Red Congo

Posts tagged Red Congo

top red leaf plants — Experience nature's vibrant beauty with the Red Congo’s colorful leaves that add a stunning pop of color to any space.

Growing tired of the usual green when it comes to living plants? Consider spicing things up with some vibrant red leaf plants! There are many popular houseplants that feature shades of red on their leaves, and many of these are easy to care for. Go ahead and discover something unique with the top 5 red leaf plants.

Magenta Triostar

If you’re looking for a plant with some serious personality, the Magenta Triostar is the way to go. This playful prayer plant features deep green leaves with bright magenta stripes and undersides in rich shades of red and pink. It truly appears to be painted by Mother Nature herself.

One thing to keep in mind with the Magenta Triostar is that it requires a bit more care than some other red leaf plants. It needs bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil to thrive. But with a little bit of love and attention, this plant will reward you with its stunning and unique beauty.

The Red Congo is a strikingly lush plant with deep red stems that give way to glossy green leaves. An eye-catching addition to any room, this plant is a member of the Philodendron family and is native to South America.

The Red Congo is a fast grower, making it an excellent choice for filling up empty spaces in your home or office. It also acts as an air purifier and cleans the air of harmful VOCs and other toxins.

False Aralia

The False Aralia is a fun red leaf plant with delicate, frilly leaves in shades of deep green and burgundy. Its serrated leaves resemble a feather boa, making it a unique addition to any space. This plant is native to the Pacific Islands and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

The False Aralia is safe for pets and requires very little upkeep over time.

King of Hearts Anthurium

The King of Hearts Anthurium is a popular flowering plant that features bright red spathes, or clusters of flowers, around its green leaves. Like a bouquet that flowers yearround, the Anthurium is ideal for someone who wants something bright and colorful as well as easy to care for. This plant is native to tropical regions of Central and South America and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

Golden Petra

The Golden Petra is a stunning red leaf plant with leaves that are a mix of green, yellow, and bright red. Its variegated leaves make it a playful addition to any indoor space. This plant is native to Indonesia and requires bright, indirect light to thrive.

One fun fact about the Croton Petra is that it’s also known as the “Joseph’s Coat” plant because of its vibrant colors. It’s a great choice for those who want a red leaf plant that also features other bold hues.

Ready to explore even more? Shop our full collection of variegated plants and bring your home to life with vibrant living color!

LifestyleLéon & GeorgeApril 7, 2023houseplant, Red Congo, Golden Petra, Magenta Triostar, Plant Shop, Plant delivery, Variegated PlantsComment

The Fabulous World Of Philodendrons

Philodendron 101

What is a Philodendron, you ask? It’s a good question! Among plant aficionados, Philodendron is a word you’ll hear frequently, so you’ve likely wondered what the fuss is about. The Philodendron genus is expansive, consisting of over 400 tropical plants, many of which are often grown for the indoors.

Philodendrons are beloved for their pronounced and often heart-shaped leaves, as well as the sheer variety of plants in the genus. Some also feature aerial roots, and plants like the Philodendron Brasil grow in attractive tendrils, lending a jungle ethos to their environment.

Features like these made Philodendrons a mainstay of stylish homes in the 1970s, a decade during which houseplants enjoyed tremendous popularity (Earth Day was founded in 1970, after all!). Houseplants, including lush and leafy Philodendron varieties, were a way of bringing the outdoors in and communing with the beauty of nature.

The popularity of Philodendrons waned in the 1980s as trends shifted toward a more industrial and modern aesthetic, and in the 1990s, orchids reigned supreme. But with the advent of the Jungalow in 2017 and a still-swelling nostalgia for the ‘60s and ‘70s, Philodendrons are back to basking in the soft light of our affection. With their preference for medium to bright indirect light, they’re a perfect choice for a kitchen or well-lit bedroom. And they’re exceptionally versatile- we carry a number of Philodendrons here at Léon and George, and you may not even have realized that some are actually Philodendrons.

So shop around, because there’s a perfect Philodendron out there for every space— other than those that house pets (or babies, or just strange people) that insist on eating houseplants. The Philodendron genus, as a whole, is considered to be toxic. So indulge enthusiastically, but responsibly, in the many varieties of beautiful Philodendrons!

Philodendron Care

Wondering if Philodendrons are high maintenance? The short answer is no! These beauties are as easy to care for as they are to look at, just keep in mind a few simple things when caring for your Philodendron:

Light: Philodendrons prefer bright indirect light, but can adjust to medium levels of light. They can survive with less than ideal light conditions, though they will grow “leggy” and spindly over time.
Water: Philodendrons for the most part like to dry out in between waterings. That means watering just once a week at the most usually, or whenever the soil feels dry. They will also show you when they’re feeling thirsty, with leaves beginning to look limp and tired.
Temperature: Philodendrons are for the most part tropical plants and they don’t like the cold. In the winter, keep them away from chilly windowpanes, and in the summer, away from cool air vents. Keep their environment’s temperature above 60 degrees and you should be fine!

Popular Philodendron Varieties

Philodendron Brasil
Red Congo
Little Hope or Philodendron Selloum
Heart leaf Philodendron
Philodendron Pink Princess
Philodendron Birkin

Philodendron Brasil

Often mistaken for its cousin, the Cascading Pothos, the Philodendron Brasil is a gorgeous, multi-colored take on the heart-leaf philodendron! The Brasil’s heart-shaped leaves are to die for, and they display beautiful color variegation. They like bright, indirect light best, but are flexible.

Red Congo

One of our absolute favorites, the Red Congo Philodendron packs a dazzling sangria-colored punch! If you like colorful variegation, you’ll love the Red Congo-- its leaves range from vibrantly ruby (when they’re newly sprouted) to deep burgundy-emerald with age.

Little Hope or Philodendron Selloum

The Little Hope or Philodendron Selloum is a charming, classic Philodendron, with wonderfully curly foliage and rich green tonality. It’s also considered to be one of the best air-purifying plants out there (certified by NASA)! The Little Hope is happy with medium light or a shady environment— a shoo-in for a stylish bathroom!

Heart leaf Philodendron

This plant is similar to the Philodendron Brasil, but with solid colored leaves.

Philodendron Pink Princess

Like its name implies, this Philodendron is pink (!), and quite hard to come by.

Philodendron Birkin

Another semi-rare Philodendron, the Birkin has white and green striped foliage.

Wondering about the Monstera Deliciosa, often referred to as a split-leaf philodendron? While this plant does indeed have beautiful split leaves, the Monstera is not a philodendron! This misleading name has caused quite a bit of confusion and misinformation. If you’d like to call it by one of its nicknames, go for Swiss Cheese Plant!

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EducationLéon & GeorgeSeptember 14, 2022Education, Philodendron Brasil, Red Congo, Plant CareComment

What You Need To Know Before You Buy A Philodendron

Shop The Philodendron Brasil Plant — Philodendron Brasil

Choosing a new statement plant can feel complicated, but by selecting a Philodendron variety, you’ve made a great first step! Lush and easy-going, Philodendrons are a popular low-maintenance plant family. And talk about a family: there are over 400 varieties in the Philodendron genus! So how to choose the best Philodendron for your home, and ensure it thrives for years to come? We’re glad you asked, because all the answers are right here.

Which Philodendron Variety Is Right For Me?

Ah, variety. It’s the spice of life- but can also be the root of indecision. Let’s simplify your options by focusing on a few gorgeous Philodendrons that all offer a unique aesthetic. The Little Hope is a classic, curly Philodendron that is emblematic of the famous Philodendron look. The Philodendron Brasil has the archetypal heart-shaped foliage that Philodendron lovers adore, and can grow in long, luxurious trails. For large statement plants that make an impact, both the Monstera Deliciosa and Red Congo offer iconic foliage and impressive size.

Philodendrons Love To Be Misted

Again we return to the tropics and the fact that Philodendrons thrive in humid climates. But not to worry: their ideal, moist biome is actually easy to replicate! Plan on providing any Philodendron with a fine mist of water up to 2-3 times a week to keep its foliage in pristine shape. Misting is fun, hard to over-do, and doesn’t require special products: misting with plain water is perfectly fine. For an additional boost of nutrients, you can mist with a foliar feed, which provides nourishment and minerals to the plant when applied directly to its leaves and stems.

How To Place Your Philodendron

Because they’re flexible and forgiving plants, you have leeway in terms of Philodendron placement and can give styling extra consideration. Humidity-loving Philodendrons like the Philodendron Brasil and Little Hope are lush options for a bathroom or kitchen, and they’re equally dazzling in living spaces. Large Philodendrons, like Monstera Deliciosas and Red Congos, define organic luxury in living rooms and dining areas. Just make sure that the spot you choose receives a generous amount of indirect light, and is away from any harsh air from A.C. units, heaters or vents.

What’s An Epiphyte…And What Are Aerial Roots?

If you’ve been educating yourself on all things Philodendron, you’ve probably come across the term epiphyte and, if you’re not a Latin linguist, you might have wondered what the term means! Epiphyte is a term for any plant that grows on other plants or objects for extra physical support, and about one third of Philodendron plants are epiphytic. This characteristic is an evolutionary behavior, developed by the plant to help it attain more light. (The higher they grow, the closer they are to the sun!)

If you let an epiphytic Philodendron run wild and grow as it pleases without periodic pruning, it may very well trail along shelves and other plants. We think this makes for a gorgeous, natural look, and provides enthralling texture. But if wild trailing is not your cup of tea, you can always reign your Philodendron in by trimming it.

When it comes to aerial roots, which are commonly seen on epiphytic Philodendrons, we think that the best tact is not to trim them. Aerial roots soak up moisture from humid air and provide your plant with structural support as it grows. Aerial roots are commonly seen on Monstera Deliciosas, and they can be a bit confusing for new plant owners. In general, the safest way to approach aerial roots is to allow them to remain connected to your plant. Every part of your plant is there for a reason, after all! So instead of snipping off aerial roots, plan on tucking them into the soil if you do not want them to run wild. Gently tucking aerial roots back into your Philodendron’s pot and under the soil line will allow the roots to take in nutrients from the soil, and support the overall health of your plant. You can also utilize plant stakes and support ties to train your Philodendron to grow in a more compact shape.

Philodendrons Prefer Medium to Bright Indirect Light

Cue the tropical vibes: Philodendrons are native to South America and the West Indies, where the forest floor receives dappled light and the environment enjoys high humidity. Although we’d be hard pressed to replicate the canopy of a rainforest in our home, Philodendrons don’t demand perfection. Just ensure that they receive ample indirect light, and are kept away from harsh, direct rays. Philodendrons can scorch in direct light.

How To Select The Right Size Of Philodendron

With all of the Philodendron varieties available, you have plenty of options no matter what size you’re looking for! Just keep in mind that, in prime conditions, Philodendrons can grow fast. During spring and summer, Philodendrons that receive ample light can grow as much as four inches a week! What can we say- they simply want to thrive! Keep this in mind if you are purchasing a Philodendron for a small space, like a shelf: trailing varieties will grow abundant cascades, and larger Philodendrons, like Monsteras and Red Congos, will stretch their canopies far and wide.

Philodendrons Like Moist, But Not Soaked Soil

Although the watering requirements will differ with each Philodendron variety, a general rule of thumb is that Philodendrons prefer moist, but not soaked, soil. Consider their native habitat when you establish your watering routine. In tropical climates, Philodendrons receive some rain, but much of it is caught by the canopy of taller trees before it reaches them. Humidity in the air makes up a large portion of the overall moisture they receive, but their soil is rarely drenched. Aim for even moisture, and water away from the plant’s central trunks. Consider using a tool like a moisture meter do demystify the process- they are convenient, affordable and easy to read.

Little Hope Philodendron Mid Century Ceramic Pot — Little Hope

A Note On Toxicity In Philodendrons

Despite the fact that they are the most widely owned and loved family of houseplants, all Philodendron plants are considered to be toxic to some degree if consumed. There is some variation by plant, but Philodendrons fall in the category of “mildly to moderately toxic” across the board, so it’s important to keep any Philodendron out of reach of children or pets. If toxicity is a dealbreaker, you still have options!

How To Select A Healthy, Thriving Philodendron

As you shop for a new Philodendron, there are a few things to look out for to ensure that you choose the healthiest plant possible. Healthy Philodendrons will have firm leaves with vibrant coloring. Examine plants’ foliage thoroughly, and avoid purchasing a plant that has drooping or yellowing foliage. Additionally, steer away from plants that exhibit brown spots on their leaves. Brown spots can be a sign of fungal infections, which, while treatable, can cause an unnecessary headache. Take a look at the Philodendron’s soil- it should neither be soaking wet, nor bone dry.

Avoid Purchasing Your Philodendron From A Garden Center

Premium plants sourced from trusted growers are primed with all they need for a lifetime of good health. Responsible growers care for their plants according to their specific needs, treat and prevent pests responsibly and generally offer plants of a far higher quality than garden centers and home improvement stores.

Garden centers often have attractive price tags, but the quality of the plants offered reflects that price. Ensuring that your plant is in good health from the start will pay off with strong growth and consistent health over time.

As convenient as it sounds to pop over to a garden center and grab the nearest Philodendron, there are caveats to this approach. Transporting Philodendrons in your vehicle can result in structural damage from being jostled, as well as stress from your car’s A.C. or heat. So although you may be able to purchase a plant from the same place you’d buy other necessities, it is crucial to remember that living plants are delicate and can be stressed by transit.

Buy your plants from a premium supplier that offers doorstep delivery or packaging that is specifically engineered for the transport of plants. You’ll reap the benefit of their expertise, and avoid the negative effects that can result from improper care or transportation.

Even The Healthiest Philodendron Can Experience Stress

The source of plants’ beauty is the vitality of their health, and as with our own, plant health can have ups and downs. Even Philodendrons that receive immaculate care can experience stress from factors beyond your control. If your plant experiences a bump in the road or is exhibiting signs of ill health, it makes a world of difference to have a responsive source of support.

Every plant purchased from Léon & George includes lifetime access to our Plant Doctor service, comprised of a team of professional horticulture experts. Our Plant Doctors are available to assess your plant’s health and growth, provide tips and treatments, and offer guidance on your journey of growth. No fees are required: our Plant Doctor service is just one way that we support plant owners and ensure that every plant we sell is designed to thrive.

We’ve compiled a list of common problems that Philodendrons can face and helpful guidance for assessing your plant. Happy plant parents are the key to our success! Click here to learn more about how to resolve common issues with your Philodendron.

Shop Our Selection Of Gorgeous Philodendrons From Léon & George

Explore our selection of premium Philodendrons, from the charming Little Hope to the regal Red Congo and playful Monstera Deliciosa. Ideal for spaces that receive medium to bright indirect light, Philodendron varieties add instant organic texture and style to indoor spaces.

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Plant Care, Education, Plant StoriesLéon & GeorgeApril 14, 2022Philodendron Brasil, Philodendron, Monstera Deliciosa, Red Congo, little hope, MonsteraComment

How to Care For and Grow Your Red Congo Philodendron

Red Congo

*AKA philodendron congo rojo*

With stunning green and crimson leaves sprouting from a single central stem, the Red Congo is at once as elegant as it is lush. Learn the basics of Red Congo plant care including light requirements, watering frequency, and how to troubleshoot common problems you may encounter along the way.

What type of light do Red Congos need?

As members of the philodendron family, Red Congos prefer bright indirect light, though they can adjust to medium levels of light as well.

Keep them out of harsh direct sunlight, as too much of it can burn their leaves.

How to water your Red Congo

Let your Red Congo dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly when topsoil is dry, usually once a week.

Avoid overwatering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months.

Are Red Congos fast growers?

Red Congos, unlike other philodendrons, are not climbers but instead “self-heading” plants, meaning they grow new foliage in layers from a single stalk.

They are relatively slow growers and can reach up to four feet tall indoors.

Fertilize your Red Congo 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.

Common problems with Red Congos

Leaves turning yellow or brown

Yellow or brown leaves on the Red Congo philodendron is most likely a sign of imbalance between water and light, and usually it is an issue of too much water and not enough light. Make sure your plant is getting the right ratio of each. Keep in mind that if your plant does not get lots of bright indirect light, you will water it less than if it does.

Remember that overwatering can lead to more severe ailments and that may eventually require you change the soil.

Leaves or stems wilting

When philodendrons like the Red Congo wilt, it is again most likely a sign of imbalance between water and light (i.e. too much water, not enough light). However, it could also be a sign of dehydration — if you check the soil and it is bone dry (or you know the plant hasn’t been watered in a long, long time), try giving it a thorough shower: water it in a dish or bathtub so that it may sit in water and “drink” for a couple hours or up to a day.

Dropping leaves

The Red Congo can sometimes mysteriously begin to drop its leaves. In most cases, this is usually a sign of an environment that is too cold for this warm-loving philodendron! Make sure the Red Congo lives in a room that does not drop much below room temperature (~68 degrees Fahrenheit) , or that the plant is not too close to any air conditioning units or vents.

Leaves and stems becoming leggy

When plants lose their fullness or bushiness and grow long, spindly stems (they become “leggy"), this is a clear sign that the plant needs more light. While philodendrons can adjust to medium levels of light, if they are placed in a very low light area they may become leggy as they literally reach for more light. If you aren’t sure about the light you have in your home, check our lighting guide for more details.

How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Red Congo

Take care of your Red Congo and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your Red Congo over time.

Pruning Philodendrons

Remove dry or dead leaves all year round but save any major pruning for the spring and summer months. Red Congos generally shed old leaves every month or two, so when you see a single leaf looking sad, simply remove it and move on! When pruning your Red Congo, use sharp, clean shears and cut any excessive growth at the base of the stem.

Reshaping Your Plant

If your Red Congo gets a few minor brown spots on the leaves (from overwatering, for example), you can easily reshape the leaf using scissors to cut away the unattractive areas, following the natural shape of the leaf.

Cleaning

Take each leaf between two soft tissue cloths and wipe off the top to reveal a healthy shine (also helps the plant soak in more light!).

How to Repot the Red Congo

Houseplants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, this is nice to do every two to three years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.

When to repot - As they are slow growers, Red Congos do not need frequent repotting. Repot once every two to three years to give your plant fresh nutrients.
Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow taller, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.
Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take two to four weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.

How to propagate a Red Congo

Propagating the Red Congo requires some patience, but like most propagations, is fairly simple and straightforward! Follow these instructions to propagate your Red Congo:

Select a stem to propagate - Using sharp, clean scissors or shears, cut a stem from the very base of the central stalk.
Place in water - Find a clear glass and fill with water. Make sure only the stem is submerged, and no leaves are sitting in the water. You may also choose to first dip the cutting in rooting hormone, as this will increase the chances and speed of the cutting forming its own roots.
Place in a bright area and wait! - Avoid direct sun, and be patient! New roots may take a few weeks to begin forming.
Transfer to soil - After the roots are at least two inches long, transfer to indoor potting soil. A small pot is best — no larger than 6” in diameter.
Keep hydrated - During the first few weeks, or until your plant feels firmly rooted in its soil, regularly water and drain your Red Congo. The soil should be just barely moist to the touch at all times.

Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.

RED CONGO

With wide, oval-shaped leaves and deep scarlet stems, the Red Congo is one of the more unique and elegant members of the philodendron family.

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Care GuideLéon & GeorgeJanuary 12, 2021Red Congo, Plant Care Comments

Red Congos And Their Dropping Leaves

Red congo loosing leaves? Here’s our theory why.

The latest in plant care tips for keeping your foliage happy and healthy, brought to you by premium plant delivery service Léon & George.

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Red Congos are easy care plants that require little to no maintenance to thrive! Simply a bit of light, water, and love is all it takes to enjoy this gorgeous philodendron for years and years to come.

That said, there are some things the Red Congo simply will not tolerate, and one of them is cold temperatures. Belonging to the philodendron family, this plant’s native environment is warm and humid, and it prefers similar conditions indoors: think a comfortable room temperature between 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit. Much colder than this and the plant will quickly start showing signs of distress, often times in the form of dropping the stems that grow from its main stalk.

If your Red Congo is beginning to mysteriously drop leaves, check to make sure the plant’s environment is warm enough for it to feel comfortable. As always, a plant’s distress could be caused by many different things, and troubleshooting its environment and care is the only way to truly know what works best for your plant! For more information and troubleshooting tips, read our full guide on how to care for the Red Congo.