The Philodendron imperial red is a hybrid cultivar from the philodendron genus. It is an immersive plant that features stunning dark red and green foliage. The red leaf philodendron is quite small indoors as it measures between 2 to 3 ft.
One peculiar feature of the dark red philodendron is its single stem. Its leaves are spaced so close to the stem that it can be difficult to see. In addition to that, its leaves are glossy and look very majestic under the right lighting.
The hybrid reddish philodendron is a member of the Araceae family. And it is best grown as an ornamental plant due to its outstanding features.
| Botanical Name | Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’ |
| Common Names | Imperial red philodendron, Red stem philodendron, Blushing philodendron |
| Origin | Hybrid cultivar from Columbia |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Hybrid perennial |
| Full Size | Ranges from 2 ft to 3 ft |
| Sun Exposure | Bright but filtered sunlight |
| Soil Type | A little acidic, loose but well-draining soil |
| Toxicity | Can be toxic to both pets and people when ingested |
Hybrid Philo Types
Asides from the red-leafed philodendron, there are other phenomenal Philo varieties. Some of these include:
- Philodendron green diamond
- Philodendron red king
- Red cardinal philodendron
- Black Cardinal Philodendron
- Philodendron Moonlight
Philodendron Hybrid Care
All types of philodendron hybrids are low-maintenance plants. And the Imperial red philodendron is no exception. To get the best out of the plant, keep it away from long exposure to direct sun.
Imperial Red Light Requirements
The red leaf houseplant does well in areas of bright but filtered sunlight. It can also do well in areas of partial shade. But, long exposure to direct sunlight could have serious negative effects on its leaf. The leaves can also get scorched due to their delicate nature.
Some amount of lighting is however needed to encourage proper growth. This is why keeping them in full shade is not ideal. Their growth would be stunted.
A great place to grow red imperial plants would be in a room with a north-facing window. An east-facing window is also fine, as it provides access to the morning sun. You can also grow them under good-quality grow lights.
Imperial Red Water Requirements
Philodendrons like the red imperial don’t do well in soil with excess water. In fact, they require less water and prefer moist soil to soggy soil.
Water them after checking the moisture level of the soil. You can do this with a moisture meter for more accuracy. Another option is to feel the soil with your fingers, but this might not be an accurate method.
The idea is to let the topmost part of the soil dry off before watering the plant. This way, you can make sure that it receives the full amount of moisture required for growth.
Always use rainwater or distilled water for your watering. The chemicals that are contained in tap water can be harmful to the plant. If you must use tap water, let it sit out for a day. This would allow the chemicals contained in it to dissipate.
Imperial Red Soil Requirements
Like most philodendrons, imperial reds love good, light, well-draining soil. This can help get rid of any excess moisture that can be gotten from overwatering. It should be a little acidic with a range between 6.0 and 6.5.
To achieve this you can mix your own potting soil. Do this in a well-draining pot by adding potting soil to some perlite. Coco coir and peat moss can also be added to boost aeration. Add compost to improve its nutrient value.
Or you can make use of commercial cactus soil. Adding compost would help improve the richness of the soil mix.
Imperial Red Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Humidity and temperature are quite important to the Imperial red Philo. A temperature range between 65 degrees and 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. Most average home temperatures offer this, so you shouldn’t worry much.
Humidity should be kept between 50% to 70%. Strive to achieve this by misting the plant often. If you can get a humidifier, that would be recommended. And you can also try placing the plant beside a tray filled with water and pebbles.
Imperial Red Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizer is not needed if you add compost to the initial soil mix. But if you didn’t, a standard 10-10-10 fertilizer should be good enough. You can also make use of a liquid fertilizer, but dilute it by half its original strength.
Fertilizer can be applied once a month in its growing season. In the cold winter, the plant goes dormant and does not need fertilizer.
Blushing Philodendron Propagation
As a hybrid cultivar, you don’t have many options with propagation. But, you can do this by air layering from the mother plant and separating its plantlets.
Common Health Problems of the Imperial Red Philodendron
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Blight
- Xanthomonas
- Root rot
Frequently Asked Questions
No, philodendrons are known to grow fast. Forcing them to be root-bound can be stressful on their delicate roots.
The philodendron genus is quite large with over 450 different species.
In the wide, philodendrons are shade-loving plants. They grow under the canopies of other plants and trees.
They do well in either a hanging basket, rubber, or ceramic pot. What matters is that the pot should be a bit bigger in diameter than the plant.
The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is the rarest Philo there is. Not a lot of collectors have it.
