Fan of dark-colored indoor plants? You are at the right place. Dark Lord and Black Cardinal are two popular Philodendron varieties with a striking resemblance. However, each of these has its unique feature helping you choose according to your taste and requirements. Want to know more? Keep reading for a nifty comparison between Philodendron Dark Lord VS Black Cardinal.
Before we opt for the comparison, let us have a brief introduction about each of them:
Philodendron Dark Lord
The beautiful foliage of Dark Lord makes it a rare and expensive plant variety. It can get about 6 feet tall in a suitable environment. This large size makes it a popular choice for large indoor places. Leaves are large, deeply lobed, dark green with prominent purple vein patterns throughout the surface.
Philodendron Black Cardinal
This plant with unique foliage grows blackish glossy leaves with a prominent reddish tint. These are smaller in size and have pointed tips.
This plant usually remains about three to four feet tall and around 2 feet wide. Moreover, it is a slow and self-growing plant making it suitable for medium to small places.
Philodendron Dark Lord VS Black Cardinal
Let us compare these two, beautiful and glossy, dark-leafed plants:
Size:
The dark lord is a large plant, with a capacity of getting about 6 feet tall. On the other hand, the Cardinal is a comparatively smaller plant, getting no more than 4 feet high.
Light Conditions:
Besides the size, the difference in light requirements is the next main difference between Philodendron Dark Lord and Black Cardinal.
The former is more tolerant towards low light as compared to the latter. Thus, you can easily choose one according to the light of your home or office.
Growth Rate:
Philo Lord is a fast-growing and non-compact grower. Alternatively, Black Cardinal is a slow-growing and self-heading plant. You will be surprised to know that it may take as long as ten years to reach its mature height.
Humidity:
Both of these plants dwell pretty well in a humidity range of 70 to 85%. However, the Dark Lord will love as much humidity as you can provide. Alternatively, the Dark lord shows good resistance to lower humidity levels as well.
Resilience:
Dark Lord is generally known to be a resilient Philodendron, especially in comparison to the other one.
Philodendron Dark Lord VS Black Cardinal Care
Both of these are typical easy-to-care Philodendrons:
Water Requirements
The key to Philodendron is to drench the soil and wait for it to get dry before the next watering.
Light Requirements
Both of these beauties like to stay in bright indirect light. However, Dark Lord shows good resilience towards low light conditions.
Fertilizer Requirements
Using a good quality balanced fertilizer once a month in spring and summer is a good choice for both of these Philos. Also, some fertilizing products are meant to be used once every two to three months. You just have to choose according to your requirements and schedule.
Soil Requirement
Just like all other Philodendrons, these two also need good quality and well-draining soil.
Which plant should I get? Philodendron Dark Lord or Black Cardinal?
If you are looking for a no-fuss, large-sized Philodendron for under-lit spaces and lower humidity, then Dark Lord is the best choice for you.
On the other hand, a small to medium-sized Philo with glossy black leaves are a suitable option for relatively smaller places.
Summary
Philodendron Dark Lord VS Black Cardinal is a common comparison for people looking for an easy plant with Dark foliage. Although they have confusing resemblance, still some features are helping you choose one according to your requirements.
The dark lord is a dark-foliage, large, quick growing and resilient plant. On the other hand, Black Cardinal has glossy black leaves with a reddish tint. It is a slow grower in medium size, preferable for confined places.
