperatures, while it can be grown outdoors all year round in certain of the nation's hotter regions. Your P. erubescens can survive outside in the winter if you live somewhere where the temperature doesn't dip below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, if this plant is grown somewhere else, it must overwinter indoors if it is left outside throughout the growing season. Move your plant inside gradually to an area with similar temps and bright, indirect light. Your plant can be returned outdoors in the springtime once overnight lows get above 55 degrees.

Typical Plant Diseases & Pests

Pests that can harm philodendrons include mealybugs, aphids, scale, and white flies. Determine whether there are any pest infestations as soon as you can. To eradicate pests from your P. erubescens plant, combine two and a half tablespoons of Dawn dish soap with one gallon of water and mist the entire plant.

Leaf spot infections can potentially affect your P. erubescens and cause brown or yellow patches on the leaves. Fortunately, you can usually avoid these fungal infections by watering your plant from the bottom up, as opposed to directly on the leaves, which will keep the leaves dry. If the plants are already somewhat damaged, treat all of the leaves and stems with a fungicide.

How to Induce Blooms in Philodendron Erubescens

Months of Bloom

For a few days each spring and summer, this species blooms.

How Do the Blooms of Philodendron Erubescens Look?

P. erubescens yields up to six-inch-long, deep red blooms.

How to Promote Greater Bloom

Hand pollination is required to promote blooming in your indoor P. erubescens plant because philodendrons do not self-pollinate. Before it blooms, place your philodendron in an area that is consistently warm. When your plant's spathe opens at night, pollinate it by applying pollen to the spadix. The blossoms on the plant can be deadheaded, or pruned, after they have flowered.

Common Issues With Erubescens Philodendron

Although philodendrons are thought to be among the easiest plants to cultivate, there are a few frequent growing issues that can still arise. This is usually caused by the plants getting too much or too little sun or water, and most problems are easily fixed with a few basic techniques.

Yellow-colored Leaves

The reasons behind the yellowing of your philodendron leaves could vary depending on the growing conditions of the plant. For instance, yellow leaves on an overwatered philodendron could be the result of oversaturated foliage or root rot. Conversely, excessive sun exposure can also cause the leaves to become yellow. Depending on the needs of your plant, move it to a more shaded location or give it less water.

Brown Sheaths

The leaves of a philodendron submerged in water may start to turn brown. In this situation, water your plant more frequently while making sure that there is still enough drainage in the pot to stop root rot from occurring.

Dark Rings or Spots on Leaves

When philodendron plants are grown in overly bright conditions, they frequently develop leaf scorch. On the leaves, this manifests as darkened areas or margins. Transfer your plant to a more shaded position and look for any indications of a fungal illness, which can also cause dark patches.

FAQ

What is the lifespan of philodendron erubescens?

When given the right care, philodendrons can survive up to 20 years. Your philodendron erubescens houseplant can thrive for many years if you take care of it.

In what way does Philodendron erubescens resemble other plants?

There are hundreds of other species of philodendron plants, but several have characteristics comparable to those of Philodendron erubescens, such as long, pointed leaves and a climbing growth pattern. Philodendron mamei has silver variegation on its leaves, and philodendron 'Burle Marx' creeps sideways.

How can I accelerate the growth of my philodendron?

If you give your philodendron plant the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer, it will develop to its full potential and grow more quickly. As soon as the soil starts to get dry, water the plant and keep it in an area with bright, indirect light. To help your philodendron grow faster in the spring and summer, you can give it a fertilizer boost every two weeks to a month.

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