Philodendron Painted Lady

Philodendron Painted Lady Care

Philodendron erubescens 'Painted Lady'

What is the plant

The Philodendron Painted Lady plant is a hybrid of Philodendron Burgundy and Philodendron Emerald Queen, bred in Florida in the 1970s. Its leaves are bright green with yellow flecks, while its stems and petioles are pink. This easy-to-grow plant is a great air purifier, perfect for small city apartments.

Philodendron erubescens 'Painted Lady' is a stunning plant with a fresh and cheerful appearance; its foliage has a simple yet snazzy look that complements modern interiors and vintage decor. The leaves are elongated with a glossy surface, a leathery texture, and a beautiful variegation pattern, developing a darker green with a splattering of yellow as it matures. When given support, the plant grows slowly and reaches a mature size of 5 feet (1.5 meters), with a spread of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) wide. It can be grown in different forms, such as semi-vining, bushy shrub, or hanging baskets.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

17°C - 21°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 12

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
This Philodendron plant enjoys moisture, similar to its rainforest relative Philodendron erubescens. Water it only when the top layer of soil is dry. Ensure excess water drains away before placing it back in the saucer. It can withstand humidity levels between 40-70%, but 60-70% is best. Brown tips on the leaves indicate low humidity. Use a pebble tray with water under the pot or a small humidifier to increase humidity. In winter, wait until the soil almost dries out completely before watering.
Pruning
The Philodendron Painted Lady can be pruned to encourage bushier growth in the spring by cutting back stems above the node. However, it is not necessary except for removing dead or damaged parts. Wear gloves and use sterilized scissors to protect yourself from the toxic sap.
Fertilizer
To promote foliage growth in your Philodendron, use a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 or one with higher nitrogen content. Use slow-release granules in spring, summer, and early fall or liquid fertilizer once a month in the growing season. Dilute the liquid fertilizer to half its recommended strength and apply it around the pot's perimeter or 6 inches (15 cm) from the crown. Don't overdo it, though; a moderate amount of fertilizer is enough.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Philodendron erubescens 'Painted Lady' thrives in bright but indirect sunlight. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it may burn the foliage. These plants should be exposed to the morning or evening sun for about 3 hours a day. In their natural habitat, they grow under the shade of big trees, so it's best to keep them under shade on the patio or indoors. Excessive light can cause the plant's leaves to lose their color and get sunburned. Low light can cause slow growth, smaller leaves, and legginess as the plant tries to reach for the light.
Soil
Your Painted Lady's soil should resemble the soil found on the rainforest floor, which is loose and spongy with plenty of rotting organic matter. The best pH level for your plant is mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.1 to 7.3. You can use 100% peat moss or a commercial soil mix like an aroid or African Violet soil. Either way, make sure the soil stays damp but never soaked to avoid root rot.
Propagation
Propagation is easy by stem cutting or air layering. Take 5-inch stem (12 cm) cuttings with at least one node and some leaves, put them in water or a moist growing medium, and keep them in a warm and humid place out of direct sunlight. For air layering, wrap damp sphagnum moss around a node and cover it with plastic wrap. Roots should grow in a few weeks, and then they can be planted out.

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Temperature
In the rainforest, the plant thrives in temperatures just below 86ºF (30ºC) during the day and around 70ºF (21ºC) at night, all year round. Your Painted Lady, on the other hand, can tolerate temperatures between 65 to 80ºF (18 to 27ºC). However, it's important to keep the plant away from temperatures under 55ºF (12ºC) as it has little tolerance for cold weather.
Container
When choosing a pot for your Philodendron, you have a few options. A glazed ceramic pot or a plastic pot is a great choice, as they retain moisture well. Alternatively, you could opt for a hanging basket. Regardless of your choice, make sure that the pot is only 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) larger in diameter than the root ball of your plant. This will ensure that your Philodendron has enough room to grow without being overwhelmed by too much soil.
Fun fact
This plant is not just beautiful; it's also a natural air purifier that can filter formaldehyde from indoor air. So, not only does it look great in your home, but it can also help to improve your indoor air quality.