Philodendron erubescens is a climbing tropical herbaceous perennial in the arum family (Araceae). It is native to Colombia and will grow up to 60 feet tall in its native rainforests. It is commonly known as the Blushing Philodendron and is very popular as a houseplant for its attractive foliage and unique coloring. When grown indoors, It typically grows 3 ft. tall and 16 inches wide. The specific epithet, erubescens , means "to turn red or blushes." The leaves, petioles, and spathe of this plant all exhibit the "blush" coloring. The leaves are glossy, deep green on the upper surface, and have a reddish or copper coloring on the underside. The leaves can measure 9 to 18 inches long. The petioles are purplish-red and are equally as long as the leaf. The shape and color of the leaves can vary from one plant to another. The flower is a white spadix that is surrounded by reddish-burgundy spathe. Indoor plants rarely flower. This species prefers warm temperatures, high humidity, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and partial shade. When grown indoors, it can be a climber on a moss pole or trellis, or it can grow spreading outwards which would require more space. It prefers temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and should be protected from cold drafts. Direct sunlight should also be avoided. The Blushing Philodendron has air-purifying qualities and can remove certain toxins from the air such as xylene and trichloroethylene. This plant will be decorative and at the same time will be improving the air quality of your home. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Overwatering can cause root rot. It is also susceptible to leaf spot diseases. This can be prevented by watering the plant at the base and preventing the water from contacting the leaves. More information on Philodendron .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheAlocasia 'Calidora'Alocasia x mortfontanensisPhilodendron
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial; Houseplant; Poisonous; Vine
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
Light
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 60 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
6 - Vine (vertical)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Climbing; Spreading
Leaf color
Green; Red/Burgundy
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Cordate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy deep green on the upper surface, and the undersides are burgundy red or copper colored. The leaves can measure 9 to 18 inches long. The petiole is purplish-red and measures about the same length as the leaf blade.
Flower color
Red/Burgundy; White
Flower form
Spadix
Flower detail
The flowers are deep red spathes that surround the white spadix.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Colombia
Play value
Easy to Grow
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Hanging Baskets; Houseplants; Patio
Garden tags
#rabbit resistant #problem for dogs #houseplant #warm climates #problem for cats #humidity tolerant #interesting leaves #container plant #poisonous #spathe #interiorscape #patio #problem for children #spadix #poisonous if ingested #deer resistant #hanging baskets #partial shade tolerant
Problems & Resistance
Insect problems
Banded Greenhouse Thrips
Problems
Contact Dermatitis; Poisonous to Humans; Problem for Cats; Problem for Children; Problem for Dogs