Dark Lord Philodendrons are a must-have for any collection dedicated to large-leafed plants. Because of its recent surge in popularity, this plant is quite pricey. In addition, Dark Lord can be grown successfully either indoors or outdoors, making it a great choice for those who want to give their yard a dramatic makeover.
About the Plant
Table of Contents
Dark Lord Philodendrons are a hybrid form of the Colombian and Panamanian Imperial Red Philodendron Erubescens. It belongs to the Araceae family. Besides their native range, Seychelles and the Philippines are also home to a few of these Philodendron species.
Various Names for the Plant
This plant is referred to as Dark Lord Plant, Dark Lord Philodendron, Pink Dark Lord Philodendron, and Dark Knight Philodendron.
Maximization of Size and Development of Dark Lord Philodendron
Since the Dark Lord Philodendron is a fast-growing plant and eventually becomes rather large, keeping one at a modest size might be challenging.
A climbing pole or a moss pole coated in coco coir can be used to support the plant as it grows. The use of moss poles with regular watering can also aid in the maintenance of strong air-borne roots. The foliage benefits as the aerial roots grow and adhere to both poles.
The diameter of the stems can reach two inches. It is a vibrant red. Regular pruning will help your plant flourish. Pruning promotes the development of new shoots.
It’s important to remember that this is a deadly plant. Therefore, keep it out of the reach of kids and dogs.
Dark Lord Philodendron Foliage
The leaves of the Dark Lord have an identity of their own. This large plant has lustrous, dark green foliage, with a purple tinge around its margins. They start out orange, progress through crimson, have huge bright red stems, and then settle on deep green. The interesting fact about this plant is that the undersides of every leaf are a faint burgundy.
The dark, arrow-shaped, and maroon-veined undersides of Philodendron leaves are stunning. The moniker “Dark Lord” comes from the tree’s leaves, sometimes looking completely black. Some leaves on the plant might grow to be between 18 and 22 inches long.
Examine leaves at various phases of development to see how they change color. A leaf’s color changes from orange or bright red when it first opens to a deep purple after two weeks. The leaf’s color changes to a dark green as it ages. The tropical feel is enhanced by the dramatic black coloring.
Dark Lord Philodendron Roots
The large, spreading roots of a Dark Lord plant reach far into the ground. Many aerial roots grow from a flourishing dark lord, allowing them to take in more oxygen and nutrients from its atmosphere.
While repotting, make sure there are no black roots. This is because the dark lord plant is susceptible to fungal infections and various other diseases if the dead roots are not removed. Although it might do well when root-bound for a short time, it will likely stop growing if it remains in one pot for an extended period.
Dark Lord Philodendron Varieties
One of the most beautiful and unique plants available is the dark lord philodendron. They are indeed a sight to behold, with their one-of-a-kind shape and kaleidoscope of colors ranging from orange to dark green. Here are a few more options to consider that might tickle your fancy:
The Red and Green Imperial Philodendron
The Philodendron Imperial green and Imperial red are both tall, upright plants with glossy, dark green foliage. Do you know the story behind their unusual moniker? The Imperial Crimson cultivar has vivid red young leaves that age to a reddish-purple. Typically, the leaves of an Imperial green philodendron have a deep dark green appearance as they age. Indirect sunshine between moderate and brilliant is ideal for the imperial plants.
Pink Princess Philodendron or Erubescens Philodendron
The Erubescens philodendron is one of the most beautiful species available due to its striking variegated foliage in pink and dark green. Make sure to put them somewhere that gets lots of natural light so they can retain their vivacity.
Humidity levels in indoor environments should be kept moderately high to ensure plant health. Since dark lord is one of the tropical plants, it requires relative humidity. Due to the dry air in most households, it is also suggested to mist the plants occasionally or utilize pebble trays.
The Brandtiian Philodendron
The Brandtianum philodendron has heart-shaped, bright yellow-orange leaves. These leaves are a stunning sight on a Philodendron plant. They eventually grow into a dark green and silver color. This plant standing upright results in intriguing silver striations on the plant.
Medium indirect light would be ideal for the plant’s full, erect form. However, make sure the plant is exposed to bright, indirect light if you want to draw attention to its unique coloring.
Dark Lord’s Philodendron Care Guide
The care requirements of a Philodendron Dark Lord are low. Like other Philodendron species, it requires quite minimal attention. It’s important to consider local climate conditions like humidity and temperature when planning things like watering needs and soil mixture.
Follow the instructions given below:
· Light Requirements
A Philodendron Dark Lord should be exposed to between 70 and 80 percent indirect sunlight for optimal growth. The best place to keep this plant is in front of a window where the sunlight can penetrate through the curtains. Keep it inside in a bright, warm room during the cold months.
Keep it out of direct sunlight, and it will be the happiest. Sunlight is beneficial in the morning but can produce leaf burns around midday.
Overexposure to bright direct sunlight will cause your plant’s leaves to fade to a yellowish hue and develop brown spots. On the contrary, a lack of light will cause the plant to grow more slowly, become lankier, and increase its susceptibility to root rot.
Placing the plant where it can receive around three hours of sunlight is ideal. Only when the plant is exposed to direct sunshine the entire day will it become a concern. Examine how it performs in various lighting scenarios before making a final decision.
Do not immediately put a new plant in its permanent home after receiving it. Gradually expose the plant to bright light to help it adjust to its new surroundings.
· Watering Requirements
Don’t let the soil dry out completely during summer or spring by overwatering the plant. It will not able to survive in constantly wet soil.
Root rot brought on by overly wet or moist soil can be harmful to your plant’s health. That’s why it’s crucial to use containers with adequate drainage for your plant’s needs.
It is detrimental to the plant’s development to water it only once weekly. As an alternative, check on the plant frequently to see if it needs watering. Looking at the soil around you, you can tell if your plant requires water. If the soil is dry to the touch when your finger is inserted to the second knuckle, the plant needs watering.
This technique lets you take care of the plant without under-watering or overwatering it. Moist soil that is extremely wet to the touch will be sticky and squishy, whereas dry soil will be hard and compact.
The plant has been improperly watered if water is not dripping out of the container after being watered. Do not make the common mistake of watering only slightly each time. It’s important to give it a good soaking because doing so will impact the root system positively, reducing the likelihood of root rot.
Soil Requirements for Dark Lord Philodendron
Grow Philodendron Dark Lord in a nutrient-dense soil mix that drains well. Use organic materials like vermiculite, perlite, and coco coir to create nutrient-dense, easily drained soil. Conversely, sandy soils drain water considerably more quickly than ordinary soils; hence, they should be avoided. Ensure proper drainage to exhaust any surplus water.
Remember that overly dry and moist soils might be an issue for the plant’s growth. These plants cannot thrive in compacted clay soil. Compact soils impede the oxygen and nutrition available to the plant roots; therefore, you must maintain the soil mix and keep it well-ventilated.
You should make an airy soil mixture and select deep pots and containers with room for the roots to spread out. Try to find a shallow pot with a depth of between 8 and 10 inches; it might do your plant well.
In any case, a plant’s roots are better able to flourish in a deeper container, which also promotes rapid growth. If the containers are too deep, you won’t have to repot them as often.
· Temperature Requirements for Dark Lord Philodendron
The Dark Lord flourishes at 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It will develop exceptionally well in this range. Remember that it has a low tolerance for cold. If frost is in the forecast, bring the plant indoors to a humid location to prevent it from wilting and stunting its growth.
Warm temperatures bring out the plant’s rich red color; however, you shouldn’t maintain it in temperatures higher than 85 degrees Fahrenheit. In such conditions, the plant’s once vibrant hue will fade and become weak and spindly.
– Relative Humidity
Philodendron dark lord is a tropical plant that thrives in damp, overcast environments. Over 70% relative humidity is ideal for optimal growth. Even though it may survive in 40% humidity, optimal conditions for growth are at or above 60%.
Additionally, this plant flourishes in humid environments but benefits from humidity regulation. The plant’s leaves expand and become stronger in conditions of high humidity.
Having a humidifier close by can help you keep the moisture level at the right amount for your plant.
You can also place a humidity tray under the plant. A thin tray filled with water and pebbles serves as the humidity tray. Now set the pot on the tray to maintain constant humidity.
Furthermore, another method of maintaining relative humidity for your dark knight philodendron is to group them so that they can exchange moisture through transpiration.
– Fertilization Requirements for Dark Knight Philodendron
Although the Dark Lord does not require a heavy fertilizer dosage, it benefits from frequent fertilizing for faster growth. During the growing season, spring and summer, fertilize it once a month. However, once the growing season ends and winter is about to knock on your door, reduce the fertilization process to once every eight weeks.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer with plenty of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Keep it away from the plant’s base. Nitrogen promotes leaf development, phosphorus aids in root expansion, and potassium keeps the stems and leaves strong.
Remember that the roots of your plant might be severely damaged or even killed by the excessive salt included in some bad fertilizers. Avoid using salty tap water and use RO water to prevent salt buildup around your plant’s roots once every 30 days.
Using tap water is damaging to plants since it is often too harsh for the root system, causing first leaf damage and, later overall plant weakness. A plant that has been exposed to too much salt will die. Therefore, it’s important to regularly clean the plant and place it in a clean environment.
– Repot Philodendron Dark Lord
The plant’s stunted growth is alarming when it becomes root bound; therefore, when it outgrows its current pot, you should repot it into a larger one. In any case, avoid repotting during the colder seasons.
Put off transplanting the plant until spring. Changing plants and adding fresh soil mix in the spring is ideal because they adapt quickly and easily to their new surroundings at that time.
A mixture of soil, vermiculite, compost, and perlite is ideal for repotting Philodendron Dark Lord. Provide your plant with a healthy mixture and dig up any blackened or decaying roots. You must be sure to do a thorough inspection for bugs, diseases, and other unwanted guests.
Pick a new pot that’s one size larger than the one you’re replacing it with. The plant will thrive in its new home for at least two or three years. A potted plant is the best choice for indoor growth.
– Propagate Philodendron Dark Lord
Propagation of the Dark Lord is a piece of cake To start, cut off the top two or three inches of a mature plant’s stem. After that, use a scissors to make a clean snip just under the node. Then, you’ll need to plant it in a rich organic mix after dipping it in a rooting hormone solution.
To get it to root, conceal the cutting at least three inches deep in the soil, sprinkle some more soil on top of it, and water it regularly. Plant in a humid area that receives plenty of indirect sunlight. It’s important to monitor the plant for the next six weeks while it forms roots.
– Problems with Dark Lord Philodendron Plants
Philodendron Dark Lord is not finicky at all. However, it is susceptible to the same issues that other Philodendrons have, including infestations from pests and diseases and yellowing leaves.
So, let’s go into those.
– Insects and Other Pests
Plants like Dark Lord can fall victim to pests like mealybugs, mites, scales, spider, and thrips. Pruning and wiping alcohol-dampened cotton swabs on the affected region will help with the hairy, sap-sucking spider mites and mealybugs.
Regular use of neem oil, which has insecticidal characteristics and is an excellent natural remedy for eradicating insects and other pests, is highly recommended.
– The Plague of Erwinia
Erwinia blight is seen when mushy lesions appear on the leaves and stems of your plant. This illness is very dangerous and challenging to treat. This condition is primarily caused by overwatering; therefore, you must be very vigilant while watering your plant.
It begins below ground and gradually makes its way to the tops of the plants. Remove diseased leaves, water less, and try a different soil formula if the infection level drops. If the plant has been severely infected, recovery is highly unlikely.
– Yellow Leaves
Overwatering, underwatering, extremely hot conditions, or a lack of nutrients could all contribute to the leaves becoming yellow. Determine which of these may be affected and treat them accordingly.
The plant’s deep dark green foliage may fade when kept in a cooler environment. This indicates that the plants are producing less chlorophyll, which is responsible for their drab loss of color. If that’s the case, move the plant somewhere warm with lots of indirect sunshine.
– Brown Leaves
Waterlogging is indicated by leaf margins that have turned brown. The plant’s leaves will start turning yellow and brown if it goes without water for an extended period. If you look at the soil and find compact, dry lumps, it’s time to try a new blend. For best results, you should make a mixture that is light and easy to drain.
FAQs for Dark Lord Philodendron Plants
Does Philodendron Dark Lord grow as a vine?
Because of adaptations made to their roots, most mature dark lord philodendrons are proficient climbers. When the plants reach the upper branches, they change into epiphytes.
How big does a Philodendron Dark Lord grow?
The dark lord philodendron is a non-compact species that can reach a height of 6 feet and a width of 3 to 4 feet. Don’t skimp on size, as outdoor and indoor use containers should be considered. Make sure there’s enough room for whichever you pick, as they’ll grow to be very large.
How can you maintain a Philodendron Dark Lord?
In most cases, if you give a plant the attention and nutrients it needs, it will flourish. Give your Dark Lord Philodendron plenty of light, don’t let it dry up, and supplement its diet with a balanced fertilizer as needed, and it should thrive.
Conclusion for Shadow Lord Philodendron
If large, tropical plants are your thing, look no further than the Philodendron Dark Lord. It is a species that can only be found in Panama and Colombia. It has beautiful foliage that starts out orange and crimson and matures from dark, deep maroon to deep bottle green.
Over time, it can reach impressive proportions, and adequate growth necessitates a sizable area. Furthermore, it can be grown in either an indoor or outdoor setting. Put it outside, but in the shade.
These plants do best in areas that get lots of indirect sunlight. Burns to leaves can be caused by the midday sun. Moreover, maintaining a consistent soil moisture level is essential for the health of your Dark Lord plant. Maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil by watering it regularly.
Fungal infections and root rot caused by constantly wet soil will harm your plant and will eventually kill it. Avoid this by checking if your plant requires water by feeling between your knuckles. You must also be mindful of the climate you’re putting your plant in. Temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit are fine for the plant. Don’t put it in a cold place. Placing it in front of a freezer can harm the plant. For optimal plant growth, maintain a relative humidity of over 70%.
Apply fertilizer consistently during the plant’s growing season, and then cut back during the dormant winter months. Use a high-quality fertilizer heavy on NPK nutrients to do this.
When the plant starts to outgrow its current pot, it’s time to repot it. The best time to move the plant is in the early spring. Its root system is quite deep and spread out. Plant it in a large container. The larger the leaves, the stronger the plant’s root system.
Propagating the dark lord is a breeze. Take cuttings of the plant with a couple of nodes and replant them in a nutrient-dense organic soil mixture to continue the species’ spread.
Erwinia blight and other pests are two potential threats. However, you don’t have to worry as neem oil can help you in this regard. It will help in warding off and eliminating pests like mealybugs and spider mites. With your newfound knowledge of this beautiful plant, it’s time to bring some tropical flair into your own yard by planting these stunning plants.
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