Philodendron ‘Cherry Red’

‘Cherry Red’ and the McColley Programme

‘Cherry Red’ was an earlier industry name for the patented cultivar ‘McColley’s Finale’ and is also used more broadly in the nursery trade today.

‘McColley’s Finale’ came from the McColley breeding programme in Florida. Cora McColley selected the seedling from Robert McColley’s programme; its complex parentage remains unknown. The patent was filed in 1999 and granted in 2001. It is a cultivated hybrid and has no wild native range.

Caring for the ‘Cherry Red’ Rosette

• Water: Allow part of the mix to dry, then water thoroughly and let the container drain completely.
• Light: Give the plant bright filtered light and acclimate it gradually before any direct sun exposure.
• Pot and space: Choose a stable, freely draining pot with room for the rosette to widen, and keep the central growth point unobstructed.
• Substrate: Use a loose, aerated mix that balances drainage with even moisture.
• Temperature: Maintain stable warmth and protect the plant from cold draughts.
• Feeding: Feed conservatively during active growth, following the product label.
• Leaf care: Wipe the leaves periodically and inspect the foliage, sheaths, and new growth closely.

Problems to Watch for on ‘Cherry Red’

• A red centre leaf becomes greener: A new leaf may be cherry, chestnut, burgundy or dark red before it matures to green. Let it harden and compare it with older leaves; this colour change is normal.
• Lower leaves yellow while the mix stays wet: Wilting with persistently wet mix and dark, soft roots indicates excess water or root rot. Correct the drainage, remove confirmed rotten roots and repot the plant in clean, airy mix.
• The crown turns water-soaked or soft: Foul-smelling, water-soaked or rapidly softening crown tissue may be bacterial soft rot. Isolate the plant, stop overhead wetting, remove affected tissue with sanitised tools, reduce persistent wetness and seek a prompt diagnosis.
• A pale or brown patch follows stronger sun: Sun or heat injury is likely. Return the plant to filtered light and acclimate it gradually; the existing damaged area is permanent.
• A young centre leaf is silvered or distorted: Silvery scarring, dark specks or a distorted unfurling leaf can indicate thrips. Isolate the plant, inspect the centre, sheaths and leaf undersides, rinse or clean it, and use a labelled treatment if thrips are confirmed.
• Cottony or raised pests gather at petiole bases: Check for attached insects, shells or cottony material that can be removed, and sticky residue. Naturally dark sheath tissue stays part of the plant. If pests are present, isolate the plant, clean or remove them where practical, and repeat a labelled control if needed.
• Leaf spots expand away from the crown: Bacterial or fungal leaf spot is possible, though sun, cold or physical injury can look similar. Keep the leaves dry, improve airflow, isolate the plant if spots are spreading, remove severely affected tissue and obtain a diagnosis before chemical use.

Philodendron ‘Cherry Red’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Where does the name Philodendron come from?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.