Philodendron Rojo Congo Care And Growing Guide

In keeping with the expanding desire among gardeners for tropical plant ideal for growing indoors, the philodendron “Rojo Congo” cultivar was created. Wherever you place this tropical beauty, Rojo Congo’s lush green leaves and vivid crimson stems make for an eye-catching scene.

This article will provide you with everything you need to know about Philodendron Rojo Congo Care —from watering tips, light preferences, and more! So if you’re ready to make this beautiful plant a part of your home or office décor, read on!

About Philodendron rojo congo

Philodendron rojo congo was created by crossing philodendron tatei with philodendron royal red. The rojo congo’s color resembles an imperial red more than a tatei, and its leaf shape is more tatei-like.

The parent plants of the Philodendron Rojo Congo plant originated in Central and South America, the Philodendron Rojo Congo plant was just recently established in Florida.

Large, glossy leaves that emerge brilliant red and mature to a deep green are characteristic of Philodendron Rojo Congo plants. The color of the leaves deepens to a deeper hunter green as they get older. The stems come in a variety of hues, including bright red, purple, red-brown, and brown.

Philodendron Rojo Congo is a good pick for your house because it is efficient at removing hazardous airborne contaminants like formaldehyde.

Philodendron Rojo Congo care overview

Philodendron Rojo Congo Light Requirements

Philodendrons are tropical plants that have adapted to live in forests with lots of tree cover. To grow rojo congo as a houseplant, it is therefore best to emulate these circumstances.

The Philodendron rojo congo prefers indirect, bright light. An east window or west window site would be best for growing Philodendron “Rojo Congo”.The plant won’t be harmed even if it is exposed to some direct sunshine for about 30 minutes during the day. But because the sun burns the leaf, it won’t thrive in direct sunshine.

The plant’s foliage can become burned if there is too much direct light. Keep it in bright shade if you intend to transfer it outside for the spring and summer. The plant can be gradually acclimated to some direct sunlight, but you’ll need to take your time.

Throughout the winter, plant Philodendron “Rojo Congo” under fluorescent lights for roughly 12 hours a day if you reside in a cold climate.

The growth of the rojo congo will slow down and the plant may lose some of its lovely red tints if it receives not enough light. Bright shade in a rainforest is significantly different from low light, hence this is not a low-light plant.

Soil for Rojo Congo plant

An important component of this plant’s foundation is the potting soil. The roots will suffocate if the soil you use is excessively dense, such as topsoil or garden bed soil.

The roots of the philodendron rojo congo must have access to oxygen, which is made easier by utilizing chunky, well-draining soil. It could be perlite, coco chips, bark fragments, tiny gravel, sand, or anything else that is coarse and chunky.

The mixture must retain moisture without becoming soggy. You may do this by using a lot of organic matter, which not only keeps the soil moist but also feeds the plant.

Fresh peat moss, coco peat, or sphagnum moss are my top recommendations. As an alternative, you can add organic content to the substrate using sterile leaf litter, kitchen compost, cow manure, etc. A 50/50 split between organic and inorganic components is optimum.

Purchasing a high-quality cactus mix and peat is one Philodendron “Rojo Congo” care hack if you find everything here too complex.

Philodendron Rojo Congo Watering

While watering Philodendron Rojo Congo, it’s important to make sure the soil is always evenly moist but never drenched.

Philodendrons are accustomed to frequent rain in rainforests, but because of the rapidly draining soil they are growing on, their roots are never buried in water.

Whenever the top two inches have dried off, water Rojo Congo. While a moisture meter can be used to measure this, I usually use my finger until I establish a reliable routine.

The ideal water for Philodendron Rojo Congo is distilled water or rainwater. If you must use tap water, let the fluoride and chlorine gas escape by letting it sit in an open container overnight.

The plant can be killed by either too much or too little water. The following advice can help you water these hybrid kinds.

• Avoid the soil becoming entirely dry
• Watering the plant once per week in the summer and around every 3-4 weeks in the winter at home or not watering.
• Your plant will require a different watering cycle depending on the exact living conditions you give it.
• The soil type, climate zone, current conditions, plant position, ambient humidity, and weather are all elements that have an impact on the watering cycle.

Philodendron Rojo Congo Temperature

Philodendrons are accustomed to the warm climate of the rainforests. The Philodendron Rojo Congo can withstand temperatures of up to 80°F and low as 65°F. The ideal ambient temperature for this plant is between 65 and 80°F (18 and 27°C).

The philodendron rojo congo grows best in warm climates. In many locations, you can only grow your philodendron red congo outdoors in the spring and summer because it is not cold- or frost-hardy. Bring your plant inside without a doubt after the overnight lows frequently fall into the 50s°F range.

In the winter, simply keep an eye out for drafty windows or doors. Though typically not a major problem, this is something to be aware of since this plant does not perform well in the winter.

If you reside close to the equator, you have it simply because the philodendron “Rojo Congo” needs the warm air of the tropics. Yet, this cultivar is heated-room tolerant and has been bred for indoor cultivation.

This does not imply that you place your plant in front of your radiator or subject it to extreme temperature swings. Place the plant in filtered light and drink enough water if it gets too warm.

Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’ Humidity

The red congo is quite tolerant of typical house humidity levels, like nearly all philodendrons that have thrived as indoor plants. 60% or more humidity is best for Rojo Congo

This tropical hybrid does well in a moist setting. As long as the soil moisture is at its ideal level, you don’t need to worry excessively about humidity. A small amount of air dryness won’t harm the plant.

But if the tips or margins of your Philodendron Rojo Congo’s leaves start to turn brown, it’s time to figure out a solution to raise the humidity level for your tropical plant.

Mist the plant with water once or twice a week, or clean the foliage with a sponge dipped in water. Always use a humidifier during the dry months.

Setting a pebble tray filled with water under your Philodendron Rojo Congo or investing in a humidifier will do much better to ensure the health of all your tropical plants.

Fertilizer for Philodendron Rojo Congo

sing fertilizer in your routine of care is one technique to promote growth in your rojo congo. You can use organic fertilizer or liquid fertilizer.

Tropical evergreens like philodendrons favor organic plant feed over chemical fertilizers.

Using organic soil additions that function as efficient slow-release fertilizers is required for these plants. Organic manure, sterile animal dung, peat, moss, etc. are all abundant sources of nutrients that plants require while also being completely harmless to them.

One tip for caring for Philodendron “Rojo Congo” is to use rabbit, horse, cow, or chicken manure. Early in the spring, mixing them into loosened topsoil greatly accelerates seasonally occurring growth.

While a fertilizer with a balanced fertilizer ratio can be used for Rojo Congo, a nitrogen-rich formula like 3-1-3 or 3-1-2 will promote leaf growth.

The simplest fertilizer to use is liquid fertilizer. Use it once every month, immediately after watering, at half the suggested strength. Do this every month from spring through summer, when it is actively developing, and then cease during the dormant seasons of fall and winter.

Repotting Philodendron Rojo Congo

The philodendron rojo congo will require repotting every one to three years, depending on your growing conditions and pace of growth. Check to see if the roots are filling the bulk of the pot or the drainage holes in the pot.

Use new, well-draining potting soil when repotting the rojo congo to restore nutrients.

When switching to a bigger pot, only go up an inch or two at most because a pot that is too large will actually slow down the growth of your Philodendron Rojo Congo

Use a substantial ceramic or clay pot to balance the plant’s weight, and make sure it has drainage openings at all times.

I advise against handling the rootball too much when repotting plants that like to be a little root bound. In fact, no matter how firmly the roots are anchored, I rarely ever remove them.

I simply fill the new container with a layer of fresh soil. Afterward, I plant and insert the root ball, filling in the area around the root ball so that the plant can stand on its own. I cover the plant with soil and water it thoroughly until water pours out of the drainage holes.

Philodendron Rojo Congo Propagation

It is highly recommended that you propagate Philodendron “Rojo Congo” in mild, humid weather. The best period is in the spring.

There are two ways to propagate a philodendron scarlet congo: stem cutting and division.

Stem cuttings

Philodendron Rojo Congo can be propagated using stem cuttings. Here’s how:

Step 1: Choose a stem Philodendron Rojo Congo with at least two or three leaves. The stem shouldn’t be too thin and should be sturdy.

Step 2: Trim the stem of Philodendron Rojo Congo at a 45-degree angle with a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Make sure the cutting has at least one node and is between 4-6 inches long (a small bump on the stem where the leaves grow from).

Step 3: Remove the lower leaves, leaving just one or two at the top.

Step 4: Allow the cut end of the stem to callus over for a day or two. This will help prevent the cutting from rotting when it is planted.

Step 5: Fill a small pot with quick-draining soil and poke a pencil hole in the center. The stem cutting should be inserted into the hole, and the earth should be carefully pressed around it.

Step 6: Thoroughly water the soil, making sure the water drains out of the bottom of the pot. After that, put the pot somewhere warm and bright, but out of direct sunlight.

Step 7: Mist the leaves occasionally to add humidity and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Within a few weeks, the cutting should begin to root, at which point you can start to care for it like a mature plant.

Division

Philodendron Rojo Congo can also be propagated through division. Here are the steps:

1. Choose a healthy plant: Select a mature and healthy Philodendron Rojo Congo plant that has multiple stems and a well-established root system.
2. Remove the plant from the pot: Gently remove the plant from its pot and loosen the soil around the roots.
3. Separate the stems: Carefully separate the stems of the plant, ensuring that each stem has its own root system.
4. Trim the roots: Use clean scissors or pruning shears to trim any damaged or dead roots.
5. Repot the stems: Repot each stem in its own pot with well-draining soil.
6. Water the new plants: Water the newly repotted plants thoroughly and place them in a bright, warm location with indirect sunlight.
7. Care for the new plants: Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and mist the leaves occasionally to provide some humidity. As the new plants grow, you can begin to treat them like mature plants.

Tip: Make sure to take care not to damage the plant or its roots during the process.

Philodendron Rojo Congo Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Philodendron Rojo Congo, like all houseplants, is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most typical problems to keep an eye out for:

• Spider mites: These minuscule pests can cause yellowing, speckling, and webbing on the leaves and stems of your Philodendron Rojo Congo. Neem oil or insecticidal soap are effective treatments for spider mites.
• Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another typical pest that can infest Philodendron rojo congo. On the stems and leaves, they appear as white, fluffy heaps. Mealybugs can be removed with a cotton swab bathed in rubbing alcohol, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
• Scale insects: These pesky insects give out little, rounded lumps on the plant’s stems and leaves. Neem oil or insecticidal soap might be used to treat them.
• Root rot can occur in Philodendron rojo congo because of overwatering or poorly draining soil. Wilting, yellowing, and squishy roots are symptoms. Stop watering the plant and repot it in new, well-draining soil to treat root rot.
• Leaf spot is a fungus that can infect plants and leave them with brown or black patches on their leaves. Remove any affected leaves and check that the plant isn’t receiving too much or too little ventilation to treat the leaf spots.

Keep your Philodendron Rojo Congo in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and place the plant in a sunny, warm area with lots of ventilation to avoid these problems. Check your plant frequently for any signs of illness or pests, and take immediate action if necessary.

Philodendron Rojo Congo Care Common Problems

Philodendron Rojo Congo is generally an easy plant to care for, but like any houseplant, it can encounter some common problems. Here are some of the most common problems and their solutions:

• Yellowing leaves: Yellowing leaves can be caused by a number of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Make sure Philodendron Rojo Congo is getting the right amount of water, adjust the frequency of watering if needed, and consider fertilizing with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
• Brown leaf tips: Brown leaf tips can be caused by underwatering, low humidity, or excess salt buildup in the soil. Increase the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves or placing a tray of water nearby. Consider flushing the soil with clean water to remove excess salt buildup.
• Wilting: Wilting can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or root rot. Check the soil moisture level and adjust the watering accordingly. If the roots are mushy or discolored, it may be a sign of root rot, in which case you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil.
• Leaf drop: Leaf drop can be a normal part of the plant’s growth process, or it could be a sign of stress from factors like low light, low humidity, or overwatering. Check the plant’s environment and adjust as needed.

Overall, Philodendron Rojo Congo is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive with the right care. Make sure to provide it with bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and the appropriate amount of water, and it should flourish.

Conclusion

With its bright hues of red against lush greens, the Philodendron Rojo Congo will make any corner of your life vibrant and exotic. You now have all the info you need for your Philodendron Rojo Congo care in the Famiplants blog post! So join and share today’s gardening experience.