Philodendron El Choco Red

The Philodendron El Choco Red is a stunning tropical aroid from the Araceae family, originating from the rainforests of Ecuador. 🌿 This climbing philodendron is known for its dramatic foliage that transitions from deep burgundy-red to dark green as it matures, creating a living gradient in your plant collection. This is an intermediate-level plant that rewards attentive care with incredible leaf development. Fun fact: the "Choco" in its name refers to the Chocó bioregion where it was discovered, one of the most biodiverse rainforest areas on Earth.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This is a climbing philodendron that produces elongated, lance-shaped leaves that can reach 12-18 inches in length when mature. New leaves emerge in a striking deep red to burgundy colour with a velvety texture, gradually darkening to a rich forest green with red undersides as they age. The leaves have a semi-glossy finish and pronounced veining that adds depth and character. Growth occurs along climbing stems that will reach for support, making this an excellent candidate for a moss pole or trellis.
FLOWER DETAILS
Like most philodendrons grown indoors, the El Choco Red rarely flowers in home cultivation. When it does bloom in its natural habitat, it produces a typical aroid inflorescence with a cream-coloured spathe and spadix, though these flowers are not particularly showy or fragrant. The real attraction of this plant is its phenomenal foliage rather than any flowering display. In indoor settings, focus your energy on providing optimal growing conditions for leaf production rather than expecting blooms. Flowers are uncommon and not the main ornamental feature of this species.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves and fade the red coloration. East or west-facing windows work well with sheer curtains.
💧 Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, roughly once a week in summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Bottom watering or thorough top watering until it drains works best.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in 60-80% humidity. Will tolerate average home humidity around 40-50% but growth slows and leaf edges may brown.
🪴 Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix with orchid bark, perlite, peat moss or coco coir, and a bit of activated charcoal. Soil should retain some moisture while allowing air to roots.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, terracotta or nursery pots work well. Choose a pot 2 inches larger than the root ball. Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots fill the container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast growth in ideal conditions. Expect 3-5 new leaves over 6 months, 8-12 leaves per year. Can reach 4-6 feet tall when provided with climbing support.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No, this plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Philodendron El Choco Red shines in bright living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms with good natural light and space for vertical growth. Place it near an east or west-facing window where it can climb up a moss pole or decorative trellis, creating a striking focal point. Bathrooms with windows can work beautifully due to naturally higher humidity. Avoid dark corners, drafty entryways, or spots right against heating vents or air conditioners. Keep it away from curious pets and small children due to its toxicity, and don't place it in rooms with extremely low light or frequent temperature fluctuations.