Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ and ‘Rojo Congo’ are popular hybrid plants, admired for their vibrant foliage. While sharing a genus, these two cultivated varieties possess distinct characteristics. This article clarifies their differences and similarities.
Understanding Each Plant
Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ is a self-heading hybrid, growing upright without vining. This cultivar forms a compact, bushy shape, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and wide indoors. Its new leaves emerge with striking reddish-burgundy or bronze hues, gradually deepening to a rich dark green as they mature, often retaining reddish or purplish undersides.
Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’ is also a self-heading philodendron, known for its robust and more upright growth habit. This plant can achieve a larger size than ‘Imperial Red’, often growing 2 to 4 feet tall and wide indoors. Its glossy leaves unfurl in vibrant red, burgundy, or coppery-red tones, eventually maturing into a deep green, often with noticeable red to purple tints on their undersides. ‘Rojo Congo’ is a hybrid derived from Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ and Philodendron tatei.
Key Distinguishing Features
The most noticeable differences between ‘Imperial Red’ and ‘Rojo Congo’ lie in their foliage color progression, leaf shape, and overall growth habit. Both exhibit reddish new growth, but the specific shades and their evolution vary. ‘Imperial Red’ often displays new leaves in a reddish-brown or burgundy, which mature to a dark green with possible reddish or purplish undertones. Its mature leaves maintain a glossy, leathery texture.
Conversely, ‘Rojo Congo’ new leaves typically emerge in a brighter, more vivid red or ruby red, transitioning to a deep green that often retains a stronger reddish or purplish hue, especially on the undersides. Its leaves are generally broader and can appear a richer, darker red in their initial stages. ‘Rojo Congo’ leaves also tend to be marginally larger, reaching up to 10 inches in length compared to ‘Imperial Red’s’ maximum of about 7 inches. They are wider with a thicker, denser feel. ‘Imperial Red’ leaves, in contrast, are often described as narrower and more elongated or pointed.
Regarding growth habit and size, ‘Imperial Red’ typically forms a denser, more compact bush. It maintains a relatively uniform height and spread, usually staying within the 2 to 3-foot range. This makes it well-suited for smaller spaces. ‘Rojo Congo’, however, generally exhibits a more vigorous and faster growth rate. It tends to grow taller rather than just wider, developing a more upright and somewhat outwardly spreading habit.
Stem characteristics also provide clues for identification. The petioles, or leaf stems, of ‘Imperial Red’ are typically slimmer and shorter, often presenting a more subdued brownish-green color. In contrast, ‘Rojo Congo’ features sturdy, upright stems that are distinctly tinged with red. Its petioles are notably thicker and longer, often displaying a vivid dark red-purple coloration.
Shared Care Requirements
Both Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ and ‘Rojo Congo’ thrive under similar environmental conditions. They prefer bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant foliage coloration. Placing them several feet from a south or west-facing window, or in an east-facing window, provides ideal light exposure. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves and cause fading of their distinctive colors.
Watering practices are consistent for these philodendrons. Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This prevents overwatering, which leads to root rot, and underwatering, which may cause leaves to droop. Proper drainage is important, so pots with drainage holes are essential.
A well-draining, aerated potting mix works well for both ‘Imperial Red’ and ‘Rojo Congo’. A blend containing organic matter such as peat moss, supplemented with perlite or orchid bark for improved drainage, is effective. Maintaining a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is also preferred.
These tropical plants prefer warm temperatures, ideally 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). They also appreciate higher humidity levels, typically 50% to 80%, to encourage healthy growth. Avoiding cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations prevents plant stress. During the active growing season in spring and summer, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied monthly.
Choosing the Right Philodendron for You
Deciding between Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ and ‘Rojo Congo’ depends on personal preference for size and aesthetic differences. If you desire a more compact, bushier plant with a smaller footprint, ‘Imperial Red’ is suitable. Its dense growth habit and rich, dark green mature foliage with reddish new leaves offer a refined appearance.
Alternatively, if you prefer a plant that grows larger and exhibits a more upright, spreading form, ‘Rojo Congo’ is a better fit. Its vigorous growth and distinct, brighter red hues of new leaves that transition to deep green with reddish undertones create a bold statement. Consider your available space and how you envision the plant fitting into your decor.
If you own one of these philodendrons and are unsure of its variety, examine its specific characteristics. Observe the mature leaf shape: elongated and narrower (‘Imperial Red’) or broader and thicker (‘Rojo Congo’). Pay attention to the petioles; ‘Rojo Congo’ has thicker, longer, vivid dark red-purple petioles compared to the slimmer, brownish-green ones of ‘Imperial Red’.