Red Congo

Philodendron Rojo Congo is a new and distinct cultivar of Philodendron. It is a product of the cross or breeding between Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ as the female parent and an unidentified cultivar of the Philodendron tatei. This plant grows vigorously in an upright but spreading or open manner.

Rojo Congo philodendron's new leaves unfurl a shiny red and then mature to a dark green with a reddish cast. A shrub-like evergreen that was developed from plants native to northern South America, it is considered a "self-heading" philodendron, that is, it does not crawl or climb in a vine-like manner. Its leaves appear from a root clump on long, dark red, firm but fleshy stems. Grow Rojo Congo philodendron in a fertile, moist but well-draining, non-alkaline soil in partial to full shade in a frost free region. Dappled sunlight is acceptable, but midday sun will scorch the leaves. The leaf and stem juices of philodendron are poisonous and can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

New Rojo Congo leaves are brownish maroon to almost red in color while the large mature ones are dark green in color with a touch of red. The plant’s leaf petioles remain reddish purple to bright right with long lasting petiole sheaths. Plant in spring, summer, or fall, spacing plants 6 feet apart or closer if you want a hedge line. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. If your soil is in very poor condition, amend the soil you've removed from the hole with a small amount of compost. Otherwise don't amend it at all. Carefully remove the plant from the container and set it in the hole. Fill the hole half full with soil, then water it well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Let the water drain, then fill the remainder of hole with soil and water thoroughly.