Close-up of Philodendron 'Red Emerald' leaves.

Philodendron 'Red Emerald' plant in a nursery pot.

Araceae

Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

5 for 4

Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’ carries glossy green leaves on red-toned stems and leaf stalks. The red colouring remains visible between mature leaves along the extending vine.

Read full guide to Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

€37,25

VAT included · plus

Plant size: Pot Ø 19 cmapprox. 65 cm tall

Sizes are approximate. Height is measured from the bottom of the pot to the top of the plant; diameter at the widest point.

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Care at a glance

Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

Light

Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux

Watering

Water when ~30–50% dry

Substrate

Airy + fast-draining • Light moisture buffer • Bark-based • Medium-chunky

Temperature

Ideal: 18–29 °C • Avoid below: 15 °C

Humidity

Average 40–50%

Growth habit

Climbing hemiepiphytic herbaceous perennial.

Support

recommended

Growth speed

Average

Cultivated size guide

Height with support: 250 cm • Spread: 100 cm

Toxicity & safety

Toxic

Origin & habitat

Cultivar of Philodendron erubescens; species native to Colombia

Outdoor growing

Outside from 15 °C · sheltered spot

How to read these values

These care values give practical guidance for growing the plant. Adjust care for pot size, substrate, temperature and how quickly the substrate dries.

For more detail, read the full product description or visit our Plant Care Guides.

Light: level and approximate lux at leaf level.
Watering: “% dry” shows how far the substrate should dry before watering again.
Substrate: structure, drainage, moisture retention, base material and particle size.
Temperature: “Ideal” shows the preferred range; “Avoid below” marks the cold-stress threshold.
Humidity: target range; steady conditions usually matter more than exact numbers.

Growth habit: how the plant grows, such as upright, climbing, trailing, clumping or rosette-forming.
Support: whether a stake, pole or trellis is needed, optional or unnecessary.
Growth speed: expected pace under suitable growing conditions; use as a guide, not a promise.

Cultivated size guide: approximate dimensions for an established plant in the stated growing context. Height is measured upwards from the growing surface; foliage height excludes flower stems. Trailing length follows a stem, while foliage drop is the vertical distance from the crown to the lowest leaf tips. Spread is the width of the leafy plant or crown, not an individual leaf. Flowering height includes the flower stems. A container guide applies to pot-grown plants; an in-ground guide applies to plants rooted in the ground. Size also depends on age, conditions, pot space and training.

These figures do not describe the size supplied and are not fixed upper limits.

Toxicity & safety: irritation, toxicity or physical hazards such as spines or bristles.
Origin & habitat: native range, hybrid background or typical habitat where relevant.
Outdoor growing: when a potted indoor plant can be placed outside and what outdoor protection it needs.

Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

‘Red Emerald’ is a vigorous climbing Philodendron with broad, glossy green leaves on red-toned stems and leaf stalks. The red colouring remains visible between mature leaves and gives the vine its characteristic contrast.

As the stem lengthens, successive leaves develop along the vine. New growth may open in warmer tones before settling into mature green foliage.

Glossy green leaves and red stems

Mature leaves are glossy green.
Stems and leaf stalks keep their red to reddish colour.
New growth may open in warmer tones before becoming green.
The plant grows as a climbing vine with leaves spaced along the stem.

Origin & background

Origin of Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

‘Red Emerald’ is grown as a cultivar of Philodendron erubescens. Its exact cultivated origin remains unknown. The species itself is native to Colombia, where it climbs in warm, humid tropical forest.

Plant care

Care for Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

Support: Provide a vertical support once the stem begins to lengthen. Attach the stem loosely and let aerial roots grow against the support where possible.
Light: Use bright indirect light to keep the climbing growth compact. Rotate the pot if the whole vine begins leaning strongly toward one window.
Water: Let the upper part of the mix dry before watering. Check the weight of the pot and the feel of the mix each time, because the watering interval will change with indoor conditions.
Potting mix: Choose a coarse aroid mix that drains well. Replace it if it becomes compacted and starts staying wet for too long.
Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures of about 18–29 °C. Move it warmer if temperatures remain below 15 °C for long.
Humidity and feeding: Keep normal warm indoor conditions with moderate humidity and airflow, and feed lightly while the plant is growing.
Repotting: Move up one pot size once the root ball is crowded, securing the support again as the plant is repotted. If the support shifts, stabilise it separately from the root ball.
Propagation: Use a healthy cutting that includes a node; keep it warm as roots form.

Issues & solutions

Common Red Emerald problems

The vine becomes long and sparse: It may need more light or a climbing surface. Move it to brighter indirect light and add a stable support.
Leaves yellow while the mix stays very wet: Let the pot dry further between waterings and make sure excess water can drain away. If the plant keeps declining, inspect the roots. Keep every firm root and cut only clearly rotten, soft sections back to healthy tissue with disinfected scissors. Discard the decayed pieces.
Cottony white clusters collect where leaves meet the stem: Check for mealybugs. Isolate the plant, wipe off visible insects and use a suitable houseplant treatment, following the label.

Safety

Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’ 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.

Names & etymology

The meaning and history of Philodendron erubescens

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Erubescens is Latin for reddening or blushing.

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

Karl Heinrich Emil Koch and Augustin first described Philodendron erubescens in 1855 in Index Seminum of the Berlin Botanic Garden, volume 1854, issue appendix, page 6.

Plant names, growth habits, natural habitats and indoor care guidance are checked against trusted botanical, habitat and horticultural references before publication.View our plant care resources and references.

Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

€37,25

FAQs about Philodendron erubescens 'Red Emerald' – red stems, support, and growth speed

Why are the stems on Philodendron 'Red Emerald' so red?

That vivid stem colour is one of the main reasons it stays popular. It gives strong contrast against the glossy green leaves even when the plant is still young.

Can Philodendron 'Red Emerald' trail instead of climb?

It can, but it will not look as refined. Climbing support keeps the plant stronger and helps it produce a cleaner, fuller silhouette.

Is 'Red Emerald' beginner-friendly?

Yes. It is vigorous and forgiving if you avoid cold, heavy soil and chronic overwatering.