🌿 Philodendron 'El Choco Red' Overview

Philodendron 'El Choco Red' (Philodendron rubrijuvenile) is a spectacular collector Philodendron prized for its large, velvety heart-shaped leaves and striking reddish coloration. New foliage often emerges with rich red or burgundy tones before maturing to deep green, while the leaf undersides and petioles can retain gorgeous reddish hues. Its dramatic velvet foliage makes this climbing aroid a standout in any rare plant collection.

✨ Appearance

• Large, heart-shaped leaves with a luxurious velvety texture
• Deep green mature foliage with prominent lighter veining
• New leaves may emerge in beautiful red, bronze, or burgundy tones
• Reddish petioles and leaf undersides add dramatic contrast
• Climbing growth habit
• Leaves become significantly larger and more impressive as the plant matures and climbs

☀️ Light

• Prefers bright, indirect light
• Can tolerate moderate indirect light
• Consistent bright filtered light encourages larger foliage and healthy growth
• Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate velvet leaves

💧 Water

• Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Water thoroughly, allowing excess moisture to drain away
• Prefers consistent moisture but should never remain soggy
• Avoid allowing the plant to remain completely dry for extended periods

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal temperature: 65–85°F
• Prefers moderate to high humidity
• Humidity around 60% or higher can help encourage beautiful foliage
• Protect from temperatures below 60°F
• Good airflow is beneficial, especially in humid environments

🌱 Soil

• Prefers a chunky, airy, well-draining aroid mix
  • Potting soil or coco coir
  • Orchid bark
  • Perlite or pumice
  • Sphagnum moss may be added for additional moisture retention
• Excellent drainage and root aeration are essential for healthy growth

🌿 Growth & Care

• Moderate grower under ideal conditions
• Best provided with a moss pole, plank, or other climbing support
• Allowing aerial roots to attach to a support encourages larger, more mature foliage
• Fertilize lightly during the active growing season
• Propagates from stem cuttings containing a healthy node
• Avoid excessive handling of the leaves to protect their beautiful velvety surface

🐾 Pet Safety

• Toxic to pets if ingested
• Contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth and digestive irritation

💚 Why Collectors Love It

• Gorgeous oversized, velvety heart-shaped leaves
• Beautiful red and burgundy new growth
• Dramatic contrasting veins and reddish petioles
• Foliage becomes increasingly impressive as the plant climbs
• A true statement plant for rare Philodendron and velvet-leaf collectors 🌿❤️