The Philodendron ring of fire is an exceptionally beautiful sought-after philodendron. The distinctive beauty of this rare philodendron is because of its lobe-shaped leaves exhibiting five colors during different seasons of the year.
It is an easily manageable plant and likes moderate temperature, water, sunlight, and fertilizer. However, it is a slow-growing plant and one has to wait patiently to relish its fullest magnificence.
If you are fond of adding rare and distinctively beautiful plants to your indoor plant collection, then let’s know more about this tropical plant.
Classification of Philodendron Ring of Fire
Family: Araceae
Sub-family: Aroideae
Genus: Philodendron
Common name: Ring of fire
Unique features of philodendron genus
Philodendrons is one of the largest genera consisting of more than 450 species. The name of the genus is derived from two Greek words i.e., ‘Philo’ stands for love or friendship, and ‘dendron’ stands for a tree that means the plants belonging to this genus possess friendly nature.
Philodendrons possess peculiar growth patterns. They grow in varying habitats ranging from epiphytic and Hemi epiphytic to terrestrial. Most of the species initiate their growth as vines and then change into epiphytic plants.
The presence of variegated leaves exhibiting varying color patterns further beautify these plants. The size, shape, color, and texture of leaves are different in the case of every species.
The plant belonging to this genus also produces a flower. The color of flowers also varies in the case of every species and are either orange berry or white.
Another interesting feature of philodendrons is their climbing nature. This attribute is beneficial as young plants capable of thriving in moderate light levels can produce more stems upon maturing.
Origin and distribution
Philodendrons are fond of tropical areas within central and south America. Ring of fire philodendron is one of the most sought-after plants across the world.
Features of Philodendron Ring of Fire Plant
Leaves and stem
The ring of fire philodendron is widely popular for ornamental purposes because of its beautiful leaves. The leaves are spiky and fiery having deeply cut lobes. The spectacular variation in the color of leaves makes them distinct from other species of philodendrons.
The leaf colors may range from orange to pink, red, and deep green. There is also variation within the size of the stem and it depends upon the growing method and maturity of the plant.
Evergreen
The Philo ring of fire keeps on beautifying any corner of your house with its beautiful lush leaves throughout the year. These tropical plants belong to an evergreen community and generate new leaves throughout the year with varying color patterns like orange, pink, cream, and red before turning green.
Height
The ring of fire philodendrons are excellent climbers and can reach the height of 6-8 feet or more depending upon their habitat. The maximum height is achieved within a time of 10 years; therefore, these tropical plants are classified as slow-growing plants.
Flowers of Philodendron Ring of Fire
The plant also produces non-fragrant flowers that are similar to calla lilies. The color of flowers may range from pink, red, and purple to white and green. However, these flowers are of no use to the plant as the splendid beauty of the plant is because of its varying-colored leaves.
Growth
You have to be patient enough for enjoying the full beauty of your Philo ring of fire. These tropical plants are slow-growing and take years to reach their maximum height.
Durability
These evergreen plants are durable and turn out to be your best friend. They keep on adorning your house for many years.
Maintenance
The philodendron ring of fire variegated is an easily manageable and low-maintenance plant. However, fulfilling their basic needs is necessary for encouraging their growth.
Temperature
Being native to a tropical environment, the Philo ring of fire feels comfortable within moderate temperatures. Nevertheless, extreme temperatures either too hot or too cold are intolerable for this plant and may affect its growth.
The most suitable temperature range is 10–24-degree Celsius. And a minimum tolerable temperature is not below than 10-degree Celsius
Humidity
The philodendron ring of fire loves a humid environment and high humidity encourages copious growth and turns their leaves even shinier. On the other hand, low humidity levels can turn their leaves brown and restrict their growth. Therefore, regulating the humidity levels is important for ensuring their adequate growth.
Drought
The plants fond of humid environments generally cannot withstand dry environments. Similarly, the philodendron ring of fire requires an adequate amount of water and in the absence of that, its growth is affected seriously.
Disease resistance
Though these plants tend to décor your house with little care, however, extreme negligence prone them to pests and diseases. In the absence of adequate growth conditions, the chances of contracting tip curl, magnesium deficiency, leaf spot, and cold injury are enhanced by many folds.
Therefore, proving adequate water, light, temperature, and fertilizer are essential for avoiding the onset of diseases and ensuring good growth.
Toxicity
These plants though act as air purifiers, however, they are toxic to both humans and pets. The calcium oxalate crystals present within their leave can irritate the mouth and esophagus. So, it is necessary to keep them away from both pets and children.
Care guide of Philodendron Ring of Fire
Water Requirements
This plant needs enough water for keeping the soil moist. These tropical plants can neither tolerate an over wet nor dry environment. Therefore, you must water your pant in case the top layer of soil is dried. As in the other case, water decreasing or exceeding the optimum level can either die the leaves or make them brown.
Soil Requirements
The Philo ring of fire possesses specialized soil requirements as this plant cannot grow in soggy soil. Therefore, you are recommended to use a well-adjusted mixture of 20% peat, 30% soil, 40% orchid bark with charcoal, 10% perlite, and a thin layer of finely tattered sphagnum moss. The fertilizer can also be used for supplying essential nutrients to the plant.
Sunlight Requirements
Adequate light is also necessary for this tropical plant. These plants express their fullest beauty in moderate light. The low light condition encourages its stalk to elongate and stretch outwards between the leaves. This is the reason that these plants are the best options for indoor plants as they can thrive easily in low light conditions.
On the other hand, prolonged exposure to direct and bright sunlight is not suitable for them and may cause yellowing of leaves. You must also keep in mind that light requirements vary slightly in the case of philodendron ring of fire variegated and non-variegated varieties. The variegated varieties will need more light as compared to non-variegated varieties.
Temperature Requirements
The most favorable temperature range in the case of these plants is 16-24 degrees Celsius. The too hot temperature burns its leaves while too cold temperature restricts its growth. A temperature lower than 10 degrees Celsius is intolerable for them.
Humidity Requirements
The fondness of the humid environment is another reason, this evergreen plant is considered best for decorating homes and offices. You must keep adequate humidity levels for maintaining the growth of the plant.
In summers, it requires comparatively low humidity as compared to winters. For regulating humidity levels, you can either use a humidifier or place the pot on a plate filled with stones.
Fertilizer Requirements
The philodendron ring of fire variegated is not a food lover plant and fertilizing it sparingly with 6 inches from the bottom is enough for this plant. However, it does not mean to ignore the essential supply of micro and macronutrients for its growth.
The fertilizer requirements of this tropical plant vary during different periods. For instance, fertilizing it 3-4 times during the initial stage of growth is good for accelerating plant growth.
On the other hand, do not fertilize your plant in the winter season as its growth is generally stopped during this time. Also, beware of the after-effects of over-fertilizing as the excessive amount of fertilizer will burn your plant.
Pruning Requirements
Pruning is also necessary even in the case of low-maintenance plants. Therefore, prune your plant if its leaves start yellowing or becoming dead to look it neater and fresher. In other cases, the shoots can be shortened with a knife if they are getting too long. The best time for pruning your plant is before the spring and summer seasons.
Repotting Requirements
Repotting the plant into a new pot with a new potting mixture once after some years is good for plant growth. The ideal time for repotting is the end of winter and the start of the spring season as this is the time when the plant initiates producing new leaves.
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Philodendron Ring of Fire Propagation
Propagating this plant is not difficult and anyone can simply learn it by following the steps discussed below:
- Select a stem having two or more leaf nodes
- Cut the stem of about 20 cm
- Prepare a potting mix with having an adequate proportion of nutrients
- Place the stem in water or soil
- Wet soil is the best option for its growth
- Afterward, put the plant at a place receiving adequate light
- For checking its growth, tug at it gently and observe whether you detect any resistance or not
- Now wait patiently to enjoy the full beauty of the plant
Final thought
The Philodendron ring of fire is one of the rare beauties that will give a specialized appearance to your collection of indoor houseplants. These plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also transform the air into worth breathing by purifying it. However, you must keep your pets and children away from these plants.
