Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Blushing Philodendron

Philodendron erubescens

A vigorous climbing philodendron with glossy, dark green leaves and distinctive reddish stems and new growth.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Medium light
Humidity

50–60 %
Temperature

18–27 °C

How to care for your Blushing Philodendron

Everything you need to keep your Blushing Philodendron healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Philodendron erubescens, commonly known as the Blushing Philodendron, is a popular and relatively easy-to-care-for climbing plant. It features large, dark green, glossy leaves with reddish undersides and petioles, especially on new growth. This species is an active climber and will benefit from a support like a moss pole or trellis to encourage larger leaf development. It tolerates average indoor conditions well but thrives with consistent moisture and good air circulation, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.

Watering your Blushing Philodendron

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly, allowing the top soil to dry out between waterings.

How to know it needs water

Top inch of soil is dry
Leaves appear slightly limp

How much light a Blushing Philodendron needs

Medium light

Medium to bright, indirect light.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–60 %

Moderate (50-60%) Misting is beneficial in dry environments; otherwise, moderate humidity is fine.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply monthly during the active growing season (spring to fall).

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer · 2-1-2

Repotting your Blushing Philodendron

Every 24 months

Repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots visible from drainage holes
Growth seems stunted

Pruning your Blushing Philodendron

To control size, shape, or remove leggy growth. Cut stems just above a leaf node using clean snips.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalate crystals, toxic if ingested. Can cause irritation.

Good to know

The name 'erubescens' means 'blushing' in Latin, referring to the reddish stems and new leaves.
It is a robust climber, often used in hybridizing due to its strong genetics.

Frequently asked questions about the Blushing Philodendron

How do you care for a Blushing Philodendron?

Water it every 7 days. Give it medium light. Ideal humidity: 50–60 %. Ideal temperature: 18–27 °C. Water thoroughly, allowing the top soil to dry out between waterings.

How often should you water a Blushing Philodendron?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly, allowing the top soil to dry out between waterings. How to know it needs water : Top inch of soil is dry ; Leaves appear slightly limp.

How much light does a Blushing Philodendron need?

Medium light Medium to bright, indirect light. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Blushing Philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains calcium oxalate crystals, toxic if ingested. Can cause irritation. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Blushing Philodendron leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Blushing Philodendron?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil.