Blushing Philodendron
The Blushing Philodendron, also known as Philodendron erubescens, is an evergreen, aroid perennial plant native to Ecuador and Colombia. It is known for its heart-shaped leaves and their striking pink underside. It is a low-growing plant, and it grows slowly in an indirect sun spot or shady area. The Blushing Philodendron is easy to grow, and can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. It has a moderate moisture preferences, and dislikes humidity.
It is important to monitor the soil moisture of this plant. The Blushing Philodendron prefers to stay evenly moist, but not soggy. To prevent the roots from rotting, avoid overwatering the plant. Make sure to use a moisture probe to check the soil moisture levels and adjust accordingly. During the winter months, the plant can go longer between waterings.
The Blushing Philodendron enjoys a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. It will do best in either shade or indirect sun. Too much sun will cause the leaves to become scorched or dull in color. Keep an eye out for any sunburns or discolorations of the leaves, as this could be a sign that the plant is getting too much sun.
The Blushing Philodendron prefers mild, comfortable temperatures, between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It is advised to keep this plant away from extreme temperatures below 55°F (13°C) and above 85°F (29°C). This plant can also not tolerate sudden changes in temperature.
The Blushing Philodendron is quite adaptable when it comes to humidity preferences. It will do best in either humid or dry conditions. However, it is important to make sure the humidity levels in its growing environment do not change drastically. High humidity levels may increase the chances of root rot or a powdery mildew infection.
This plant prefers an evenly moist, well-draining soil. A good mix for the Blushing Philodendron would be one part peat-based potting soil and one part perlite or coarse sand. This will provide the proper drainage and hold the right amount of moisture for the plant.
The Blushing Philodendron can benefit from regular fertilizing, as it is a slower growing plant. It should be fertilized once every month during the spring and summer months, using a balanced houseplant fertilizer. During the winter months, it is best to reduce the amount of fertilizer or have none at all.
The Blushing Philodendron is prone to Aphids, Spider Mites, Mealybugs, and scale. Signs of them include yellow or pale foliage, stippling, wilting, and honeydew. To get rid of these pests, it is best to use a product with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Make sure to spray the product on the undersides of the leaves in order for it to be the most effective. Additionally, you can adjust the humidity and temperature levels of the growing environment to curb the pests.
The Blushing Philodendron should be repotted every two to three years. It is recommended to do this in the springtime. When repotting, make sure to provide proper drainage and also use a well-drained soil. It is best to repot the plant in the same size pot as before.
It is best to prune the Blushing Philodendron to keep its shape and to maintain the desired size. Pruning is best done during the warmer months of the year. Make sure to also clean off any dead leaves or stems. After pruning, it is important to monitor the plant to ensure that the pruning cuts are healing properly and no pests have taken hold.
Mulching is not necessary for the Blushing Philodendron, but can be used to help retain the soil moisture levels. A good material to use would be coconut coir or bark chips. Make sure to avoid using stones or gravel, as these can increase the risk of root rot.
The Blushing Philodendron can easily be propagated by stem tip cuttings in the spring or summer months. Take a stem cutting and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a glass of water and wait for the roots to form. Once roots have grown, plant in potting soil and give it a well-lit spot.
The Blushing Philodendron will usually not need a support system, as it is a slow-growing plant with fairly weak stems. However, if it does need support, metal stakes or bamboo sticks can be used to provide extra stability.
This plant does not go dormant, and does not typically require a rest period. It should, however, be kept in a slightly cooler spot and given only minimal watering during the winter months.
Yes, the Blushing Philodendron is considered mildly toxic to both dogs and cats if ingested.
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