Rojo Congo Philodendron

Philodendron 'Rojo Congo'

Overview

Uses: Houseplant, patio plant, or outdoor plant (in approved tropical zones)

Summary 

The Rojo Congo Philodendron—also referred to as the Red Congo Philodendron, and sometimes simply as a Red Philodendron—is a rare and exotic houseplant that's notoriously easy to care for!  Easily identified by its visually captivating, burgundy stems and the unique, blended hues of green, purple, and red throughout its foliage.

Foliage typically begins with strong shades of red, gorgeously transitioning to deep shades of green as leaves mature. 

A self-heading philodendron (meaning it is self-supporting and does not climb), Rojo Congo grows to around 3' high and 3' wide—making it perfect for a variety of locations. 

In addition to providing obvious beauty, this low maintenance live plant also purifies the air of many harmful contaminates!

It's the perfect, low-maintenance indoor plant for any home or office!

Care

How to Water a Rojo Congo Philodendron

Attempt to keep the soil moist but not wet. Like other philodendrons, it's sensitive to overwatering. Allow upper 1/3 of the pot's soil to dry slightly between waterings during times of slow growth (such as throughout winter).

Like many other plants, too much watering will result in the yellowing of stems and leaves, eventually followed by root rot should the wet conditions persist. 

Although this plant is considered to be drought resistant, too little water will result in the browning of branches and leaves, followed by eventual death if kept dry.

How Much Humidity Do Rojo Congo Philodendrons Like?

Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' prefers moderate to high humidity (above 50% RH) and does well with daily misting.

Humidifiers and pebble beds may be used to supplement humidity around the plant. 

How Much Sun Do Rojo Congo Philodendrons Like?

Avoid placing Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' in areas that receive extended periods of strong, direct sunlight.

The best lighting is provided by bright indirect light as direct light could cause leaf burn. 

Philodendrons do great with some shade, but need a degree of bright, indirect sun.

Too little light will result in loss of cream colored variegation, poor growth, and possible death.

What is the Ideal Temperature for a Rojo Congo Philodendron?

Philodendron "Rojo Congo" prefer warmer temperatures and will likely die in extended periods of 50°F weather.

It's best to keep this plant in temperatures above 55°F to ensure its beauty and the integrity of its growth; however the optimal temperature range of this houseplant is between 65°F and 85°F.

As such, this plant thrives outdoors year round in USDA zones 10-11, and will likely not survive living outdoors over winter in USDA zone 9 or cooler.

What is the Best Soil for a Rojo Congo Philodendron?

Rojo Congo Philodendron prefers well draining, loamy soils that hold moisture. Our potting soil is a great growing medium for this plant.

How Do I Fertilize a Rojo Congo Philodendron?

Rojo Congo Philodendron should be fertilized on a monthly basis between early spring and mid-fall.

Winter fertilizations may be required on a less frequent basis if the plant is in an environment where the temperature and the amount of light that it's exposed to don't promote fast growth.

We suggest using our slow release fertilizer, a balanced liquid fertilizer, or fish emulsion—being careful not to overfertilize. 

Trimming and Maintaining a Rojo Congo Philodendron 

It's often not necessary to trim Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' unless there is unsightly damage or if the plant has spindly growth.  

Trimming is best done in the spring or fall, and should be accomplished with the use of a clean, sanitized, and sharp trimming scissors. We suggest lightly fertilizing after any extensive pruning. 

Biannual pruning will encourage bushier growth, while not trimming the plant will encourage leggier growth. 

Like most other plants, it's advised that any dead or dying leaves and stems be removed from the plant to keep it as healthy and clean as possible. 

How to Repot a Rojo Congo Philodendron

Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' does not do well rootbound so it's suggested that you repot your plant if its roots begin to crowd its pot.

You can repot your plant by placing the entire root ball into a larger pot then softly breaking up its root structure around the edges of its root ball prior to surrounding it with a lightly packed, medium porosity potting mix. It's advised to only slightly increase the pot size when repotting.

How to Propagate a Rojo Congo Philodendron

The propagation of Rojo Congo Philodendron is accomplished through the use of cuttings, division, and air-layering. The particular situation and the growth pattern of the mother plant will best determine the ideal propagation method.

Size

What Size of Rojo Congo Philodendron is for Sale Online?

The Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

How Big do Rojo Congo Philodendron Grow?

The size of Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' at maturity is typically no larger than 36" high and 36" wide. Its leaves can reach up to 8" in width on fully grown, leggier plants.

Additional Information

Common Names of Philodendron 'Rojo Congo'

• Red Congo Philodendron
  

• Red Philodendron
  

• Rojo Congo Philodendron

Toxicity and Risks of Rojo Congo Philodendrons

Philodendron 'Rojo Congo' is known to be toxic to both pets and people.

Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, abdominal pain, kidney failure, and/or death can occur after the ingestion of this plant—which contains needle-shaped crystals of calcium oxalate called raphides (known to cause kidney stones in humans). 

Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) and swelling of the skin can occur after repeated skin exposure to this plant's sap.