With its deep, wine-colored leaves, the burgundy princess philodendron makes a dramatic statement in any indoor plant collection. This stunning plant is a must-have for enthusiasts seeking a pop of rich, low-maintenance color. Its unique foliage offers a striking contrast to common green houseplants.
This guide provides everything you need to know. You will learn how to care for, propagate, and troubleshoot this beautiful hybrid. Let’s get started with making your plant thrive.
Burgundy Princess Philodendron
The Burgundy Princess Philodendron is a captivating cultivar known for its dark, reddish-purple leaves. It is a type of self-heading philodendron, meaning it grows in a more compact, upright rosette form rather than as a long vine. This growth habit makes it perfect for tabletops or as a floor plant in a bright corner.
Its leaves emerge with a bright pink or orange hue before maturing into that signature deep burgundy. The stems are often a similar dark color, adding to its cohesive and elegant appearance. It is sometimes confused with other varieties, but its distinct color sets it apart.
Origin And Botanical Background
Philodendrons belong to the Araceae family, originating in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The Burgundy Princess is a cultivated hybrid, developed for its exceptional foliage color. Breeders selected for the intense pigmentation that defines this plant.
Like its relatives, it is an epiphyte in its natural habitat. This means it often grows on other plants or trees, drawing moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Understanding this background is key to replicating its ideal conditions in your home.
Burgundy Princess Vs. Other Philodendrons
It’s easy to mix up philodendron varieties. Here’s how the Burgundy Princess distinguishes itself from similar-looking plants.
- Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’: Has broader, more oval leaves that are a very dark, almost blackish-green. The Burgundy Princess has more pointed leaves with a definite reddish-purple tone.
- Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’: Often has larger, more elongated leaves that start red but mature to a deep green. The Burgundy Princess typically retains more of its burgundy coloring as it matures.
- Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’: This is perhaps the most common mix-up. The Imperial Red has a more uniform, spreading rosette, while the Burgundy Princess may show more variation in leaf color and shape.
When purchasing, look for the specific name “Burgundy Princess” to ensure you get the correct plant.
Why Choose This Plant For Your Home
Beyond its obvious beauty, the Burgundy Princess Philodendron offers several practical benefits. It is an excellent air-purifying plant, helping to remove common household toxins like formaldehyde from your indoor environment. Its robust nature makes it forgiving for those still developing their green thumb.
The rich color can act as a focal point in room design, complementing both modern and traditional decors. It provides a year-round visual interest without requiring flowers. Its moderate growth rate means it won’t quickly outgrow its space, making it a manageable long-term companion.
Complete Care Guide
Caring for your Burgundy Princess Philodendron is straightforward once you understand its basic needs. Consistency is more important than perfection. The goal is to mimic its native tropical environment as closely as possible.
Follow these core principles, and your plant will reward you with vibrant, healthy growth. Pay close attention to light and watering, as these are the most common areas for error.
Light Requirements For Optimal Color
Light is the most critical factor in maintaining the deep burgundy color of the leaves. Too little light, and the plant will produce greener foliage to maximize photosynthesis. Too much direct sun, however, can scorch the leaves.
- Ideal Light: Bright, indirect light is perfect. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window is ideal.
- Signs of Too Little Light: New leaves are predominantly green, growth becomes leggy or stretched, and the plant grows very slowly.
- Signs of Too Much Light: Leaves develop brown, crispy patches or bleached, faded areas. The foliage may also feel unusually warm to the touch.
Rotate your plant a quarter turn every time you water it. This ensures all sides receive even light and promotes symmetrical growth.
Watering Schedule And Techniques
Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your philodendron. These plants prefer to partially dry out between waterings. Their epiphytic roots need access to air and can rot in constantly soggy soil.
- Check the Soil: Before watering, insert your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
- Water Thoroughly: Water slowly and evenly around the soil surface until you see water begin to drain from the pot’s bottom holes.
- Empty the Saucer: Always discard any excess water that collects in the saucer or cache pot after 15-20 minutes. Never let the pot sit in standing water.
Watering frequency will change with the seasons. You may need to water weekly in the warm, bright summer months and only every 2-3 weeks in the darker winter. Always let the soil condition, not the calendar, guide you.
Soil And Potting Mix Formula
The right soil provides drainage, aeration, and slight moisture retention. A standard potting soil is too dense on its own and will hold too much water.
A simple, effective mix for your Burgundy Princess is:
- 2 parts high-quality indoor potting mix
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part orchid bark or coconut coir
This combination creates a chunky, well-draining medium that allows roots to breathe. Repot your plant every 2-3 years, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot. Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter to prevent excess wet soil.
Temperature And Humidity Preferences
As a tropical plant, the Burgundy Princess thrives in warm, humid conditions. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid placing it near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating ducts, as sudden temperature changes can cause stress.
Humidity above 50% is ideal. If your home is dry, especially in winter, consider these methods to increase humidity:
- Use a room humidifier placed nearby.
- Group it with other plants to create a microclimate.
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).
Misting the leaves provides only a very temporary boost and is not a substitute for these more consistent methods. It can also promote fungal issues if done to excess.
Fertilizing For Healthy Growth
Regular feeding supports the development of those large, colorful leaves. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for houseplants (e.g., a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula).
- During Active Growth (Spring and Summer): Fertilize once a month at half the recommended strength on the package. This “weakly, weekly” approach prevents fertilizer burn.
- During Dormant Period (Fall and Winter): Reduce feeding to once every 6-8 weeks, or stop altogether if growth has visibly slowed.
Always water the soil lightly with plain water before applying fertilizer to damp soil. This protects the roots from potential chemical burn. An ocassional flush of the soil with plain water can help prevent salt buildup from fertilizers.
Propagation Methods
Sharing or expanding your collection of Burgundy Princess Philodendrons is rewarding and simple. The most reliable method is stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during the active growing season in spring or early summer.
You will need a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors, a small pot, fresh potting mix, and optionally, rooting hormone. Always choose a healthy, pest-free mother plant for taking cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
Follow these steps to successfully create a new plant.
- Select and Cut: Identify a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves and a few visible nodes (the small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge). Make a clean cut just below a node.
- Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaf from the bottom node. This is where roots will form. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root development, though it’s not strictly necessary.
- Root in Water: Place the cutting in a glass of room-temperature water, ensuring the bottom node is submerged. Keep it in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks.
- Root in Soil (Alternative): You can also plant the cutting directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) and cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity until new growth indicates rooting.
- Potting Up: Once water-propagated roots are about 2-3 inches long, gently pot the cutting into its own small container with fresh soil. Care for it as you would a mature plant.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with good care, you may encounter some issues. Early identification is key to resolving them quickly. Most problems are related to environmental conditions.
Regularly inspect your plant’s leaves, both top and underside, and the condition of the soil. This proactive habit helps you catch any trouble before it becomes severe.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves can have several causes. Diagnose by considering the pattern.
- Older leaves turning yellow: This is often natural aging. If it’s just one or two older leaves at the bottom, simply pluck them off.
- Many leaves yellowing, especially with wilting: This usually indicates overwatering. Check the soil moisture and let it dry out more between waterings. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- Yellow leaves with brown crispy edges: Can be a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct fertilizer salt buildup.
Pest Identification And Management
Burgundy Princess Philodendrons can occasionally attract common houseplant pests. Isolation is the first step if you find pests.
- Spider Mites: Tiny spiders that create fine webbing, especially under leaves. Leaves may look stippled or dusty. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Look like small bits of white cotton in leaf axils and on stems. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill on contact.
- Fungus Gnats: Small black flies that hover around the soil. They thrive in constantly moist conditions. Let the soil surface dry out more between waterings and use yellow sticky traps.
Consistant treatment is necessary. Most pests require multiple applications, about a week apart, to eliminate all life stages.
Leaf Spot Diseases And Fungal Issues
Fungal problems often arise from excess moisture on the leaves or in the soil.
Bacterial Leaf Spot: Appears as small, dark, water-soaked spots with a yellow halo. Remove affected leaves immediately, improve air circulation, and avoid wetting the foliage when watering.
Root Rot: Caused by chronically wet soil. Symptoms include widespread yellowing, wilting despite wet soil, and a foul smell from the pot. You may need to unpot the plant, trim away any black, mushy roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Styling and Display Ideas
The rich color of the Burgundy Princess Philodendron makes it a versatile design element. Its dramatic foliage can stand alone as a statement piece or complement other plants in an arrangement.
Consider the plant’s mature size and shape when choosing a location. It works well on plant stands, in woven baskets, or in simple ceramic pots that don’t compete with its color.
Choosing The Right Pot
The pot is both functional and aesthetic. Always choose a container with drainage holes. You can place a plain nursery pot inside a more decorative cache pot if needed.
- Color: Neutral pots like white, cream, gray, or matte black let the burgundy leaves take center stage. Terracotta pots provide a warm, natural contrast and help soil dry faster.
- Material: Ceramic and terracotta are porous, promoting evaporation. Plastic and glazed ceramic retain moisture longer, which may require adjusting your watering schedule.
- Size: The pot should be proportionate to the plant—not more than 2 inches wider than the root ball. A pot that is too large holds excess soil that stays wet and can lead to root issues.
Companion Plants For A Stunning Display
Pair your Burgundy Princess with plants that highlight its unique color. Choose companions with similar light and water needs.
- For Contrast: Plants with bright green or variegated foliage, like a Philodendron Brasil or a Marble Queen Pothos.
- For Texture: Plants with fine or trailing leaves, such as a String of Hearts or an Asparagus Fern.
- For a Monochromatic Scheme: Other dark-leaved plants like a Zamioculcas (ZZ plant) or a Raven ZZ.
Grouping plants together not only looks great but also increases local humidity, benefiting all of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Burgundy Princess Philodendron.
Is The Burgundy Princess Philodendron Toxic To Pets?
Yes, like all philodendrons, the Burgundy Princess contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. It can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children.
Why Are The New Leaves On My Plant Green?
New leaves often emerge with a pink, orange, or light green hue and darken as they mature. However, if mature leaves are also staying green, the most likely cause is insufficient light. Move your plant to a brighter location with plenty of indirect light to encourage the development of the burgundy pigment.
How Fast Does The Burgundy Princess Philodendron Grow?
This plant has a moderate growth rate. Under ideal conditions, you can expect it to produce several new leaves during the spring and summer growing season. Growth will slow or pause during the fall and winter months. Proper light, warmth, and fertilization support healthy growth speed.
Can I Grow This Plant In Low Light?
While it can survive in lower light conditions, its growth will be very slow and the leaves will lose their signature burgundy color, turning a dull green. For the best color and health, bright, indirect light is strongly recommended. It is not suited for very dark corners.
Should I Prune My Burgundy Princess?
Pruning is generally not required for shape due to its self-heading habit. However, you should remove any yellowing or dead leaves at the base to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent potential disease. Use clean, sharp scissors to make a clean cut close to the main stem.