Philodendron El Choco Red 8”

Philodendron ‘El Choco Red’ (Philodendron rubrijuvenile), native to Colombia in tropical South America, is a climbing aroid known for its velvety, elongated heart-shaped leaves with deep green tops and rich red undersides. What makes this plant special is that contrast—the soft, matte green surface paired with a glowing red underside and new growth that emerges in warm bronze to red tones. As it climbs, the leaves become larger and more dramatic, giving it strong collector appeal.

Light supports both leaf size and that rich color contrast. 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 much direct sun can damage the velvety surface and dull the colors, while too little light will result in smaller leaves with less defined contrast.

Watering and environment need to stay consistent with higher humidity. Allow the soil to lightly dry between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it drain. Use a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark to keep the roots airy while holding some moisture. If new leaves are coming in smaller with less color depth, it is not getting enough light. If the velvety surface loses richness or appears dull, conditions are off, often humidity or light related. Crisping along the edges while the leaf stays firm points to low humidity or inconsistent moisture rather than overwatering.