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The Philodendron Black Cardinal is an exotic beauty that every houseplant lover needs. Its stunning leaves first appear with a coppery hue, but as they mature, they turn a deep, glossy black. Black Cardinal Philodendron's vibrant color changes make it a unique addition to your indoor garden and a plant you'll want to watch grow! It's easy to care for, too, so what are you waiting for?
Philodendron Black Cardinal Care Guide & Insights
This philodendron prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in poor growth and dull leaf coloration. It's well-suited to living in spots with filtered light or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window.
Water your Philodendron when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It's important not to let the plant sit in waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has good drainage and reduce watering frequency in the winter months.
Philodendrons enjoy a humid environment. Aim for a humidity level of 50-70%. You can increase humidity by using a humidifier, placing the plant on a humidity tray, or regularly misting the leaves.
Philodendron 'Black Cardinal' thrives in warm, stable temperatures. It does best in temperatures ranging between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) as it can cause damage to the leaves and stunt growth.
Feed your Philodendron with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding during the fall and winter months when the plant's growth slows.
Repot your Philodendron every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting.
To keep your plant healthy and looking its best, clean the leaves monthly. Wipe them gently with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. This not only enhances the plant's appearance but also improves its ability to photosynthesize.
Stem Cutting:
In early spring, take a philodendron cutting, use sharp pruners to remove a cutting from a tip off the vine. Cut at least 5-6 inches of stem to propagate with aerial root or nodes attached.
Place in a vase with water to root. Change the water each week with filtered, bottled, or tap water sitting at least 24 hours.
After 3-4 weeks, check to make sure the stem has 1-2 inch, well-formed roots. If so, it's time to plant.
*Fill a small container with drainage holes (too large of a container for the cutting will make it challenging to regulate watering needs) using an indoor well-draining potting mix.
Mix a little rooting hormone into the soil. Poke a hole in the soil with a pencil. Then, place the cutting in the hole and tamp the soil down around it.
Water the plant and keep it in medium to bright indirect sunlight. After 4-6 weeks, the roots should establish.
Division:
Divide the philodendron in the early spring when emerging from dormancy.
Pull from the container and cut through the roots with a sharp knife or pruners.
Repot in a rich, indoor potting soil mix.
Use a container 2 inches bigger than the root ball with drainage and is deep enough for the roots to grow. Place the roots at the same level as the previous pot adding soil at the bottom if necessary.
Set it in bright, indirect sunlight and water.
Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish.
After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to form.
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Black Cardinal Philodendron: Overview
The Black Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’ is a stunning hybrid variety known for its dark, almost black, glossy leaves. This rare and exotic plant belongs to the Araceae family and was developed through interspecific hybridization within the genus Philodendron, making it a unique addition to any plant collection. It thrives in USDA hardy plant zones 10-12 and is not particularly sun-loving, preferring bright, indirect light.
The Black Cardinal Philodendron is relatively easy to care for and equally suitable for novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. In addition, Philodendrons are often associated with health and abundance, making them a great addition to any home or office space. However, it’s important to note that the Black Cardinal Philodendron is toxic to pets if ingested, so it should be kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
For those looking to expand their philodendron collection, we offer other beautiful varieties, such as the Pink Princess Philodendron and the Prince of Orange Philodendron, each with its unique and striking foliage.
Philodendron Erubescens: Benefits
- It improves indoor air quality by removing toxins.
- Its dark, glossy leaves add a dramatic touch to any room.
- It’s associated with health and abundance.
- Its easy-to-care-for nature makes it suitable for both novice and experienced plant owners.
Philodendron Black Cardinal Care Guide
Philodendron Black Cardinal is a relatively low-maintenance plant with unusual appeal due to its dark foliage. Our care tips below will help you make this houseplant flourish.
Watering and Light
The Philodendron Black Cardinal prefers consistently moist but not soggy soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. It thrives best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions, making it versatile for different indoor environments. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
This philodendron prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and thrives in medium to high humidity levels of 50% to 70%. If the air in your home is particularly dry, consider using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray with pebbles and water to increase humidity..
Soil, Feeding, and Repotting
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as one designed for aroids or a mix of peat, perlite, and pine bark. Repot your Burgundy Black Cardinal Philodendron every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Maintenance, Propagation, and Pruning
Prune your Black Cardinal Philodendron to maintain its shape and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. To propagate your Philodendron, take stem cuttings with at least one node and root them in water or soil. Larger plants can be divided into smaller ones and repotted. Regularly clean the leaves to remove dust and allow for better light absorption.
Common Issues
Common issues with the Philodendron erubescens Black Cardinal include yellowing leaves, due to overwatering or insufficient light. Pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can also be problematic. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure proper watering and light conditions to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Philodendron Black Cardinal: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
The Philodendron “Black Cardinal” is a versatile plant with a unique appearance that can enhance various indoor spaces.
Best Locations & Uses
- It is ideal for living rooms and offices because it adds a sophisticated touch and purifies the air.
- Perfect for low-light areas and less sunny spots like hallways.
- Great for plant enthusiasts looking for a rare and unique addition to their indoor or patio plant collection.
- It is suitable for novice gardeners because it's easy to care for and resilient.
- Its moderate size makes it a good fit for small apartments or offices.
Companion Plants
Complement your rare Black Cardinal Philodendron with one of the following plants:
- Philodendron Vine (Lemon Lime (Philodendron hederaceum): With its electric yellow and lime-green coloring, Philodendron Vine Lemon Lime is a prolific grower, producing long cascading vines that can easily reach the floor.
- Philodendron Birkin (Philodendron “Birkin”): The Philodendron ‘Birkin’ has foliage that becomes more variegated as it matures, showing tinges of pink and red as they unfurl.
- Black Raven ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Black Raven’): With its glossy, dark leaves, the Raven ZZ Plant complements the Black Cardinal beautifully.
Alternative Plants
If you’re looking for pet-friendly alternatives with similar care needs and aesthetic appeal, consider the following options:
- Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Also known as the Parlor Palm, Neanthe Bella Palm is a lush, pet-friendly plant that adds a tropical feel to any space.
- Calathea Concinna “Freddy” (Calathea concinna “Freddie”): Known for its striking leaf patterns, the “Freddy Prayer Plant” is also safe for pets.
- Spider Plant (Variegated Reverse) (Chlorophytum comosum): A resilient, pet-safe plant, the Spider Plant is also excellent for improving indoor air quality and is easy to care for.
Get the Rare Black Cardinal Philodendron From LivelyRoot Today!
Bring home the elegance and easy-care beauty of the Black Cardinal Philodendron from Lively Root today!
