Red-sheath Philodendron Plant Care
Philodendron cruentospathum Madison
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Philodendron cruentospathum is a species of plant in the family Araceae.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Red-sheath Philodendron?
Water Red-sheath Philodendron every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Red-sheath Philodendron?
Red-sheath Philodendron (Philodendron cruentospathum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus.
Red-sheath Philodendron displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Red-sheath Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red-sheath Philodendron?
Philodendron cruentospathum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red-sheath Philodendron Need?
Red-sheath Philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Red-sheath Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red-sheath Philodendron Prefer?
Philodendron cruentospathum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Red-sheath Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red-sheath Philodendron?
Well-draining, aerated potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Red-sheath Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red-sheath Philodendron?
Feed Red-sheath Philodendron every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Red-sheath Philodendron?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Red-sheath Philodendron?
Red-sheath Philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to billietiae philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red-sheath Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red-sheath Philodendron?
Red-sheath Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red-sheath Philodendron Need?
Red-sheath Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Red-sheath Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Red-sheath Philodendron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Red-sheath Philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Philodendron Species
Other Philodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philodendron cruentospathum Madison, family Araceae (first published in Selbyana 2: 22 (1977)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Red-sheath Philodendron is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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