The Black Cardinal Philodendron is a popular houseplant known for its distinct, dark, glossy foliage and evolving leaf colors. Its striking appearance and straightforward care make it suitable for both new and experienced plant owners, thriving in various indoor environments.
What is a Black Cardinal Philodendron?
The Black Cardinal Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Black Cardinal’) is a hybrid known for its unique leaf coloration. Leaves emerge reddish-bronze or burgundy, maturing to deep green, dark purple-brown, or almost black. It has an upright, bushy, self-heading growth habit, forming a tidy rosette rather than climbing.
Indoors, it grows 3 to 4 feet tall and about 2 feet wide. Its broad, oval leaves can reach a foot long and eight inches wide. Developed in the early 1980s, this variety is well-suited for tabletops or as a floor plant.
Black Cardinal Philodendron Care
Light
Black Cardinal Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window is ideal. Direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves, causing discoloration. While it tolerates lower light, brighter indirect light promotes deeper leaf color. Fading leaves indicate too much direct sunlight.
Water
Water when the top two to three inches of soil feel dry. The plant prefers soil to dry partially between waterings to prevent root rot. Ensure excess water drains completely from the pot. Adjust watering frequency seasonally, increasing it during warmer growing months and reducing it in cooler months.
Soil
A well-draining, aerated potting mix prevents waterlogging and root rot. Combine nutrient-dense potting soil with coarse perlite, coco coir, or orchid bark. A common mix is equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coconut coir, with optional bark or charcoal. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, between 5.5 and 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
The Black Cardinal Philodendron prefers warm, stable temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18-26°C). Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts. While ideal humidity is above 60%, it adapts to average household levels (40-50%). To increase humidity, use a pebble tray or group plants.
Fertilizer
Fertilize during the spring and summer growing season. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. A higher nitrogen content (e.g., 3-2-1 or 5-2-3 ratio) supports large, healthy leaves. Fertilize monthly, ensuring soil is moist to prevent root burn. Reduce or pause fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows.
Repotting Your Black Cardinal Philodendron
Repot every two to three years. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy. Repot in spring or summer to minimize plant stress.
Choose a new pot one size larger (about two inches wider). A pot that is too large retains excessive moisture. Gently remove the plant from its old container. Add a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix to the new pot, position the plant, and fill around the root ball, maintaining the original depth.
Propagating Your Black Cardinal Philodendron
Propagate Black Cardinal Philodendrons using stem cuttings. The best time is during the spring or summer growing season when the plant is actively growing.
- Select a healthy stem with at least one or two nodes.
- Using sharp, sterilized shears, cut just below a node.
- Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged.
- Place the cutting in room-temperature water, ensuring nodes are submerged.
- Replace water weekly.
- Once roots are 2-3 inches long, transplant into well-draining potting mix.
- Alternatively, place cuttings directly into moist soil, burying the node and keeping the soil damp.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Yellowing leaves (new growth): Indicates overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Allow soil to dry more between waterings and ensure drainage.
- Brown leaf tips or edges: Signals low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity with misting or pebble trays, or adjust watering.
- Leggy growth (elongated stems, spaced leaves): Indicates insufficient light. Move to a brighter, indirect light location.
- Pests (spider mites, mealybugs, thrips): Inspect foliage regularly. Treat by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or applying neem oil/insecticidal soap.
- Drooping leaves: Can result from underwatering, overwatering, or temperature stress. Check soil moisture and environmental conditions.
Important Safety Considerations
The Black Cardinal Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if ingested. These crystals cause irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Symptoms in humans and pets include oral pain, excessive drooling, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
Keep Black Cardinal Philodendrons out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling, especially during repotting or propagation, to prevent skin irritation. If ingested, seek medical or veterinary attention.