The Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) is a popular and visually appealing houseplant. Its distinctive features include reddish stems and new leaves that emerge with a red or pinkish hue, giving the plant its common name. The glossy, heart-shaped leaves can reach up to 16 inches, adding rich color and tropical elegance to any indoor space, making it a favored choice among indoor gardeners.
Optimal Blushing Philodendron Care
Light Requirements
The Blushing Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing the plant near an east-facing window provides ideal morning sun without harsh intensity. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves and cause them to lose their characteristic color.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for the Blushing Philodendron, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch (about 2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Thoroughly soak the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard any excess water in the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting in standing water.
Soil Preferences
A well-draining, aerated, and nutrient-rich soil mix is ideal for the Blushing Philodendron. A peat-based potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark works well to improve drainage and aeration. A suitable mix includes components like peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and pine bark, aiming for a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot.
Temperature and Humidity Needs
This tropical plant prefers warm and humid environments. Ideal temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Maintaining humidity levels around 50-60% or higher is beneficial for its growth. To increase humidity, regularly mist the leaves, place a humidifier nearby, or use a pebble tray filled with water.
Fertilization Guide
During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, the Blushing Philodendron benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization and root burn. Reduce or stop feeding during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Maintaining Your Blushing Philodendron
When and How to Prune
Pruning the Blushing Philodendron helps maintain its shape and size, especially if it becomes leggy. The best times for extensive pruning are during spring or fall. Use sharp, sterile scissors or pruning shears to remove any yellow, damaged, or leggy stems. Make cuts just above a leaf node to encourage bushier growth.
Repotting Essentials
Younger Blushing Philodendron plants may need repotting annually, typically in the spring. Signs of needing repotting include roots growing out of drainage holes, becoming root-bound, or soil drying out faster than usual. Choose a new pot 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger in diameter than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes. When repotting, gently remove the plant, prepare a fresh well-draining potting mix, and place the plant in its new container, watering lightly afterward.
Propagating Blushing Philodendron
Propagating the Blushing Philodendron is commonly done through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during spring or early summer when the plant is in its active growth phase. Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves and a few nodes. Use clean, sharp shears to cut a 4-6 inch piece just below a node. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water to prevent rot.
Water Propagation
For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged, and change the water every few days. Roots form in about 2-4 weeks. Once roots are a few inches long, plant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix.
Soil Propagation
For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into moist, well-draining soil, ensuring at least one node is buried. Covering the pot with a plastic bag creates a humid microenvironment, aiding root development.
Troubleshooting Common Blushing Philodendron Issues
Common issues with Blushing Philodendrons often signal environmental imbalances. Yellowing leaves are frequently caused by overwatering, which prevents nutrient uptake, or by insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. If leaves turn yellow, check soil moisture and ensure adequate light and proper fertilization. Brown leaf tips often indicate low humidity or underwatering; increasing ambient moisture can help.
Leggy growth with small leaves suggests the plant is not receiving enough light, prompting a move to a brighter, indirect light location. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids can also affect these plants, appearing as sticky residue or small insects on leaves. Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests. Treat infestations by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.