Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

‘Red Emerald’ and the habitat of Philodendron erubescens

‘Red Emerald’ is grown as a cultivar of Philodendron erubescens. Its exact cultivated origin is not known. The species itself is native to Colombia, where it climbs in warm, humid tropical forest.

Care guide for Red Emerald

• 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.
• 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.
• Potting mix: Choose a coarse aroid mix that drains well. Replace it if it becomes compacted and starts staying wet for too long.
• Humidity and feeding: Keep normal warm indoor conditions with moderate humidity and airflow, and feed lightly while the plant is growing.

Common Red Emerald problems

• Red leaf stalks remain much darker than the leaves: This colour contrast is normal for ‘Red Emerald’ and does not need correcting.
• 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, check the roots and remove only rotten roots.
• 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.

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.

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.