The Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen is an extremely unique and quite rare species of Philodendron. This species is reported to be found only in the mountainous regions of Central Mexico.
These beautiful species are relatively easier to look after and are beginner friendly. With their dark green leaves having a reddish underside it certainly makes an excellent addition to any area it is planted in.
Due to their extremely aesthetically pleasing appearance, this rare species of Philodendron without a doubt adds up a welcoming tropical essence to your home, office, or your garden.
To get to know more about the unique Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen, read this article.
Philodendron Tuxtlanum Red Queen Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
History
The Philodendron tuxtlanum is a rare species of Philodendron belonging to the family Araceae. This species was first scientifically identified by T. Bernard Croat in the year 1997. Since then, this beautiful species is highly sought after by aroid collectors.
Features of Philodendron Tuxtlanum Red Queen Plant
Structure
This plant has an aesthetically pleasing and quite unique appearance. This species of Philodendrons can grow up to 5 to 6 feet long within a year.
As the name “Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen” suggests these plants have glossy and dark green leaves having red undersides. The unique elongated and heart-shaped leaves add more beauty to these plants. Mature leaves can reach up to 1 to 2 feet long.
Size
This rare species of Philodendron is a fast-growing plant that can easily grow up to 5 to 6 feet long within a year.
Leaves
Mature leaves of Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen are able to reach up to 1 to 2 feet in length. As the name suggests, the glossy, dark green leaves of this beautiful species always have notable red or maroon undersides, giving them a beautiful aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Flowers
Generally, the Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen produces flowers throughout the year. However, the production of flowers typically increases after the onset of dry or rainy seasons.
The spathe of this rare plant is greenish to pale yellow, spadix can reach up to 7 mm in length and is slightly tapered toward its apex.
Toxicity
Similar to other Philodendrons, this plant is also toxic. It also contains calcium oxalate crystals and upon ingestion, it can cause an upset stomach, along with severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain, etc. This poisonous species can also induce skin irritation as well as irritation to the mucous membranes.
If you own this plant, make sure to keep it out of reach of children and pets. And if this plant is ingested then seek immediate medical attention to avoid risks of any severe health complications.
Dormancy
Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen, just like its sister species is also a deciduous plant. It goes through a dormant period during the winter season. During dormancy, these plants will lose their leaves and need fewer amounts of water.
Philodendron Tuxtlanum Red Queen Care
The Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen is relatively easy to grow and needs minimum care whether it is kept indoors or outdoors. These tropical plants can be grown indoors as well as outdoors just like other aroids. These rare species have the same requirements as that other Philodendrons.
These plants flourish in moist soil enriched with organic matter. Make sure to never overwater your plant to avoid any chances of root rot or fungal infections. They prefer to grow in temperatures ranging from 55° F to 80° F.
Quick Care Guide
- Water: Once or twice in 7 days.
- Sunlight: Indirect but bright sunlight.
- Soil: Thrives well in aerated and well-draining soil.
- Temperature: Ideally, this plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 55° F to 80° F.
- Humidity: Prefers to grow in environments having about 70 percent to 90 percent humidity.
- Fertilizer: Slow-release fertilizer must be given three times a year.
- Pruning: Once in a year prior to the growing period, or as needed.
- Re-potting: After every 2 years, or as required.
Water Requirements
This tropical plant needs to be watered once or twice a week. Keep in mind to let the soil dry out in between each watering so as to avoid the risks of overwatering. Philodendron tuxtlanum Red Queen requires fewer amounts of water during the winter season as compared to the summer months.
To check whether your plant needs to be watered, place your finger in the soil about 1 inch deep. If the soil is dry it certainly means that your Philodendron needs water. However on the contrary, if the soil is moist, then do not water your Philodendron until the soil dries completely.
Sunlight Requirements
This plant, similar to every other Philodendron, also thrives well in indirect yet bright sunlight. Make sure to place your plant in an area having access to sufficient indirect or diffused sunlight. This is because the Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen will scorch if placed under direct sunlight.
Soil Requirements
This rare Philodendron prefers to grow in well-draining and aerated potting soil that is evenly moist and not muddy. The soil should be enriched with organic matter in order to ensure healthy and faster growth of your plant.
Ideally, the potting mix for this plant must be one part vermiculite one part pear, and one part perlite. Make sure to keep your plant away from mucky, sandy, dry, or wet soils.
Temperature Requirements
The Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen flourishes well in environments that have a temperature ranging from 50° F up to 80° F. Keep in mind that this plant becomes dormant during the winter period and therefore, it does not thrives well in cold environments.
Humidity Requirements
Like every other Philodendron, this species also thrives well in areas having high levels of humidity. In order to grow well, these plants need approximately 70 percent to 90 percent humidity levels.
If you inhabit an area having low levels of humidity, you can increase humidity levels by following various techniques. Some ways by which you can increase the humidity near your plant are discussed below.
- Use a humidifier
- Try misting the leaves of your plant with water.
- Place a container filled with water near your Philodendron.
Fertilizer Requirements
In order to aid your Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen to grow fast and healthier, you need to fertilize it sparingly thrice a year. Use a slow-release fertilizer at least about 6 inches away from the base. If you do not fertilize your Philodendron, they will grow relatively slowly and might not be as healthy comparatively.
Keep in mind to invest in a good quality fertilizer due to the reason that cheap fertilizers carry heavy salts that can cause the roots of your Philodendron to deteriorate. Do not fertilize your plant during its dormancy period.
Repotting Requirements
Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen is a fast-growing species of Philodendron. Re-pot your plant whenever you feel necessary, however, it is recommended to re-pot them during the spring season.
These tropical plants will comparatively require to be less frequently re-potted as they mature. If your Philodendron has doubled its pot, follow the below-given instructions in order to re-pot your plant successfully.
- Water your plant at least 24 hours prior to re-potting.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot.
- Examine the plant carefully to remove any dead or damaged roots.
- Inspect the plant for any pests or root rot.
- Carefully 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 Requirements
As a fast-growing plant, the Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen requires to be pruned at least once a year prior to its growing season. Keep in mind to prune your plant in early spring or during late winter. The plants will require to be pruned less frequently as they mature.
Growth Zones
This tropical aroid flourishes well if grown in zone 9b to 11.
Philodendron Tuxtlanum Red Queen Propagation
The Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen can easily be propagated through stem cuttings. Make sure to propagate your Philodendron during the spring or summer season. If you wish to propagate this plant, then carefully follow the below-given instructions.
- Sterile a sharp pair of scissors or knives.
- Cut a stem that is a minimum of six inches long and carries at least 2 leaves.
- Separate lower leaves from your cutting.
- Place the cuttings in a container filled with water.
- Make sure to keep changing the water regularly.
- Once your cutting starts to sprout roots, place them in a pot filled with potting soil.
- Water your plant thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
Philodendron is without a doubt one of the best and most eye-catching genera. There is a wide range of species that are highly desired by many plant enthusiasts. However, the Philodendron tuxtlanum is definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing species of Philodendrons.
This tropical species is quite rare and is only reported from the mountains of central Mexico. This species is definitely a showstopper due to having glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves having red or maroon undersides. If you want to become a plant parent of an unusual yet gorgeous Philodendron, look no further than the Philodendron tuxtlanum red queen.
