The Philodendron red king has its roots in the tropical areas of South America, it prefers warm climates having high levels of humidity to flourish. This species of Philodendrons is relatively easy to look after and requires regular watering.
It is an eye-catching plant that adds a splash of color to any room. Having leaves that are dark green in color with a reddish tint. It is certainly a great choice for plant enthusiasts who prefers low-maintenance plants.
Philodendron Red King Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
Features of the Philodendron Red King Plant Features
Structure
This plant is characterized by its vibrant leaves. It is a striking plant having typically red colored leaves, many a time these leaves also display numerous shades of pink, yellow, as well as orange. It grows up to reach about 100 to 120 cm.
Size
The Philodendron red king is a decorative houseplant that can reach up to 3 to 4 inches in length.
Leaves
It possesses sword-shaped, glossy leaves. The new leaves have red vivid coloration and gradually fade into pale orange color. These pale orange-colored leaves turn yellow and eventually mature into a glossy, deep green color.
Toxicity
These Philodendron species have a low toxicity. because they contain calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble and can cause severe mouth and stomach discomfort when consumed.
Other symptoms include vomiting, drooling, nausea, difficulty in swallowing, etc. It is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible if these plants are ingested.
Dormancy
Although this variety of Philodendron does not enter a true period of dormancy, however, it displays a slow growth rate during the winter season. This is why it is advised to reduce watering your red king philodendron during these months.
Philodendron Red King Care
Similar to other Philodendrons, the red king philodendron is also very easy to look after and generally an excellent addition for anyone who’s looking for a low-maintenance plant. It grows at a fast pace and does not need a lot of care.
This variety of Philodendrons needs to be regularly fertilized during its growing season. It prefers moist soil that is not too dry, or too wet. These plants tend to grow well in bright and indirect sunlight. Make sure to reduce their watering and fertilizer in the winter season.
Quick Care Guide:
Water: Once every 9 days.
Sunlight: Moderate to bright sunlight.
Soil: Well-aerated, loose soil that is enriched with organic matter.
Temperature: Prefers temperature between 70 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity: Thrives in humidity levels above 50 percent.
Fertilizer: Use a liquid fertilizer in the summer and spring seasons
Pruning: As required, preferable during the summer and spring seasons.
Re-potting: Once every year, or as needed
Water Requirement
The Philodendron red king requires to be watered once every nine days in its active growing seasons. This variety of Philodendrons also benefits from misting. However, keep in mind to never overwater your plant to avoid root rot and many other diseases.
Sunlight Requirement
The Philodendron red king thrives in moderate to bright sunlight. It is advised to provide indirect or diffused sunlight to avoid your plant from burning. However, this variety is able to tolerate short duration of time in direct sunlight as well.
Soil Requirement
This variety thrives in loose, well-aerated soil that is enriched with organic matter. The preferred pH of soil range from neutral to slightly acidic.
Temperature Requirement
It does well in warm temperatures and it is unable to tolerate cold temperatures. The preferred temperatures range between 70 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It must be kept in consideration that Philodendron red king is a tropical species and thus, it requires warm temperatures and high humidity levels in order to thrive.
Humidity Requirement
The plant does well in well humid environments. It also benefits from misting. However, this species is also able to tolerate low humidity levels but it will have to compromise its health in order to survive.
Fertilizer Requirement
During the summer and spring seasons, this species should be fertilized using a liquid fertilizer once every 14 days. Keep in mind to dilute the fertilizer to half of the recommended strength in order to eliminate the chances of root burn.
Repotting Requirement
The philodendron red queen is a fast-growing species of Philodendron. Re-pot your plant once a year or as required. However, it is recommended to re-pot them during the spring season. If you want to re-pot your plant, follow the below-given instructions in order to re-pot your plant successfully.
- Water your plant at least 24 hours prior to re-potting.
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
- Examine the plant to remove any dead or damaged roots.
- Inspect the plant for any pests or root rot.
- Gently place your plant in its new pot.
- Fill the pot with new potting soil.
- Do not forget to water your plant once you are done with re-potting it.
Pruning Requirement
As mentioned earlier, the Philodendron red king is a fast-growing species of Philodendron, so you can prune this plant whenever necessary. Make sure to prune during the summer or spring seasons to enhance new growth.
Growth Zones
It thrives well in USDA zones 10.
Philodendron Red King Propagation
The Philodendron red king can be propagated by stem cuttings as well as by division. If you wish to propagate this tropical species, read the instructions below to propagate them successfully.
Propagation By Stem Cuttings
Follow the instructions listed below to propagate your red king philodendron from stem cuttings.
- Cut a stem that is in good health and has two leaves or more.
- Take off the leaves from your cuttings’ bottom two-thirds.
- Put your cuttings in a hormone for rooting.
- Put these cuttings in a planter with potting soil that drains properly.
- Create a greenhouse effect by wrapping the soil in plastic wrap to keep it damp.
- Put the pot in a warm, sunny location.
- The roots will start to show in two weeks.
Propagation by Division
Follow the instructions listed below to propagate your red king philodendron by division.
- Select a healthy plant having several stems.
- With a sharp pair of scissors or knives, gently split the root ball into 2 or 3 parts.
- Plant each root section in pots filled with well-aerated, loose soil that is enriched with organic matter.
- Water thoroughly and keep the pots under bright and indirect sunlight.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron red king is a total stunner and adds a splash of color to any indoor space. It is a statement piece that is sure to turn heads. Make sure to provide it with bright sunlight, sufficient water, fertilizer, temperature, and humidity for your plant to thrive. Being a low-maintenance plant, it is highly desired by plant owners who don’t want to invest much of their time looking after plants.
