Philodendron Red Beauty Plant

Description

Philodendron Red Beauty plant Philodendron erubescens Philodendron Red Beauty is a beautiful, climbing aroid which has striking, glossy, heart-shaped leaves and a distinctive red hue to the stems and the new leaves as they appear. The leaves unfold in a coppery red colour and will fade to a rich green and they even have a coppery red undertone – hence the ‘Red Beauty’ name as well as many other common names such as Blushing Philodendron, and in some nurseries, the Red Emerald Philodendron.

What’s good for this particular philodendron is that you won’t require much attention in return and it still looks fantastic! This vining plant can be trained up into a moss stick or a trellis for vertical height and structure, or you can let this plant cascade over from a hanging pot or shelf to grow into a dramatic curtain of vines. Both arrangements will occupy a good area without overcrowding, so plant these where they will receive plenty of light (but none direct) such as in your study, shelf, balcony or console table.

Red Beauty is well-suited to the conditions often found in average Indian homes or workplaces where you have curtains, frosted glass, or some light from a balcony door. This isn’t a fussy plant, which is part of why it is often given to people selecting their first ever philodendron. As long as you remember your watering schedule and light requirements, you should see new growth emerge with consistency through the warm parts of the year, not in bursts.

Whether you’re tucking it into your corner, or searching for a gift for a novice houseplant enthusiast, Red Beauty makes an approachable choice that doesn’t lack style thanks to its colouring and habit.

Key features

• Heart-shaped leaves that appear to be a little red-ish on their new growth and the stems! 
• Climbing, scrambling habit that grows well on a moss pole or in a hanging basket
• Will adjust happily to the average indoor light condition. 
• Will not have to be watered daily once mature
• Stable slow grow rate; don't get too big/wild indoors.
• Arrives as a compact size to fit perfectly on shelves/desks.
• Works as a perfect gift for new plant owners and collectors. 
• Relatively adaptable to normal Indian house temperatures.

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 × Live Philodendron Red Beauty plant
• 1 × Nursery pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important notes

• As this is a live, natural growing product some variation in leaf colour and size can occur on a plant-to-plant basis. 
• Some leaves may drop, or mild stress after unboxing is normal during transit and will typically recover over the following week or so.
• Avoid any direct, hot afternoon sunlight, particularly in the summer when it can burn the foliage.
• Plants will usually tend to be very dormant during the winter months; this is a completely natural occurrence for this plant.
• As soon as your plant arrives out of its shipping box, give it a light drink of water only if the soil is dry – avoid saturation at this stage. 
• Do keep away from curious pets and children as philodendrons contain calcium oxalate which can burn.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why are my Philodendron Red Beauty leaves turning yellow? 

A: Yellow, dying leaves on your Philodendron Red Beauty can mean overwatering and or poor soil drainage. Make sure your pot has an adequate drainage hole in the bottom and only allow the top inch of the soil to go dry. It’s natural for older bottom leaves to start yellowing on a plant.

Q: How many times a day do you need to water this? 

A: It really varies depending on the humidity in your home and temperature but usually once every 7-10 days and just when the top inch of the soil is dry is enough for me inside.

Q: Can I plant Philodendron Red Beauty indoors?

A: Yes. A good option if you are keen to have your plant indoors, Philodendron Red Beauty thrives in bright indirect light, though not total shade where it will begin to decline, the stems will grow long and may become weak.

Q: Is this plant light tolerant? 

A: No, direct light is scorching on its leaves, most of all in the middle of the afternoon, bright but not direct, a northeast window can support it.

Q: How fast do Philodendron Red Beauty plants grow? 

A: The growth rate is steady, particularly in the warmer months of year with good conditions, but it will certainly slow down in winter. You can expect to see a new leaf forming about every couple weeks during the growing season if you provide a moss pole for your Philodendron to climb.

Q: When should i repot and does it require fertiliser? 

A: You need to repot when the plant’s roots start growing in a circular fashion around the bottom or through the holes of the pot. Usually, you’ll repot once a year, or every 12-18 months. Apply liquid plant food diluted with water once monthly in springtime as well as summertime to assist it thrive – this isn’t required though, if your plant is being grown in fresh potting soil.