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Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)

Philodendron erubescens is a perennial evergreen climbing herb that can climb supports and form roots at the nodes. 'White Wizard' is listed as a cultivar of Philodendron erubescens.

LightPhilodendron erubescens prefers bright indirect light, including bright filtered or indirect light to partial shade; it can tolerate lower light and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight.
WaterDuring active growth, keep the growing medium moist but well drained, watering after the surface begins to dry and avoiding overwatering; reduce watering in winter or when growth slows.
HumidityPhilodendron erubescens prefers high humidity.
TemperatureWith few sources available, a temperature range of about 15–29.4 °C is reported. Sources differ on the reported hardiness classification. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.
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Overview

Philodendron erubescens is a perennial evergreen climbing herb that can climb supports and form roots at the nodes. 'White Wizard' is listed as a cultivar of Philodendron erubescens.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, with Colombia reported. It occurs in tropical rainforest and tropical moist biomes, with Colombian records from the Caribbean plain. It favors warm, highly humid tropical conditions and does not tolerate low temperatures or frost.

Characteristics

Few sources differ on mature size, reporting a height of about 250–400 cm and a spread of about 50–100 cm. Sources differ in their descriptions of the leaves; the species has glossy dark green leaves that may be ovate-triangular, slightly arrow-shaped, or heart-shaped, with undersides often tinged reddish purple, purple, or copper. The inflorescence is a spadix surrounded by a red, reddish-purple, or burgundy spathe; the spadix may be white, and some sources report that the spathe is fragrant. It is reported to flower from summer into autumn.

Light

Philodendron erubescens prefers bright indirect light, including bright filtered or indirect light to partial shade; it can tolerate lower light and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight.

Watering

During active growth, keep the growing medium moist but well drained, watering after the surface begins to dry and avoiding overwatering; reduce watering in winter or when growth slows.

Humidity and airflow

Philodendron erubescens prefers high humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

With few sources available, a temperature range of about 15–29.4 °C is reported. Sources differ on the reported hardiness classification. It is generally frost tender; keep above freezing.

Growing medium and mounting

Use an organic-rich growing medium that retains moisture while draining well; loam-based potting medium is specified as an option, and the soil may be acidic, neutral, or alkaline.

Feeding

Fertilize regularly during active growth, though sources differ on whether to use balanced liquid fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer, or diluted liquid fertilizer and on how frequently to apply it.

Propagation

Philodendron erubescens can be propagated from seed, by layering, or by cuttings. Guidance includes surface sowing or layering in spring, while genus-level guidance for climbing forms describes taking stem cuttings with multiple nodes during the growing period and keeping the medium from drying in bright shade until they root.

Common problems

Potential pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, greenhouse thrips, and slugs. Overwatering can cause root rot, and leaf spot may occur; genus-level information also lists soft rot and leaf rot. Prolonged water on the leaves may increase the risk of leaf spot, while strong direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. It is sensitive to low temperatures, cold drafts, and frost, and in temperate regions it needs to overwinter in a greenhouse or indoors.

Identification

The species is distinguished by red to reddish-purple petioles or stems, glossy dark green leaves with reddish-purple or copper-toned undersides, and a red to reddish-purple spathe.

Photos

Philodendron erubescens
📷 Hooker · Public domain · source
Philodendron erubescens
📷 Opsylac · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Philodendron erubescens
📷 Opsylac, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · CC BY-SA · source

Sources