Blushing Philodendron

Blushing philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) is a climbing aroid grown for the deep wine red flush on its new leaves and stems. Given a moss pole it climbs to about 3m while staying only around 1m across, so it fills a corner vertically rather than sprawling. It is fast, forgiving and one of the easier large leafed indoor plants to keep looking good.

Why you'll love it

• The red flush is the point. New leaves and petioles emerge burgundy and settle to glossy dark green, so there is always fresh colour at the top of the plant.
• It grows upward, not outward. On a pole it reaches around 3m tall on a footprint barely a metre wide, which is rare in an indoor plant that size.
• Fast enough to feel rewarding. In warm months it pushes a new leaf every few weeks, each larger than the last.
• Genuinely low maintenance. Water when the top of the mix dries, feed occasionally, and it forgives the rest.

Where it works best

Indoors as a floor plant. A bright corner away from direct sun suits it. Give it a moss pole from day one, since the leaves size up once the plant can climb.

Balconies, courtyards and warm gardens. In tropical, subtropical and warm temperate districts it grows happily in a sheltered frost free spot with filtered light, and will climb a tree trunk or shaded post.

One honest caution. Like all aroids it is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so place it out of reach in a pet household.

Growing blushing philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors. Direct sun through glass scorches the leaves, deep shade stretches the gaps between them. Outdoors it needs a frost free climate, so cool temperate gardeners should treat it strictly as an indoor plant.

Soil. A chunky aroid mix, or potting mix opened up with bark and perlite. The aerial roots want air around them, so a heavy dense mix leads to trouble.

Water and feed. Water once the top few centimetres dry out, then drain the saucer: roughly weekly in summer and every two to three weeks in winter. Half strength liquid fertiliser monthly through the warm season keeps the new leaves large.

Training and pruning. Tie the stem to a moss pole and mist the pole so the aerial roots grab. If it outgrows the space, cut the top back to a node in spring. The cutting roots readily in water and the parent branches below the cut.

What to expect when it arrives

This one is grown in 125mm pots sold in packs of ten and 250mm pots sold in packs of three. The 125mm plants are young, with a few established leaves, and are the value option if you are filling several planters. The 250mm plants are further along and can go straight into a decorative pot with a pole.

Expect a settling period. Aroids often drop a lower leaf after transit and hold still for two to three weeks before pushing new growth, so keep it warm, bright and slightly dry while it adjusts. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• How to keep indoor plants alive: light, water and placement
• Indoor plant tips for beginners
• Browse the full indoor plant range

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth if chewed, bringing on drooling and vomiting in cats and dogs. Keep it on a stand if your pet chews foliage.

Does it really need a moss pole?

It will survive without one, but the leaves stay small and the stem sprawls. Given a pole to climb, the aerial roots attach and each new leaf comes out noticeably larger.

Why are the gaps between leaves getting longer?

Not enough light. Move it closer to a bright window without putting it in direct sun, and the new growth tightens up within a few leaves.