The Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ is a popular houseplant known for its striking appearance and captivating foliage. Its unique characteristics make it a desirable addition to many indoor plant collections.
Discovering Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’
The Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ is a climbing aroid distinguished by its large, heart-shaped leaves that possess a velvety texture. New leaves emerge with a vibrant reddish-bronze or deep crimson hue, which gradually transitions to a rich, dark green as they mature. The undersides of these leaves often retain a striking red color, creating a beautiful contrast with the dark green upper surface. This plant is native to the Chocó region of Colombia and Ecuador, a biodiverse area known for its humid tropical rainforests.
Essential Care for Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’
Light Needs
Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural habitat beneath the rainforest canopy. Placing the plant near an east-facing window or in a spot where it receives filtered sunlight, perhaps through a sheer curtain, is often ideal. Direct sunlight, especially during the intense afternoon hours, can scorch its delicate leaves. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, growth may slow, and the vibrant red coloration of new leaves might be less pronounced. Artificial grow lights can supplement natural light, particularly during darker winter months, ensuring consistent growth and color.
Watering Practices
Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ prefers consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. A common and effective method is to water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common issue for this plant, so ensuring the pot has adequate drainage holes is important. Conversely, allowing the soil to dry out completely for extended periods can cause stress, leading to yellowing or browning leaves. During warmer months, more frequent watering may be necessary, while in winter, the plant’s water needs typically decrease.
Humidity and Temperature
Reflecting its tropical origins, Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ prefers high humidity levels, ideally above 60%. Low humidity can result in brown leaf tips or crispy edges. To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot is not sitting directly in the water), or grouping it with other plants to create a more humid microclimate. The plant thrives in warm temperatures, with an ideal range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Protect it from cold drafts and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy, and nutrient-rich potting mix is ideal for Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’. This type of substrate supports its epiphytic nature, allowing roots access to both air and moisture. A suitable mix often includes components like potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. When potting, choose a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, and select a pot that is slightly larger than the plant’s root ball to accommodate future growth.
Fertilization Guide
During its active growing season, typically spring and summer, Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ benefits from regular fertilization. Using a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, approximately every month is a common practice. This provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) to support healthy growth. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can harm the plant, leading to root burn, so adhere to recommended dilution ratios.
Propagation and Repotting Techniques
Propagation
Propagating Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one node, where new roots and leaves will emerge. Make a clean cut below a node using sterilized shears, then remove any lower leaves that would be submerged. The cutting can be placed in water, moist sphagnum moss, or a well-draining potting mix, keeping it in bright, indirect light until roots develop. High humidity during propagation can significantly improve success rates.
Repotting
Repotting is generally necessary when the plant becomes root-bound, or approximately every one to two years, usually in the spring before new growth begins. When repotting, choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current one to prevent excess moisture retention, which can lead to root rot. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly and keep it out of direct sunlight for a few days to help it adjust.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ often indicate overwatering or poor soil drainage. If the soil is consistently soggy, allow it to dry more between waterings and ensure adequate drainage. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing, suggesting a need for a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Browning Leaf Tips and Stunted Growth
Browning leaf tips are frequently a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increasing ambient humidity through humidifiers or pebble trays, and ensuring consistent moisture in the soil, can alleviate this issue. Stunted growth may point to insufficient light or a lack of nutrients, requiring adjustments to placement or fertilization schedules.
Pests and Fungal Issues
Pest infestations, such as spider mites or mealybugs, can occur, especially in dry conditions. Regularly inspecting the plant and promptly treating any pests with appropriate insecticidal soap or neem oil can help manage these issues. Fungal problems like root rot result from overwatering, requiring a review of watering practices and repotting into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming affected roots.