The ‘Burgundy Princess’ is a popular cultivar of Philodendron erubescens, known for its deep, rich foliage. Its unique coloration and relatively straightforward care make it a favored indoor plant.
Unique Characteristics of Burgundy Princess
The ‘Burgundy Princess’ philodendron has deep burgundy to dark green leaves, often with a reddish underside. As a climbing plant, it develops a vining growth habit. Support structures like moss poles or trellises encourage larger, more mature foliage. In high humidity, the plant may form numerous aerial roots.
Essential Care Guide
Caring for the ‘Burgundy Princess’ philodendron requires understanding its specific needs. Providing proper light, water, soil, temperature, humidity, and nutrients helps this plant thrive.
Light
The ‘Burgundy Princess’ philodendron prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its rich leaf color. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, where it receives filtered light, is ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light leads to stunted growth, reduced leaf size, and a less intense burgundy hue.
Water
Consistent moisture is preferred by the ‘Burgundy Princess’, but it does not tolerate soggy conditions. Water the plant when the top inch or two (2.5-5 cm) of the soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and root rot. If leaves droop or turn yellow, adjust the watering schedule.
Soil
A well-draining, airy potting mix is suitable for the ‘Burgundy Princess’ philodendron. An ideal blend includes potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark for good aeration and drainage. This prevents water from lingering around the roots, avoiding root rot. The plant also benefits from nutrient-rich soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Temperature and Humidity
This philodendron variety thrives in average to warm household temperatures, ranging between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 27 degrees Celsius). Avoid consistently cold drafts or temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 degrees Celsius). The ‘Burgundy Princess’ prefers high humidity, ideally between 50% and 85%. To increase humidity, mist the leaves, group the plant with others, or use a humidifier.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the ‘Burgundy Princess’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent over-fertilization and root damage. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant fall and winter months.
Propagation
Propagating the ‘Burgundy Princess’ philodendron is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and make a clean cut below a node, where a leaf or aerial root emerges. Each cutting should be 4 to 6 inches long with at least one node. Remove any leaves from the bottom section to prevent rotting.
Cuttings can be rooted in water by placing them in a jar with the nodes submerged, ensuring leaves remain above the waterline. Change the water if it becomes cloudy; roots typically form within a few weeks. Alternatively, plant cuttings directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix, with the nodes buried. Place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist. Once roots are at least an inch long, the cuttings are ready for planting.
Common Issues and Solutions
The ‘Burgundy Princess’ philodendron can exhibit signs when its care needs are not met. Addressing these issues promptly helps maintain the plant’s health.
Leaf Discoloration
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering, leading to root suffocation. Conversely, yellowing can occur from underwatering, causing leaves to wilt and dry. Browning leaf tips or edges can indicate low humidity, insufficient watering, or mineral buildup from excessive fertilization. To remedy these, adjust watering frequency, increase ambient humidity, or flush the soil to remove excess salts.
Pests
The ‘Burgundy Princess’ can be susceptible to common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These insects feed on plant sap, leading to discoloration and stunted growth. Regularly inspecting leaves, especially their undersides, helps in early detection. If pests are found, control them by wiping them off with a soapy rag or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slow Growth or Legginess
Insufficient light causes slow growth or a leggy appearance, where stems become elongated with sparse leaves. The plant stretches to find more light. A lack of nutrients can also contribute to slow growth and smaller leaves, so ensure regular fertilization during the growing season. Pruning leggy stems encourages bushier growth and a fuller plant.