Philodendron erubescens 'Burgundy'
Cultivar of nursery origin; parent species Philodendron erubescens is native to Colombia
First described by K.Koch & Augustin (parent species).
Elongated leaves deep wine-red beneath and dark green above; new growth and petioles rich burgundy.
Climbing cultivar of P. erubescens; develops larger leaves with a moss pole and bright light.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. Epithet 'erubescens' means 'blushing'. 'Burgundy' is a horticultural cultivar name.
Burgundy' is a classic slow-growing cultivar of Philodendron erubescens (parent species native to Colombia), with elongated leaves that are dark green above and deep wine-red beneath, on burgundy petioles. New growth is strongly red-toned. It is non-variegated and undemanding.
Aroid mix (40% orchid bark, 40% coco coir, 20% perlite). Repot every 12–18 months in spring; provide a moss pole. Variegated forms prefer well-draining substrate.
Monthly during growing season (spring–summer)
- Root rot from overwatering; loss of variegation/colour and leggy growth in low light; spider mites and mealybugs in dry air; brown leaf tips from low humidity or tap-water minerals.
- Burgundy' has been a houseplant staple for decades, valued for its wine-red leaf undersides and stems.
- It's a slow grower but very forgiving and long-lived.
- The red colour is richest in bright indirect light.