If you’re looking for a stunning houseplant to add to your collection, look no further than the Philodendron rubrijuvenilum, also known as the El Choco Red.
This easy-to-care-for species is a member of the Araceae family and originates from the rainforests of the El Chocó region of Colombia. Its name comes from its reddish coloration when it is still in its juvenile stage.
The Philodendron rubrijuvenilum is a terrestrial or short hemiepiphytic species that boasts soft, velvety, and luminous foliage.
Its heart-shaped leaves are dark green with deep veins and have a striking red underside. This exotic plant is one of the most desirable Aroids out there for its jaw-dropping beauty, making it a popular choice for plant collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Caring for your Philodendron rubrijuvenilum is relatively easy, as it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry, and be sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
With proper care, your Philodendron rubrijuvenilum will thrive and add a touch of tropical beauty to your home or office.
What is Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum?
If you’re looking for a stunning and unique plant to add to your collection, Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum might be just what you’re looking for.
This slow-climbing Philodendron is a member of the Araceae family and is native to the tropical rainforests of South America.
Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum is a relatively new species, having only been discovered and named in the past few years. It is known for its beautiful, velvety leaves that are a deep green color with reddish-purple undersides.
The leaves can grow up to 20cm long and 10cm wide, making this plant a real showstopper.
This plant is also known for its ease of care, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice plant owners. It prefers bright, indirect light and should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
It can be propagated easily from stem cuttings, which makes it a great choice for sharing with friends or expanding your collection.
Characteristics of Philodendron el Choco Red
Foliage
Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum is a beautiful plant with unique foliage. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a deep green color with a reddish-purple tint on the undersides.
The leaves are also velvety and have a slightly rough texture. The veins on the leaves are light green and stand out against the dark green background.
Growth Habit
Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 3 feet in height. It has a self-heading growth habit, which means it grows upright and doesn’t vine like other philodendrons. The stems are thick and sturdy, and the plant can grow quite bushy with age.
You can use a moss pole to help it climb and keep it sturdy. It seems to help the growth of the plant to have something to grab onto.
Flowers
Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The flowers are not the main attraction of this plant, as it is grown primarily for its beautiful foliage.
How to Care for Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum
Light
Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so it’s best to place it near a window with filtered light or in a spot with bright, indirect light. If you notice its leaves turning yellow or brown, it may be getting too much light.
You can start by measuring the light intensity in the area where you plan to keep the plant. You can use a lux meter to do this. Rubrijuvenilum prefers bright, indirect light, so aim for a reading of around 5000-7000 lux.
If the light in your space is too low, you can consider supplementing with artificial light. A grow light with a full spectrum of light wavelengths is ideal for promoting growth and flowering. Place the grow light around 6-8 inches above the plant and keep it on for 12-14 hours a day.
If the light is too intense, you may need to diffuse or filter it to prevent the leaves from burning. You can do this by placing a sheer curtain or shade cloth between the plant and the window or using a white sheer curtain to soften the light.
Regularly monitor the light levels to ensure that they remain within the optimal range. As the seasons change, the amount of light your plant receives may also change, so adjust accordingly.
Watering
Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to dehydration and stress.
When watering, make sure to saturate the soil evenly. Water until the excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, and then discard any excess water that has accumulated in the saucer.
Tip: Use room temperature water that has been allowed to sit out for at least 24 hours. This will allow any chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate, which can be harmful to the plant.
Avoid getting water on the leaves of the plant, as this can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Instead, water the soil directly.
Be mindful of the specific watering needs of your plant. Different plants have different water requirements, depending on factors such as their size, type, and growing conditions.
During periods of active growth, you may need to water your plant more frequently. Conversely, during the winter or dormant period, you may need to water less frequently.
Monitor your plant regularly for signs of overwatering or underwatering. Signs of overwatering can include yellowing leaves, wilting, and mold growth. Signs of underwatering can include drooping leaves, dry soil, and brown leaf edges.
Soil
Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum prefers well-draining soil that retains some moisture. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can work well. Avoid using heavy soils that can retain too much water and cause root rot.
Here’s a recipe for a soil mix that you can use for your Philodendron el Choco Red:
Ingredients:
- 1 part peat moss or coco coir
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
- 1 part compost or worm castings
- 1/2 part vermiculite or pumice
Instructions:
- In a large container, mix together the peat moss or coco coir, perlite or coarse sand, compost or worm castings, and vermiculite or pumice until well combined.
- Adjust the moisture level of the soil mix as needed by adding water or more dry ingredients until the soil is moist but not soggy.
- Use the soil mix to fill your Rubrijuvenilum’s pot, leaving a small gap at the top of the pot for watering.
- When planting, make sure to gently loosen the plant’s roots and place the plant in the center of the pot. Add additional soil mix around the plant until the soil level reaches the base of the plant’s stem.
- Water the plant thoroughly and allow any excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
- Check the soil moisture level regularly, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
By using this soil mix, you can ensure that your Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum has the proper soil requirements for optimal growth and health.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) and high humidity.
You can increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing a tray of water near the plant. If the air in your home is dry, you can also use a humidifier.
Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) or sudden temperature fluctuations, as this can cause damage to the leaves.
In addition to temperature and humidity, it’s important to keep your Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum away from cold drafts, direct sunlight, and extreme temperature changes.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil.
Here are some organic fertilizer options that are suitable for this plant:
Compost
Compost is a great all-purpose organic fertilizer that provides a slow-release source of nutrients. You can add compost to the soil mix when planting, or as a top dressing around the base of the plant.
Worm Castings
Worm castings are a rich source of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can mix worm castings into the soil mix, or add them as a top dressing around the base of the plant.
Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion is a liquid fertilizer made from fish waste. It provides a quick source of nutrients and is high in nitrogen, which promotes leaf growth. You can dilute fish emulsion with water and apply it to the plant according to the package instructions.
Seaweed Extract
Seaweed extract is a liquid fertilizer made from seaweed. It is high in micronutrients and trace elements, which can improve plant health and resilience. You can dilute seaweed extract with water and apply it to the plant according to the package instructions.
Bone Meal
Bone meal is a slow-release organic fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. It can promote root growth and flower formation. You can mix bone meal into the soil mix when planting, or as a top dressing around the base of the plant.
When using organic fertilizers, it’s important to follow the package instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to fertilizer burn or nutrient toxicity.
A general guideline for fertilizing Philodendrons is to apply fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer), and reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant period (fall and winter).
Propagation
You can propagate your Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum through stem cuttings. Take a cutting with at least two leaves and a node, and place it in water or moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in bright, indirect light until it develops roots.
Here’s how to propagate your plant through Stem Cuttings:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least two nodes (the point where the leaf meets the stem).
- Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below the lowest node.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top.
- If desired, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
- Plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
- Cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment, which will help the cutting to root.
- Place the pot in a bright, but indirect light location, and avoid direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and mist the cutting with water regularly to maintain humidity.
- After 4-6 weeks, check for roots by gently tugging on the stem cutting. If you feel resistance, the roots have formed, and you can remove the plastic bag or dome.
- Once the cutting has established roots, you can transplant it into a larger pot and treat it as you would a mature plant.
Here’s how to propagate your plant through Division:
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and carefully tease apart the roots.
- Look for natural divisions or sections where the plant can be separated into smaller plants. Each section should have several leaves and a healthy root system.
- Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to divide the plant into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a good balance of roots and leaves.
- Plant each section in its own pot filled with well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
- Cover the pots with plastic bags or domes to create a humid environment, which will help the plants to establish.
- Place the pots in a bright, but indirect light location, and avoid direct sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and mist the plants with water regularly to maintain humidity.
- After a few weeks, check for signs of new growth and root development. Once the plants have established themselves, you can remove the plastic bags or domes.
Propagation is a fun and rewarding way to increase your Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum collection or share plants with friends and family. With a little patience and care, you can successfully propagate your plant and enjoy watching it grow
Common Problems and Solutions
While philodendron rubrijuvenilum is a relatively low-maintenance plant, it can still experience some common problems.
Here are some solutions to these issues:
Pests and Diseases
If you notice any pests on your philodendron rubrijuvenilum, such as spider mites or mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
If the plant is suffering from a disease, such as root rot or bacterial leaf spot, you may need to remove affected leaves or even repot the plant in fresh soil.
Yellowing Leaves
If the leaves of your philodendron rubrijuvenilum are turning yellow, it may be due to overwatering.
Make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. If the plant is not getting enough light, it may also cause yellowing leaves. Move the plant to a brighter location if necessary.
Wilting Leaves
Wilting leaves on your philodendron rubrijuvenilum may indicate that the plant is not getting enough water.
Check the soil moisture and water the plant thoroughly if it is dry. If the soil is consistently wet, it may be a sign of root rot. In this case, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil and cut away any damaged roots.
Brown Spots on Leaves
Brown spots on the leaves of your philodendron rubrijuvenilum may be caused by too much direct sunlight or cold drafts.
Move the plant to a location with indirect sunlight and away from any cold drafts. If the soil is too dry, it may also cause brown spots. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
FAQs
Q: Is the Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red toxic to pets?
A: Yes, the Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red is toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and children.
Q: Is the Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red a rare plant?
A: Yes, the Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red is considered a rare plant. It is a relatively new cultivar that was discovered in 2013 in the El Chocó region of Ecuador.
The plant has since gained popularity among collectors and enthusiasts for its unique red stems and attractive foliage. Due to its rarity, the Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red can be difficult to find and may be more expensive than other philodendron varieties.
Q: What are some similar plants to the El Choco Red?
A: If you like the Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red, here are some similar plants that you may also enjoy:
- Philodendron Prince of Orange: This philodendron variety has bright orange new growth that matures into deep green leaves.
- Philodendron Black Cardinal: This philodendron has deep red stems and burgundy-black leaves.
- Philodendron Red Emerald: This philodendron has striking red stems and glossy, deep green leaves.
- Philodendron Moonlight: This philodendron has bright yellow-green leaves that mature into a deeper green color.
- Anthurium clarinervium: This plant has striking veined, heart-shaped leaves that are velvety to the touch and a deep green color.
- Syngonium podophyllum: This plant has arrow-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors, including green, white, and pink.
All of these plants are tropical in nature and have similar care requirements to the Philodendron Rubrijuvenilum El Choco Red. They prefer bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering and fertilizing.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron rubrijuvenilum is a beautiful and unique plant that can add a pop of color to any indoor space. It is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, as long as it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that can add some visual interest to your home or office, Philodendron rubrijuvenilum is definitely worth considering.
With its stunning red foliage and easy care requirements, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
