Sun Red Philodendron

Sun Red Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum 'Sun Red') is an ornamental philodendron with big glossy leaves that open bright red and mature to a burgundy purple. It grows 30 to 90cm tall and 20 to 90cm wide, a manageable size for a pot or a shaded tropical border. The colour change gives one plant several shades at once.

Why you'll love it

• Red new growth. Fresh leaves open a bright, rich rust red that stands out in a shady corner.
• Burgundy as they age. Older leaves shade into a deep burgundy wine, so red, purple and green sit side by side.
• A manageable size. At 30 to 90cm it suits pots, borders and underplanting without taking over.
• Indoors or out. It is a good pot plant for a bright room, and a border plant in a frost free tropical garden.
• Steady care. Bright filtered light, evenly moist soil and a regular feed in the warmer months are enough.

Where it works best

Indoor pots. A large pot in a bright room with filtered light shows off the colour. Keep it away from children and pets, since the leaves are poisonous if eaten.

Tropical style borders. Use it as a border plant in a frost free garden, spaced 60cm apart, with the red leaves set against darker greens.

Shaded underplanting. It fits beneath taller plants where the light is filtered, but should be kept out of hot, direct sun.

Growing Sun Red Philodendron in Australia

Position and climate. It needs a warm, frost free position, with direct hot sun avoided. Bright, filtered light is ideal. Plant it away from places where children and pets play, because the leaves contain a poisonous substance if eaten, and avoid contact between the sap and your skin.

Soil. A free draining potting mix, or garden soil with plenty of organic matter. Mulch garden plantings to keep the roots cool.

Water and feed. Keep the soil evenly moist, and water regularly for the first 12 weeks while it establishes. Mist in dry weather, since it thrives in humidity. Feed with a slow release fertiliser in spring, then every 2 to 4 weeks through the warmer months with a liquid feed at half the label dose to prevent burn.

Pruning. Nothing is needed in routine care. Wipe dusty indoor leaves with a damp cloth to keep the gloss, and repot container plants in early spring.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sun Red Philodendron as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube is a small starter, and the leaf size and colour build as the plant grows. Pot it into fresh mix soon after it arrives, or plant it into a warm, sheltered spot, and keep it moist.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are 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

• Browse the philodendron range
• Philodendron care guide
• More tropical plants
• Plants that suit pots

Common questions

Will the leaves stay red?

New leaves open bright red and shade to burgundy purple as they age, so a mix of tones on the same plant is normal.

Is it safe for pets?

No. The leaves contain a poisonous substance if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it where children and pets cannot chew it.

Can it live indoors?

Yes. Give it plenty of bright, filtered light, protect it from cold, and keep the soil moist during dry periods.