Philodendron

Philodendron erubescens

Royal Philodendrons

Family: Araceae

Genus: Philodendron

Species: Erubescens

Cultivars: Omg... This is going to be long…..White Knight, White Knight Tri-Color, Strawberry Shake, White Wizard, White Princess, Pink Princess (PPP), Pink Princess Marble (PPP marble), Orange Marmalade, Prince of Orange (PoO), Rojo Congo, Black Cardinal, Birkin, Burgundy, Imperial Red, Imperial Green… this list keeps going... 

Common names: PPP, POO, PWW, PWK, PWK 3K. This species is usually unknown by the species name and is known by cultivar name and possibly by the acronym. The normal species in nature is not in common cultivation. 

Difficulty: Medium to high – difficulty will be based on cultivar. The more variegated the more difficult. 

Description: What to say about the Royal Family of Philodendron... If I am being honest, they are not the favorite of this nursery. They are well known and highly sought after. They are upward growing vines that require support. Not just to get larger more mature leaves, but also to not struggle with growth. They will require moss poles of high quality, like the ones we sell from Soil Your Plants. They need extra moisture and support of the soft moss. A trellis or stake will not do long term. They have arguably the most variety of any plant we carry. The PoO crawls, which is unique to this species. The Strawberry Shake has the highest levels of variegation diversity from leaf to leaf, the While Knight Tri-color is our personal favorite, they have literally every color you can imagine outside of blue and black, which is beyond extremely rare in plants. 

Mature size: This vining Philodendron can reach sizes of 30 feet long in the wild! In your home this is unlikely. The plants will usually get to 2-3 feet long. They will again, require growing up a pole. In best circumstances indoor they will get about 6 feet. This is largely because the species is so far from the wild form that they no longer can attain the mature length at the expense of the beauty. 

Light: Medium to bright indirect light. Under a grow light or a south or west facing window. Avoid direct sun as the plant is prone to burns. But, be cautious of the light for highly variegated plants that require more light. We recommend only growing prized cultivars under grow lights of high quality.

Water: This Philodendron wants to be watered when it 25-50% dry. Beyond that, the plant will begin to wilt. This is a sign of root damage. Ensure the plant never dries fully as it will lose leaves and vines will become bare. 

Temperature: Ideal between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid temperatures below 55 degrees.

Humidity: This tropical plant will appreciate higher humidity from a humidifier, however, can be grown in ambient home humidity with an adjustment period. Higher humidity will be needed for more variegated cultivars. Let’s be honest, if you have a more cultivar please keep it in a cabinet. These plants can be extremely expensive.

Soil: A mixed and balanced soil is best for Philodendrons. We use the most complex mix for Philodendron of any mix. 2-parts coco coir, 1-part coco husk, 1-part bark, 1-part charcoal, 1-part perlite, 1-part vermiculite, ½-part worm casting, ½-part sphagnum moss, ½-part sand. 

Nutrition: This plant should be fed with a balanced fertilizer at half recommended dose on a monthly basis. Fertilize year-round if grown under grow lights, or May-September if grown by natural light, which is how to grow the varieties that are hundreds if not thousands of dollars. 

Repotting: Only repot when the roots are coming out of drainage holes. Move up only 1 pot size when transplanting. This plant requires drainage holes in all planters. Do not fertilize for at least 2 weeks after transplanting and ensure the soil stays evenly moist for the first week. 

Toxicity: Non-Toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Poisonous to dogs, cats, humans. The poison in the plant can cause gum bleeding, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Typically, non-lethal. Consult your doctor or vet if consumed. They may not be familiar with the species, but they should be familiar with the family and genus. Do not have the rare varieties within reach of curious children or animals, the damage will hurt your feelings more than what ate the plant. 

Native to: From tropical Mexico to the ends of South America. 

Companion Animals: This rare plant can be grown in any tropical vivarium where the animal is not large enough to crush the leaves and avoid herbivores due to the oxalis crystals. While we use a PPP in a Crested Gecko habitat, overall, this is a plant collector species only and is not suitable for animal enclosures as the plant is meant for better things.