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.
Philodendron Bloody Mary Appearance
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.
Bloody Mary Philodendron Sunlight Requirements
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.
Water Needs of the Bloody Mary Philodendron
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.
Soil and Fertilizer Needs
Philodendron Bloody Mary will grow in a well-draining soil mixture, 100 percent sphagnum peat moss, or equal parts peat and perlite. 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.
Temperature and Humidity Levels for Philodendron Bloody Mary
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.
Bloody Mary Plant 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 with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish detergent or an insecticidal soap.
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.
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.
Philodendron Bloody Mary FAQ
This Philodendron plant grows outdoors in USDA zones 9b to 10.
Repot in the winter or early spring, before new growth starts, when the plant becomes root bound. Choose a new pot 2 to 3 inches larger in diameter than the existing pot.
Yes, all types of Philodendron are considered toxic and should be kept away from pets and small children.
Healthy Bloody Mary Philodendron care suggests pruning your plant only when the size needs reducing or to remove yellowing leaves.
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.
