Full Specimen Plate
Philodendron erubescens 'Red Emerald'
Red Emerald Philodendron
Quick Facts
Morphology
About
Philodendron erubescens 'Red Emerald' is one of the longest-standing cultivars in cultivation, valued for the vivid contrast between its deep emerald-green leaves and the burgundy-red new growth, petioles and stems. Each unfurling leaf emerges wrapped in a papery red cataphyll before opening to reveal a glossy, arrow-shaped blade with a subtle red blush along the margin. It is a vigorous climber that will happily scale a moss pole or trellis, and its long history in cultivation has made it one of the most reliable and widely available red-toned Philodendrons for any collection.
Native Range
Colombia
Collector Popularity Review
Aroid Atlas Collector Review: Philodendron erubescens 'Red Emerald' (Red Emerald Philodendron) is ranked as Common rarity on the market. Rating is calculated based on overall cultivation difficulty, aesthetic appeal, and search popularity among active collectors.
Market Analysis
Auction History & Retail Data
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Before You Buy
Shared checklist for Philodendron erubescens and its cultivated forms
- The plain species (often sold as 'Red Emerald') is inexpensive and widely available — be cautious of pricing implying rarity
- For 'Pink Princess' or 'White Princess', check the variegation percentage in photos — heavily white/pink sectored cuttings are harder to establish and more valuable, but also more fragile
- Look for firm stems and healthy nodes; a cutting with a mushy or blackened base is unlikely to root
- All Philodendron are toxic if ingested — keep away from pets and children
Propagation Guide
Growing More Plants
Shared across every form of Philodendron erubescens — see this form's own Morphology for variegation-specific propagation notes.
6-10 weeks
Cultivar character is preserved through vegetative cuttings
Roots readily from stem or node cuttings in water or moist substrate. The plain species propagates fast and true; variegated sports like Pink Princess and White Princess need a cutting taken at a visibly variegated node to preserve the sectoring.
Care Guide
Growing Conditions
General care shared across all forms of Philodendron erubescens — cultivated forms may need brighter light or higher humidity than the plain species; check this form's Quick Facts above.
Chunky, well-draining aroid mix: 40% orchid bark, 30% potting compost, 20% perlite, 10% sphagnum moss.
Allow the top few centimetres of substrate to dry between waterings. Reduce slightly in winter.
50-70%. Tolerates average household humidity better than most variegated Philodendron cultivars, making the plain species a forgiving climber.
Balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
Annually while young and fast-growing; every 2 years once established, or when roots fill the pot.
Common Problems
Leggy growth with small leaves
Insufficient light or no support to climb
Provide a moss pole or trellis and move to brighter indirect light — leaf size increases noticeably once the plant is climbing
Root rot
Overwatering or poorly-draining substrate
Unpot, trim affected roots, and repot into fresh chunky substrate; reduce watering frequency
Bacterial leaf spot
Overhead watering and poor air circulation
Water at the base, avoid wetting foliage, and improve airflow around the plant