Philodendron 'Black Cardinal': Growing and Care Tips

There are many types of philodendrons to choose from, but one that stands out from the crowd is the philodendron black cardinal.

A Philodendron erubescens hybrid, the glossy leaves on this compact tropical stunner change from burgundy red to dark green to a dark purple-brown that almost looks black as it matures.

To make the most of the standout broad, oval foliage on this low-maintenance houseplant, position your black cardinal in a spot with bright but indirect light, use a well-draining, evenly moist potting medium, and keep humidity levels high.

The black cardinal, like all philodendrons, is toxic to humans and pets.

Philodendron Black Cardinal Care

Here are the main care requirements to allow you to appreciate the stunning color changes in the foliage of a healthy philodendron black cardinal:

• Select a bright, indirect light position.
• Plant in a well-drained potting medium.
• Water once the top two inches of soil is dry.
• Create a high-humidity environment.

Light

While philodendrons are often suggested as perfect plants for growing in bathrooms or other low-light spaces, picking a position where your philodendron black cardinal receives bright but indirect light is best to promote healthy foliage growth.

Place your plant beside a window that gets direct morning sun.If it is exposed to intense afternoon sun, those beautiful leaves get scorched.

To promote even growth, rotate your plant every couple of weeks or so and dust the leaves down regularly with a damp cloth to allow maximum light absorption.

Soil

A well-draining potting mix is essential for your philodendron black cardinal to minimize the risk of root rot.For convenience, pick a ready-made aroid mix.

Alternatively, make your own blend. Mixing equal parts nutrient-dense, all-purpose potting soil, coarse perlite or organic coco coir, and orchid bark creates the aerating qualities you need.

Water

While they handle low moisture better than some philodendron species, black cardinals are still not drought-tolerant plants.

However, while they need regular watering to promote healthy, glossy, full foliage, don’t let the soil get soggy, as this may lead to root rot.

A strict watering schedule isn’t a good strategy. Instead, test the soil with your finger to measure when your plant is ready for watering.

When the top two to three inches are dry, this is the time to offer a deep watering from the base of the plant. Don't soak the leaves, as this promote fungasl diseases.

Temperature and Humidity

The philodendron black cardinal is a hybrid originating from tropical rainforest native species. These plants don’t like cold, extremely fluctuating temperatures or drafty locations.

They do best in a spot in your home where temperatures remain above 65°F.

Philodendrons are also humidity-lovers. While humidity levels over 60% are ideal, philodendron black cardinals copes with lower average home humidity levels.

However, when the air is dry (often a problem when air conditioning or heating is blasting), try grouping humidity-loving tropical plants, fill a tray of pebbles with water for your plant to sit on and consider using a humidifier.

Fertilizer

Your philodendron black cardinal is fine without regular fertilizing, especially if you plant in a potting mix rich in organic matter. However, philodendron species are often regarded as heavy feeders.

Applying a half-strength solution of a high nitrogen formula every few weeks during the growing season promotes large, healthy leaves, allowing you to appreciate the stunning colors for as long as possible.

Make sure you feed when the soil is evenly moist. Applying fertilizer when the soil is dry results in fertilizer burn in the dry rooots.

Pruning

The philodendron black cardinal isn’t a vining variety. Instead, it has a compact, upright, self-heading habit.

You don’t have to worry about it sprawling out of control or the need for staking. However, it is clump forming.

If a healthy plant is getting crowded, you might want to divide it to keep a slimline form and reduce the risk of poor air circulation, causing fungal diseases.

Besides that, remove dead or dying leaves to tidy the plant’s appearance and direct energy to healthy foliage growth.

Propagating Philodendron Black Cardinal

Do you want to add more stunning specimens to your own collection or gift them to your plant-loving friends and family?

Fortunately, the philodendron black cardinal is relatively easy to propagate from stem cuttings in the spring or summer growing season.

The steps below guide you through the simple water propagation method, but it’s also possible to propagate in potting soil.

1. Select a healthy, mature stem with several leaves from the bottom of the plant.
2. Cut the stem off with sharp, sterilizer pruning shears or plant scissors.
3. Leave two or three leaves at the top of the stem and remove the bottom few leaves to expose the nodes (growth points where new leaves emerge).
4. Leave the stem to callus over at the cut end overnight. This helps encourage root development.
5. Once the cut end is fully callused, transfer the cutting to a jar of water, ensuring you fully submerge the nodes.
6. Position the jar in a warm spot receiving bright, indirect light.
7. Replace the water weekly.
8. After a few weeks, once new roots reach around 2 to 3 inches in length, carefully transplant the cutting to a well-draining potting mix.
9. Revert to normal philodendron black cardinal care at this point, but make sure the potting mix is kept evenly moist for the first few weeks, rather than letting the top dry out.
10. When you tug on the plant and you meet resistance, roots have formed. Start the usual watering routine once the top few inches of potting mix are dry.

Potting and Repotting Philodendron Black Cardinal

Philodendron black cardinals are not the fastest growers, so you won’t have to worry about repotting too regularly. They are also a little more forgiving of being rootbound than some plants.

However, they still grow more vigorously when you repot them every few years. Wait until you see roots appearing through the pot's drainage holes and water quickly flows through the potting mix rather than absorbing into it.

Repot your rootbound plant during the growing season in the spring or summer. Wait until the plant needs watering, as it is more tricky to release a plant from its pot when it is very wet. Don’t go too big with the new pot.

Excessive amounts of soil make it difficult for your plant to absorb moisture effectively. A pot that’s around 2 inches wider in diameter should work well. And don’t forget to refresh the potting mix completely (and consider amending it with organic matter for extra nutrients).

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Your philodendron black cardinal isn’t likely to be bothered by many pests or diseases, but there are a few things to watch out for.

In high humidity, insects such as sap-sucking mealybugs and thrips and soil-infesting, flying fungus gnats set up home on your plant.

Watch out for overwatering and regularly inspect the leaves and soil in order to take action before a major invasion sets in.

These bugs are usually relatively easy to control with organic neem oil or an insecticidal soap.

High humidity and poor air circulation may also result in ugly brown spots on the leaves of your philodendron black cardinal.

If you suspect a fungal disease, quarantine your plant to prevent the spread to other specimens in your collection, remove diseased leaves, and treat with a fungicide.

Common Problems with Philodendron Black Cardinal

If the glossy leaves of your philodendron black cardinal aren’t looking their best, it’s often an early warning sign that they aren’t happy with something relating to their care. Watch out for the signs below to allow you to make some tweaks to save your plant.

Yellowing Leaves

Mature houseplants have leaves that turn yellow and drop naturally as they age to make way for new growth. But new growth turning yellow is typically a sign of stress in your philodendron black cardinal.

You’ll have to evaluate if you are providing enough light, over or underwatering, or have your plant in an overly drafty location. Sometimes, it’s also an early warning sign that your plant has a viral infection.

Brown Tips

Your philodendron black cardinal's lush, glossy foliage develops a purple-brown hue as it matures. However, if your plant’s leaves turn brown and crispy, it isn’t attractive or desirable and is often a sign of underwatering.

Also, consider whether you have your plant in an overly sunny position or one without adequate humidity.

Curling Leaves

Another sign that your philodendron black cardinal needs higher humidity levels and a less drafty position is the foliage curling inwards.

A humidifier is a worthwhile investment if you have a large tropical houseplant collection.

From: thespruce