Blushing Philodendron Philodendron erubescens
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- fil-oh-DEN-dron air-rue-BES-senz
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Philodendron erubescens is a climbing tropical herbaceous perennial in the arum family (Araceae). It is native to Colombia and will grow up to 60 feet tall in its native rainforests. It is commonly known as the Blushing Philodendron and is very popular as a houseplant for its attractive foliage and unique coloring. When grown indoors, It typically grows 3 ft. tall and 16 inches wide.
The specific epithet, erubescens, means "to turn red or blushes." The leaves, petioles, and spathe of this plant all exhibit the "blush" coloring. The leaves are glossy, deep green on the upper surface, and have a reddish or copper coloring on the underside. The leaves can measure 9 to 18 inches long. The petioles are purplish-red and are equally as long as the leaf. The shape and color of the leaves can vary from one plant to another. The flower is a white spadix that is surrounded by reddish-burgundy spathe. Indoor plants rarely flower.
This species prefers warm temperatures, high humidity, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and partial shade. When grown indoors, it can be a climber on a moss pole or trellis, or it can grow spreading outwards which would require more space. It prefers temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and should be protected from cold drafts. Direct sunlight should also be avoided.
The Blushing Philodendron has air-purifying qualities and can remove certain toxins from the air such as xylene and trichloroethylene. This plant will be decorative and at the same time will be improving the air quality of your home.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot. It is also susceptible to leaf spot diseases. This can be prevented by watering the plant at the base and preventing the water from contacting the leaves.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- 'Green Emerald'
vining habit, glossy, deep green, heart-shaped leaves with reddish-purple on the underside - 'Pink Princess'
upright, vining habit, heart-shaped dark purplish-green leaves with pink variegation, bloom purple red spath, white spadix - 'Prince of Orange"
non-vining type, compact, bushy habit, leaves emerge orange, transition to copper, and are deep green at maturity - 'Red Emerald'
climber, deep red petioles, heart-shaped leaves, mature leaves are deep green, new leaves are lime green - 'Tangerine' (P. 'Moonlight x P. erubescens 'Prince of Orange')
hybrid, upright, compact, narrow, greenish, orange to light orange and bronze leaves - 'White Princess'
green leaves splashed with white variegations
- 'Green Emerald'
- 'Green Emerald', 'Pink Princess', 'Prince of Orange", 'Red Emerald', 'Tangerine' (P. 'Moonlight x P. erubescens 'Prince of Orange'), 'White Princess'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Green Emerald'
vining habit, glossy, deep green, heart-shaped leaves with reddish-purple on the underside - 'Pink Princess'
upright, vining habit, heart-shaped dark purplish-green leaves with pink variegation, bloom purple red spath, white spadix - 'Prince of Orange"
non-vining type, compact, bushy habit, leaves emerge orange, transition to copper, and are deep green at maturity - 'Red Emerald'
climber, deep red petioles, heart-shaped leaves, mature leaves are deep green, new leaves are lime green - 'Tangerine' (P. 'Moonlight x P. erubescens 'Prince of Orange')
hybrid, upright, compact, narrow, greenish, orange to light orange and bronze leaves - 'White Princess'
green leaves splashed with white variegations
- 'Green Emerald'
- 'Green Emerald', 'Pink Princess', 'Prince of Orange", 'Red Emerald', 'Tangerine' (P. 'Moonlight x P. erubescens 'Prince of Orange'), 'White Princess'
- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Philodendron
- Species:
- erubescens
- Family:
- Araceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Colombia
- Play Value:
- Easy to Grow
- Climbing Method:
- Clinging
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Houseplant
- Poisonous
- Vine
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Spreading
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spadix
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- The flowers are deep red spathes that surround the white spadix.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy deep green on the upper surface, and the undersides are burgundy red or copper colored. The leaves can measure 9 to 18 inches long. The petiole is purplish-red and measures about the same length as the leaf blade.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Humidity
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Children
- Problem for Dogs
