Philodendron El Choco Red Care And Tips – Ultimate Guide
Philodendron El Choco Red Plant Care: Philodendron El choco red an ascending Aroid with silky leaves. The leaves are first spotted with an attractive abaxial leaf surface in red that fades somewhat as the leaves get older.
The houseplant is frequently mistaken for the Philodendron luxurians choco. Both are located within the Choco region of Colombia which is the reason for the similarities in the name.
The plant is similar to one called the Philodendron verrucosum which is an attractive aroid, with vibrant leaves and a climber too.
For the Philodendron el choco red care, you require a breathable potting mix comprising orchid bark perlite, charcoal, and. This Philodendron enjoys high humidity over 60%, and temperatures that range from between 77 and 77degF (25degC). Maintain the soil damp but not soggy, and keep it moist until the potting mix is beginning drying out.
Fertilize the soil in Spring and Summer approximately once per month using organic fertiliser. It is best to plant this Philodendron in indirect sunlight that is bright with an east-facing window to ensure the best growth rate. Utilize the growing light in winter and fall or throughout the year.
In this article, I’ll be discussing this Philodendron el choco red. I’ve had several in my collection for several years and am always amazed by their gorgeous leaves, the red cataphylls, and love their rapidly growing habit.
Philodendron El Choco Red Plant Care Guide
Soil Mixture
I believe that the proper blend of soils is the most crucial factor.
The mix you have is either fluffy and airy and you’re getting off to a great start or the soil is compact and dense, and you’re likely to encounter issues in the process.
One of the issues that can arise can be roots rot. Root rot can occur when roots become suffocated by the dense soil mix.
Very dense mixtures become wet because they don’t drain as quickly. They are prone to becoming wet and can cause root systems of the Philodendron choco red to become suffocated.
A good sign of an airy mix for potting is when the water is draining rapidly through the drainage holes of the pot while you water it.
The water should be flowing almost immediately from the container when you add water to it.
In this way, it’ll be impossible to overwater, and Aroid plants must be watered thoroughly during watering. However, they do not want to sit in soil that is sloppy because most Aroids are epiphytes.
Epiphytes are plants that grow on rocks and other plant surfaces. Their roots aren’t suited to be protected by thick soil mix.
There are a variety of ingredients you can choose from when you are making your soil mix.
Certain components, like chunky materials, can help plants’ roots absorb oxygen. A constant flow of air into the root is vital for the Philodendron el Choo red.
Other elements of other components of soil mixture such as Sphagnum moss can increase the retention of water. Additionally, there are other components like compost which hold nutrients important for plants.
Here is a list of common ingredients in Aroid mixes which I personally also employ to make making my El Choco:
- Potting Soil (30 per cent)
- Orchid Bark (30%)
- Perlite (30 per cent)
- Charcoal (10 10 per cent)
Additionally, the ideal soil pH is between 5.1 and 6.0.
In the next article, we will discuss the proper lighting conditions, a subject which is equally important to master.
Conducting photosynthesis is an important process in plants. This is dependent on lighting conditions.
Philodendron El Choco Red Light Requirement
There is a common misconception that plants that thrive in semi-shade or shade nature should be treated in the same way as indoor houseplants.
Based on this assumption it is said that the brightness of your home is as intense as the sun. It’s probably not.
You can also use an instrument for measuring light intensity and make some tests in this and that.
The most significant aha moment to me is the way the light gets when you’re changing angles and the distance to light sources increases.
Philodendron El choco red is grown in the rainforest’s canopy in situ. In situ refers to the place where they are growing within their habitat.
You can therefore imagine that you live in a semi-shaded area, which translates into glowing indirect light or filtered in the houseplant environment.
To achieve this the Philodendron el choco has to be close to the window or you’ll require a growing light.
The indirect portion is vital since too much direct sunlight can burn leafy leaves on your Philodendron and cause harm.
A couple of hours of direct sunlight in the morning can be but it can be a bit tough. Avoid strong afternoon sun as well as complete sun exposure all day.
The ideal place to put your Philodendron el choco red is in a facing east window in which the conditions for this plant are satisfied.
If you have your plants outdoors in summer, you can adjust the intensity of light gradually and begin with a shaded space and then increase the intensity each day.
Philodendron El Choco Red Watering
Let’s look at the situation in the tropical rainforests for a minute. It rains nearly every day and often multiple times throughout the day.
If you watered your Philodendron each day, it is likely to be prone to root rot and end up dying very quickly. Then why is it working in nature, but not at the house?
The reason for this is because there is lots of wind which means airflow is flowing and beneficial insects and bacteria in the soil, which enhance the plant’s soil condition.
Excellent comparability can be bioactive living vivariums. I own one and can tell me that the dirt is extremely humid, and my plants are doing well.
The reason I can accomplish this is that I’m using tiny insects known as springtails and isopods to maintain the soil clean and feed on mould as well as other elements that help the root system.
Furthermore, I have my ventilators turning in and out several times throughout the day.
This is not the case for the potted plant in your home. Thus, watering daily or more than once a day isn’t the best way to go.
But, one aspect of rainforest conditions could be replicated. The torrential rains. If it rains in the rainforest, it’s most of the time that it rains buckets.
One thing to keep in mind here is to hose down thoroughly while wearing it and make sure that water flows out of the drainage holes.
Many people choose to add their Philodendron El Choco red in the shower to get this effect.
Keep the soil somewhat moist, and do not let it completely dry out so that there is no chance from the blanket effect kick into.
The blanket effect occurs when the soil became too dry and is blocking the roots from the water that would reach them.
It is not advisable to get to this point because you could be able to water your plant at this moment, but the water won’t get to the roots.
So, slightly moist soil all the time is the ideal solution, but not soggy soil. Soggy soil happens when the soil is very wet for long periods.
It is likely to dry quite quickly in a couple of days. I must keep my Philodendron el Choco read at least once per week.
If you reside in an extremely warm area or during summer, there is a good chance that you have to drink water several times per week.
In winter, you will generally less frequently water your plants since the soil is more humid due to lower temperatures.
Let me be clear, extreme humidity and low temperature are not a great combination. It’s the only way to go from an energised plant to a dying one within a matter of weeks.
If your soil is constantly wet and you are having issues with watering frequently, you will need to return to step one and review the potting mix you have.
I’ve been there. When I didn’t decide to invest in a good mix and purchase all the components for a potting mix that I required to begin with the basics, I decided to combat root rot that affected nearly all of my plants at the beginning.
The main lesson to take away here is don’t follow the same path as myself and get a quality mix of aroid. The plants you grow and health will be worth the investment.
Temperature
Keep temperatures above 68°F (20degC). If you can keep temperatures at 77degF (25degC) I am confident that the Philodendron el choco red will flourish and expand quickly.
What we want as aroid fans is fast-growing plants that produce new leaves in a short time. Of course, we’d like to see more leaves each time.
If our standards are this high, then we will have to meet the requirements of the indoor plants we have regards to their environment.
Philodendron el choco rouge thrives in warmer temperatures since these are the conditions that prevail in Central as well as South America.
If you are looking to plant the Philodendron outside, the zones of hardiness 9b-11 are the best according to the US Department of Agriculture’s hardiness zones.
Humidity
It’s simple The higher the humidity, the more. You can provide this Philodendron with at least 60% humidity and you’ll notice aerial roots sprouting, growth and rates of growth increasing significantly.
However, it is possible to grow Philodendron el Choco red under slightly less favourable conditions. A humidity of 40% isn’t an end-of-the-world scenario, but the chances are it won’t grow as well as it should.
Fortunately, the el choco isn’t quite as big of in the drama department as other Verrucosum species. I have some Verrucosum Philodendron that is a bit crazy in humid conditions but looks like a dying planet with a humidity of 50 per cent. This is why I plant most often in a Terrarium.
Luckily, a terrarium that has misting systems isn’t the only method to boost the amount of humidity in the plant.
I would suggest grouping plants since this will improve the humidity of the environment surrounding them.
Another method is to place an additional pebble tray under the planter of your Philodendron.
Spraying your plants using a water bottle is a controversial idea. On the other hand, plants like humidity and would prefer having their leaves sprayed.
However, it also poses the danger of fungus growth on leaves if the water remains in the leaves for too long.
If you ensure that there is adequate air circulation and that leaves dry fast it is not a problem.
To reach a satisfactory degree of humidity, you’ll probably need a humidifier. Take a glance at humidifiers that we have available in our online shop. They’re affordable, efficient and shipping is covered by us.
Philodendron El Choco Red Fertilizer
The practice of fertilizing your plant regularly is vital to provide plants with the needed nutrients to grow. It is essential to fertilize your plants regularly. Philodendron el choco red is not an exception to this.
The most significant nutrients are listed by NPK. N is for Nitrogen, P for Phosphorus while K stands for Potassium. Other essential nutrients include calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) as well as sulfur (S).
Because nutrients are available in various combinations and strengths with fertilizers that are slow-release and liquid They are usually identified by proportions.
The majority of fertilizers employ the numbering scheme for example. 10-10-20. In this instance, the Potassium amount is twice as much as the amounts that are Nitrogen and Phosphorus by 10 for each.
It is recommended to fertilize your plant at least three times throughout the year. This is not far from the plant’s base. It is my practice to fertilize the Philodendron choco red each time I water it and I recommend that you fertilize your houseplant at least once per month in the spring and summer.
This is the time when most of the growth takes place, so there is the highest demand for nutrients.
I have reduced fertilization in winter and only fertilize once per month,
If you don’t fertilize your Philodendron, you can expect the El choco red to develop extremely slow.
Some growers make use of guano manure as well as other manure types as fertilizers to add in the pots mix every few weeks and are raving about its benefits.
I’ve not yet tried it, but from what I have read, it seems very promising since manure is rich in Potassium, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus. It also is a natural method to fertilize your plants.
Philodendron El Choco Red Propagation
The el choco can be propagated just like you would propagate different Philodendron plants. The most efficient and common method is propagation by cuttings of the stem.
Philodendron El Choco Red Growth Rate
Many of the Philodendron choco red that you can purchase and find in the marketplace today are quite juvenile.
However, I own multiple Philodendron el Choo reds and they’re a delight to cultivate. The growth rate is quite quick and nearly as fast as Philodendron verrucosum under ideal conditions, but they aren’t as demanding.
About a break every 2-3 weeks is the amount of growth I could observe on my plants in the Spring and Summer.
As this is a climber, it’s an ideal idea to put up a moose pole. The stem will not only increase in thickness, but the size of the leaves will also expand significantly after the stem has been attached to the moss pole by the aerial roots.
The greater the humidity, the higher and more rapidly your Philodendron is capable of attaching. If you can discover a way to keep the moss pole in constant use.
Don’t attempt to keep it wet with spray bottles, however. It’s a futile endeavour. The moss pole can be dry very quickly and it’s impossible to keep it moist.
The most effective solution for the problems I’ve seen thus far is to either keep the bottom part of your moss plant in water in some way, without the plant being submerged in water.
It can be accomplished by using a semi-hydro set-up as an example. Another option is to make use of a plastic pipe that is wrapped with moss.
After the pipe has been closed at the bottom, you can then fill it up with water. Create a lace of lace in the water is wrapped around the exterior of the plastic pipe before covering it with the sphagnum and moss. It can then be secured by fencing made of metal or plastic or wire.
Many creative gardeners are selling them as an extra income If you’re not going to be doing it by yourself.
The growth of Philodendron El Choco red. A vigorous and vigorous growing plant that can reach heights that can reach three feet (90cm) or more for a houseplant.
New leaves appear from cool-looking, pinkish cataphylls. Cataphylls are deciduous. They will shed after the new leaves emerge.
Philodendron El Choco Red Repotting
Philodendron El choco red is stunning red roots that expand very quickly in favourable conditions. It’s not like the root system will grow to be large, but it can grow too well.
El choco doesn’t require an enormous pot, and I wouldn’t recommend going larger than one size each year if it becomes needed.
This could be the case when your plant becomes plant bound in the pot. Rootbound is a different situation. What exactly are these terms referring to and what exactly is the distinction?
When we talk about the roots of a plant being bound, it is the situation in which there are many roots within a pot, however, the plant, as well as the roots, continue to grow well.
Pot bound means that the roots be shaped like the clay and will have filled it to the point that there are only roots remaining in the pot with there is no additional growing medium.
The distinction is crucial because rootbound is an ideal condition for certain house plants that would prefer to be grown this way. Potbound, however, is a condition that roots are unable to continue to grow and plants’ condition is deteriorating with time.
Once your Philodendron el Choco becomes root bound, it’s time to repotter it. Do not wait for it to be pot bound.
I have a range of pots. All offer advantages and disadvantages.
A few of my Philodendron plants are housed in clay pots. The clay containers I like because of their breathability porous nature and their capacity to absorb excessive water.
On the other hand, it could lead to your Philodendron El Choco becoming dry rather quickly.
Another component of my collection of aroids is placed in pots made of plastic. I always drill holes to ensure that the plastic isn’t blocking my plants, or more specifically the roots of them from being able to breathe.
The biggest benefit of this is the ability to purchase clear plastic pots. They can be purchased or you can find the ideal meal that provides you with free containers that can be used for plants.
Not to mention that I am a strong fan of semi hydro. I’m using the volcanic growth substrate known as Pon and pots that have yarn and a reservoir of water that is reaching the reservoir and filling the plant constantly with water.
It’s also the way I am currently caring for my Philodendron El choco.
However, I think that the most significant growth will be in terrariums that can ensure that the humidity is high and where the el chocolate grows in an ABG mix.
The problem is finding a space large enough to house this growing Philodendron which can grow to many feet in height.
Philodendron El Choco Red Propagation
It is believed that the Philodendron el choco can be propagated by a variety of methods and methods. Let’s begin with the propagation of stem cuttings because it’s the most commonly used method and also the most simple.
Stem cuttings
Other Philodendron plants like Philodendron Selloum, Philodendron Gloriosum and Philodendron Birkin may be propagated in the same way.
Step-by-Step Philodendron el choco red propagation:
- Choose the area you wish to cut the plant.
- You should ensure you find an area that is at minimum one node
- Make use of pruning shears, a clipper or a sharp knife for an accurate cut
- Clean the blades before disinfecting them with rubbing alcohol and also by putting the blade in a torch
- This lowers the likelihood of contamination
- After you’ve cut, you can let it rest for about 30 minutes or longer based on the size of the plant
- Sprinkle some cinnamon over the cut and also the cutting
- This can help keep fungus out and encourage the cutting to become root-like.
- It is now important to concentrate on the elements of warmth, humidity and light
- Make use of the propagation medium of your preference. The most common are water, sphagnum-moss, perlite, or straight soil.
- Place the cut in the container of a plastic bag or wrap it in the bag of plastic
- Use a heating mat under the floor because this will accelerate the process.
It typically lasts 3-4 weeks before something happens. Sometimes, it happens much quicker but other times it can take more time. Sometimes it is impossible to predict what will happen. It’s the way of life, I suppose.
The most crucial skill to have in propagating plants is patience.
The months of Spring and Summer are the most ideal times to plant. But that doesn’t mean that it cannot be done in Autumn and winter. I tend to multiply my plants all the time.
Air Layering
Another option is to layer air. The term “air layering” is the word to wrap sphagnum moss in some foil made of plastic around a node, and then of your Philodendron El Choco.
The main benefit of this strategy is that you’re only cutting something off from the mother plant once it has established roots.
The chances of success are more likely this way, and the odds of losing the cut is slim.
If the roots are long enough they can be cut them. The cutting will be been rooted, and then transferred to the desired plant medium.
This is not an option for beginners since you must ensure that the Sphagnum Moss is fixed precisely where the node is.
It is also important to be sure that the moss isn’t dry or getting excessively wet.
Though I’ve not done it I am not convinced that it’s rocket science, but it is certainly doable if you don’t have hands that are left.
Seeds
Seed propagation is a great way to increase the number of plants. The trick is to obtain the seeds. Philodendron seeds aren’t available to be found and typically only last for only a short period of duration.
Aroid seeds in general deteriorate quickly. Additionally, purchasing seeds online is not always smart as the chances that you’ll end up with bird food are not very good at all.
The most likely scenario for obtaining seeds is to have two plants blooming simultaneously. It is possible to freeze and collect the pollen after the other Philodendron El chocos flowers.
The pollen frozen in the freezer can be applied with brushes after your other Philodendron El Choco flowers.
You could also consider creating a new cross between two distinct Philodendrons.
Experiments that can be used to test this are plans like the P Hilodendron Verrucosum with Melanochrysum.
While multiplying your plants can be an enjoyable activity, there are unpleasant aspects of gardening.
Problems with plants. If you wish to succeed in maintaining indoor plants, then you’ll need to be adept at interpreting the signals that your plants send you.
We will then move on to the next session, where I will discuss common problems that concern the el chocolate.
Common Issues with Philodendron The El Choco Red
Why Is My Philodendron El Choco Red Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellow leaves are common in houseplants. When the oldest lower leaves turn yellow, it’s typically nothing to worry about. Old leaves eventually turn yellow and then drop off.
Ir it is an entirely different matter when the fresh leaves of the Philodendron el Choco begin to turn yellow. This typically means that you’re excessively watering the plant.
Check the soil around your plant. If your soil is too damp the roots of your plant could be at risk and you could be at risk of root disease.
Why Is My Philodendron El Choco Red Drooping Leaves?
If the leaves are dropping many people conclude that it is because the plant requires more water. I suggest checking you know for sure that it isn’t the root cause.
You can confirm this by placing your index finger in the soil. If the soil appears bone dry, then you are likely to be right.
But as in the indicators plants offer the signs they provide, they usually mean one of two things. The drooping leaves can result from overwatering.
If your water excessively, the soil becomes wet and compact. This stops oxygen from reaching the plant’s roots.
They are dying and cannot take into the water at this stage. Therefore, no matter how much you water, your Philodendron El choco isn’t able to take any more water.
One thing that you should do in such a situation is to eliminate the soil and look for the mushy roots. If they are, take them out and change the soil.
Cleaning the pot is crucial and fungus and bacteria are beginning to grow at this point and you must ensure that you get rid of it.
When you replace the soil, make sure that it’s a good size and airy with materials like orchid bark, perlite and others.
With a good, airy potter’s mix, it’s nearly impossible to drown your Philodendron.
Root Rot
Root rot is every indoor gardener’s worst nightmare. It can happen quickly and, from the moment that roots begin to turn brown the entire process is downhill.
Root rot is quickly spread to healthy roots, and then the entire root system of your houseplant becomes mushy and on the verge of falling off.
A plant with unhealthy roots can become sick to the point that you need to throw away or cut off completely the root system in hopes of propagating the pieces and bits within a few weeks.
Root rot is serious. I’ve lost several plants due to root rot, and the mistakes I made frequently began before I had overwatered.
Make your life as simple as possible by mixing the potting mix with a drainage system and making use of an urn that has drainage holes. You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble.
If you’re in a situation that makes you believe you could be facing root rot, I would suggest that you go through the two articles on how to identify the root cause and treatments for root rot.
Pest Infestation
You may likely be suffering from plants pests in your Philodendron el Choco at one point or another during your plant-parenting journey.
I have seen everything from mealybugs and whiteflies to thrips and scale. Some pests are brought in by plants that you plant in your indoor environment.
Sometimes, they will enter your home. Particularly, during summer, it is believed that bugs are at their most severe.
A lot of people prefer dry environments, and when you open your windows, you may not just invite fresh air in but also whiteflies and many more.
In the past, I’ve published numerous articles on types of pests that plants suffer from and how to do to combat them. I have always believed that the hardest thing regarding pests other than eliminating them is to identify and recognize them accurately.
Sometimes you notice something is not right in your plants, and then you discover bugs taking a closer look. The majority of bugs are tiny and difficult to identify.
The lack of visuals can create a challenge to distinguish them from one another.
Here’s a list of the most commonly reported pests on indoor plants.
- Thrips
- Spider Mites
- Fungus Gnats
- Whiteflies
- Mealy Bugs
- Aphids
In each of the articles, I’ll explain how to recognize the problem and what the most effective solutions are.
There are several common methods to combat the effects of bugs on your plants that I would like to share with you.
These are proven strategies that have worked for me in the past.
If you notice bugs on your Philodendron begin by applying sprays to the foliage of the garden by spraying it with water. The more pressure you can get, the more effective.
Many pests of plants are averse to humid conditions and for certain pests, it is possible to eliminate them off your plant with a spray of water.
It is preferential to perform the exercise outside, in the appropriate season, or, if it isn’t feasible, then you can try it in the shower.
The other suggestion I’d like to offer is to invest in Neem oil. It can be purchased in a premixed spray or as a natural oil that can be mixed with water by yourself.
Spray the soil and leaves of your plant every two weeks with the oil of neem. Pests that attack your plants hate the smell and will soon disappear or disappear completely.
The same method can be used using an undiluted Castille soap which needs to be distilled by mixing water. Soap that is diluted in concentrations is a great way to rid your home of pests that grow on plants.
Check that all the foliage of the Philodendron el choco as well as other plants can handle the soap. I recommend that you try the soap in a small space and then let it sit for a couple of days.
The most important thing is not to cause damage and burns to the leaves of your plants. To make Castille soap you can mix a one-quarter quart of water and 1 tablespoon pure Castille soap.
Another option is the use of rubbing alcohol. It is a powerful substance with the ability to dissolve some insects that are found in plants when they encounter it. You can make use of the tip and then drench it with ruby alcohol. I typically employ half a cup of rubbing alcohol to 1 one quart of water.
You also have another method to deal with these bugs by inviting more insects to your house. I’m talking about predatory insects.
Some bugs are good who eat bugs that cause problems to simplify the issue. Insects like Amblyseius Swirskiiand Amblyseius Cucumeris are bad bugs like spider mites and thrip their diet.
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I know that this may not be the case for everyone. However, for me knowing that there exist beneficial insects that are continuously destroying the populations of thrips and spider mites and mealybugs is an amazing feeling.
Tips to keep Philodendron El Choco Red problem-free
Let’s review the top three tips for keeping your Philodendron El Choco happy and at its most attractive:
- Let’s admit it. Humidity is crucial. It is possible to grow this plant in a low humidity environment, but it won’t appear its best and certainly not develop very quickly. Use an air humidifier in case you’re not in the tropical zone.
- Since hemiepiphyte is a hemiepiphyt mixes are essential. When I started exploring Philodendron at first, I realized that a potting mix with air could be great, yet I was unable to find the ingredients in my home. Big mistake. I was dealing with root rot approximately every three weeks. Consider investing in a well-drained potter mix that you are capable of doing yourself with the purchase of the right ingredients.
- Provide sufficient light. The amount of light you’re providing will determine the rate at which your plant grows, in addition to other elements. A bright indirect light is the best. Avoid direct sunlight for longer than 2 hours per day.
Commonly asked questions about Philodendron Choco Red Choco Red
What’s the reason the leaves on the Philodendron El Choco Red drooping?
Drooping leaves are a trick that has been used at least once. It could mean one of the two extremes. It could be the result of either over or underwatering. If you’re sure that you didn’t drown and your soil isn’t dry and airy, you’ve likely been underwatering.
How do you care for a Philodendron Choco Red?
The philodendron is a fan of high-intensity indirect lighting, humidity over 60 per cent, as well as humid soil. The soil should be watered before drying completely. Use airy soil made of the bark of orchids, perlite charcoal, and potting mix. Fertilize the soil with organic fertilizer during the spring and summer months.
Does Philodendron Elchoco Red an extremely fast-growing plant?
Philodendron El Choco Red grows fast. A leaf every two weeks is not unusual.
What is the family that El Choco Red belong to? Does El Choco Red belong to?
Philodendron El choco red is part of the Araceae family, which includes the Monstera Genus. This isn’t a species belonging to Philodendron Verrucosum.
Conclusion
When I first noticed that Philodendron el choco red, I was stunned by the sight. It’s a beautiful Philodendron El Choco.
The el chocolate is awe-inspiring with its red undersides and is a prolific cultivator. It’s not a fussy plant and can produce leaves continuously if your attention is in order.
The biggest challenge is to find one of these plants as they’re not usually readily accessible and are largely collectable plants.
The cost of these plants is heavily influenced by the region you live in. However, for the majority of places of the world, the Philodendron el Choco is priced between $100 and 200 USD.
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