tropical

Blushing Philodendron

The Story

Plant Bio

Philodendron erubescens, the blushing philodendron, is a robust evergreen climbing tropical perennial native to the rainforests of Colombia. It climbs using aerial roots and features glossy, heart-shaped leaves that emerge with a reddish-bronze tint before maturing to dark green with purplish-red undersides.

The species is distinguished by its deep red to reddish-burgundy spathes enclosing a cream-colored spadix, which appear primarily in summer and autumn. Unlike many of its self-heading hybrid cultivars, the true species maintains a vigorous vining habit that requires physical support to climb.

Uses & Benefits:

Bold, glossy foliage with striking reddish-bronze new growth and deep red undersides that provides year-round tropical structure.

Functions as a durable, low-light tolerant indoor climbing plant when trained on a supportive structure.

Provides virtually no native wildlife utility when grown as an indoor container specimen in North America.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tropical

Height

71"

Width

59"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Colombia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a rich, humusy potting mix high in organic matter that drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging.
Position the plant in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct hot sunlight which scorches the foliage.
Water thoroughly only when the top one to two inches of soil feels dry to the touch, reducing frequency in winter.
Provide a sturdy moss pole or trellis for the aerial roots to grip as the vining stems climb.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into old, bare, leafless woody stems, as these lack the dormant nodes required to reliably produce new shoots.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain high humidity levels around the foliage to mimic its native tropical rainforest habitat.
Apply a balanced liquid foliage fertilizer diluted to half-strength monthly during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
Wipe the glossy leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve light absorption.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged, as poor drainage leads to fatal root rot.
Never fertilize the plant during the dormant winter months when growth slows.
Do not expose the plant to cold drafts or temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Indoor FoliageGreenhouseAtriumShade Garden

Companion Plants

Nephrolepis exaltata Chamaedorea elegans Asplenium nidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blushing Philodendron questions

What zones can Blushing Philodendron grow in?

Blushing Philodendron is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Blushing Philodendron bloom?

Blushing Philodendron typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Blushing Philodendron need full sun?

Blushing Philodendron does best in part shade.