Among a world covered with more than 700 species of philodendrons, certain varieties are distinguished mainly by their aspect and their color, as is the case of the red leaf philodendron (Philodendron erubescens).
This species is classified as high value due to its rarity, as it is characterized by heart-shaped dark green leaves with bubblegum pink undertones, a combination that makes it extremely special.
If you are lucky enough to have it at home, know that its maintenance is extremely simple provided you follow the instructions for its preparation. In particular, access to constant ambient humidity and temperature
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Characteristics of Philodendron erubescens
Philodendron erubescens has its origin in South America, specifically in Colombia, and belongs to the family Araceae. The most complicated thing with this plant is to get it from nurseries or specialized stores. However, it is made up for with extremely simple and programmed treatments.
The red-leaved philodendron is primarily distinguished by its leaves, leaving aside the formation of its flowers. In this case, what is interesting is the general appearance of this perennial plant.
Photograph obtained from: all about gardeninghow to take care Philodendron erubescens
We will now review the needs of Philodendron erubescens.
factory overview
| Scientific name | Philodendron erubescens’ “Princess Pink” |
| common name | Pink Princess Philodendron, Blushing Philodendron |
| type of plant | Perennial |
| exposure to light | Partiel |
| Substrate | acid pH |
| flowering period | spring and summer |
Location
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The most important thing for the care of Philodendron erubescens is to provide him with enough light, as this is one of the most sensitive factors in his care. It needs several hours of light per day, but without direct sunlight.
For this reason, the most practical is to place your philodendron near a window or access to light, away from drafts or sudden changes in temperature.
And it is that the great attraction of this plant is the pinkish color of its leaves, but these pigments need light to develop. In the absence of this, it gradually loses its color and turns completely green, which does not interest us at all.
This very rare species of philodendron will become a green leafy plant and lose its special pink color character if it does not have sufficient access to light. This is one of the most important points.
temperature and humidity
In terms of temperatures, it is grown in warm areas with some humidity, although it can grow perfectly in houseplant conditions.
Temperatures between 18 and 26 ºC are ideal for its development, with the highest possible ambient humidity. As this point is the limiting factor at home, you can spray distilled water a few times a week over the entire leaf surface of Philodendron erubescens.
Choice of substrate
The choice of substrate is an important point, although not essential. This plant grows in very fertile soil conditions, with a high presence of organic matter and an acid pH.
Therefore, we will look for a well-aerated substrate, with nutrients and slightly acidic. The universal substrate mixture with blond peat or earthworm humus achieves the ideal conditions for the development of this philodendron.
You can mix it in equal parts or look directly for an acidic pH substrate.
Plant Acid Substrate 20l.
- Acid pH substrate designed to provide an ideal growing medium for plants that need it, hydrangeas, camellias, azaleas.
- Organic matter on dry matter: 77%pH: 5 Apparent density compacted in the laboratory: 0.298 Kg/l
- Dry matter: 39% Electrical conductivity (EC): 58 mS/m Nutrient content: 1.1% nitrogen, 0.4% phosphorus, 0.75% potassium
- Power supply: AC
How and how much to water our Philodendron erubescens
Irrigation is very important, since it is a moderately demanding plant in terms of humidity, typical of the tropical forests of South America.
The trick to watering our Philodendron erubescens is to obtain a permanently moist but light substrate, without overflowing.
To do this, we will introduce the fingertip in the first cm and check the humidity. If the substrate still retains enough moisture (you will notice the damp bud and the traces of substrate stuck to your finger), do not water.
This above criterion is satisfied by watering as follows:
- Watering in spring and summer: 2 to 3 times a week.
- Watering in autumn and winter: 1 time per week.
The worst thing that can happen to pink philodendron is excess humidity, as it quickly begins to wilt if there is the presence of crown fungi which become active in high humidity conditions, such as Phytophthora That is Fusarium.
Photograph obtained from: all about gardeningFertilizer application
Fertilizer application is extremely important in plants that live in pots, as it is not possible to restore nutrients taken up or lost in irrigation unless they are reincorporated.
Fertilizer Supply Philodendron erubescens It takes place during budding, in spring and summer, when the light increases in intensity and time.
We can use a low dose liquid fertilizer, mixed with the irrigation water, at a dose of 1ml/L of irrigation water, although if we want to be more comfortable we can also apply a granular fertilizer that we will add once every 20-30 days throughout the spring-summer period.
We recommend this alternative to be very complete, an NPK 12-8-16 with slow release of nitrogen and contribution of microelements.
discounts
COMPO Novatec Universal Fertilizer Blue, 5 kg
- NPK complex fertilizer (Mg+S) 12 + 8 + 16 (+3+25) with magnesium and sulfur + microelements + nitrification inhibitor, Ideal for all types of ornamental plants, shrubs, green plants, roses, citrus fruits, etc.
- The professional technology with the nitrification inhibitor (DMPP) ensuring the stability of nitrogen in the soil, guarantees the maximum utilization of nutrients in the plants and more abundant flowering. Subscription up to 8 weeks available
- Improved formula, with less phosphorus. Eco-friendly
- COMPO quality: raw materials selected according to the original COMPO recipe, Strict quality controls by independent laboratories and institutes, The best conditions for healthy plant growth
- Contents: 1 x COMPO Novatec universal blue fertilizer, 5 kg
multiplication of Philodendron erubescens
Propagation of most species of philodendrons is relatively easy, and the same is true for this species of pink philodendron.
This is usually done by selection of stem cuttings.
We show you the steps to follow to carry out this operation.
- Pick a healthy, vigorous stem from the parent plant, leaving 2-3 upper leaves with 2-3 nodes at the bottom of the cutting.
- We cut the stem with scissors or a sharp knife, making an oblique cut.
- Remove the lower leaves near the cut, leaving only 2-3 leaves on top.
- We let the cut dry for 24 to 48 hours to heal it in a dry environment with dim light.
- We prepare a container with water (optional: rooting hormones) and leave our stem in indirect light and at room temperature. It is important that the stem nodes are in contact with the water.
- We change the water every 5-7 days and in 2 to 3 weeks we will notice the formation of new roots at the bottom of the stem.
- When we see roots several cm long, it is time to transplant it into a pot, keeping the substrate partially moist and in low light conditions where, little by little, we will increase its exposure.
Most common pests and diseases
It is quite rare that a houseplant is attacked by pests, because they have difficult access and a solitary plant is not very interesting for them.
If that is the case, Philodendron erubescens it can be attacked by mites, aphids and scale insects, which are easily eliminated by gently rubbing all the leaves with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
You can also spray potassium soap or dish soap directly.
In terms of diseases, the main fungi that affect it are those that appear in high humidity conditionsfruit of a soggy substrate, with pronounced irrigation, hence the importance of properly controlling irrigation and better sin of deficiency than of excess.
Visual symptoms of these diseases include noticing the soft, brown stems, with a watery feel, and circular brown spots on the leaves, with a white feel, that start at the tips but move inwards.
To try to eliminate these fungi (we say try because they are very resistant fungi), we can add copper or use a specific fungicide called Fosetil-Al.
Featured Image: All About Gardening