Identified to science in 1854, P. erubescens is a climbing vine.  Some sources credit this species to botanical author Linden, but the earliest published date of 1854 appears to be credited to K. Koch & Augustin.  The leaf blades of Philodendron erubescenes are typically 20-40 cm (9 to 18 inches) in length.  The deep green leaves are shiny on top and often copper colored on the underside with petioles that are often purple-red and are often as long as the plant's leaves.  However, the Philodendron erubescenes is variable and may also be found primarily in green with little hint of the reddish coloration.  Variableness in Philodendrons species is common and as a result, the shape of the leaf blade often varies from specimen to specimen.  Collectors often select only the specimens they consider to have the most "beautiful" leaf shapes and as a result, many of the more common shapes seen in the rain forest are rarely seen in collections. Numerous cultivars (hybrids) are sold commercially under a variety of trade names (the photo right, below, is a hybrid variation).  The species is found in Central America according to TROPICOS (a service of the Missouri Botancial Garden), however  GRIN (a service of the USDA) says the species is found in Colombia.  Some sources indicate the species is also found in numerous South American countries but to date we have been unable to scientifically verify the accuracy of this claim.  P. erubescens has become "wild" in the Hawaiian islands and is commonly seen climbing trees, however the species is not native to those islands.  Philodendron species, and especially hybrid forms, are known to be highly variable and not every leaf of every specimen will always appear the same.  This link explains in greater detail the scientific principals of natural variation and morphogenesis.  Click here.

This Philodendron species one is true to its scientific name: "Philodendron", from the Greek words "phileo", which means love, and "dendron" which refers to a tree.  Together they mean "a plant that loves to climb trees".  If you grow many Philodendron sp. you'll quickly recognize this is due to P. erubescens' (and numerous other Philodendron sp.) habit of grabbing and climbing any tree it can catch. "Erubescens" too is Greek and indicates blushing or turning red.  Thus, you can easily deduct this is a tree climber that often appears to blush red! 

Philodendron erubescens is reported to climb up to 18 meters (60 feet) in its native wet rain forest habitats.  However, many long time collector/growers report an average height of only 3.6 meters (12 feet).  This aroid tends to prefer to climb in shady locations and does not often appreciate strong sunlight. The plant is characterized by the blushing reddish coloration on its new leaves and an often purple-red petiole. This is definitely a tropical and will not survive winters much below 10 C (50 degrees F) for extended periods of time.  However, growers in Florida report Philodendron erubescens recovers relatively quickly after short periods of low temperature.  Some growers in Zone 9 have reported difficulty having the species prosper.  Like all Philodendron species, Philodendron erubescens requires well draining soil and should be watered often during the hot growing season but less during winter months.  The species loves high humidity.   If you are new to growing Philodendron species, click on the link at the top of this page for more detailed growing information.

Our original specimen (photo right), which was a gift from aroid collector Russ Hammer in Florida, is still on the young side.  It currently (Summer, 2006) has 30cm to 35cm (12 to 14 inch) leaves but we expect it will soon obtain a larger leaf size.  The latest specimen (top) came from a collector in Hawaii and produces substantially larger leaves.

Looking for a specimen?  Contact Natural Selections Exotics at www.NSExotics.com

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