Philodendron is part of the Araceae family, ‘Black Cardinal’ is a cultivar with a rosette form and self-heading growth habit. Leaves are coriaceous and broad, with prominent depressed venation, they are a brick red color when immature, becoming black-red as they mature. Leaf blades are elliptic with a sagittate base and cuspidate leaf tip. (USPP5355P).
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘philo’ meaning loving and ‘dendro’ meaning tree.
Pot: ø 12cm.
Height: Approximately 30cm from base of pot.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive.
Water: Allow the first 2-3 inches of mix to dry out, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed your plant every other watering during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: 21-27°C.
Humidity: Philodendron prefer higher humidity but do well to adapt to average home humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Philodendron are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.