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The Rojo Congo is more prominent and spacious than other red diverseness , has deeper red leaves , and originate far more quickly . This tropical Philodendron may grow up to four human foot tall and just as encompassing indoors . The Philodendron “ Rojo Congo ” is often list among plants that can hold up neglect .
The Rojo Congo ’s fresh foliage will start as lightsome green with reddish undertone , turning brown to coppery violent before mature into a deep dark green gloss with a pinch of red . It is an exquisite industrial plant and a delight to grow if you bind to the basics .
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Philodendron “Rojo Congo” Care Basics
Below is a tabular array with the substantive environment variables that , if followed , will allow your Philodendron “ Rojo Congo ” to thrive . We ’ll explore each of these in more detail below .
Is the Philodendron “Rojo Congo” a Hybrid?
Yes . Philodendron Rojo Congo is a hybrid of two intercrossed parents . While some well - meaning upkeep guides will tell you the works is native to Africa or South America , it ’s native to a research lab , as both parents are hybrid .
Philodendron “Rojo Congo” Parentage
Philodendron “ Rojo Congo ” is a hybrid of the Imperial Red and the Congo .
Imperial Red , or the blushing Philodendron , is a cross of unknown parentage but is patented under the Patent / Plant Breeders ’ Rights : PP6,337 ( 1988).A lineal quote from the patent follows :
The new cultivar was discovered farm among several hundred random seedling obtained in just about September 1977 from Bamboo Nursery , Opapka , Florida .
The plants were approximately 3 - 4″ farseeing with rootsbut not root in thesoil and were undistinguishable one from the other at the time of leverage .
The origin of the fresh cultivar was not known at the time of skill , nor is it now known .
A philodendron industrial plant distinguish Imperial Red is principally qualify by its rosette flora manikin , relatively large leaves which are generally brown - maroon when immature to dark gullible - maroon when ripe ; degraded and compact growth habit , and compact variant ; near and symmetrical internode , dark green petioles with red - purple case , and by its effective multiplication by tissue culture .
P. tatei subsp . Melanochlorum “ Congo ” is a hybrid of theP. tatei subsp . Melanochlorum is patent under the Patent / Plant Breeders ’ Rights : PP11,724 ( 2000 ) . A verbatim quotation mark from the patent take after :
Its self - heading , not vining , mainly characterizes a new and distinct cultivar of Philodendron named Congoself - supporting show ; expectant plant size ; mostly upright , somewhat externally spread and subject industrial plant drug abuse ; upright vigor and rapid growing pace ; former and freely branching ; orotund , thick , leathery and glossy drear gullible leaves ; and relatively long petioles with long , slightly grayed , orangish - colourise petiole sheaths .
The new Philodendron is a ware of a plan breeding program conducted by the Inventor in Altha , Fla.
The objective lens of the breeding programme was to develop new philodendron that were self - head , not vining , and self - support with distinctive plant form and maturation habit , compact leaf , speedy growth charge per unit , and shorter petiole than plants of the parent choice .
The parent metal money is thus described onCATE Araceae :
The P. tatei is a climbing herbaceous plant up to 10 foot . ( 3 m ) long and is leafy throughout . It has a thick stem with s abbreviated internode , hidden by ferruginous cataphylls ( an Fe - colored rudimentary scalelike leaf that precedes the foliation leaf of a plant ) .
unexampled cataphyll are 8 inches ( 21 cm ) long , drying , persistent , and lento break up .
The P. tatei leaf are sheathed for 2 in ( 5 centimeter ) in the lower part . The foliage blade are up to 16 inches ( 40 cm ) tenacious and 7 inches ( 18 atomic number 96 ) wide and calendered on both surfaces , with greenish - garden pink margin .
‘ Congo ’ is a loose - branching , non - vining philodendron that is non - vining . The great , glossy , dark green leaves sit upright .
They are happily grown in vivid , shaded stead indoors or in protected outdoor places . Indoors it grow to 5 human foot ( 1.5 m ) and has a breadth of 28 inch ( 70 curium ) .
The variegate Philodendron Birkin is a radiation - induced chimeric mutant of the Philodendron “ Rojo Congo . ” learn myPhilodendron Birkin – The Ultimate Care Guidefor advice on that plant .
Caring for Philodendron “Rojo Congo”
Now that we have looked at the parent ’s needs , we experience what our Rojo Congo Philodendron needs . rent ’s fail it down .
Philodendron Rojo Congo Size & Growth
Most philodendrons display a fast increase pattern , and the philodendron Rojo is no exception . With a size that can reach 5 x 5 foot ( 1.5 x 1.5 m ) , you will need to control its growing by cut it back whenever necessary .
Because it can spread to as much as its altitude , it also needs quite a bite of space around it . This is not a little flat plant ; it requires a lot of blank space and appear best in big homes or offices .
Philodendron Rojo Congo Light Needs
philodendron can brandish in environment with relatively low visible light volume , as evidenced by the fact that many of them may be found in nature beneath the canopies of obtusely foliate trees . This cistron makes Philodendron “ Rojo Congo ” so suitable as houseplants .
agree to the University of Illinois , Philodendrons are down - light plants , meaning you could keep them at the North - face window ( in the Northern Hemisphere ) .
In the Northern Hemisphere , average bright light ( 250 – 1000 foot - candle ) indoors will be provided by the sun come in an east or Cicily Isabel Fairfield - facing window . The Sunday enter S - facing or westward - facing windows will provide high indoor light ( 500 – 1000 FC ) .
Most plant require some daily darkness to develop aright . A utmost of 16 hours of visible radiation will encourage growth without interfering with the plant ’s circadian clock .
This is specially critical if artificial light is a component in the area where the plant is hold back .
Plants generally require light above 750 foot - candles for optimal exploitation . you may furnish that by giving them hokey ignitor that is 15 watts or more per satisfying foot of growing space .
For plants that require modest to medium light levels , a fixture with two fluorescent tubes is enough .
Philodendron Rojo Congo Water Needs
Overwatering is the main reasonableness why potted flora die . When surrounded by water , ascendant ca n’t breathe – as all important to solution as to man .
The universal rule is to only body of water when necessary . To decide when to irrigate , one may utilize the keep an eye on technique :
recondite watering removes accumulated salts and ensure that most of the roots in the bottom two - thirds of the pot get enough water . Empty the tray , and do n’t let the throne sit in the accumulated water supply .
You must use a great deal with plenty of drainage holes on the bottom corners for the secure results . The tray often blocks drainage holes only on the bottom – unless you space them off the tray .
The Role of Water in Plant Care
Water serves many critical functions in all living organism . In plants , urine play a polar role in photosynthesis . It is a transport vehicle for mineral Strategic Arms Limitation Talks ( ions ) and carbohydrates . Water also performs other functions in your works ’s life :
Philodendron Rojo Congo Soil Preferences
Philodendrons raise well in a porous blending of an inert and organic potting culture medium that retains wet but drain efficaciously . Philodendron “ Rojo Congo ” need soil that run out well yet can retain moisture .
Our idealistic soil will allow our plant with adequate aeration ( avoiding anaerobic conditions ) , exert the right pH , and guarantee the soil has sufficient cation exchange capacity ( CEC ) .
Suppose you ’ve had the chance to read my Composting Masterclass book . You ’d sympathise why I ’m so passionate about compost , even in pot land . A good potting mix for your Splendid Philodendron should include the follow ingredients in the given proportions :
Philodendron Rojo Congo Fertilizing Needs
average “ house plant ” fertilizer used accord to recording label directions will serve when fertiliser is needed . Philodendron Rojo grows tight and needs fertility support , so unconstipated feeding using a dilute mixing is better than strong fertilizer occasionally put on .
presuppose your plant is doing ill , i.e. , not developing as fast as before , shooting minuscule leaves than before . In that case , you should use fertiliser to promote its developing .
As with water , too much fertilizer can harm the plant more than it helps . Overfertilizing can also become an issue , so travel along dose recommendation . Start with a weaker answer and test it to see how your plant does .
Potting & Repotting Philodendron Rojo Congo
Select a pot that can corroborate the works ’s top since this is a heavy industrial plant once it raise . Terracotta or ceramic pots are not only beautiful , but they ’re also helpful in preventing this top - toilsome flora from toppling over .
On the other helping hand , plastic is light and holds moisture for a more extended full stop . Plastic potful are great when the works is little , but when it bug out to topple over , switching to a more sturdy pot is preferable .
The plant outgrows its present container as it arise , so you ’ll postulate to transplant it into a larger container . Repotting should be done in former spring to co-occur with the outset of a raise time of year , allow for the plant meter to reinstate itself .
Whatever pot you prefer , exercise several holes in the bottom to enfeeble any extra water .
How to Propagate Philodendron Rojo?
multiplication of philodendron Rojo can be attain either by dividing ( hit a part of the root with a base ) or rooting stem cuttings in water or soil .
Regardless of the method , keep the new works or bring down out of direct sunlight in a tender , brilliant fix . Keep the ground moist , making sure not to overwater . In 6 - 8 weeks , you should see new root or growth shape .
Is Philodendron “Rojo Congo” Toxic?
All philodendron are vicious due to their varying amounts of raphides or needle - forge atomic number 20 oxalate crystals . These crystallization playact as a defense mechanism in nature against herbivores . Crystals of calcium oxalate irritate ticklish internal tissue paper as well as the skin .
Accidental inspiration cause severe pharynx and back talk burning , requiring rapid medical intervention . philodendron should therefore be kept out of the grasp of youngsters and animals .
In Closing
The Rojo Philodendron miscellanea is a fast and with child - growing variety . It ’s self - header , make it a great level plant .
Like other varieties , it does n’t necessitate much care and attention . Still , protecting it from direct Lord’s Day and low temperature is all important , and even high temperatures ( 100 ⁰F ( 38 ⁰C ) ) are problematical .
