Overview

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' is a columnar upright conservatory greenhouse in the genus Philodendron, part of the Araceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Philodendron 'Imperial Red' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include indoor ornamental.

About

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' is a cultivar of the Philodendron genus, known for its columnar upright habit and evergreen foliage. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. Suited to conservatories, greenhouses, or as a houseplant, it thrives in partial shade with a south, east, or west-facing aspect and prefers sheltered conditions. The plant grows best in moist but well-drained loam soils, tolerant of acid, alkaline, and neutral pH levels, and is particularly attractive during the winter season.

About the genus

Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. As of September 2025, the Plants of the World Online accepted 625 species; other sources accept different numbers. Regardless of number of species, the genus is the second-largest member of the family Araceae, after genus Anthurium.

Wikipedia contributors, "Philodendron", CC BY-SA 4.0Philodendron

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Philodendron

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1a

Plant details

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
1-1.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Indoor ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Philodendron 'Imperial Red'

Propagation
Stem cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Philodendron 'Imperial Red'?

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Philodendron 'Imperial Red' need?

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' grows best in loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How big does Philodendron 'Imperial Red' grow?

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.

Is Philodendron 'Imperial Red' hardy in the UK?

Philodendron 'Imperial Red' has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.

How do I propagate Philodendron 'Imperial Red'?

Stem cuttings.