About
An upright plant up to around 1.2m tall with large, leathery leaves that emerge bright red before darkening with age to deep purple and dark, glossy green.
About the genus
Philodendron can be shrubs, trees or climbers, with glossy, leathery, evergreen, simple to pinnately divided leaves, and tiny flowers borne within arum-like white, green or reddish spathes
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in humus-rich, well-drained compost and in bright but filtered light . Maintain a minimum winter temperature of 15⁰C and water moderately, less in low temperatures. See Philodendron and houseplant cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by air layering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free