Philodendron 'Lisa' – Rare Hybrid with Burgundy New Growth and Dark Metallic Leaves


Philodendron 'Lisa' is a striking new hybrid cultivar, believed to be a cross of Philodendron 'Majesty' and Philodendron 'Red Beauty'. It inherits the elegant, upright growth of its parentage while showcasing a dramatic colour shift: new leaves emerge a rich burgundy, then gradually darken into deep metallic green with dark red undersides. A compact, self-heading philodendron that brings bold colour contrast into any collection.
 
● Key features of Philodendron 'Lisa'


Leaf colour: juvenile foliage in burgundy, maturing into dark metallic green.
Undersides: abaxial surfaces remain a deep red, contrasting with the darker upper blade.
Growth habit: upright, self-heading hybrid that forms a neat rosette.
Parentage: thought to combine the traits of 'Majesty' and 'Red Beauty'.
 
● Background and breeding


Although not formally published, 'Lisa' has quickly gained popularity among collectors for combining the rich burgundy tones of red philodendrons with the refined, metallic finish of darker hybrids. Its compact habit makes it easier to manage than large climbing types, while still offering dramatic visual appeal.
 
● Care tips for Philodendron 'Lisa'


Light: bright, indirect light maintains strong colour; avoid intense direct sun.
Temperature: thrives at 20 – 28 °C; avoid exposure below 16 °C.
Humidity: prefers 60 – 80% for optimal leaf size and gloss.
Watering: allow the top 2 – 3 cm of substrate to dry between waterings; avoid soggy soil.
Substrate: chunky aroid mix with bark, coco coir, and perlite ensures aeration and drainage.
Feeding: monthly, diluted fertiliser during active growth enhances leaf colour and vigour.
 
● Potential issues and solutions


Faded burgundy: insufficient light reduces red tones; increase filtered brightness.
Yellowing leaves: usually from overwatering or poor substrate aeration.
Brown tips: low humidity or inconsistent watering; stabilise both for smooth foliage.
Pests: monitor for mites and thrips, especially on tender new growth.
 
● Collector’s notes


Rarity: still uncommon in trade, prized for its unique colour transitions.
Comparison: combines the upright elegance of 'Majesty' with the bold colour of 'Red Beauty'.
Display: compact form makes it perfect for tabletops or as a colour accent in larger displays.
Toxicity: like all philodendrons, contains calcium oxalate; avoid ingestion by pets and children.
 
● Etymology


Genus:Philodendron (Schott, 1830), from Greek philo- “loving” + dendron “tree,” a reference to the genus’ natural climbing habit. Self-heading cultivars like 'Lisa' retain the name while forming upright rosettes.
 
● Propagation and size


Propagation: stem cuttings or basal division under warm, humid conditions.
Rooting medium: sphagnum moss or a fine bark/perlite blend encourages strong rooting.
Indoor size: compact, usually 50 – 90 cm tall; manageable compared to climbing philodendrons.
 
● Grower FAQs


Will the red tones fade over time?No, while leaves darken with maturity, each new flush begins burgundy and retains red undersides.
Does it need a pole?No, it is a self-heading philodendron and holds its structure without climbing support.
Is it suitable for beginners?Yes, its forgiving nature makes it accessible while still offering collector-level appeal.
 
● Why Philodendron 'Lisa' deserves attention


Compact, colourful, and rare, Philodendron 'Lisa' is a hybrid that blends burgundy new growth with metallic dark foliage in a tidy self-heading form. A plant that brings both elegance and drama to any indoor collection.