Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’

Horticultural history of Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’

Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’ is associated with the Henderson’s Pride horticultural line linked to Keith Henderson. The original Henderson’s Pride plant was green and unvariegated, and Ring of Fire is a later variegated selection within that line.

The selector and date of the variegated clone are unknown.

Care and growing conditions for Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’

• Leaf clearance: Keep clips, walls and neighbouring foliage away from each opening blade because the deep teeth and lobes catch easily while they are soft.
• Support with age: Young plants often stand on their own. Add a stake or pole only when the stem lengthens enough to lean.
• Light: Give bright filtered light and acclimatise the cream and yellow tissue gradually if the plant will receive any direct sun.
• Water and mix: Water thoroughly after part of the pot has dried, using a chunky aroid mix that stays open and drains cleanly.

Common issues in Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’

• A tooth or lobe tears during unfurling: Clear clips and neighbouring leaves from the next opening blade and keep moisture reasonably steady while it expands. If a tear is accompanied by silver scars or black specks, inspect the fold for thrips. Isolate a confirmed infestation and use an indoor-ornamental thrips treatment whose current label covers that pest, following the label directions.
• One leaf is much greener or paler than the last: Variegation can shift sharply between nodes. Compare several new leaves before pruning healthy growth, and keep productive green tissue while you judge the trend.
• Cream or yellow tissue turns dry and tan: Move the plant away from strong sun or hot glass when the exposed side is affected. If the root ball is very dry, soak it thoroughly and check moisture sooner on the next cycle. Remove clips or neighbouring foliage when the damage follows a rubbing point.
• Fine bronzing or webbing appears between the lobes: Use magnification on sheltered undersides to look for spider mites. Once mites are confirmed, isolate the plant, rinse both leaf surfaces where practical and use a treatment currently labelled for spider mites, following the label for repeats.
• The plant droops in a pot that stays wet: Pause watering and check whether runoff can leave the container. If roots are soft, dark or foul-smelling, remove the decayed portions, keep all firm roots and repot into fresh open mix; the root-rot guide gives the full rescue sequence.

Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’ 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.

How did Philodendron get its name?

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.