The Philodendron ‘Burgundy Queen’ is a popular houseplant, known for its striking deep burgundy foliage that matures into a rich, velvety green. This cultivated hybrid brings vibrant color and elegance to indoor settings.
Essential Care for Your Burgundy Queen
Light
The Philodendron ‘Burgundy Queen’ thrives in bright, indirect light. A sheer-curtained window provides ideal light. Direct sunlight can cause vibrant leaf colors to fade or lead to leaf scorch. Insufficient light results in leggy growth and less vibrant color.
Watering
Watering involves allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. It prefers consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if left overly wet. Adjust watering seasonally; more frequent in warmer months, less in cooler, dormant periods. Underwatered plants show drooping, yellow leaves with brown edges; overwatering causes yellowing, drooping, or a musty soil smell.
Soil
A well-draining, rich, organic soil mix is suitable. An ideal blend includes peat moss or coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark for aeration and moisture retention. This chunky mix prevents dense soil, allowing roots to breathe and absorb water. Philodendrons prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.
Temperature and Humidity
It prefers warm temperatures, ideally 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect from cold drafts and sudden drops; below 60°F (15°C) causes stress and leaf shedding. High humidity (60-80%) is beneficial. Increase humidity with a humidifier, grouping plants, or a pebble tray (ensure pot doesn’t sit in water).
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize every 4-6 weeks using a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This provides nutrients for robust growth and vibrant foliage. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilizing can damage roots by chemical buildup.
What Makes the Burgundy Queen Unique
The Philodendron ‘Burgundy Queen’ is unique for its striking leaf coloration and growth habit. New leaves unfurl deep burgundy, transitioning to a darker, velvety green as they mature, creating a striking contrast with older foliage. Characteristic features include deep burgundy and green leaves, sometimes with minimal pink variegation. Glossy, heart-shaped leaves contribute to a lush display. Unlike many vining philodendrons, the ‘Burgundy Queen’ is a self-heading type, growing upright into a bushy, compact shape, making it well-suited as a standalone indoor specimen.
Repotting Your Philodendron
Repotting is necessary every 2-3 years or when root-bound. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes, circling the pot, or slowed growth. The best time for repotting is during the spring or early summer, allowing quicker recovery.
When repotting, select a new pot one to two inches larger than the current one. Too large a pot holds excess moisture, increasing root rot risk. Gently remove the plant from its old container, inspect and trim any soft or diseased root sections. After placing in its new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, water thoroughly to settle soil around roots.
Propagating New Plants
Propagate ‘Burgundy Queen’ using stem cuttings. This creates new plants. Locate a healthy stem with at least one node and a few leaves. Cut cleanly just below a node, where new roots emerge.
The cutting can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged while the leaves remain above the waterline. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. Roots appear within 2-4 weeks; once a few inches long, transfer to potting mix.
Alternatively, plant cuttings directly into a well-draining soil mix. Bury the node slightly beneath the soil surface. Maintain consistent soil moisture, avoiding overwatering. A humid environment, created by covering with a plastic bag, encourages rooting. Place in a warm spot with indirect light until new growth indicates establishment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves signal either overwatering or insufficient light. If soil is consistently wet, allow it to dry more; saturated soil causes root problems. Insufficient indirect light requires moving to a brighter location to restore leaf color.
Brown leaf tips can indicate low humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray. Leggy growth (elongated stems, sparse foliage) points to inadequate light. More bright, indirect light encourages bushier growth and shorter internodes.
Pest issues, such as mealybugs or spider mites, can affect Philodendron ‘Burgundy Queen’. Regular inspection and wiping leaves with a damp cloth helps prevent infestations. Treat pests with insecticidal soap. Root rot, often from overwatering, causes brown, mushy roots and yellowing leaves. Address root rot by reducing watering, improving drainage, and potentially repotting into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming affected roots.