If you’re looking for an interesting and exotic addition to your indoor garden, you should consider Philodendron El Choco Red. This beautiful plant is native to Central America and features dark green leaves with striking red veins.
It is a fast-growing plant that will mature to a height of around 6 feet tall. In order to get the best results with this plant, it’s important to provide the right care and environment. In this article, we will discuss the care requirements for this plant, as well as tips on how to grow a healthy and vibrant specimen.
What Does Philodendron El Choco Red Look Like?
The Philodendron el Choco red is a tropical plant that is native to Colombia. It is an evergreen climber that can reach up to 6 meters in length. The leaves are large, glossy, and heart-shaped with rippled margins. They are dark green with burgundy or red undersides.
The flowers are white or greenish-white and borne on long, slender stalks. The Philodendron el Choco red mature is an attractive plant that can add color and interest to any home or garden.
Philodendron El Choco Red Other Features
Drought Tolerance
This plant can tolerate periods of drought, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who live in dry climates.
Air Purification
It is also known for its ability to purify the air in your home. It is a good choice for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. It is tolerant of drought, low light, and high humidity.
Toxicity
Some of the species of the Philodendron genus, including Philodendron El Choco Red, are highly toxic and can cause serious adverse health effects if ingested. The leaves, stems, and roots of these plants all contain high levels of calcium oxalate, which is a harmful substance that causes irritation, redness, burning sensations, rashes, swelling, and painful blistering in the mouth and throat.
Because of this toxicity, it is essential to exercise caution when handling Philodendron El Choco Red and only cultivate it in well-ventilated areas or indoors where it will not be accessible to children or pets.
Dormancy
This plant does not go into a dormant state.
Where to Grow Philodendron El Choco Red?
It can be grown in a variety of locations, including indoors and outdoors. When grown outdoors, it should be planted in a spot that receives full sun or partial shade. When grown indoors, it can be placed in a sunny or shady spot.
Philodendron El Choco Red Care
Philodendron El Choco Red care involves providing the plant with the right conditions to thrive. Provide it with full sun or partial shade when grown outdoors, and with bright light when grown indoors. It can also be grown in a pot and moved around to different locations as needed.
Water regularly when the plant is actively growing, but allow the soil to dry out between watering. Fertilize twice a month with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Prune the plant as needed to keep it under control.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-drained and fertile. |
| Water | Regularly, but avoid getting the leaves wet. |
| Fertilizer | Once a month with a balanced fertilizer. |
| Light | Bright light, but no direct sunlight. |
| Humidity | Above 60%. |
| Temperature | Warm temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees F (18-27 degrees C). |
| Pruning | Prune as needed to maintain the shape of the plant. |
| Repotting | Repot every two years. |
Soil
Philodendron El Choco Red prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for this plant can be made with equal parts of peat moss, compost, and sand.
Watering
Water regularly, but avoid getting the leaves wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. The general rule of thumb is to water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizing
Fertilize once a month with a balanced fertilizer. This plant requires high levels of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. You can fertilize it with a water-soluble fertilizer or with a slow-release fertilizer that is specifically for tropical plants.
Always water the plant before fertilizing because fertilizers can burn the roots if they are applied to dry soil.
Light
Philodendron El Choco Red needs bright light, but no direct sunlight. It can be placed in a spot that receives direct sunlight for part of the day, but it should be moved to a shady spot during the hottest hours of the day.
Humidity
This plant prefers high humidity levels, preferably 60%. You can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it in a spot that receives high humidity or by using a humidity tray.
Temperature
Warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees F (18-27 degrees C) are ideal for Philodendron El Choco Red. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but it will not grow as quickly in cool weather.
Pruning
Prune as needed to maintain the shape of the plant. It can be pruned at any time.
Repotting
Repot every two years. It grows best when its roots are confined to a small pot.
How to Repot Philodendron El Choco Red?
When it is time to repot your plant, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current pot. Be sure to use a pot with a drainage hole. Remove the plant from its current pot and loosen the soil around the roots. Place the plant in the new pot and fill the soil around the roots. However, make sure to not pack the soil down too firmly. Water the plant well after repotting.
Philodendron El Choco Red Propagation
Philodendron el choco red can be propagated by stem cuttings or air layering.
Stem Cuttings
To propagate it with stem cuttings, remove a section of stem that is at least four inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and cut the stem into two-inch sections. Place the cuttings in a glass of water and allow them to root. Once they have rooted, transplant them into the soil.
Air Layering
To propagate this plant with air layering, follow the mentioned steps:
- Remove a section of stem that is at least four inches long and then remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
- Make a small cut in the stem and insert a rooting hormone into the cut. Wrap the section of the stem in damp sphagnum moss and then wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Seal the edges of the plastic wrap with tape.
- Place the cutting in a warm, sunny spot and allow it to root.
- Once the stem has rooted, cut it from the parent plant and transplant it into the soil.
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
Overwatering or underwatering your plant can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. The leaves may also droop or wilt if the plant is not getting enough water.
Pests and Diseases
Like many other philodendrons such as Philodendron Scherberichii, it is also susceptible to a number of pests and diseases.
Pests
- Scale
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
How to Get Rid of Pests on Philodendron El Choco Red?
Pests on this plant are a common problem that can be difficult to get rid of. You can try using a horticultural oil or an insecticidal soap, but these products may not be effective against all types of pests. If the pests are stubborn, you may need to use a chemical pesticide.
Diseases
- Fungal Diseases
- Bacterial Diseases
To prevent these problems, be sure to water your plant properly and keep an eye out for pests. If you see any signs of pests, take action immediately to get rid of them. If your plant appears to be diseased, take it to a professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Tips for Caring for Philodendron El Choco Red Indoors
Here are some tips for caring for your plant:
- If you live in a particularly dark home, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting.
- Be sure to not overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
- Be sure to choose a mix that contains peat moss or coco coir.
- Feed your plant every other week during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- If your home is particularly dry, you may need to invest in a humidifier.
- Be sure to use clean, sharp shears when pruning.
With these tips, you should be well on your way to successfully growing your plant indoors.
You can also Philodendron Verrucosum vs El Choco Red if you are looking for a plant with different indoor care needs.
Philodendron El Choco Red: FAQs
Yes, there is a difference between these two plants. The main difference is that Philodendron el choco red is a cultivar of Philodendron El choco. Cultivars are created by growers deliberately selecting plants with desired characteristics and then propagating them to produce offspring with those same characteristics.
Yes, it is a rare plant. In fact, it’s one of the most sought-after plants in the world because of its beautiful dark red leaves. It’s a tropical plant that’s native to Central America and grows best in hot, humid environments.
There are a few different ways to get rid of scale on the plant. One way is to use a diluted solution of vinegar and water. Another is to use a diluted solution of lemon juice and water. Another is to use a diluted solution of ammonia and water. Another is to use a commercially available product that specifically targets scale insects.
It can be grown outdoors in tropical climates, but it’s not recommended for growing in temperate or cold climates. If you live in a tropical climate, be sure to place the plant in a spot where it will get plenty of direct sunlight. And make sure to water it regularly, keeping the soil moist at all times. If you live in a temperate or cold climate, it’s best to keep the plant indoors so it is protected from frost and cold weather.
Conclusion
Philodendron El Choco Red is a beautiful and lush plant that makes a great addition to any home. It is a mature plant and can grow quite large, so make sure you have enough space for it before purchasing. It requires very little care, making it easy to keep alive and healthy. Just be sure to water it regularly and give it plenty of sunlight, and it will thrive.
