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Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)

Philodendron erubescens is a perennial evergreen tropical herb; the species is a robust climber that can root at the nodes to climb supports, while cultivars may have a more compact habit.

LightPhilodendron erubescens does well in bright indirect light or filtered light to partial shade, tolerates lower light, and should be kept away from strong direct sunlight.
WaterDuring active growth, keep the medium moist but well drained and water after the surface begins to dry; reduce watering in winter or when growth slows, as overwatering can cause root rot.
HumidityPhilodendron erubescens prefers high humidity.
TemperatureA single source reports a minimum temperature of about 15 °C. Sources differ on the reported hardiness classification. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.
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Overview

Philodendron erubescens is a perennial evergreen tropical herb; the species is a robust climber that can root at the nodes to climb supports, while cultivars may have a more compact habit.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, with Colombia given in the available accounts. It occurs in humid tropical habitats and rainforest; a Colombian plant catalogue also records it from the Caribbean plain. It is associated with warm tropical conditions, high humidity, and avoidance of low temperatures and frost.

Characteristics

Sources differ and are few, placing mature height at about 250–400 cm. A single source reports a mature spread of about 50–100 cm. Sources differ in describing the leaves: they are glossy dark green and range from ovate-triangular to heart-shaped or somewhat arrow-shaped, with the species often showing reddish-purple or copper coloration beneath; 'White Princess' has green leaves with white variegation. Sources differ in describing the inflorescence: the spadix may be white, surrounded by a dark red, reddish-purple, or burgundy spathe; flowering is reported from summer into autumn.

Light

Philodendron erubescens does well in bright indirect light or filtered light to partial shade, tolerates lower light, and should be kept away from strong direct sunlight.

Watering

During active growth, keep the medium moist but well drained and water after the surface begins to dry; reduce watering in winter or when growth slows, as overwatering can cause root rot.

Humidity and airflow

Philodendron erubescens prefers high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

A single source reports a minimum temperature of about 15 °C. Sources differ on the reported hardiness classification. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

Use an organic-rich, moderately moist but well-drained medium; RHS lists a loam-based potting medium and indicates that acidic, neutral, or alkaline conditions can be used. An airy mix is suitable.

Feeding

Regular feeding can be given during active growth; RHS recommends balanced liquid fertilizer, while Top Tropicals recommends diluted liquid fertilizer during active growth and less frequent feeding in winter.

Propagation

Propagation can be by seed or layering; general horticultural information for Philodendron also describes propagation from stem cuttings with multiple nodes during part of the year, with rooting after a period under suitable management.

Common problems

Potential pests include spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids; general information for Philodendron also lists slugs. Overwatering can cause root rot, and leaf spot can occur; general cultivation information for Philodendron also records soft rot and leaf rot. Prolonged wetness on leaves may increase leaf-spot problems, while strong direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. The plant is sensitive to frost and low temperatures and should be protected from cold drafts; in temperate regions it needs to overwinter in a greenhouse or indoors.

Identification

The clearest identifying cultivar feature of 'White Princess' is green foliage with white variegation; the species also shows reddish coloration on features such as the petioles, stems, or leaf undersides, ranging from red to reddish-purple.

Photos

Philodendron erubescens
📷 Hooker · Public domain · source
Philodendron erubescens
📷 Opsylac · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Philodendron erubescens
📷 Opsylac, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA · source

Sources