Looking forward to bringing some colorful excitement to your living areas? Then look no more than this bewitching plant, Philodendron Ruby.
Among all the lovely philodendrons you have ever seen, Ruby is the one with the most striking appearance ever. Donned with burgundy stems, lush dark green leaves, and a mild red hue underside, this plant is truly a living piece of art.
Native to the rainforests of French Guiana, Brazil, and Suriname, this evergreen tropical plant is ideal to keep indoors for many reasons including air purification, trapping dust, inducing calming feeling, and helping to make you feel better and alert.
If you want to give a dramatic charm to your drawing rooms, but can’t give a lot of time to your plants, then Philodendron Ruby is an ideal plant for you. Keep reading to learn some amazing facts and know-how to take care of this enthralling plant.
About
As mentioned earlier, Philodendron Ruby is an evergreen climber that originates from the tropical forests of South America.
It is a fast-growing plant and can quickly reach its maximum height of about 65 cm if provided with ideal growing conditions.
The large, glossy, and multi-colored leaves of this plant make it a perfect addition to any indoor space.
It is an air-purifying plant that can help you get rid of many harmful pollutants from the air including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene. This plant is also known to help reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote a feeling of calmness.
Common Name And Synonym
Some common names and synonyms for philodendron ruby or Philo Ruby are Philodendron Burgandy and Philodendron erubescens
Philodendron Ruby or Ruby Philodendron is often referred to as Red Emerald for both plants share striking similarities. However, one can see differences while observing both plants closely.
Features of Philodendron Ruby
Height
Philodendron ruby is the fastest-growing philodendron that can grow up to 25 cm in height and 5-6 inches wide if given ideal care and environment.
Foliage
The foliage is dark green with a red hue on the underside. Each leaf measures around 4-8 inches in length and 2-4 inches in width. The leaves are glossy and come in lanceolate, oblong, and cordate shapes with a smooth, leathery surface. The stems of this plant are thick and deep wine-colored, holding this shrub together as a bunch.
Evergreen and Durable
Philodendron Ruby is evergreen in nature, which means it will not lose its leaves and will look attractive all year long. Also, it is a very durable plant that can survive in extreme conditions.
Toxicity
This plant is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. The sap of the plant can irritate the throat and esophagus. If you have pets at home, it is best to keep this plant out of their reach.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a dormant phase during winter when the growth rate slows down and the leaves start to fall off. However, this is not something to worry about as the plant will start growing again in spring.
Maintenance
Philodendron Ruby is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much care and attention. However, like any other plant, It also needs favorable conditions and an environment to thrive.
Drought Tolerance
This plant is drought-tolerant, which means it can survive in dry conditions for a short period without water. However, it is best to water this plant when the soil gets dry to keep it healthy and happy.
Natural Air Purifier
Philodendron Ruby is a natural air purifier that can help you get rid of many harmful pollutants from the air. It is known to be especially effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air.
Calming Effect
This plant has a calming effect on both humans and animals. It can help reduce stress and anxiety levels and promote a feeling of calmness. Also, the bright striking colors help in increasing creativity and make the mood better.
Philodendron Ruby Care
Philodendron Ruby is not only a mere plant but nature’s best piece of art. Its beautiful and glaring leaves with glossy surfaces can make any place feel like an art gallery. But the more delicate something is, the more care it requires.
Don’t worry, this plant doesn’t demand a lot of attention or babysitting. Just remember these few requirements and tips to keep your plant healthy for many years to come.
Quick Care Guide
| Water | Frequent, light watering (twice a week) |
| Light | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Humidity | High Humidity, 60-80% ideally |
| Fertilizer | Every month during the growing season |
| Repotting | Larger pot to plant |
| Soil | Rich, well-draining soil |
| Grooming & Pruning | Only when needed |
| Placing | Warm and moist place |
Light Requirement
This plant prefers bright indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. However, direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and make them yellow. So it is best to keep this plant in a spot where it gets bright indirect light for at least 4-5 hours a day.
Water Requirement
This plant loves water and needs to be watered frequently. Once a week, shower your plant with lukewarm water to keep the leaves clean and dust-free. Also, make sure to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Too much water can lead to root rot and kill the plant.
Fertilizer Requirement
This plant needs to be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer.
However, make sure to dilute the fertilizer before using it as too much fertilizer can burn the roots and damage the plant. Also, avoid fertilizing frequently during the winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning Requirement
To keep your plant bushy and full, it is necessary to prune it regularly. Pruning also helps in promoting new growth. Every spring, cut back the stems by a few inches to encourage new growth. Also, remove any dead or dying leaves as soon as you see them.
Temperature Requirement
This plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate cold or frost. The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure to protect your plant from drafts as sudden changes in temperature can shock the plant and damage it.
Humidity Requirement
This plant loves humid conditions and requires high humidity to thrive. To increase the humidity around your plant, you can mist it with water regularly or put it on a pebble tray.
A pebble tray is a tray filled with gravel and water. The evaporation of water from the tray will increase the humidity around your plant.
Soil Requirement
This plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil. The ideal pH level for the soil should be between 6.0-7.5. You can also use potting mix or peat moss to make your well-draining soil.
Repotting Requirement
Your plant will need to be repotted every 2-3 years. When repotting, make sure to use a well-draining pot and well-draining soil. Also, take care not to damage the roots while repotting as this can shock the plant and kill it.
Placing Requirement
This plant looks great when placed in a bright spot in your home. It can also be placed in a shady spot, but it will not grow as well in low light conditions. As this aroid prefers a toasty atmosphere, so it’s better to keep it somewhere with a lot of indirect bright light, and a good amount of humidity.
How to Propagate Philodendron Ruby?
Philodendron Ruby can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. To do this, take a stem cutting of about 4-6 inches in length and remove the lower leaves.
Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Water the soil regularly and keep it warm and humid.
The roots should develop within a few weeks. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the cutting into a pot.
Pests and Diseases
This plant is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. These pests can attack your plant and suck out all the nutrients from it, eventually killing the plant. To get rid of them, you can either use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
These plants are also susceptible to root rot, which is caused by overwatering. If you see the leaves of your plant turning yellow and wilting, it is a sign that the plant is suffering from root rot. The best way to get rid of it is to replant the plant in well-draining soil.
Philodendron Ruby is a beautiful plant that makes a great addition to any home. With its bright green leaves and red stems, it is sure to add some color and life to your space. Just remember to give it the proper care and attention it needs and it will thrive for years to come.
Philodendron Ruby Common Problems and Solutions
Yellow Leaves:
If the leaves of your plant start to turn yellow, it is a sign that it is not getting enough light. Move your plant to a brighter spot and make sure to give it at least 4 hours of indirect bright light every day.
If the leaves of your plant start to turn brown and crispy, it is a sign that it is getting too much light. Move your plant to a shadier spot and make sure to give it only 2-4 hours of direct light every day.
Brown Spots on Leaves:
If you see brown spots on the leaves of your plant, it is a sign that it is getting too much direct sunlight. Move your plant to a shadier spot and make sure to give it only 2-4 hours of direct light every day.
Stretching:
Stretching is also one of the common problems for philodendrons. If the leaves of your plant start to stretch, it is a sign that it is not getting enough light. Move your plant to a brighter spot and make sure to give it at least 4 hours of indirect bright light every day.
Drooping:
If the leaves of your plant are drooping, it is a sign that it is not getting enough water. Make sure to water your plant regularly and mist it with water every few days to increase the humidity around it.
Conclusion
Philodendron Ruby is a beautiful plant that makes a great addition to any home. With its bright green leaves and red stems, it is sure to add some color and life to your space. Just remember to give it the proper care and attention it needs and it will thrive for years to come.
