Philodendron Black Cardinal Plant

Philodendron 'Black Cardinal'

Origin

Florida

Family

Araceae

Description

Black Cardinal has glossy bronze and blackish green leaves with lush foliage . A hybrid, low growing, clumping tender perennial shrub, this philodendron is "self heading", meaning it does not climb or sprawl like a vine.

The leaves are broadly oval or truly lance-shaped, emerging light orange or bronze. They slowly mature to a deeper, truly dark green with inclination to nearly black, and oldest leaves on the lowest part of the plant darkest and dullest. Flowers can arise during the warm months at anytime, being a blackish-red, cloak-like wrapping spathe around a white, finger-like spadix.

Environment

Philodendrons grow best in medium light and bright indirect sunlight. Older leaves turn yellow naturally. However, several leaves turns yellow at once, it could be an indicator that the plant is getting too much sun. They will tolerate low light, but if the stems become leggy with several inches between the leaves, move the plant to a brighter location.

Philodendrons like rich, loose potting soil that will drain well but is still high in organic matter. They can grow in 100 percent sphagnum peat moss. Avoid alkaline soil at all cost.

Keep the growing medium moist at all times. Push aerial roots into the soil on climbing varieties. Keeping the plants moist during winter when indoor air can get very dry can be a challenge. At the same time, avoid over watering or root rot may develop. If the leaves are drooping, it can indicate either too much water or not enough..

Philodendron is  well suited to humid & tropical climate. They like humidity, so you might maintain the humidity around them with a pebble tray of water. Mist them frequently during the growing season, about every two days. During the \winter you should mist them every three to four days.

Philodendrons will produce larger leaves and remain healthier if you fertilize them regularly. Use slow-release pellets at the beginning of the growing season, or weekly 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer. During the winter you only need to fertilize about once per month. 

Landscape Uses

Black Cardinal philodendron is a fantastic under story plant in shady gardens in warm, frost-free regions. It is also an excellent houseplant in bright, warm indoor spaces.

Eliminates

Formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, ammonia, and more

Caution

Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. Philodendrons are especially poisonous to dogs and cats.