The philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’ has oval but broad leaves with a dark green color. While the young leaves that sprout are initially burgundy red, they eventually turn dark green as they grow. The leaves will eventually develop and become practically black, giving the plant a cool vibe that many people love having in the house.
Black Cardinal neither has vines nor stems; instead, it is one of the non-vining philodendron genus, like P. bipinnatifidum, with thicker stems that nearly resemble vines or trunks. It will continue to be basal and mounding, called “self-heading.” It makes for a great indoor plant!
Let’s look at some tips for growing philodendron black cardinal plants.
Philodendron Black Cardinal Care
Table of Contents
Philodendrons, including the black cardinal, are tropical plants; therefore, you need extra care to make your room suitable for them. No, we don’t need to transform the flat into a steamy, tropical paradise. However, using high-quality potting soil mix, watering it properly, and giving philodendron black cardinal plants enough bright indirect light can significantly improve their chances. Most plants need the same things, so you shouldn’t be surprised.
Remember, tropical plant species like a little humidity but are quite resilient, so you don’t have to worry too much.
Here are some tips for philodendron black cardinal care that all gardeners should keep in mind.
Requirements for Light
Philodendrons like bright indirect light in general. The philodendron black cardinal type thrives in light shade, but if you want the rich burgundy hue of the deep burgundy cardinal to truly stand out, expose it to early and late afternoon sunlight.
Avoid exposing the philodendron black cardinal to the intense noon light. When keeping it inside, please keep it away from windows that receive a lot of sunlight. To give the philodendron black cardinal plant bright, indirect light, move it back from the window.
The leaves will sear if exposed to intense direct sun, and the harm is permanent. Midday sun is best because while the sun’s rays are strong, it can encourage consistent growth. As the plant matures, make sure not to give it too much light since it might burn the dramatic foliage of the plant.
Soil
To stay wet, philodendron black cardinal plants need soil that drains well and has a lot of organic content. Root rot can develop, which may be lethal if left moist for an extended period. An all-purpose, well-rounded potting mix will hold on to water too long, leading to root rot.
Try using the African violet soil mix to create the ideal soil for the Black Cardinal that holds onto moisture while allowing extra water to drain. Alternatively, you may create your blend by mixing your soil with compost, perlite, peat moss, or vermiculite.
Philodendron black cardinal can grow well in peat moss soil or a peat moss mixture with vermiculite, perlite, and peat moss if you want to go the soilless way. The extra water will drain away from such soilless combinations, keeping the roots from drying.
Make sure that philodendron black cardinal pot plants have proper drainage holes at the base so water can drain. Well-draining soil can make all the difference for philodendron black cardinals!
Watering
The philodendron black cardinal type should be watered according to the standard procedure of waiting until the soil feels dry to the touch. Once the top inch or so of the soil appears dry to the touch, water again only after letting the excess water drain and emptying the saucer.
By using this method, you may avoid overwatering the philodendron black cardinal. If you don’t let the soil become fully dry, you don’t run the danger of the plant drying out either. The philodendron black cardinal thrives with a proper watering schedule.
Potting the philodendron in well-draining soil may also help to prevent overwatering, which takes us to our next point: the kind of soil that philodendrons like. If the watering frequency isn’t correct, it can result in drooping leaves.
Temperature
Philodendrons cannot endure subfreezing conditions. Be careful to bring the philodendron black cardinal inside before the frost arrives if you reside in an area with harsh winters, keep it outdoors. They cannot survive freezing temperatures. You might spot drooping leaves in such cases, so keep it as an indoor plant.
Keep the philodendron between 65 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. These temperatures match the normal temperature of a dwelling as well.
Humidity
Philodendron black cardinal plants are highly resilient to low humidity despite being native to hot, humid areas. The normal indoor humidity (between 30% and 50%) is ideal.
Just be careful to keep the philodendron black cardinal plants away from heating and cooling vents since the dry air and high temperatures there can harm them.
Fertilizers
Even if you don’t need to make an extra effort, you should know that fertilizing the philodendron black cardinal plants once a month with a light liquid fertilizer meant for foliage plants will only help them develop into healthy plants.
Outside of the growing season, you must fertilize less often, or if the plant is doing well overall, you may skip it altogether.
Growth and Size
You may anticipate the philodendron black cardinal to reach 3 feet tall and a spread of about half that. This is not large; it is very doable, especially for indoor spaces.
This is a great size to deal with since it can be used as a floor plant and isn’t too tall for a stand.
Trimming and pruning don’t take much time if you have a healthy plant, which is an additional bonus. Most likely, you could get away with removing quickly any deteriorating or dead leaves or possibly invasive growths.
Pilodendron black cardinal to reach 3 feet tall and a spread of about half that. This is not large; it is very doable, especially for indoor spaces.
This is a great size to deal with since it can be used as a floor plant and isn’t too tall for a stand.
Trimming and pruning don’t take much time if you have a healthy plant, which is an additional bonus. Most likely, you could get away with removing quickly any deteriorating or dead leaves or possibly invasive growths.
Tips for Plant Pruning
Pruning Black Cardinal Philodendron doesn’t need much work. You should prune or remove broken or yellow leaves since they can hinder plant growth. Use the stem cuttings to propagate more Black Cardinal Philodendron plants for family and friends by trimming the plant to the appropriate size. These philodendron species can make great gifts!
Replanting and Potting
The black cardinal philodendron should be repotted once it reaches a size its present pot can no longer safely hold, even though it doesn’t grow too tall.
Most philodendron plants need the same repotting procedures:
· Water the ground a day before to simplify depotting and relieve tension.
· Inspect the condition of the plant’s roots and cut off any unhealthy ones that seem no longer alive.
· You may remove any damaged or dead leaves from the plant by lightly trimming or cleaning it. You can reduce the number of unruly or wild ones too.
· Use well-draining and loose soil and plant in a container about 2 inches larger than the plant.
· Water well, let the top inch of the soil layer dry, and rewater.
· After two to three years, you might need to repot the philodendron based on how quickly it grows.
Propagate Philodendron Black Cardinal
If you wish to keep the black cardinal philodendron plant small, receive new plants for free, or give a new plant as a present to a friend, propagating the Black Cardinal plant is a terrific technique. By dividing the plant when repotting or by root portions of the stem, you may reproduce the plant.
Cutting a stem and rooting it in water is the simplest way to multiply the black cardinal philodendron. To accomplish this, cut a bit from the base of the philodendron and place it in a little bowl filled with water.
Once a day, replace the water until you see a few white lumps forming and turning into roots. Put the stem cuttings in your soil, and presto! A new black cardinal philodendron plant appears with the same genetic traits!
Repotting is also a fantastic opportunity to grow other plants from the roots. Cut and separate a segment of roots from the matching stems with care. You can repot it in a separate container after you’ve removed it from the parent clump.
Due to their infrequent flowering, seed reproduction is unsuccessful. The black cardinal philodendron is a complex hybrid that would not pass on the same genetic features via seed, even if it produces it.
Here is another technique for growing philodendron black cardinal plants.
Air Layering
· To start, you’ll need some sphagnum moss and a solid Black Cardinal Philodendron with a visible aerial root system.
· Before beginning, soak the sphagnum peat moss in water for at least an hour.
· Select a stem that is already developed and cover the node and its supports with moss.
· The leaves should not be wrapped; otherwise, they will decay.
· Keep a little hole wrapping so the plant can still absorb oxygen.
· To maintain the moisture, mist the black cardinal moss ball every day.
· After two weeks, the roots ought to begin to grow.
· Remove the moss covering now, and carefully scrape away part of the moss covering the roots that have developed.
· After that, cut a few stems slightly below the node to get some cuttings.
· Pick a position where there will be at least two leaves on the final stem cutting.
· Finally, put some new sphagnum moss to the stem cuttings in a clear plastic cup.
· Take care of the young plant as you would a mature one.
Black Cardinal: Typical Issues
Once you know the fundamentals, black cardinal philodendrons are simple houseplants to maintain. You may learn from your errors since they bounce back rapidly from harm or stress.
If you adhere to the philodendron black cardinal care tips above, you’ll be able to take good care of the Black Cardinal. However, what if an unexpected event occurs?
Black cardinal philodendrons don’t often succumb to pests and illnesses, but if they do, the following are the most common pests and diseases that might hurt them.
Root Decay
Root rot is the main issue that black cardinal plants face. If you see the plant develop root rot, it might be because the pot lacks drainage holes, the soil is not sufficiently well-draining, or you’re watering your plants too regularly.
By keeping a watch out for indications of overwatering for the black cardinal, including:
· Ensuring that water may exit the container.
· Make sure you’re using suitable potting soil or choosing a soilless combination
· Before applying more water, make sure the top layer of the soil is dry.
· Curled or yellowed leaves are another indicator of stress in plants. While excessive moisture won’t kill the plant immediately, the root rot will become irreparable.
· Try to see the symptoms early and cure your plant to prevent root rot.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that rest on stems and consume the liquids they provide. They can be removed with fingertips and are perfectly safe (for people, not for plants).
Mist a neem oil and fragrant-free dish detergent solution on the afflicted region if it is too unpleasant to touch. You may use a hose to give your plant a thorough spraying if it is outdoors.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are little pests that resemble a piece of a cotton swab in appearance. Like aphids, these tiny insects like damp environments and eat plant fluids.
Clean the bugs with a paper towel coated in neem oil or rubbing alcohol. Spread evenly throughout the whole afflicted region.
Fragrance and Flowering
It’s tough to get the philodendron black cardinal plant to blossom inside, like other philodendrons.
The spring inflorescence, however, is inconspicuous when it does. Your indoor garden will thrive with its deep black leaves and amazing flowers.
Final Thoughts
The philodendron erubescens black cardinal is a fantastic understory plant that you should add to your plant collection. This rare plant of the araceae family should be given proper potting soil, not too much sun, and kept in frost-free regions of South America.
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