Philodendron Imperial Red

Araceae

Imperial Red Philodendron Plant

A Philodendron Imperial Red is one of several hybrid philodendrons that have been developed by growers over the last few years. This is an easy care plant that can adapt to all kinds of conditions as long as you keep it warm. Its care instructions can be used for the following other philodendron hybrids: Congo, Imperial Green, Black Cardinal, Moonlight, Red Emerald, and Autumn. Many philodendrons are climbers, but an Imperial Red is called a self-header. The glossy, bright green and red oval shaped leaves are spaced very close together on a single stem. This stiff, barely visible stem, keeps an Imperial Red Philodendron upright and elegant looking as it matures.

These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants

Light

A Philodendron Imperial Red can survive in low lightWhen you select “Low Light” a list of the most adaptive plants in our database appears. These plants can live in lighting conditions too low to support any other plants in our database, but will grow faster in medium and high light. Variegation (color) in the leaves is often lost in low light. A plant in low light needs less water and fertilizer than the same plant in better light. Place a low-light plant within 2-3 ft. of a window with a northern exposure, 3-5 ft. of a window with an eastern exposure, 4-10 ft. of a window with a western exposure, and 10-18ft. of a window with a southern exposure. A low light area has between 50-150 ft. candles of light. The best low light house plants are: Chinese Evergreen, Dracaena Janet Craig, Peace Lily, Heart leaf Philodendron., but grows faster and looks better in medium light.

Water

Always allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering. Water less, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more, during the winter months.

Fertilizer

Fertilize monthly when the plant is actively growing with a balanced food diluted to ½ the recommended strength. If the plant is not producing new leaves, it doesn’t need any plant food.

Temperature

An Imperial Red Philodendron grows well in warm temperatures between 70°-85°F ( 21.1°-29.4°C)

Humidity

Basic household humidity is fine for this plant.

Pests

A Philodendron Imperial Red attracts Mealy BugsLearn how to identify and treat Mealy Bugs, a houseplant pest that leaves sticky, white, cottony residue on houseplants. and AphidsSee a picture, learn to identify, and read about Aphid houseplant pests in the Glossary of Houseplant411.com.. Use the green solutionIf you don't want to use a commercial chemical product to treat plant pest problems try the “Green Solution.” This is a mixture of water, alcohol, biodegradable liquid soap, and mineral oil. Always test any spray on one or two leaves to be sure it won’t damage the plant. Depending upon how severe the infestation is, you can use these ingredients in varying proportions. If there are only a few pests, dip a Q-tip in alcohol and gently swab them off. For a more widespread problem, start by using a spray of warm water mixed with a few tablespoons of biodegradable soap. If that doesn’t cure the problem, make a solution using 8oz. water & 8oz. alcohol, add two tablespoons of biodegradable soap and two tablespoons of mineral oil. Spray all areas of the plant. Use this solution on leathery leafed plants (except palms), never on fuzzy leafed plants like African Violets or Begonias. For palms, omit the alcohol from the Green Solution. Never spray a plant that’s sitting in the sun or one with very dry soil. ( recipe in the Glossary) to treat both of these problems.

Diseases

Erwinia Blight, a type of harmful plant bacteria, is the main disease that affects an Imperial Red Philodendron.

Soil

Use a rich quick draining soil for all types of philodendrons; you may have to add a little sand to your usual soil mix if it appears too heavy.

Pot Size

Philodendrons like to be slightly root-bound and a little snug in their pot. When the roots have just about filled the container, move your plant to a new container that is a few inches larger than the existing one. The best time to re-pot your houseplants is in the late winter or early spring before they start to grow again after a winter rest.

Propagation

Growers use tissue cultures to successfully propagate this hybrid. You can use off- shoots or air layeringLearn how to use Air Layering to propagate houseplants. to try to propagate your plant.

Poisonous Plant Info

All philodendrons contain calcium oxalate are very Poisonous HouseplantsIn her new book, Don’t Feed Me to Your Cat!, plant care professional Judy Feldstein shares information about twenty-five common houseplants, each with various levels of toxicity, and the possible consequences if your pet or child snacks on them. with a #2 toxicity levelThese are general guidelines that describe how poisonous certain houseplants are. It's possible for an allergic reaction to occur from contact with any houseplant, toxic or non-toxic. If there is ever a concern, call: Poison Control Center: ******1-800-222-1222****** Level #1: Houseplants with low toxicity, may be mildly irritating, especially the sap of the plant. Level#2: Houseplants with medium to severe toxicity. Eating parts of these houseplants may result in vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, skin irritations, and breathing difficulties. Level #3: These houseplants are very poisonous. When eaten, especially in large quantities, severe vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, skin irritations, and breathing difficulties can occur. Level #4: These houseplants are extremely poisonous. Eating parts of these houseplants can be be life threatening. Every plant listed in our Popular HousePlant guide has a section explaining whether or not it is poisonous and, if so, how poisonous. Amaryllis, alocasia, dieffenbachias, crotons, ivies, azaleas, lilies, and philodendrons are just a few of the highly poisonous plants we use in our homes and offices all of the time. If you don't know whether your houseplant is poisonous, go to Ask Judy on the HousePlant411.com website, send her a picture of your plant, and she'll let you know if the houseplant should be kept away from small children and pets. See colorful pictures and get more information about poisonous houseplants in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants .

Can I put my Imperial Red Philodendron in a dark corner of my living room?

Your Philodendron Imperial Red could probably survive in a dark corner for a little while, but it certainly wouldn't thrive. I'd recommend putting it in medium or bright indirect lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light..

Why does my Philodendron Imperial Red keep losing leaves? I water it every three days so it isn't getting too dry and fertilize once a week.

You are killing your Philodendron Imperial Red with kindness. The plant is losing leaves because the roots are staying wet and never being allowed to dry out. Start by allow the soil to totally dry out. Once that happens, water well and then do not water again until the top 50% of the soil has dried out. Fertilize monthly when the plant is actively growing with a balanced food diluted to ½ the recommended strength. If the plant is not producing new leaves, it doesn’t need any plant food.

Why are the leaves of my Imperial Red Philodendron red when they first open but then turn green as they get larger? How can I keep the bright red color?

As the leaves on a Philodendron Imperial Red mature they do become greener. Placing your plant in a brighter location will help maintain the red for a longer period of time.