Philodendron ‘New Red’

Origin of Philodendron ‘New Red’

The exact cultivated origin of ‘New Red’ remains unknown. It is a cultivated Philodendron and exists only in cultivation.

Growing Philodendron ‘New Red’ well

• Light: Choose bright indirect light and give the vine room to climb. If the gaps between leaves become much longer, move it to a brighter position with indirect light.
• Water: Water when the top part of the mix has dried and the pot feels lighter. Wet the mix evenly, then let excess water drain away.
• Climbing support: Fix the stem to a pole or board with loose ties. Keep the leaf stalks outside the ties so the leaves can turn toward the light.
• Potting mix: Use a chunky, bark-based aroid mix. Repot when roots fill the pot or the mix has become compacted and drains slowly.
• Humidity and feeding: Keep warm conditions with moderate humidity and airflow. Feed lightly while the plant is growing.

New Red troubleshooting guide

• Red young foliage gradually turns greener: This is expected as the leaves mature and does not indicate a problem.
• New leaves are smaller and widely spaced: The vine may need more light or better support. Bring it closer to a bright position with indirect light and guide the stem onto a vertical support.
• Leaves yellow from the base while the mix stays wet: Let the pot dry further between waterings and improve drainage. If yellowing continues, check the roots and remove only roots that are soft or rotten before repotting.
• Pale speckling, distorted new growth or black specks appear: Check closely for thrips, especially around new leaves. Isolate the plant, remove visible insects and use a houseplant treatment suitable for thrips, following the label.

Philodendron erubescens ‘New 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.

Who first published Philodendron erubescens, and what does the name mean?

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.