Philodendron 'Red Sun' – Fiery Foliage for Modern Indoor Spaces
Philodendron 'Red Sun' brings a burst of vibrant energy into your home with its striking, color-shifting foliage. New leaves emerge in shades of fiery red and orange before maturing into deep glossy green. Compact, upright, and easy to care for, this self-heading aroid fits effortlessly onto desks, shelves, or plant stands, adding bold tropical character without overwhelming your space.
Why Philodendron 'Red Sun' Stands Out
- Dynamic Color Change: Young leaves transition from bright red to orange and then to rich green.
- Compact Growth: Grows upright to about 50–80 cm, perfect for smaller indoor setups.
- Self-Heading Form: No climbing support needed — naturally bushy and balanced structure.
- Low-Maintenance: Adaptable and tolerant of occasional missed waterings.
- Safety Note: Mildly toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children.
Growth Pattern and Background
As a member of the Philodendron erubescens hybrid group, 'Red Sun' traces its origins back to tropical South America. Indoors, it maintains a neat, upright profile, with short internodes and moderate growth speed. Its fiery new foliage slowly transforms into a deep green as leaves mature, offering dynamic color evolution throughout the year.
How to Care for Philodendron 'Red Sun'
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light for healthy, vigorous growth. Low light may reduce vibrancy, but the color progression is genetically stable.
- Watering Tips: Allow the top 2–3 cm of the substrate to dry before watering thoroughly.
- Humidity: Comfortable at 50–60%, though higher humidity encourages larger leaf development.
- Temperature: Maintain 18–27 °C. Avoid cold drafts or temperatures below 15 °C.
- Soil: Use a breathable mix of coconut coir, perlite, orchid bark, and quality potting soil for strong root health.
- Fertilization: Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted liquid fertilizer.
- Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Maintenance and Propagation Tips
- Propagation: Take stem cuttings with at least one node and root them in water, moist moss, or semi-hydro setups.
- Pruning: Trim yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage compact, vibrant growth.
- Leaf Care: Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use plant dusting gloves to maintain a healthy shine and optimize light absorption.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Spider Mites or Mealybugs: Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil solutions.
- Yellowing Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering or compacted soil — adjust watering and substrate accordingly.
- Brown Tips: Often due to low humidity or irregular watering. Increase moisture levels and stabilize care routines.
- Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage. Repot immediately into a fresh, airy mix if roots are affected.
Botanical Name Meaning
The name “Philodendron” comes from Greek — philo meaning love and dendron meaning tree — describing the natural climbing and spreading nature of many species. 'Red Sun' is a cultivated hybrid named for the vivid, sunset-like coloration of its emerging foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philodendron 'Red Sun'
- Can it grow in low light? It survives lower light, but brighter conditions maintain stronger, more vivid foliage color during new growth stages.
- What type of pot is best? Choose breathable pots with drainage holes. Terracotta is ideal for moisture control.
- How often should I fertilize? Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; pause feeding in winter months.
Order Your Philodendron 'Red Sun' at Foliage Factory
Light up your indoor space with the ever-changing brilliance of Philodendron 'Red Sun'. Easy-going yet visually dramatic, this rare hybrid is perfect for adding vibrant energy to any plant collection. Order now from Foliage Factory and bring home a true burst of living color!
Philodendron 'Red Sun'
Philodendron 'Red Sun ' plants come in following sizes:
Baby Plant – is approximately 10 cm tall, and comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot
S – is approximately 25 cm tall, ⌀ 12 cm
M – is approximately 35 cm tall. ⌀ 15 cm
L – is approximately 50 cm tall, ⌀ 21