Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’

Description

This Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ is a must-have for any indoor plant lover. With its stunning deep red leaves, it adds a pop of color to any space. Easy to care for and known for its air-purifying qualities, this plant will bring both beauty and health benefits to your home.

Full Botanical Name:
Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’

Common Names:
El Choco Red Philodendron

Country and/or Region of Origin:
This is a cultivated hybrid variety, not native to a specific region but derived from species typically found in tropical Americas.

Growing Conditions in Native Habitat:
Philodendrons naturally inhabit tropical rainforests where they thrive in warm, humid conditions with filtered light.

Care Information:

• Light:
  Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Ideal Room:
  Well-suited for any room with good indirect light, such as a living room, office, or hallway. Brighter light enhances leaf coloration.
• Feeding:
  Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in winter.
• Humidity:
  Benefits from high humidity. Regular misting, a humidifier, or a pebble tray can help meet its humidity needs.
• Ideal Temperature:
  Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C).
• Watering:
  Water when the top inch of the soil becomes dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
• Pet/Child Safe:
  Philodendron plants are toxic if ingested, due to calcium oxalate crystals. Keep away from pets and children.
• Soil:
  Use a well-draining, rich potting mix with components like peat, perlite, and vermiculite.
• Propagation:
  Propagate by stem cuttings or air layering, best done in spring or early summer.
• Eventual Height and Spread:
  Can reach up to 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) in height with a similar spread, depending on pruning and space.
• Growth Rate:
  Fast, especially when provided with optimal care and environmental conditions.
• Pests and Treatment:
  Susceptible to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as necessary.
• Repotting:
  Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its pot, ideally during the warmer months.
• Pruning:
  Prune as needed to control size and shape, or to remove any yellowing or damaged leaves.
• Folk Law:
  Philodendrons are often associated with growth and energy in the home, believed to bring positive energy and purify the air.