Fauna
Plant

Blushing Philodendron

Philodendron erubescens

Also known as Red-Leaf Philodendron

Blushing Philodendron scales rainforest trunks using aerial roots, displaying deep green glossy leaves with striking reddish undersides and crimson leaf stalks. Native to the humid tropical forests of Colombia, it produces fragrant deep red spathes during summer and autumn. While widely cultivated as a popular houseplant worldwide, wild vines can reach several meters in height as they climb toward the light.

TropicalClimberEvergreen
Blushing Philodendron reference1 / 7
Alialb / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySunlight, Water, Soil nutrients
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale insects
  • Spider mites
ThreatsDeforestation, habitat degradation
HabitatsTropical rainforests, canopy margins
Life span20–50+ years
Classification
  1. OrderAlismatales
  2. FamilyAraceae
  3. GenusPhilodendron
  4. SpeciesPhilodendron erubescens
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to humans and pets if chewed or ingested.
Why it is dangerous
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe oral irritation, burning, and swelling if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by bright red petioles, copper-red juvenile foliage, and dark green heart-shaped adult leaves.
What to do
Keep out of reach of domestic pets and children, and wear gloves when pruning to avoid contact with sap.
Responsible observation
  • Indoor Placement: Provide bright, indirect light and a moss pole for vertical climbing support.
  • Pet Safety: Position plants on high shelves or in hanging baskets away from cats and dogs.
  • Pruning: Cut back leggy stems with clean shears to encourage bushier foliage growth.
Related species
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Windowsill Flora

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