Philodendron 'Ring of Fire'

Cultivar of nursery origin; a complex hybrid (parentage reported as P. tortum × P. wendlandii, though disputed)

Long, serrated/toothed-edge leaves emerging fiery orange-red and cream, maturing through yellow to deep green; variegation differs on every leaf.

Slow-growing climber; larger, more deeply toothed leaves with a moss pole and bright light.

Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. 'Ring of Fire' is a horticultural cultivar name, for the fiery orange-red variegation.

Philodendron 'Ring of Fire' is a slow-growing complex hybrid (parentage commonly cited as P. tortum × P. wendlandii, though disputed). It is a climber grown for its serrated, elongated leaves that emerge in fiery shades of orange, red and cream and mature through yellow to green; variegation is highly variable and chimeric.

Bright indirect light brings out the fiery colours (too little light loses them; harsh sun scorches cream areas). Provide a moss pole, airy mix kept lightly moist, and good humidity. It is a notably slow grower — patience required.

• Slow growth; unstable/reverting variegation; cream areas scorch in direct sun; root rot from overwatering; spider mites in dry air.

• New leaves can emerge fiery orange-red before cycling through cream, yellow and green — sometimes all visible at once.
• It's a famously slow grower, which keeps it scarce and prized.
• Its exact parentage is debated, but it's a man-made hybrid, not a wild species.