The Rooted Plant Shop
Philodendron Black Cardinal 4”
Philodendron Black Cardinal 4”
Each plant is unique. Size, shape, fullness, and variegation will vary.
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Philodendron Black Cardinal is a self-heading tropical Philodendron prized for its dramatic foliage that emerges in shades of bronze, burgundy, and deep red before maturing to nearly black. Native Philodendrons originate from the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where they grow beneath the forest canopy in warm, humid conditions. Unlike climbing Philodendrons, Black Cardinal grows in a compact rosette form, making it an excellent choice for tabletops and decorative containers. Its dark foliage creates a striking contrast against lighter green plants and makes it one of the most recognizable dark-leaved Philodendrons in cultivation.
Place Philodendron Black Cardinal within 1–3 feet of an east-facing or south-facing window. Strong light helps maintain the rich coloration and encourages compact growth. Under grow lights, use a full-spectrum bulb in the 5000K–6500K range. High-output lights should be positioned 8–12 inches above the foliage, while medium-strength lights work best at 10–14 inches. Lower light conditions often result in slower growth, greener leaves, and wider spacing between emerging foliage.
Water when the root zone is approaching dryness, never on a schedule. A chopstick, moisture meter, or clear nursery pot will provide a much more accurate reading than checking only the surface of the soil. Plant in a chunky mix of equal parts succulent soil, coarse orchid bark, and perlite to provide the airflow Philodendrons enjoy. New leaves often emerge with bright copper, orange, or red tones before gradually darkening over several weeks. If the plant begins producing smaller leaves or loses much of its dark coloration, it is often asking for stronger light or a fresh dose of nutrients during the growing season.
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from 824 reviewsAll of my plants were shipped safely. Arrived in a healthy condition.
Plant arrived perfect as always. Heathy and gorgeous!! Currently thriving and doing well and happy!! Always a positive experience with The Rooted Plant Shop!! It is my forever go to plant shop when shopping for plants!! Mel is the absolute best!!!
Beautiful plant and arrived in perfect condition.
Healthy beautiful plant, lots of new growth. Every order has been packaged so well. And the plants are incredible!
My plant was wrapped very well and it arrived in good condition. I am very pleased with my experience and would definitely order again! Thank you!!
It arrived packaged beautifully and the color is even more vibrant in person. So excited to watch it grow!
Beautiful plant! Very well packaged and timely shipping!
The plant arrived in perfect condition and is beautiful. I love it!
Despite the “beginner” name, I’d say it’s genuinely useful at any experience level. It starts with a solid foundation for those just getting into houseplants, but the depth of the later guides means it doesn’t feel like it’s talking down to anyone with more experience. It’s less about basic care instructions and more about building a real understanding of how plants function, which is useful whether you’re keeping your first pothos alive or managing a larger, more varied collection.
What sets it apart is the emphasis on understanding why plants behave the way they do, not just prescribing one-size-fits-all care instructions. This approach makes it easier to recognize early warning signs and address issues before they become serious problems.
Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone who wants a more thorough, connected understanding of plant care rather than piecemeal advice — regardless of how long you’ve been growing.
Wonderful shop to purchase from! I am
Learning so much and am thoroughly enjoying the beginners plant guide series. The pest guide helped me successfully defeat fungus gnats and taught me to transition to bottom watering. Thanks Mel!!