Philodendron 'Rojo Congo'
Cultivar of nursery origin (patented hybrid; 'Imperial Red' × P. tatei 'Congo')
First described by Hybrid (horticultural origin).
Large, thick, glossy oval leaves emerging deep burgundy-red, maturing to dark green with reddish undersides; red petioles.
Self-heading clump on a thickening stem; does not climb.
Genus from Greek 'philo' (love) + 'dendron' (tree), referring to many species' habit of climbing trees. 'Rojo Congo' is a horticultural cultivar name ('rojo' = red in Spanish).
Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' is a patented self-heading hybrid (a cross of 'Imperial Red' and the 'Congo' form of P. tatei). It is grown for thick, glossy leaves that emerge deep burgundy-red and mature to dark green with red undersides, held on reddish petioles. It is robust, compact and very easy.
Hybrid cross: Philodendron 'Imperial Red' × Philodendron tatei (‘Congo’)
Very easy: bright indirect light brings out the strongest red new growth, but it tolerates medium light. Water when the top 2–3 cm dries; no support needed. A great low-fuss statement plant.
Aroid mix (40% orchid bark, 40% coco coir, 20% perlite). Repot every 1–2 years in spring; keep as a self-heading clump.
Monthly during growing season (spring–summer)
- Root rot from overwatering; muted colour in low light; spider mites in dry air; lower-leaf drop as the stem lengthens (natural).
- New leaves emerge deep burgundy-red before maturing to glossy dark green.
- It's a patented hybrid of 'Imperial Red' and the 'Congo' philodendron.
- It's self-heading and undemanding, which is why it's a mall-and-office staple worldwide.