Nature is shown in many different ways and can be considered a blessing to us, humans. One of the most astonishing things you will see is this plant, which is considered one of the rarest species of the black cardinal cultivar, and it’s one of the most eye-catching and unique plants with different colors emerging from its leaves. These plants are found in South America and can be identified from far because of their dark coloration and a glimpse of red found in their leaves along with a black tone. Philodendron black cardinal plant is considered the perfect beginner’s plant because they are not high maintenance, and can be easily taken care of. They are an indoor plant because they are best grown in shade, with a warm and bright surrounding.
Philodendron Black Cardinal Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
Species: Black cardinal
Genus’s philodendron:
C plumier was the person who introduced the vast and famous genus in the 16th century. It ended up gaining popularity in different fields. Philodendron black cardinal has almost up to 450 species of climbing herbs from the Araceae family. They are popular plants kept in homes and offices, and some are indoor and some require outdoor spaces.
Features of the Philodendron Black Cardinal Plant
Size:
When these plants are kept indoors, due to all the advantages that it has, of keeping it inside, can grow up to 3 foot and 1 meter in length. The everlasting plant has qualities that of a shrub and can grow 1.5 feet or 50 cm in width full grown.
Leaves:
Talking about the leaves, those can differ, but the ideal size of the leaf is 1 foot long and 8 inches wide, which is a full mature leaf.
Toxicity:
This plant is considered toxic to be consumed, whoever does consume it, can feel a burning sensation on lips, mouth, tongue, and can be a victim to swelling as well. It’s categorized as a toxic plant, due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, which can harm pets as well.
Philodendron Black Cardinal Care
Many people assume that black cardinal philodendron care is easy, and a piece of cake because it is indeed designed for and suitable for beginners. But, many requirements such as those of water, light, temperature, humidity, make the job a little tricky.
Quick guide:
Water: Moderate
Sunlight: Bright but indirect light, shade/part shade
Humidity: Medium
Fertilizer: Every month during certain seasons and every 6-8 weeks in a certain season
Light requirements
The black cardinal plant will grow its ideal amount only if it’s positioned in bright, but indirect light, when kept in direct light, the plant might not be able to grow to its full potential. If the leaves are becoming long and are not straight up, but are sort of giving a falling effect, then that’s a sign, that the Philo black cardinal isn’t getting the required light.
To solve that, change the place, and keep it where all its requirements are being fulfilled. A sign that your plant is getting too much light is that it starts developing a yellow effect on the leaves and that can end up looking rusty. To avoid that, change its place. But the sign can be counted as a sign of too much light only if not all but most leaves are starting to look yellow, but if it’s only one, then there is nothing to stress about as it’s natural.
Temperature
Philodendron black cardinal plant, thrive, in warmer conditions. The area where it is kept should consist of a temperature starting from 65°F and ending at 78°F.
If you keep a plant either less or more than this temperature, it can end up growing health issues, or the growth might not be to its full potential. In winter months, they are required to keep inside, because they can be frost sensitive, as most philodendrons above mentioned, are.
Humidity
What philodendron black cardinal care need is, a medium humidity that will keep the plant safe and happy. There are certain ideal locations in the house where the plant can be kept and those are the living room, bathroom, and kitchen.
Greenhouses are another place they can happily be in, and it’s feasible for people as well, as they can easily control the environment inside. You might see that the growth is seized, or the plant is performing badly when the humidity level is getting out of the ideal range.
Watering requirements
You should water Philo black cardinal plant only when the soil on the top is dry and breaking out. And whilst you are watering, don’t leave any dry spot, and thoroughly reach all the roots, allowing the water to seep in. One of the signs that can aware you of whether or not your plant is thirsty is when the leaves are falling or dropping.
Fertilizing requirements
The fertilizing requirements of the black philodendron plant solely depend on what the season is because as the season changes, the requirements of the plant changes as well. During spring and summer, the black cardinal plant should be fertilized every month, to be able to grow at its full potential by getting all the desired nutrients.
During autumn and winter, every 6-8 weeks is feasible as they don’t require the nutrients on a large scale in those seasons. Balanced liquid fertilizers are a must-have to do so. The growing season in summer and spring, if the plant is performing poorly, that’s a sign that they aren’t receiving enough nutrients.
It could be, water or sunlight issues as well, but assuming if that all is fulfilled and accurate, then it’s definitely fertilizing. If the new leaves are developed into pale colors, it’s a clear sign, that there is a deficiency of magnesium and calcium. Calcium plays an important part in helping the plant conduct its vital roles, so a deficiency in this, can be harmful.
Soil requirements
Black cardinal philodendron care has some requirements related to soil, as well, so they can grow maturely. It requires rich, well-draining soil. The addition of perlite into the soil also helps stay away from issues such as root rot.
Repotting requirements
The plant requires repotting every few years, depending on its specific kind of growth. Plants that are having all their requirements fulfilled will bloom into a better plant than a damaged one will.
When black cardinal has reached the full potential of that pot, its time to shift it into something a few inches larger
- You should start with watering the soil for few hours to make it soft so that it can easily be pulled out.
- When you have taken them out of the pot, check them and see if they are detangled or not.
- Replant into a new container, that should be bigger in size, with appropriate soil, and in which all the requirements will be fulfilled.
- Water it thoroughly so that the roots get settled into their new containers.
Pruning requirements
Philodendron black cardinal variegated plants don’t require much pruning, as the leaves get older, and the yellow effect starts setting in, you would want to trim those damaged parts. Keep your plant small by pruning as much as you would like to.
Philodendron Black Cardinal Propagation
It would be wrong to say that it’s easy to propagate the Philo black cardinal plant, due to it being rare.
Stem cutting propagation
- Take a stem cutting, and root it in the water, you can do this, by cutting a small piece of your philodendron from the base and putting it into a smaller container with water.
- Water is supposed to be changed every day, until some white bumps become visible, and begin to grow in the roots. Stick these cuttings into the soil, and there you go.
- Repotting is also a good time to propagate the plant, carefully cut a section of roots with their respective stems, once they are separated from the mother clump, you can repot it as a separate plant in its own container.
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Summary
Philodendron black cardinal is a rare species that have a lot of colors emerging from its leaves, but keeping aside the beauty that it holds, the care of this plant is as important as beauty is, and it includes, water requirements, sunlight, fertilizer, repotting, pruning, humidity and whatnot.
The plant can grow up to 3 feet, according to space and environment. You have to keep it in moist soil, with medium humidity, and a place where there is shade, but is bright with indirect lighting and has a warm temperature and it would thrive.
This plant is a nice choice for beginners, who wants some indoor plants, to take care of, or maybe people who have greenhouses and require plants that they can control. but one of the disadvantages is that, as most philodendrons, this one is too toxic, so make sure to keep kids and animals away from them.
