Philodendron erubescens
Endemic to Colombia; wet tropical forest
First described by K.Koch & Augustin.
Glossy, deep green, heart-shaped to arrow-shaped leaves 20–40 cm long; reddish-copper undersides and purplish-red petioles; new leaves flush pink-red.
Robust evergreen climber; develops larger leaves and stronger red colouring with a support and bright light.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet 'erubescens' means 'blushing/turning red', for the reddish stems, petioles and leaf undersides.
Philodendron erubescens, the Blushing Philodendron, was described by K.Koch & Augustin and is native to Colombia, where it climbs to several metres. Deep green leaves contrast with red to coppery undersides and reddish-purple petioles. It is the parent (or grandparent) of many famous cultivars including 'Pink Princess', 'Red Emerald', 'Black Cardinal', 'Burgundy' and 'White Princess'.
Provide bright, indirect light to bring out the red tones, and a moss pole for the climbing habit. Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings; it is fairly drought-tolerant once established. Wipe leaves to keep them glossy and feed monthly in the growing season.
Aroid mix (40% orchid bark, 40% coco coir, 20% perlite). Repot every 1–2 years in spring when roots circle the pot; provide a sturdy moss pole.
Monthly during growing season (spring–summer)
- Root rot from overwatering; faded/greener colour and leggy growth in low light; spider mites and mealybugs in dry air; brown leaf tips from low humidity.
- The epithet 'erubescens' literally means 'blushing,' referring to the red flush on stems, petioles and leaf undersides.
- It is the parent species behind cult favourites like Pink Princess, Red Emerald and Black Cardinal.
- In its native Colombian rainforests it can climb dozens of metres up host trees.