The Philodendron Red Congo, or Rojo Congo, is an interesting tropical plant, well-suited for the Indian climates. It is easy to care for and would peak at a height of 61cm, making it an ideal indoor plant.
It is an interesting plant due to the pop of colour it provides to just about any space. New leaves sprout out in a deep red colour, before unfurling into reddish-green glossy leaves. At a time, there would be mature leaves and juvenile leaves on your plant, giving off contrasting tones of colour to your room. The stems of this plant are bright red too! It doesn't tend to have a climbing habit, unlike the other philodendrons, and instead grows upright and outward, giving the appearance of a small shrub.
This low-maintenance plant helps purify the air, filtering out toxins and other impurities. It loves humidity and high temperatures but hates being under direct sunlight. It doesn't really need much pruning, as it mostly retains its compact shape. You may only have to clean off any wilted or dead leaves.
Why Choose a Philodendron Red Congo
Reasons to choose Philodendron Red Congo | Philodendron Red Congo Care | Common Problems | Best Spots for the Philodendron Red Congo | Planter Recommendations
Reasons to choose Philodendron Red Congo
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- Easy to care for: These plants are relatively low maintenance and are easy to care for, making them a great choice for those who are new to plant care or have busy schedules.
- Beautiful foliage: The deep red and burgundy leaves of the Philodendron Red Congo are striking and add a bold pop of color to any room.
- Air purifying: Like all Philodendrons, the Red Congo is known to be an excellent air-purifying plant. It can help to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a great choice for improving the indoor air quality of your home.
- Long-lasting: With proper care, Philodendron Red Congo plants can live for many years, making them a long-lasting addition to your home.
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Caring for Your Philodendron Red Congo
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If you have decided to bring a Philodendron Red Congo into your home garden, here are the tips and tricks for caring for your colourful plant:
- Water: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain out of the bottom of the planter. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
- Light: Philodendron Red Congo plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or become scorched.
- Temperature: These plants prefer warm temperatures between 21-27°C. Avoid placing the plant in a location that gets colder than 15°C or warmer than 32°C.
- Humidity: Philodendron Red Congo plants prefer high humidity levels. To increase humidity around the plant, mist the leaves regularly or place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Fertilizer: Feed the plant every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and apply it to the soil. During winter, you can fertilize the plant once a month.
- Repotting: Repot the plant every 2-3 years, or when it becomes pot bound. Choose a planter that is one size larger than the current container or planter and use a well-draining soil mix.
- Pruning: Prune the plant to remove any damaged or dead leaves. This will help the plant stay pretty and healthy and promote new growth.
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Common Problems of Philodendron Red Congo
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The Philodendron Red Congo is not a very difficult-to-please plant. as long as it has enough water, high humidity, and indirect shade, you should not run into many issues. Let's discuss a few situations where your plant may run into trouble:
- Pests: Spraying neem oil on the plant once a month will help keep the insects away. Frequently wiping down the leaves will also help remove any spiderwebs or mites.
- Diseases: Common symptoms of diseases you may find are root rot, mushy wet leaves, and dark spots on the leaves. If you do notice any of these signs, remove the affected areas and replant your Red Congo in a new container or planter with fresh soil.
- Growing Problems: If you notice faded leaves or legginess, your plant may not be getting sufficient light, and would need to be moved to a brighter area (but without being exposed to direct sunlight!). Droopy leaves or dark patches could be caused by too-cold temperatures as well. Shift it to a spot away from the air-conditioning, and from the windows during cold winters.
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Best Spots for the Philodendron Red Congo
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If you have a wide living room with a white background, it will suit the colours of the plant and provide a stark contrast.
You could also try placing it in your bathroom where it would be exposed to steam and high humidity.
If you have a shaded balcony, your plant can make use of the high temperatures during hot summers.
The Philodendron Red Congo is a fast-growing, low-maintenance, and beautiful indoor plant.
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Planters recommended for Philodendron Red Congo
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