Philodendron Imperial Red Plant Care

Philodendron Imperial Red (Philodendron erubescens 'Imperial Red') belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Philodendron Imperial Red is native to South America, Colombia , Ecuador.

Philodendron Imperial Red displays a lateral growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Philodendron Imperial Red produces red spathe and white to creamy spadix.

Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Philodendron Imperial Red every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

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

Philodendron erubescens 'Imperial Red' tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Philodendron Imperial Red prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well draining soil using peat, perlite, orchid bark, charcoal and some potting soil. Good drainage is essential for Philodendron Imperial Red to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well draining soil using peat, perlite, orchid bark, charcoal and some potting soil. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Philodendron Imperial Red is suited to USDA Zone 11b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Philodendron Imperial Red can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Philodendron Imperial Red while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Philodendron Imperial Red is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Philodendron Imperial Red can be propagated through plantlets, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to billietiae philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Philodendron Imperial Red 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.

Philodendron Imperial Red grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Philodendron Imperial Red is native to South America, Colombia , Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Philodendron Imperial Red as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.