When it comes to picking houseplants, Bloody Mary Philodendrons are one of the top choices. They are grown for their stunning foliage. The juvenile leaves give off a burgundy color, and mature leaves give off a shade of red and burgundy.
It can thrive in several different conditions, but it is more well suited for bright indirect sunlight. However, it is capable of surviving in low light as well.
Throughout spring and summer, the soil should be kept moist, but in winter, the soil needs to be allowed to dry out between each watering session.
This plant has reddish stems, and its growth is drooping. Bloody Mary Philodendrons are great for forming hanging baskets and shelf-pots. But it is toxic and should not be kept near pets and babies.
The earliest mention of Philodendrons was during the 1600s; this was reported by Georg Markgraf.
However, this plant was scientifically discovered by Charles Plumier in the 16th century, and since his discovery of six species, many more have been found.
The plant has interesting features such as the leaves having a burgundy undertone filled with red color fluid. This is why the plant is known as Bloody Mary Philodendron.
All Philodendrons are unique and different from each other, but all of them are famous for their gorgeous appearance and stunning characteristics.
While basic plant care is vital for every plant, it is essential for you to know that Bloody Mary Philodendrons are incredibly durable.
Table of Contents
Basic Plant Care for Bloody Mary Philodendron
Soil
The quality of soil you use for your plant is the most important thing you need to look into. When it comes to Bloody Mary Philodendrons, you can use any fine quality soil that is well-drained, or you can use a potting mixture to grow this plant. Make sure that the soil has good drainage as this will allow future disasters from being avoided, such as fungus or rotting of the rots.
If you are concerned about the pH of the soil, then I suggest you keep the pH range from 5.6 to 7.5, as this is well suited for this plant. Bloody Mary Philodendrons grow in 100% sphagnum peat moss, or mixtures that do not contain soil are also a great choice. Examples of soilless mixtures include:
- Peat-vermiculite
- Peat-perlite
Overall any fasting draining and high-quality pot mixture is a good choice.
Water
After reading about what kind of soil Bloody Mary Philodendrons prefer, you must have understood that moist and well-drained soil is their demand; this means the plant does not need to be watered a lot. During the summer, water the plant two to three times a week so that the soil is moist.
But, the amount of watering should be reduced during the winters. Only water the plant when the upper two inches of the soil has dried up. I would prefer watering the soil directly instead of the leaves since this reduces the chances of fungus.
Although this plant grows is drooping downward, it can still droop further if excess water is given to it. Droopy leave and rotting of the roots will become an issue if you do not follow the rules for watering.
Light
Bloody Mary Philodendron prefers indirect sunlight; this is the perfect amount of light they need in order to thrive. However, they do well even in low light or partial shade. Avoid putting the plant under direct sunlight as it is capable of burning the plant.
Browning of the leaves is a common thing in plants that are receiving too much sunlight, and the same applies to Bloody Mary Philodendron. If your stem shows signs of “leggy stem,” then this indicates that the plant is not receiving enough sunlight.
Bloody Mary Philodendrons are extremely durable and can live in many different conditions, but it thrives under bright, indirect sunlight and can survive under low light.
Temperature
Bloody Mary Philodendrons are not winter plants; this does not mean that they will die in winter, but experts suggest that they should be transferred to a warm place during the winter season. To place them in the best conditions, keep the ideal temperature between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16°C – 24°C).
If the temperature is not kept between the range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16°C – 24°C), then the plant will have poor growth and health problems as well.
Humidity
Unlike other Philodendrons that thrive in the humid atmosphere of the rain forests, Bloody Mary Philodendrons have a high resistance to several moisture levels.
If the leaves of your plants start to turn yellow or it starts to get lumpy, then try increasing the humidity. Increasing the humidity in dry and hot days is important for Bloody Mary Philodendrons as they thrive in humid conditions.
If you want to increase the humidity, then you can use a humidifier, mist the plants, or keep a pebble water tray under the pot.
Fertilizer
Bloody Mary Philodendrons are fast-growing plants; thus, they have high demand when it comes to feeding. You can use any sort of fertilizer that is suitable for domestic plants. The fertilizer should be used every month during the spring and summer season.
However, during the winter season, this amount should be reduced to just once in two months. You should also invest in slow-release fertilizers since they release the nutrients slowly.
Repotting
If you’re confused as to when you should repot your plant, then know that once the roots are compact and form a tight ball, then that is the time you should be repotting your plant into a new pot that is 2 to 3 inches larger than the previous one.
Repotting of this plant should take place before the plant starts to grow in new leaves. This means it should be done during the winter or spring season as the plant growth is slower in these months.
Pruning
Pruning your plant is not an easy job, and if you are not sure when you must start pruning your plant, then wait. Pruning Bloody Mary Philodendrons should be avoided until absolutely necessary.
If you end up pruning your plant, remember that a good pruning job does not ruin the overall aesthetic of the plant.
Meaning once you’re done pruning your plant, it should not be noticeable that anything was done to it. Cutting your plant is only beneficial if the plant is taking up too much space in the room.
You can trim the plant to remove any yellow leaves or if it’s too long. Before you starting trimming your plant, sanitize your tools.
This is a simple step and helps you prolong the life of your plant by preventing the spread of plant diseases that can affect the growth of your plant.
In order to sterilize your pruning tools, firstly remove all the mud and debris, secondly dip the tools in a solution of household bleach and water.
Keep the proportions to nine parts bleach and one-part water. Thirdly rinse the tools with clean water to sterilize them further as bleach is corrosive.
As an alternative, you can wipe the tools with rubbing alcohol as it is less corrosive.
Whenever you cut the plant, always cut or pinch the growth above the leaf nodes. Leaf nodes are the point of a stem where a new leaf or stem grows.
If you do not cut above the leaf nodes, then you will be left with stubs, and this will reduce the aesthetic of the plant.
Propagation
The Bloody Mary Philodendrons are easy to propagate. The best time to cut the stem tips is during the spring or early summer season. The root comes in easily, so all you have to do is place the stem in water or moist soil.
The following are the most common forms of propagation for Bloody Mary Philodendrons:
- Seeds
- Leaf-cutting
- Stem cutting
- Mound layering (stooling)
- Air Layering
There are a few things to know about these forms of propagation. When it comes to seeds, the process is slow, while layering is only suitable for experienced growers. The easiest form of propagation is stem cutting, and this is also the most common. The steps are discussed below:
- Cut the stem from a mature, healthy plant. Take a sharp knife and cut five to six inches of the stem.
- Take at least three leaves and pinch the lower side of leaves in order to get the nodes.
- Prep you water or moist soil and proceed to dip the leafless side of the stem into either medium. The stem should be up to three inches deep in the soil.
- Dip the end in rooting hormone to have fast and better growth but doing this is not compulsory.
- Keep your cutting in warm temperatures with plenty of sunshine. However, the sun should not directly fall on the cutting as this might kill your cutting even before it roots.
- Once you notice root growth in a few weeks, transplant to an appropriate pot if necessary and care for your plant using the instructions given previously.
Blooms
This plant has no flowers, but as mentioned before, this plant is famous for its beautiful foliage and colorful stems. The new growing leaves at the time develop a red color, but once the plant has matured, the leaves turn green. There is no shortage of leaves on this plant due to its strong stems.
Growth
If the plant is provided with the optimum conditions for growth, then the plant can grow to a height of 10 to 12 feet and spread as wide as 9 inches. The growth of the plant depends on the growing capacity that each plant carries and how capable you are in taking care of it.
The amount of space you give the plant for growth also has a significant effect on how tall it can grow. If you keep your plant in a congested area, then their growth will slow down.
Bloody Mary Philodendrons follow a climbing growth pattern, and just like other Philodendrons, it too has a fast growth rate.
If a Bloody Mary Philodendron grows in the wild, then it prefers growing next to a host plant. However, indoors the plant climbs plant support or any other form of support surrounding it.
Mature leaves can be as long as 2 to 4 inches, and their width can be 1 to 2 inches. The stems are long and red in color, and the leaves are smooth, long, and pointy.
They grow in every direction, and once they mature, the leaves can grow even longer in length, which leads them to droop.
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Common Problems for Bloody Mary Philodendron
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a household name amongst gardeners. These pests are some of the most common problems faced by many gardeners and have a reputation for causing an infestation in greenhouses. These bugs have a soft body and are largely found in areas with warm climates.
They have a white appearance when present on leave and use their mouths to suck out the sap from the leaves; this then results in yellow leaves and curling as well.
The bug is also an indirect cause for fungal diseases because once it is done feeding on the place, it leaves behind a honeydew. Honeydew is a sticky material and is the perfect spot for fungal growth.
If you want to control mealybug spread, then you can:
- Cut off the plant area where you see a growth in mealybugs.
- Treat some areas by rubbing a cotton bud that has been dipped in at least 70% alcohol.
- You can also use neem oil since it has anti-repellant properties.
- Reduce overwatering.
- Reduce over-fertilization.
Aphids
Aphids are another pest that you need to look out for. If your plant is newly growing, then take extra care of it as aphids tend to come after indoor plants that are still growing.
Aphids can lead to many problems such as yellow leaves, curling of the leaves as well as wilting. Aphids and mealybugs share a common effect. This is the sticky honeydew they leave behind on plants, which later leads on to fungal disease, growth of sooty mold, and attracts ants.
To get rid of aphids, you will have to cut the part of the plant, which has the pest present on them. For further precautions, do not over-fertilize the plant since it can make the aphids grow even faster as they like nitrogen-rich soil. Use a fertilizer that has slow-releasing nutrients.
Pseudomonas Leaf Spot
Pseudomonas lead spot is a disease that even philodendrons are not resistant to. It has several symptoms, such as:
- Yellow leaves
- Lesions
- Holes
- Stunned or slowed growth
If your plant is not getting the care it needs and deserves, then it has a high chance of catching this disease. The solution to this problem is straightforward. All you have to do is provide the plant with the optimum conditions it needs for growth.
Observe your plant well when pruning and grooming it. Look out for any form of abnormal growth pattern or discoloration of the plant.
Tips for Growing Bloody Mary Philodendron
You should follow the below-mentioned tips so that your plant can grow well:
- Keep your plant in a less congested area.
- Divide the plant properly.
- Use suitable soil mix and well-drained soil.
- Put the potted plant under the best conditions by watering and fertilizing it as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions Bloody Mary Philodendrons
Why do the tips of my Bloody Mary Philodendrons turn brown?
Your plant needs more moisture as a lack of moisture can cause the tips of the leaf to turn brown. Bloody Mary Philodendrons need to be kept in proper humid conditions, and the soil should be moist. Potted plants dry out easily than those on the ground, so ensure you are providing enough water and proper humid conditions.
Is a lot of light needed for Bloody Mary Philodendrons?
Philodendrons survive even under low light conditions. The best spot for you to place your plant is next to a window where the sunlight does not hit the foliage directly.
Do I need to mist my Bloody Mary Philodendron?
Bloody Mary Philodendrons are considered to be tropical plants; thus, they require higher humidity levels so that they can grow well. The plant can survive low humidity levels but surviving is not the same as a thriving, so mist your plant regularly.
Do Bloody Mary Philodendrons like to be root bound?
Bloody Mary Philodendrons do not like to be root bound. They can tolerate it better than other household plants, but tolerance is not the same as liking it. Keep your plant healthy by repotting it regularly.
Why do the leaves of Bloody Mary Philodendron curl?
The leaves can curl due to cold and dry air. Philodendrons are tropical plants, so they prefer humid conditions, so increase the humidity level by misting the plant.
Conclusion
Your Bloody Mary Philodendron will be the most eye-catching plant in your room once it has matured. A mature Bloody Mary Philodendron becomes a beautiful climber, and with this, it brings in an aesthetic that no other plant can offer.
This plant looks stunning, sitting at an empty corner so that it can be the center of attention. Its beautiful foliage deserves recognition, so make sure to pick a spot where its beauty can truly shine through.
Once the plant grows older, the leaves will start to droop downwards, and this looks gorgeous when kept on a shelf or hanging in pots/baskets. Just be sure to keep the plant away from animals and babies as it is toxic and causes harm when ingested.