How to Grow Philodendron Red Princess

Philodendron Red Princess

Philodendron erubescens 'Red Princess'

vine

A stunning tropical climbing philodendron featuring deep burgundy to red-tinged foliage with contrasting bright red petioles and stems. This hybrid cultivar is prized for its dramatic coloration and relatively compact growth habit compared to other climbing philodendrons. It thrives as an indoor houseplant and adds tropical elegance to any space.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; 10-12 hours daily. Tolerates lower light but loses color vibrancy. Avoid direct harsh afternoon sun.

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Reduce frequency in winter. High humidity preferred (50-70%+).

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A (foliage plant)

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Planting depth: Plant with root ball at soil surface level; do not bury the stem

Soil

Type: Well-draining, airy potting mix with high organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Peat moss or coco coir Perlite or orchid bark Worm castings Activated charcoal

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Zones 11-12; primarily grown indoors in cooler climates

11b 12a 12b

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young plant settling into its new pot with initial leaf unfurling

Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Avoid moving frequently. Keep in bright, indirect light. Mist foliage 2-3 times weekly.

Vegetative Growth

Ongoing, 3-6 months per growth cycle

Plant produces new leaves along trailing or climbing stems; red coloration intensifies with maturity

Provide moss pole or trellis for climbing support. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during growing season (spring-summer) with balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Rotate pot weekly for even growth.

Mature Growth

Indefinite with proper care

Fully established plant with multiple stems producing consistent foliage; distinctive red and burgundy coloration prominent

Continue regular watering and monthly feeding. Prune trailing stems to encourage bushier growth or train along support. Wipe leaves monthly with soft, damp cloth to remove dust and maximize photosynthesis.

Propagation Stage

2-4 weeks until rooting

Stem cuttings taken from healthy mother plant root readily in water or moist medium

Take 4-6 inch cuttings with 2-3 nodes just below a leaf. Remove lower leaves. Place in water (change weekly) or moist sphagnum moss. Roots emerge in 2-4 weeks. Maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F) and high humidity.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Pothos Monstera deliciosa Syngonium podophyllum Epipremnum pinnatum Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Anthurium clarinervium

Avoid planting near:

Cold drafts from AC or heating vents Direct heat sources Pets that may chew on toxic foliage

Common Pests

Increase humidity to 60%+ and mist regularly. Spray affected foliage with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for 3 weeks. Isolate infested plant from others.
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab directly on pests. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Repeat treatments for 3-4 weeks.
Scrape off manually with soft brush. Apply horticultural oil or neem oil to affected areas. Treat every 10 days for persistent infestations.
Reduce watering frequency. Ensure pots have drainage holes. Repot in fresh, well-draining medium if roots are mushy. Remove affected root tissue with sterile knife.
Remove infected leaves immediately. Avoid wetting foliage. Improve air circulation with fan. Apply copper fungicide if infection spreads.

Uses

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Indoor Air Purification

Household

Philodendrons are recognized by NASA studies for their ability to filter toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air. Placing multiple plants throughout a home enhances air quality. [source]

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Living Wall & Interior Decoration

Craft

The trailing vines and striking red foliage make Red Princess ideal for moss poles, trellises, hanging baskets, and living wall installations. Creates dramatic vertical gardens in homes and offices. [source]

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Biodiversity in Tropical Settings

Wildlife

In outdoor tropical climates, Red Princess supports a microhabitat for insects and small arthropods while climbing trees and structures, contributing to garden biodiversity. [source]

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Traditional Ethnobotanical Uses

Medicinal

Philodendrons have been used in traditional Amazonian medicine practices, though modern scientific evidence is limited. Should not be ingested without professional guidance. [source]

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Stress Reduction & Biophilic Design

Household

The presence of tropical foliage plants in indoor spaces has been shown to reduce stress and increase psychological well-being through biophilic design principles. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not applicable as a foliage houseplant. Prune stems 1/4 inch above leaf nodes to encourage bushier growth and propagate cuttings. Best done in spring and early summer during active growth season.

Fun Facts

🌱 The 'Red Princess' cultivar was developed by hybridization and is not naturally occurring in the wild; its deep burgundy coloration is intensified by high light conditions and develops gradually as leaves mature.
🌱 Philodendrons are often called 'sweating plants' because they release excess water through their leaf tips in a process called guttation, especially in humid conditions—these droplets are completely harmless.
🌱 Red Princess is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals in the plant tissue; it causes mouth irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing in pets.

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