Do you know about the philodendron ring of fire? It’s a rare philodendron plant that has recently become quite popular. This plant is known for its unique saw-tooth leaves, which contain five vibrant colors which change throughout the year depending on the season. Each leaf is individual, from subtle orange colors to bright reds and glorious greens.
The philodendron ring of fire is a beautiful addition to any garden, and it’s sure to attract attention from visitors!
If you’re interested in adding this rare plant to your collection, do your research first. This particular philodendron can be challenging to care for, and it’s important to know what you’re doing before you get started.
With a little effort, though, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of this plant for years to come!
Contents
Origin of the Philodendron Ring of Fire
Philodendron Ring of Fire is a stunning variegated plant with large, heart-shaped leaves that display a beautiful contrast of bright yellow and green colors.
This tropical plant is a popular choice for indoor spaces and is highly prized by plant enthusiasts for its unique and eye-catching appearance.
The philodendron ring of fire is native to South America and was first discovered in the early 1800s. Its believed to be a cross between two philodendron species, the Philodendron Wendlandii and Philodendron Tortum.
Who discovered the Ring of fire plant?
Plant explorer William Jackson Hooker discovered the philodendron ring of fire in 1829. He found the plant growing on the banks of a river in Brazil. The plant gets its name from its bright red and orange leaves, which resemble a ring of fire.
The plant grows best in humid climates, and it’s essential to provide plenty of water and sunlight. This unique philodendron can be challenging to care for, but the results are worth it.
Quick Summary Guide:
Lighting: bright, indirect light. Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilizing: every two weeks during the growing season. Pruning: prune as necessary to remove dead or dying leaves. Toxicity: toxic to pets and children.
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Subfamily: Aroideae
Tribe: Philodendronceae
Genus: philodendron ring of fire (philodendron Wendlandii x philodendron Tortum)
Overview of Ring of Fire Plant Care
The rare Philodendron is not as high maintenance as one might think. Although this plant does best in humid climates, it can grow in other areas with the proper care.
This guide will provide an overview of what you need to know about the ring of fire plant care so you can successfully grow this beautiful plant in your home.
Lighting
The philodendron ring of fire prefers bright, indirect light. If you live in an area with a lot of sunlight, placing it in a spot that gets shade during the day is best.
These plants can survive in low-light conditions, but they won’t thrive. If you want your plant to flourish, give it the best lighting possible.
To fully understand the amount of light you are providing your plants, you can purchase a light meter. Light meters measure light in foot candles (FC). They are widely available online or at your local gardening store.
The Ring of fire plant needs around 400 FC to thrive. Anything less than that, and your plant will start to suffer.
Avoid placing it in direct sunlight for too long, as this can scorch the leaves. If you notice the leaves turning brown or yellow, that’s a sign that the plant is getting too much sun. Move it to a shadier spot and see if that helps.
Watering
The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. These plants like moist soil but don’t want to sit in water. Be sure to empty any drainage tray after watering so your plant isn’t sitting in water.
You can use your knuckle to check whether the soil is dry or not. You could also use a chopstick to see how deep the moisture goes. If its below an inch, then its fine to wait a bit.
This philodendron should be watered about once a week, but you may need to water it more often in hotter weather. I like to give it room temperature water every 5-7 days during summer and a bit less during winter.
Why use room temperature water?
Philodendrons are tropical plants that like humid conditions. When you water it with cold water, it’s a bit of a shock to the system. Room temperature water will help your plant transition better and avoid any stress.
Philodendrons don’t like too many chemicals, so if you can, water with distilled water or collected rainwater. If you must use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours before watering your plant. This will allow the chemicals to evaporate and won’t harm your plant.
Soil
The philodendron ring of fire prefers a light, well-draining soil. They need their mix to have good aeration so their roots can breathe.
I like to use a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mix will provide the drainage and aeration that the philodendron ring of fire needs without being too heavy.
Peat moss is an excellent addition to any potting mix because it retains moisture without being too dense. Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight materials that help improve drainage and aeration. I like to use a ratio of two parts peat moss to one part perlite and vermiculite.
You can also add a bit of organic matter to the mix to help the philodendron ring of fire thrive. This could be in the form of compost, manure, or fallen leaves. Just be sure that any organic matter you add is well-rotted so that it doesn’t compact the soil too much.
You want to keep the soil at a good pH level. The ideal range is between six and seven, but these plants are pretty tolerant and can handle a range of five to eight.
To test the pH level of your soil, you can purchase a test kit at your local gardening store or online. These tests are simple to use and will give you an accurate reading of the pH level.
Fertilizing
The Ring of fire plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. These plants need lots of nutrients to thrive, so don’t skimp on the fertilizer! A good rule of thumb is fertilizing the plant when you water it.
During the winter, you can reduce fertilizing to once a month as the plants growth will slow quite a bit.
I like to use a liquid fertilizer that I can mix with water and quickly apply to the plant. You can find these at your local gardening store or online. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package, as too much fertilizer can harm your plant.
A 20-20-20 fertilizer is a good option for a philodendron. This fertilizer has equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These three nutrients are essential for plant growth and help your plant thrive.
Nitrogen is essential for leaf growth, phosphorus helps with root growth, and potassium aids overall plant health. Secondary micro nutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc are also crucial for the philodendron. These nutrients can be found in most all-purpose fertilizers.
If you notice that your plant is not growing as it should or the leaves are yellowing, this could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. A fertilizer with iron can help correct this problem.
Pruning
The philodendron doesn’t require a lot of pruning, but you may need to remove dead or dying leaves from time to time. It’s also a good idea to trim any too-long vines.
This plant can be a bit of a messy plant, so don’t hesitate to prune it as needed.
Growth
The ring of fire is a slow-growing plant, so don’t expect it to grow too quickly. These plants can reach six feet in height or more but typically only grow a few inches yearly.
This philodendron is a vine plant, so it will need something to climb on as it grows. A trellis or other support structure will work well. These plants will live for many years, so be patient and enjoy watching them grow!
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendrons prefer warm, humid conditions. These plants are native to tropical rain forests, so they like lots of moisture in the air. If you live in a dry climate, you may need to provide extra humidity for your plant.
One way to do this is to place it on a pebble tray filled with water. The water will evaporate and help to increase the humidity around the plant. You can also mist your plant with water regularly. Just be sure the leaves are dry before nightfall, so they don’t develop rot.
A humidifier can also provide extra moisture for the plant. I like to group my plants, creating a lovely micro climate for them to enjoy.
The philodendron ring of fire prefers temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants will tolerate a range of 50 to 90 degrees, but they won’t be as happy outside their preferred range.
If you live in a climate that gets too cold or too hot, you may need to provide extra protection for your philodendron ring of fire.
If you are growing your plant outdoors, bringing it inside before the first frost is essential. Philodendrons are not tolerant of cold temperatures and will not survive a frost.
Repotting
These plants prefer to be a bit pot-bound. Repotting should only be done every two or three years and only when the plant has outgrown its current pot.
When repotting, use a pot that is only one or two sizes larger than the current pot. These plants don’t like extra space and may become stressed if repotted into a pot too large.
Using a well-draining potting mix is essential when repotting. These plants like their roots to be moist but don’t like to sit in water. A potting mix that contains peat moss or coco coir will help to retain moisture without being too wet.
Common Problems with the Philodendron Ring of Fire
Pests and Diseases
The philodendron ring of fire is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. The most common are aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests can cause problems for your plant, so watching them is essential.
Aphids
Aphids are small, green insects that suck the sap out of plants. They can cause leaves to yellow and curl, and they can also spread diseases. If you see aphids on your plant, you can remove them by spraying them with water or insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied, wingless white insects that suck the sap out of plants. They can cause leaves to be yellow, drop off, and die if they spread too much. You can get rid of mealybugs with neem oil or insecticidal soap. I also like using organic pest control methods like ladybugs or lacewings.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on the undersides of plant leaves. They are similar to aphids and can cause the same problems. You can remove whiteflies by spraying them with water or insecticidal soap.
Spider mites
Tiny spider-like creatures that spin webs and feed on plant leaves. They make small holes by puncturing the plant cells to feed. These can be eliminated with rubbing alcohol or neem oil.
These pests can be controlled with regular inspection of your philodendron ring of fire and prompt treatment when necessary.
Diseases
The plant is susceptible to a few diseases, the most common being root rot and leaf spot.
Root rot
Root rot is caused by too much moisture around the plant’s roots. The roots will start to decay, and the plant will wilt. If you think your plant has root rot, remove it from the pot and replant it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Leaf spot
A fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the plant’s leaves. If your philodendron ring of fire has Leaf spot, you should remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide.
Powdery mildew
Another fungal disease that can affect philodendrons is powdery mildow. It causes a white, powdery substance forms on the plant’s leaves. If your plant has powdery mildew, you should treat it with a fungicide.
Preventing Pests and Diseases
The best way to prevent pests and diseases is to keep your philodendron ring of fire healthy. This means providing the right amount of light, water, and fertilizer. It’s also important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
If you see pests or diseases on your plant, it’s essential to take care of them immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage they will cause.
Propagating Philodendron Ring of Fire Plant
The Ring of fire can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings.
Seeds
One of the easiest ways to propagate the plant is by seed. You can purchase philodendron seeds online or at your local nursery.
To plant the seeds;
Fill a pot with well-draining soil and place the seeds on the surface.
Cover them with a thin layer of soil and water lightly.
Place the pot in a sunny spot and moisten the soil.
The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.
Division
Philodendron ring of fire can also be propagated by division. This is an excellent method to use if you have an overgrown plant that you want to divide into multiple plants.
To propagate by division;
Carefully remove the plant from the pot and divide it into two or more sections. Each section should have its own root ball and leaves.
Plant the divisions in their own pots filled with well-draining soil.
Water them well and place them in a warm, sunny spot.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also propagate philodendron ring of fire. To do this;
Cut from the tip of a philodendron plant with at least two leaves.
Cut just below a leaf node (the point where the leaf meets the stem).
Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
Water it well and place it in a warm, sunny spot.
The cutting will root in four to six weeks.
Toxicity
The philodendron ring of fire is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The sap from the plant can cause skin irritations.
Call poison control or seek medical attention immediately if you suspect your plant has been ingested.
FAQ
Q: Why do the philodendron ring of fire leaves change so many colors?
A: The ring of fire is a variegated plant, meaning the leaves are two or more colors. This is because the plant has two different types of chlorophyll, which gives the leaves their unique coloration.
Q: Can I grow a philodendron ring of fire in water?
A: Yes, it can be grown in water. However, ensuring the water is clean and free of chemicals is essential. You should also change the water weekly to prevent the roots from rotting.
Q: How often should I fertilize the plant?
A: You should fertilize your philodendron every two weeks during the growing season. During the winter, you can reduce the frequency to once a month.
Q: Why are brown spots on my philodendrons leaves?
A: Brown spots on philodendron leaves are usually caused by leaf spot, a fungal disease. If you see brown spots on the leaves of your plant, you should remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide.
Q: Why is my plant turning yellow?
A: If the leaves of your philodendron are turning yellow, it could be due to several reasons. It could signify that the plant is getting too much or too little water.
It could also be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. If you think your plant is turning yellow because of a nutrient deficiency, you can fertilize it with a proper fertilizer or compost.
Q: What is the philodendron ring of fire’s natural habitat?
A: The Ring of fire is native to the tropical regions of South America. It grows in rain forests, on the banks of rivers and streams, and in other moist areas.
Q: Why are my philodendron ring of fire plant leaves wilting?
A: If the leaves of your philodendron are wilting, it could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Ensure you’re regularly watering your plant and that the soil is moist.
You should also check your pot’s drainage to ensure that the plant is not sitting in water. If you think your plant is wilting because of a nutrient deficiency, you can fertilize it with a proper fertilizer.
Q: What plants are similar to the Ring of Fire?
A: Some philodendron varieties that are similar to the rare Ring of Fire include the following:
Q: Where can I buy a Philodendron Ring of Fire plant?
A: The Philodendron Ring of Fire is a rare plant, so it can be challenging to find. You may be able to find one at a specialty nursery or online plant retailer.
Etsy is an excellent place to look at your local plant swap meets. A real Ring of Fire could cost you anywhere from $50 to $5000.
Q: Why are the tips of my plant turning brown?
A: If the tips of your plant are turning brown, it could be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Ensure you’re regularly watering your plant and that the soil is moist.
You should also check your pot’s drainage to ensure that the plant is not sitting in water. If you think your plant is turning brown because of a nutrient deficiency, you will need to fertilize it and see if it rebounds.
Conclusion
The philodendron ring of fire is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that makes a great addition to any home. It is a beautiful and unique plant that makes a great addition to any home. Its vibrant colors and attractive shape are sure to add a touch of flair to any room.
So if you’re looking for a plant that’s both beautiful and easy to care for, the Fire plant is a perfect choice!
