Philodendron ‘Sun Red’

Care for self-heading aroid roots and foliage

• Red emergence in light: Bright filtered exposure supports a dense self-heading crown. Copper-red leaves naturally become greener as they harden.
• Water and root air: Wait for light dryness at the surface, then soak evenly and drain all excess. A coarse-textured potting mix should hold some moisture without staying saturated.
• Warm growing climate: Keep the crown warm; consistent humidity and air circulation through the centre benefit fresh leaves. Feed lightly during new growth.
• Starting a new crown: Divide a rooted offset or use a stem section containing a healthy bud. New foliage should retain the normal red-to-green sequence.

Troubleshooting Philodendron ‘Sun Red’: normal changes and damage

• Red leaves mature green: A copper or orange-red whole leaf normally becomes green. Random yellowing, dry burns or dead patches do not follow this leaf-age sequence.
• Wet spots that spread: Place the Philodendron ‘Sun Red’ away from neighbouring plants, avoid splashing and clean tools after contact. If softness spreads rapidly, smells unpleasant or enters the short stem, do not cut into the affected area or propagate the plant until the problem is identified.
• Drooping and yellowing: Test moisture at depth and inspect root firmness. Both drought and long saturation can wilt the crown. Remove roots that are fully dead and renew mix that has lost its open structure.
• Pests in the compact centre: Use good light around the rolled leaf and close petiole bases. Silvered scars with black spots support thrips; cottony deposits or attached waxy bodies indicate mealybugs or scale. After identification, apply a suitable treatment to the compact crown and lower blade.
• Brown patches: Check if the mark faces a hot window or lamp, followed a spray or appeared after cold transport. Dry exposure damage stays visible but stable. Move the Philodendron ‘Sun Red’ away from neighbouring plants and protect it from splash if the edge remains wet or widens.

Philodendron ‘Sun 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.

What does Philodendron mean, and who first published it?

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.