Red-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)

Image: AI generated

Red-Leaf Philodendron Plant Care

Philodendron erubescens K.Koch & Augustin

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

The vigorous climber Philodendron erubescens has long, slender shiny green leaves with red accents. The petioles, midribs, and veins are red. It produces aerial roots that hold onto other plants and moss poles.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect

Temp

64–77°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Red-Leaf Philodendron?

Water Red-Leaf Philodendron every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 64–77°F (18–25°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Red-Leaf Philodendron Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Red-Leaf Philodendron?

Red-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Red-Leaf Philodendron is native to Colombia. Red-Leaf Philodendron is also known as Blushing Philodendron, Red Emerald Philodendron, Wine and Roses Philodendron.

Red-Leaf Philodendron displays a climbing, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red-Leaf Philodendron produces spathe and spadix. the spathe is red..

Leaf size: approximately 16 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Red-Leaf Philodendron?

Philodendron erubescens requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Red-Leaf Philodendron Need?

Red-Leaf Philodendron thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Red-Leaf Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red-Leaf Philodendron Prefer?

Philodendron erubescens grows best at temperatures of 64–77°F. Red-Leaf Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

64–77°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red-Leaf Philodendron?

A well-draining, slightly acidic soil mixture with ample organic matter.. Good drainage is essential for Red-Leaf Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Red-Leaf Philodendron?

Feed Red-Leaf Philodendron every month 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 month

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-Leaf 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-Leaf Philodendron?

Red-Leaf Philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pink princess philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Red-Leaf Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic to cats and dogs

This verdict covers Philodendron species (which includes Red-Leaf Philodendron).

Toxic to cats and dogs as well as humans. Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

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-Leaf Philodendron?

Red-Leaf 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-Leaf Philodendron Need?

Red-Leaf Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Red-Leaf Philodendron is native to Colombia. In cooler regions, grow Red-Leaf Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Red-Leaf 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-Leaf Philodendron thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-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 erubescens K.Koch & Augustin, family Araceae (first published in Index Seminum (B, Berolinensis) 1854(App.): 6 (1855)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety of Philodendron species (which includes Red-Leaf Philodendron): toxic to cats and dogs. Source: veterinary poison-control plant lists, matched by scientific name.
  • Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • 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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