Black congo Philodendron is a unique plant sure to add some intrigue to any space. With its dark burgundy-green leaves and climbing vines, it is sure to make a statement. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa and can grow up to 20 feet tall in its natural habitat!
Black Congo Philodendron is a fast-growing plant and is perfect for those who are looking to add some greenery to their home but don’t have a lot of time to care for it.
What Does Black Congo Philodendron Look Like?
Black Congo Philodendron is a beautiful, tropical plant that can bring a touch of the tropics to any home. It has large, glossy leaves that are black to burgundy green in color and have a glossy texture. The leaves are attached to long, sturdy stems, and the plant can grow up to three feet tall when grown indoors.
It is an easy-to-care-for plant that will thrive in most homes.
Black Congo Philodendron Other Features
Drought Tolerance
It is a drought tolerant plant. While it does best when watered regularly, the plant can go for extended periods of time without water and will not suffer any ill effects.
Air Purification
This plant is also an excellent air purifier. It removes toxins from the air and helps to improve indoor air quality.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant that will thrive with minimal care. It does best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light levels.
Toxicity
This plant is toxic to both people and pets. You should take care to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets, as it can cause irritation if ingested.
Black Congo Philodendron Care
Black congo philodendron thrives in warm, moist conditions with plenty of indirect light. The soil should be kept consistently moist but never soggy, and regular fertilization is also important for maintaining optimal growth. Additionally, it’s essential to protect your plant from excessive cold and humidity, as these can cause damage to the plant’s leaves.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix |
| Water | When the top inch of soil is dry |
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Fertilizer | Balanced plant food every two weeks |
| Humidity | Between 50% and 70% |
| Temperature | Above 65 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Pruning | Prune as needed to maintain shape |
| Repotting | Repot every two years |
Soil
Philodendron black congo requires nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that has good drainage and plenty of oxygen. The ideal pH level for soil is slightly acidic, between 6 and 7. And since this plant prefers to retain its moisture, it’s important to keep the soil constantly moist without letting it become soggy or waterlogged.
Watering
Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause them to rot. The general rule of thumb is to water once a week, but you may need to adjust this based on the humidity and temperature of your home.
Light
This plant prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate low light levels, but it will not grow as quickly in these conditions. If you are growing this plant indoors, place it near a window where it will receive bright, indirect light.
Fertilizer
Fertilize Philodendron black congo with a balanced plant food every two weeks during the growing season. You can reduce the frequency to once a month during the winter months.
Humidity
This plant requires humidity levels of between 50% and 70%. A humidifier can help to achieve this. You can increase humidity levels by placing the plant on a pebble tray or misting it with water.
Temperature
Black Congo Philodendron prefers temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow this plant indoors where it will be protected from the cold weather.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for this plant, but you may want to prune it to maintain its shape.
Repotting
This plant should be repotted every two years. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
How to Repot Black Congo Philodendron
Signs that show your plant needs to be repotted are slow growth, wilting leaves, and roots growing out of the drainage holes.
When repotting Black Congo Philodendron, be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole. The plant does best when repotted every two years using a well-draining potting mix.
Water the plant thoroughly before removing it from its current pot. Gently loosen the soil around the edges of the pot and pull the plant out.
If the potting mix is heavily compacted, break it up into small pieces before adding it to the new pot. Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the soil around it. Tamp down lightly and water well.
Fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant food. Misting the plant with water will help to keep it healthy and looking its best.
Black Congo Philodendron Propagation
Black Congo Philodendron can be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the plant and remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone and place it in a soil-less mix or moist sand.
Cover the container with plastic to create a greenhouse effect and place it in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not wet and wait for the stem to root. Once it has rooted, transplant it into a pot of well-draining potting mix.
You can also propagate this plant by the division method. When repotting, carefully divide the plant into two or more sections. Each section should have several roots and at least one leaf. Plant the divisions in separate pots of well-draining potting mix and water well.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
Symptoms of overwatering or underwatering can be difficult to distinguish. Overwatering will cause the leaves to yellow and fall off, while underwatering will cause the leaves to brown and curl up.
If you are not sure what is causing your plant’s symptoms, take it to a local garden center for diagnosis. To avoid either of these problems, water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry and avoid getting water on the leaves.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Black Congo Philodendron is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it can occasionally experience problems like other plants from the genus such as Philodendron Green Dragon. The most common problems are overwatering or underwatering, which can be difficult to distinguish. Other problems include leaves that yellow and fall off (overwatering), leaves that brown and curl up (under-watering), and root rot.
Yellow Leaves
If the leaves of your plant are yellowing, it is a sign of overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Brown Leaves
If the leaves of your plant are browning, it is a sign of underwatering. Water the plant and be sure to water it deeply so that the roots can absorb enough water.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious problem that can kill your plant. If you think your plant has root rot, remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. If they are brown or mushy, cut them off with a sharp knife. Repot the plant in a well-draining potting mix and be sure to water it deeply.
Pests and Diseases
This plant is not often bothered by pests or diseases. Pests and Diseases that might attack your plant include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies. If you notice any of these pests or diseases, make sure to take action immediately.
You can get rid of these pests by spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap. If you have a serious infestation, you may need to use a stronger pesticide.
Diseases that might attack your plant include root rot and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by too much water, while leaf spot is caused by too little water. If you notice either of these diseases, make sure to take action immediately.
Benefits of Growing Philodendron Black Congo Indoors
Black Congo Philodendron is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that makes a great addition to any indoor space. Not only does it look good, but it also has many benefits.
Some of the benefits of growing this plant indoors include:
- It helps purify the air.
- Low maintenance.
- Drought tolerant.
- Heat tolerant.
- It requires little light.
So if you are looking for a plant that is easy to care for and has many benefits, consider growing this plant indoors. You won’t be disappointed!
Philodendron Black Congo Indoor Care
- This plant prefers bright, indirect light. It will do well in a location that receives four to six hours of sunlight each day.
- Fertilize the plant with a balanced houseplant food every two weeks.
- It requires humidity levels of between 50% and 70%. A humidifier can help to achieve this.
- Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant’s shape.
- Repot the plant every two years using a pot with a drainage hole.
Philodendron Black Congo FAQs
It can grow to be six feet tall and four feet wide. It can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. To increase its growth rate, fertilize it every two weeks with a balanced houseplant food.
Yes, this plant is poisonous. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if they come into contact with skin. If ingested, this plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing. If you suspect that your pet or child has ingested this plant, call a poison control center immediately.
Conclusion
Black Congo Philodendron is a beautiful plant that can be a great addition to any home. It is easy to care for, and with the right conditions, it can grow quite large. If you are looking for a new plant to add to your collection, this is a great option.
