Philodendron erubescens 'Red Emerald'

Red Emerald and Florida’s McColley programme

Red Emerald originated in Robert H. McColley’s Bamboo Nursery breeding programme in Florida. McColley used Philodendron erubescens and other Philodendron species to develop climbing plants with strongly coloured leaves and stems.

Red Emerald has green leaves with red to burgundy stems, leaf stalks and protective new-leaf sheaths.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Light: Give Philodendron ‘Red Emerald’ bright indirect light for compact, vigorous growth. In weaker light the vine stretches and produces smaller leaves; strong direct sun can scorch them.
• Water: When the upper layer begins to dry, wet the whole root ball and empty any standing water after drainage.
• Humidity and airflow: New leaves open fully in moderate humidity. Airflow around the red new-leaf sheaths prevents damp debris from collecting at the nodes.
• Support: Install a sturdy upright support early and attach only the stem, leaving the leaf stalks free. Contact between aerial roots and the support encourages larger leaves and tighter climbing growth.
• Propagation: Root a cutting that carries at least one healthy node, or use air layering on a thicker stem. Seed-grown plants would not remain identical to Red Emerald.

When Philodendron erubescens 'Red Emerald' needs attention

• Debris at the nodes: Old sheaths can trap moisture and hide insects. Remove only material that is dry and already loose, keep air moving around the nodes and inspect beneath it for thrips, mealybugs and scale.
• Burgundy stems and sheaths: Burgundy stems, leaf stalks, sheaths and emerging growth are expected, and their intensity changes with age. Dry dark scars can remain after an old sheath falls; soft wet tissue or an unpleasant smell is abnormal.
• Scars emerging from red sheaths: Thrips feeding inside a rolled leaf can cause silver scars, black specks and uneven expansion. Keep this plant apart and inspect each new sheath. Use an indoor-plant control that lists thrips and follow its directions for any further applications.
• Sticky or waxy nodes: Cottony deposits, separate bumps, honeydew and sooty growth indicate sap-feeding pests. Wipe away visible colonies, clean the support and pot edge, and direct the chosen indoor-plant treatment into affected nodes and old sheath remains.
• Stem and root rot: A constantly wet mix can leave roots or the stem base dark, soft and odorous. Cut away dead tissue with sanitised tools, repot into airy mix and keep the climbing stem clear of the wet surface.

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.