Black Cardinal Philodendron

Black Cardinal Philodendron (Philodendron 'Black Cardinal') is a compact, self heading aroid that settles at about 80cm tall and wide, grown for broad paddle leaves that open deep burgundy and darken to a near black green. It holds that shape without a stake or a totem, which makes it one of the easiest big leaved plants to place indoors. The leaves are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage colour you rarely get indoors. New leaves push out wine red and deepen over a few weeks to the dark, glossy tone it is named for.
• It stands up by itself. No moss pole to hide, no stems flopping over the pot rim.
• Genuinely low maintenance. Water when the top of the mix dries, feed a few times over the warm months, and that is it.
• Humidity suits it. Steamy bathrooms and humid coastal rooms that mark other foliage plants suit it perfectly.

Where it works best

Indoors. Living rooms, offices and bright bathrooms all suit it, and indoors your climate stops mattering for a frost tender plant.

Pots and containers. A pot around 300mm wide holds a mature plant. Choose one with real drainage holes and a saucer you can tip out.

Balconies and courtyards. Outdoors it needs a warm, frost free, sheltered spot in tropical or subtropical gardens. Elsewhere keep it potted and move it inside for winter.

Growing Black Cardinal Philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light gives the strongest colour and the tightest growth. It survives moderate light with larger, looser leaves. Keep it out of hot sun through glass, which scorches the leaves.

Soil. A chunky, free draining indoor mix opened up with bark or perlite. Aroid roots need air as much as water; a dense mix left wet is the usual cause of failure.

Water and feed. Water once the top 3cm to 4cm of mix feels dry, soak it through, then empty the saucer. Roughly weekly in summer, every two to three weeks in winter. Liquid feed at half strength monthly through spring and summer.

Pruning. Very little. Cut old or yellowing leaves off at the base with a clean blade, and wipe the foliage with a damp cloth monthly, since dust dulls the sheen.

What to expect when it arrives

It comes as tube stock, in packs of six 200mm pots, or as a single 300mm plant. Tubes are young, two or three small leaves, and take a year or more to build presence. A 300mm plant is close to full size and ready for a decorative pot.

Plants are packed upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Give it a fortnight in its new light before expecting movement. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The full philodendron care guide
• Watering and light mistakes that kill indoor plants
• Browse the indoor plant range
• Plants suited to balconies and courtyards

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Like all philodendrons it contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause drooling, mouth irritation and vomiting if chewed. Keep it up off the floor in a home with a pet that nibbles plants.

Does it need a moss pole?

No. It is self heading, meaning it grows outward from a central crown rather than climbing. A stake only helps if a plant leans while settling into a new pot.

Why are my new leaves green rather than red?

Almost always light. In dim positions the burgundy phase is brief and washed out. Move it nearer a bright window, out of direct sun, and the next flush colours properly.

How often does it need repotting?

Every two to three years, or once roots circle the base. Move up one pot size only, since an oversized pot holds wet mix around roots that want air.