Philodendron Choco Empress 6”

Philodendron ‘Choco Empress’, a cultivated hybrid from tropical South American lineage, is a climbing aroid known for its elongated, velvety leaves that emerge in rich chocolate to bronze tones before maturing into deep green. What makes this plant special is that deep, warm coloration on new growth paired with a soft, matte texture and subtle veining, giving it a moody, high-end look as it climbs and produces larger foliage.

Light supports both color development and leaf size. Place it in an east or south-facing window where it gets bright, consistent light without direct sun sitting on the leaves. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 10–14 inches from the top of the plant. Too little light will cause the plant to lose that rich chocolate tone faster and produce smaller leaves, while stronger light helps maintain deeper coloration and tighter growth.

Watering should stay balanced and consistent. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Use a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark to keep the roots airy. If new leaves are coming in more green than bronze, it is not getting enough light. If the plant begins to stretch with longer spacing between nodes, it is reaching for more light. Smaller leaves with less defined texture typically point to lower light rather than watering issues.