Philodendron Black Cardinal Variegated – Rare

Size: Single plant | Pot included | Free Shipping

Light

While philodendrons are often suggested as perfect plants for growing in bathrooms or other low-light spaces, picking a position where your philodendron black cardinal receives bright but indirect light is best to promote healthy foliage growth.

Place your plant beside a window that gets direct morning sun.If it is exposed to intense afternoon sun, those beautiful leaves get scorched.

To promote even growth, rotate your plant every couple of weeks or so and dust the leaves down regularly with a damp cloth to allow maximum light absorption.

Soil

A well-draining potting mix is essential for your philodendron black cardinal to minimize the risk of root rot. For convenience, pick a ready-made aroid mix.

Alternatively, make your own blend. Mixing equal parts nutrient-dense, all-purpose potting soil, coarse perlite or organic coco coir, and orchid bark creates the aerating qualities you need.

Water

While they handle low moisture better than some philodendron species, black cardinals are still not drought-tolerant plants.

However, while they need regular watering to promote healthy, glossy, full foliage, don’t let the soil get soggy, as this may lead to root rot.

A strict watering schedule isn’t a good strategy. Instead, test the soil with your finger to measure when your plant is ready for watering.

When the top two to three inches are dry, this is the time to offer a deep watering from the base of the plant. Don’t soak the leaves, as this promote fungasl diseases.

Temperature and Humidity

The philodendron black cardinal is a hybrid originating from tropical rainforest native species. These plants don’t like cold, extremely fluctuating temperatures or drafty locations.

They do best in a spot in your home where temperatures remain above 65°F.

Philodendrons are also humidity-lovers. While humidity levels over 60% are ideal, philodendron black cardinals copes with lower average home humidity levels.

However, when the air is dry (often a problem when air conditioning or heating is blasting), try grouping humidity-loving tropical plants, fill a tray of pebbles with water for your plant to sit on and consider using a humidifier.

Fertilizer

Your philodendron black cardinal is fine without regular fertilizing, especially if you plant in a potting mix rich in organic matter. However, philodendron species are often regarded as heavy feeders.3

Applying a half-strength solution of a high nitrogen formula every few weeks during the growing season promotes large, healthy leaves, allowing you to appreciate the stunning colors for as long as possible.

Make sure you feed when the soil is evenly moist. Applying fertilizer when the soil is dry results in fertilizer burn in the dry rooots.

Pruning

The philodendron black cardinal isn’t a vining variety. Instead, it has a compact, upright, self-heading habit.

You don’t have to worry about it sprawling out of control or the need for staking. However, it is clump forming.

If a healthy plant is getting crowded, you might want to divide it to keep a slimline form and reduce the risk of poor air circulation, causing fungal diseases.

Besides that, remove dead or dying leaves to tidy the plant’s appearance and direct energy to healthy foliage growth.