Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’ (‘Red Emerald’ variegata)

Name and horticultural background of Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’

Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’ is a cultivated variegated climber, and the name is often paired with ‘Red Emerald’ variegata in horticulture. The exact relationship between the two names is unknown.

The original selector and early introduction history are also unknown. ‘Strawberry Shake’ remains the established cultivar name for the multicoloured climbing plant.

Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’ care

• Support: Train the vine up a textured surface and keep new nodes close enough for aerial roots to attach as the stem develops.
• Water and mix: After part of the pot has dried, wet the whole root ball and allow free drainage through a coarse mix that holds some moisture without packing tightly.
• Green foliage: Retain healthy leaves with plenty of green tissue, especially when a new shoot suddenly produces a very pale leaf.
• Light: Give the vine bright filtered light; cream, peach and pink sections can scorch quickly in strong direct sun.

Common issues with Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’

• Several new nodes are fully green: A greener node can occur. If the vine continues producing only green leaves and you want to keep the multicolour pattern, cut back to a healthy node that still shows visible stem variegation.
• New growth is almost all cream or pink: Keep older green-bearing leaves and avoid heavy pruning while the pale shoot has little green tissue. Wait for a better-balanced leaf before removing productive foliage.
• The vine sags while the root ball is still wet: Pause watering until the mix has dried further and the pot feels lighter. If the vine remains limp, inspect the roots, remove only mushy or hollow sections and reset the firm root system in fresh airy mix when drainage has deteriorated.
• Coloured sections turn crisp at the margin: Move the vine away from strong sun or hot glass when damage faces the light. If the root ball has become very dry, soak it thoroughly and check moisture sooner next time. Clear any support or neighbouring leaf that is rubbing against the coloured tissue. The white-variegated plant guide can help narrow down pale-tissue damage.
• Fresh foliage carries silver streaks and black specks: Inspect the rolled leaf and red petiole bases for thrips. If live insects are present, isolate the vine, remove accessible thrips and apply an indoor-ornamental treatment currently labelled for thrips, following the label for further applications.

Philodendron ‘Strawberry Shake’ 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

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.