Are you obsessed with Philodendrons? If so, you’ll enjoy adding Blushing Philodendron to your collection. The unusual indoor Philodendron plant, Philodendron erubescens, is an absolute delight to grow.
The Blushing Philodendron is a unique and beautiful indoor plant. Like other Philodendrons, it absolutely requires minimal upkeep. It’s a lovely alternative for indoor gardeners, and you’ll recognize it by its big, glossy, luxuriant leaves that are shaped like hearts.
You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn more about the Blushing Philodendron and how to cultivate and care for it. You may learn everything you need to know in this useful guide to help this plant grow in your home.
Philodendron erubescens Profile
General Information
Philodendron erubescens, often known as the Blushing Philodendron, is a member of the Araceae family and the genus Philodendron. It is native to the tropical jungles of Central and South America.
This Philodendron is a perennial plant that is trailing or climbing and is renowned for its ornamental foliage. It is a hardy indoor houseplant that may be developed into a houseplant, vine, or terrarium plant.
It features lustrous dark verdant green leaves that are coppery colored underneath, as well as new growth that is copper colored. The size of the leaves is one of the most astonishing features: they may grow to be more than 16 inches long. This vigorous climber may reach heights of 60 feet or more in its native environment.
Related: Philodendron Spiritus Sancti: The Best and Complete Care, Watering, and Propagation Guide
Etymology
The name “philodendron” comes from the Greek words “philo”, meaning “love” and “affection”, and “dendron,” meaning tree. So the Philodendron is loosely translated as “tree huggers” with these meanings. This is because they are often seen in the wild as tree climbers.
The word “blushing” refers to the reddish coloring of the leaves when they emerge. Another reason for the plant’s name might be the bright red stems visible behind the dense leaves. It stands out among houseplants due to its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and wine-colored stalks.
Flowering
Mature Blushing Philodendrons bear fruit and flowers that have a rich appearance when grown appropriately. The plant produces small, striped flowers that are either deep red flowers, white, or purple. The majority of the growth takes place from May to July, in the early to late spring, which is the blooming season.
The blossoms’ sweet-smelling spathes, which are present in their blooms, are also noteworthy. During the flowering season, each plant typically has two to three blooms that open at various times.
Season of Interest and Purchasing
The Blushing Philodendron blooms from early to late spring. It has sturdy foliage, and many people enjoy the velvety texture of the foliage since it draws attention to your home.
Blushing Philodendron is widely available and reasonably priced at garden stores and on Amazon and Etsy. Your surroundings will always have vegetation as long as this plant is around. Simply said, they will make your home more pleasant for you to live in.
Growth
These plants may grow and multiply most effectively in the growing seasons, spring and summer. This Philodendron is a fast-growing plant that grows to a height of 24 to 36 inches indoors, like many popular indoor plants from this tropical tree-climbing house plant family.
However, if the plant loses touch with the soil, it can become completely epiphyte and produce aerial roots. With this habit, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet in its native environment. The plant can also become a vining plant.
Philodendron Erubescens Overview
| Scientific name | Philodendron erubescens |
| Common name/s | Blushing Philodendron, Red-Leaf Philodendron, Imperial Red Philodendron, Red Emerald |
| Family | Araceae |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous, Epiphytic Vine |
| Height and Spread | up to 2 to 60 feet in height, and 16 inches in leaf spread |
| Classification based on life cycle | Perennial |
| Origin and Distribution | Native to South America and Central America |
| Climate Zone | Generally mild climate |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | USDA Zone 10-11 |
| Color | Dark olive green heart-shaped leaves with red color blush and red stems |
Care Tips
Light Requirement
Light is vital for this Blushing Philodendron, as it is for other tropical plants. This tropical houseplant prefers moderate to bright light that is indirect. This will help the development of big and velvety foliage that retains its color. Place it fewer than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it gets enough light to live.
Its leaves may become scorched. However, if not given enough light, the stems may become leggy.
Your Philodendron erubescens or other home plants may require more light than you have available. If this is the case, consider utilizing artificial light to help them if bright indirect light indoors could not be met.
Temperature Requirement
This Blushing Philodendron demands a lot of moisture and heat, which is why it does well at room temperature. To be more specific, this plant thrives at average to warm temperatures (65-80°F/18-27°C). This South American native will stay toasty all year. In the winter, it can withstand temperatures as low as 60 °F (16 °C).
Do not place your houseplants near a heat/AC vent or expose them to chilly blasts from an entrance. The plant will suffer if temperature changes occur often, and its leaves may seem unhealthy. Misting the plant may be an option because it helps to retain moisture and lower temperatures.
Related: Philodendron camposportoanum: The #1 Care, Watering, and Propagation Guide
Water Requirement
A crucial component of caring for Blushing Philodendrons is providing adequate water. Blushing Philodendron should be watered often since it loves the soil to dry up between watering. Although it can withstand dryness, it struggles when overwatered, which can lead to the plant rotting.
The leaves will start to turn yellow if there is too much water. Choosing a planter with many drainage holes and giving Blushing Philodendron regular watering are excellent ways to maintain their health.
To water your plant, check first the soil. Stick your fingers into the topmost soil; if they are completely dry, your plant needs watering. Please pay attention to its leaves also. When it starts to have drooping leaves or yellow leaves, it means your plant is being overwatered or underwatered.
To avoid this, rectify your watering schedule to your Blushing Philodendron to about twice a week, depending on your indoor air quality, climate, and moisture level. You may use tap water for this plant.
Humidity Requirement
Humidity is great for Blushing Philodendron plants. The Blushing Philodendron requires about the same level of humidity that you would expect from a plant that evolved in a tropical jungle. The ideal humidity range for these tropical plants is between 60% and 70%. There are methods for maintaining the ideal humidity level for your Blushing Philodendron.
To keep your Philodendron happy, try to recreate a tropical climate at home. Plants may be collected around a small humidifier to moisten the air around them. They might also be placed on a tray with water and pebbles. The simplest method is to just water the leaves every few days.
Soil Requirement
Philodendron erubescens grows best in well-drained, aerated soil with enough organic matter for the roots. To allow it room to grow, add your soil mix with perlite, sphagnum moss, sand, coconut coir, or bark. They flourish in potting mixtures that are fast-draining and rich in organic components.
Do this to avoid being muddy or flooded. This will let excess moisture drain, preventing the pot from becoming saturated. Avoid making it excessively bright since this can cause the plant to dry out too rapidly and not absorb the nutrients. If possible, use soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. A pH level of 5.8 to 7.5 is ideal.
Fertilizer Requirement
Blushing Philodendron will need fertilizer to provide it with the nutrition it needs to thrive throughout the growth season. Once a month in the spring and summer, it is suggested to add some water-soluble fertilizer. You must provide the proper amount of nutrients to enable its rapid growth. A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20:20:20 is appropriate for philodendrons.
The fertilizer should always be diluted to half its original strength before use by adding an equivalent volume of water. If you want to use an all-purpose fertilizer, do so, but make sure it has a lot of nitrogen. The nitrogen ensures that your plant’s leaves grow to be a deep, beautiful shade of green.
Space Requirement
Blushing Philodendrons flourish in bright, direct sunlight. Therefore, please keep it in an east-facing location with direct, warm morning light for a few hours each day to ensure optimum development. Move your plant at least 2-4 feet away from a window if it is close to one with a south or west exposure.
It is done to shield the plant from the constant direct sunlight. Consider rotating the plant every few weeks to promote balanced development and prevent leggy stems. A patio or shady location can be a great place to plant your Philodendron if you want to grow it outdoors.
Growing and Planting Tips
Propagation
A Blushing Philodendron may be multiplied through the stem cutting method, which is rather simple. It is well known for quickly rooting in water or potting soil and has a high success rate. Additionally, when the stem is wrapped in damp moss, the formation of roots is encouraged. Finally, a new plant is also created by separating the roots from the stems and leaves.
Below are the detailed steps to successfully propagate Philodendron Erubescens:
Propagation by Stem cuttings in Soil
Stem cutting in the soil is an excellent asexual propagation method for Blushing Philodendron. It effectively takes a part of a parent plant’s stem and manipulates it to create a new plant. To cultivate Philodendron erubescens, simply follow the steps outlined below.
- Choose a stem section with a few leaf nodes and a few healthy leaves. Trim the extra foliage from a 4- to 5-inch stem cutting and leave one or two leaves.
- Prepare a planter, tiny pots with soilless potting medium, such as seed-starter mix or vermiculite, and set the prepared seed starting medium on top of the cut stem.
- Fill your planter with slightly moistened potting soil or coconut coir, and then place the cuttings in an area that will offer them with a 50/50 ratio of shadow to dappled sunshine. Instead of allowing it to grow soggy, water it on a regular basis for two weeks.
- When you find the cutting’s stem growing new leaves, it usually means that strong, new roots have been developed. Once the roots have developed sufficiently, transplant the cutting to a new container with fresh potting soil.
Propagation by Stem cuttings in Water
If you root your cutting in water, it will form roots that are most suited to obtaining its nutritional requirements from water rather than soil. However, since the roots require oxygen, prolonged standing water will cause them to rot and die.
If you take a cutting and soak it in water for an extended period of time (with supervision!), many of the same plants will begin to grow roots.
Follow the steps outlined below.
- Cut your cuttings as short as you can; otherwise, they won’t root or, if they do, they will grow excessively long and lanky. Cut the Philodendron stems just under the nodes with a sharp knife.
- The Philodendron erubescens cutting should only have the top two or three leaves remaining; any flowers should be removed. There should be no leaves on any area of the cut that will be immersed in water.
- Every few days, change the cutting in the water. The plant’s nodes need to always be moist in order for the plant to grow roots.
- When your new Philodendron Erubescens develop roots, move the exotic plant to the soil.
Pruning
Philodendrons do not require frequent pruning, although they can grow too large for their space or become long and lanky. Because it climbs, it doesn’t require precision trimming, and the natural plant type is rather nice. Philodendron erubescens may reach heights of up to 20 feet. Its leaves may grow to be 16 inches long as well.
As a result, you may need to trim it from time to time in order to control or preserve its size and shape. When repotting or changing soil, it is best to remove withered or diseased leaves and dead or rotting roots to reduce nutrient consumption and stimulate the growth of new blossoms and foliage.
Potting and Repotting
A pot that drains efficiently is important for Blushing Philodendron so that the roots do not rot from excess moisture. It thrives in any container. Clay, ceramic, or terracotta pots, on the other hand, may help remove excess moisture and prevent waterlogging.
Although this plant is prone to root-bound conditions, try repotting it in the early spring every 1 to 2 years.
Whenever you repot a plant, make sure the new container has drainage holes, is two inches bigger than the previous one, and is filled with high-quality, thoroughly mixed potting soil.
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Philodendron Erubescens Care
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Temperature | Intermediate to warm, 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water | Once a week, increased in summer, decreased in winter |
| Soil | Airy, well-draining soil; not too loose |
| Fertilization | Regular household fertilizer, once a month |
| Space | Plenty of space to creep or climb |
| Propagation | Via stem cutting propagation in water or soil |
| Blooming | Rarely blooms, enough sunlight and maturity needed |
| Pruning | Regular pruning |
| Potting | Regular potting mix, use of horticultural charcoal, perlite and coco coir |
Problems and Troubleshooting
Overwatering
The blushing Philodendron is delicate to moist ground. The most common reasons for issues with this plant include overwatering and root rot. The leaves might also seem to be drooping or curling. In addition, yellow leaves can occasionally be brought on by pests or nutritional shortages.
To address this, transfer the plant to an area that receives only bright, indirect light and water it until the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil dries up.
Underwatering
If the majority of the leaves seem pale and discolored, drooping, withering, and leaf curling, there might be several causes. A severe lack of water combined with excessive sunlight.
Plants will recover if you give them proper watering according to their watering schedule. Sadly, if your plants are dehydrated for a longer time, it may be too late to save them.
Nutrient Deficiency
Plants normally absorb nutrients through their roots. The roots collect soil, water, and nutrients and transmit them to the rest of the plant.
Overwatering, incorrect fertilization, and too much competition amongst roots are all common causes of unhealthy roots. Overwatering a plant causes the soil to fill with water, reducing the possibility of adequate oxygen absorption.
Due to reduced chloroplast and chlorophyll production, deficient plants frequently turn light green to yellowish-green. In addition, the leaves begin to wither and dry out, changing color from yellowish brown to brown. Plants that are deficient normally recover in approximately a week, although the most afflicted leaves do not.
To correct this, use a suitable and balanced fertilizer; search for calcium-rich fertilizer. The strength of the nutrients must also be assessed because too much strength might harm plants and cause your Blushing Philodendron to grow slowly or stunted.
Yellowing and Drooping
Yellowing of the leaves or other leaf discoloration, usually means your plant is getting an excess amount of direct sunlight. Therefore, you may opt to move it to a different placement where it will not receive extra direct light or where it’s shaded with sheer curtains.
Meanwhile, drooping may be a result of excessive or insufficient amounts of water. To address this, adjust your watering schedule appropriately and always check your soil before giving water your Splendid.
Flowering Problems
Blushing philodendrons are not self-pollinating, thus, they cannot bloom indoors. However, you can hand-pollinate your plant to promote flowering. When the spathe is open at night, transfer pollen to the spadix to begin the pollination process.
Diseases
Any plant can be susceptible to diseases if not properly taken care of. Particularly, plants of this family are affected by Septoria Leaf Spot and Alternaria Leaf Spot, which result in fungal growth. Usually, these are also due to over-watering the plants. Take action immediately when you see yellowing (Septoria) or brown spots (Alternaria).
You can treat your plants with a copper-based fungicide, and make sure to be attentive to the watering conditions for it not to happen again.
Pests
Houseplants are also susceptible to pest problems; unfortunately, Philodendron is no exception.
If you observe the presence of pest infestation, the best thing to accomplish is to remove that plant and separate it from the other plants in your collection to avoid further infestation. These pests love to spread from plant to plant, so it is best to be proactive and isolate the infected plant.
The next thing to do, and frankly the easiest and simplest method, is to spray your plant with neem oil. Mix two teaspoons of neem oil and a teaspoon of soap in a spray bottle to make this spray. Add water to fill the bottle and shake properly. Spray the plant lightly, including its undersides, and repeat the treatment every 5-7 days.
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that makes it difficult for these bugs to respirate.
Philodendron Erubescens Pests and Diseases
| Common Pests/Diseases | Symptoms | Treatment and Prevention |
Common diseases include crown rot, stem rot, root rot, leaf spot, fungal diseases, and Xanthomonas infection | Yellowish rimming around black or dark brown spots on leaves | Avoid overwatering. Keep soil dry. Avoid too high humidity.Proper ventilation is needed around the plant. Remove infected parts of fungal infections to avoid spreading |
| Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and scales | Visible insects on the surface | Spray plant with warm, soapy water. If infestation is present, use insecticide or neem oil. Use diatomaceous earth. |
Problems with People and Animals
Toxicity
All Philodendrons, including Philodendron Erubescens, are toxic to people and pets. The calcium oxalate crystals found in the leaves and stems make Philodendron Splendid toxic. This includes Philodendron Erubescens young leaves and other plant parts. Make sure to place the plant out of reach from small children, cats, and dogs.
Philodendrons Plants Meaning and Symbolism
Philodendrons are said to symbolize love of nature, perfect for plant lovers and those who have a strong passion for eco-friendly living. They also symbolize personal growth, so they would make an ideal gift for someone who is going through major life events or making personal improvements.
| General Meaning | love of nature, passion for eco-friendly living |
| Symbolism | Personal growth |
Landscaping and Gardening Ideas
Companion Plants
Other tropical plants go well with Philodendrons, especially Monsteras and other Aroids. Some of the plants you may consider include bird of paradise, areca palms, fire spike, heliconia, variegated arboricola, croton, chenille plant, and pentas. Some of these plants will have additional colors and hues of warm oranges and reds, which will perfectly complement your cool dark greens.
There are several Philodendron varieties that can be grown together and add extra attraction to your collection, such as Philodendron Birkin and Philodendron Prince of Orange.
- Philodendron Birkin – this plant is a new, beautiful philodendron hybrid variety identified by its round, deep green leaves with mildly pointed tips and vivid white pinstripes and variegation that give a beautiful combination with your Blushing Philodendron.
- Philodendron Prince of Orange – It has unusually colored leaves that mutate over time. It provides contrast to your Blushing Philodendron, which makes your houseplant more attractive.
Landscaping Ideas
These kinds of plants may be creatively arranged on mantles or bookshelves to highlight your fireplace, or you can put them on top of a shelf above important pieces of furniture. Additionally, its lush, tropical foliage exudes tranquility and calm. Landscape designers frequently use erubescens plants to create huge silhouettes on walls around gardens.
Many people set them on a windowsill or coffee table for a more straightforward tropical impression.
| What to plant with | Other Aroids, Bird of Paradise, Areca Palms, Fire Spike, Heliconia, Variegated Arboricola, Croton, Chenille Plant, Pentas; Other Philodendrons |
| What NOT to plant with | Basically nothing |
Conclusion
Given their gorgeous leaves and simplicity of maintenance, Philodendrons are among the most popular options for indoor plants. The Philodendron erubescens is a great choice for plant lovers because of its substantial glossy dark green and heart-shaped burgundy leaves.
The veiny, spreading leaves of philodendrons are beautiful to look at and even better at absorbing carbon dioxide and other airborne poisons. In addition, porous oxygenating leaves brighten and refresh the space both aesthetically and aurally.
Please be warned, though, that the whole Blushing Philodendron is toxic to both humans and animals. Their sap includes calcium oxalates, which causes irritation and discomfort when swallowed.
Just make sure to follow the tips above, and your gorgeous plant will surely give back the love they take from you.
FAQS
- Is Philodendron Erubescens fast-growing?
The Blushing Philodendron is a relatively fast-growing type of Philodendron.
- Is Philodendron Erubescens easy to care for?
Although it could be hard to get a hand on the Philodendron Erubescens, it is easy to care for. The plant routine needed for this plant to grow healthy is pretty straightforward and easy to follow. Beginners can surely try to grow this plant in their homes.
- What is the common name of Philodendron Erubescens?
The Philodendron Erubescens come with many common names such as Blushing Philodendrons, Red-Leaf Philodendron, and Imperial Red Philodendron.
- Is Philodendron Erubescens an Anthurium?
Definitely not. Blushing Philodendrons are members of the genus Philodendrons and not of Anthuriums. However, they are closely related since they come from the family Araceae. The same family of Alocasias and Monsteras.
- Are Philodendron Erubescens rare?
Philodendron Erubescens is a rare and a very popular Philodendron variety. However, a lot of hybrids come from this species. The most known hybrid of Philodendron erubescens is the Philodendron Pink Princess.
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The majority of people who have no interest in the subject, and aren’t green fingered assume that all plants and vegetables require the same growing conditions. This is not the case at all. Each plant has its own unique and interesting history and growing process.
I hope you will find The Natural List useful, and that it will help educate you on the wide variety of different flower and plant species there are across the globe.
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