The Philodendron Bloody Mary is native to the Brazilian rainforest. This Philodendron is fast-growing and easy to care for. The plant thrives in a variety of growing conditions and makes for an eye-catching house plant.
The red foliage of the Philodendron Bloody Mary lets it stand out among its green-foliage houseplant counterparts. The plant is a fast-grower so even small plants will become substantial and lush in a few years.
The Bloody Mary Philodendron’s young leaves emerge as burgundy but take on a reddish tone as the foliage matures. The stems also feature a reddish tone and grow in a trailing pattern, making this plant a good choice for hanging baskets.
The Bloody Mary plant grows between 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.6 meters) long with a spread of 9 inches (24 cm). The plant does not produce blooms.
Grow
To grow this Philodendron successfully, it is crucial to understand its basic needs when it comes to sunlight, temperature and humidity, and soil. This Philodendron plant grows outdoors in USDA zones 9b to 10 but is best grown indoors year-round in most temperate climate zones.
When thinking about where to grow this plant you should also remember that all types of Philodendron are considered toxic and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Sunlight
Philodendron Bloody Mary tolerates low lighting, but optimal growth is achieved with bright, indirect sunlight.
Low lighting for prolonged periods often results in the plant becoming leggy, with excessively outstretched vines and leaves. Direct sunlight will scorch leaves and is to be avoided.
Temperature
For optimal growth, keep temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius). Health issues often arise if the plant is kept outside of these parameters for extended periods of time.
The Bloody Mary Philodendron prefers high humidity. Use a humidifier or a tray filled with pebbles and water placed under the plant’s pot to increase air moisture. Yellow, lumpy leaves are a sign of low humidity.
Soil/ Potting Mix
Philodendron Bloody Mary will grow in a well-draining soil mixture, 100 percent sphagnum peat moss, or equal parts peat and perlite are often recommende, but these are not eco-friendly or sustainable choices and so we recommend finding coir or orchid bark based alternatives that can provide similar, sufficiently free-draining conditions.
Care
Watering
Proper Bloody Mary Philodendron care requires water two to three times per week or when the top inch of soil is dry.
Water until the moisture runs through the pot’s drainage holes. Dispose of the excess water collected in the drip tray to avoid root rot. Reduce waterings in the winter when growth has slowed due to dormancy.
Feeding
Due to the plant’s fast growth rate, this high feeder requires fertilizer once per month in the spring and summer with a houseplant fertilizer. In winter, reduce the feedings to once every two months.
Potting and Repotting
Repot ‘Bloody Mary’ Philodendron in the winter or early spring, before new growth starts, when the plant becomes root bound. Choose a new container 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than the existing pot.
The plant’s vining growth makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets. If growing the plant in a traditional pot, insert a trellis or moss pole to provide a climbing structure for support.
Propagation
Propagate your plant in the spring and summer by cuttings. Cut a stem 5 to 6 inches long with two top leaves and two bottom leaves or nodes. Remove the bottom leaves, if present, to expose the nodes.
Allow the cut to callus for a day before placing the cutting in a container of water. Immerse the nodes in the water, changing the water every two to three days. Place the container in bright, indirect sunlight.
Once the cutting has grown roots two inches long transplant the cutting to a pot filled with the appropriate soil mix.
Common Pests And Diseases
Mealybugs and aphids are pests to watch for. Mealybugs produce black, sooty mold through the honeydew they excrete onto your plant. Aphids are small, green insects that suck the plant’s nutrients and also create honeydew. Curling, stunted or yellow leaves may indicate their presence.
Treat the Philodendron Bloody Mary by wiping the insects away and using an organic insecticide only where absolutely necessary.
Bacterial leaf spot presents as reddish-brown, translucent lesions with yellow halos. Prune infected leaves immediately and avoid pouring water directly onto the leaves when watering your plants.
