The Complete Guide to the Philodendron “Black Cardinal” Plant
A beautiful addition to any indoor garden, the Philodendron “Black Cardinal” is renowned for its distinctive black foliage and comparatively low maintenance needs. You’ve come to the perfect place if you want to add a visually appealing plant to your room that is also easy for both inexperienced and seasoned plant lovers to care for. Everything you need to know about raising and caring for the Black Cardinal is covered in this guide.
Overview: Black Cardinal philodendron
A hybrid of the Philodendron erubescens, the Black Cardinal is distinguished by its strikingly colorful foliage. The leaves of the mature plant go through a stunning spectrum as it ages, from a rich burgundy to dark green to a startling black. The Black Cardinal stands out in any collection because of its intriguing color change.
Characteristics of the Black Cardinal
- Leaf Shape: The leaves are broad and oval in form.
- Color Gradient: Their color gradient is burgundy while they are young, dark green when they get older, and almost black when they get older.
- Growth Habit: Self-heading and compact, reaching a maximum height of approximately 3 feet (0.9 meters) indoors.
- Toxicity: The Black Cardinal, like many other philodendrons, has calcium oxalate crystals that make it toxic to humans and pets if consumed.
Black Cardinal’s Favorite Growing Environment
Creating the ideal environment is essential to your Black Cardinal’s well-being. Below is a summary of the conditions that are suitable for its growth.
Light Needs
- Brightness: Bright, indirect light is ideal for the Black Cardinal’s growth. It is better to put it close to a window with filtered light because direct sunlight might burn its leaves.
- Signs of Insufficient Light: Indications of Inadequate Lighting The plant could not be getting enough light if it starts to become lanky and has significant gaps between its leaves.
Soils
To avoid root rot, the Black Cardinal prefers an airy, well-draining potting mix. The best combination is one that contains a lot of organic content. A commercial aroid mix is an option, or you can make your own by mixing:
- 30% potting soil for all purposes
- 30% perlite
- 30% coconut coir or orchid bark
This mixture guarantees adequate aeration and drainage for strong root development.
Watering
For the Black Cardinal, determining the ideal watering balance is essential:
- Frequency: When the top one to two inches of soil feel dry, water.
- Underwatering Symptoms: Your plant needs extra moisture if its leaves are drooping and have crisp edges.
- Signs of Overwatering: Overwatering symptoms include yellowing leaves and root rot if the plant is left in moist soil.
Humidity and Temperature
A Black Cardinal prefers temperatures between 65°F and 78°F (18°C and 26°C). Here’s how to keep the humidity at a suitable level:
- Minimum Humidity: 30% to 50% humidity is ideal for Black Cardinals. You can increase humidity by using techniques such as:
- Plants grouped together
- Making use of a humidifier
- Setting a water and pebble tray underneath the pot
Fertilization
Regular food provision can encourage healthy growth even though the Black Cardinal is not a heavy feeder:
- How Often: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every four to six weeks throughout the spring and summer growing season.
- Fertilizer Type: An NPK-ratio fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, is effective.
Typical Black Cardinal Problems and Insects
The Black Cardinal can still be impacted by issues and pests despite its inherent resilience. Here’s a thorough look at things to watch out for.
Issues with Pests
- Aphids: A mild soap and water spray can be used to get rid of tiny, sap-sucking insects.
- Mealybugs: Use neem oil or alcohol to cure these white, cotton-like insects that prefer high humidity.
- Spider mites: A sign of dry air, they can be avoided by raising humidity.
Fungal Problems
- Root Rot: Poor drainage and excessive watering are the causes of root rot. Don’t allow the plant to sit in water, and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
- Leaf Locations: When there is not enough airflow and significant humidity, brown spots may develop. Make sure the plants are spaced appropriately apart.
Methods of Propagation for Black Cardinal
A few strategies are effective if you adore your Black Cardinal and wish to spread the word.
Cuttings from Stems
This is among the simplest techniques:
- Pick a Healthy Stem: A robust stem with several leaves is what you want.
- Cutting: Make a cut beneath a node with sterile scissors.
- Water Transmission: The cutting should be submerged in water for two to four weeks in order for roots to form.
- Potting: After the cutting’s roots are two to three inches long, place it in soil.
Separation
When repotting an established Black Cardinal, division can produce new plants:
- Extract the Plant: Gently remove the entire plant from its container.
- Divide Roots: Carefully pull apart portions of the root ball, making sure that each segment has leaves and roots.
- Replant: Fill the pot with the proper soil and set the new division inside.
Getting Rid of Your Black Cardinal
Your Black Cardinal’s health and shape can be preserved with routine pruning:
- When to Prune: The growing season (spring and summer) is the ideal time to prune.
- What to Cut: Take out any leaves that are broken or yellow. In addition to making the plant seem better, this focuses its efforts on growing healthily.
- Method: To stop the spread of disease, use sharp, clean shears.
Conclusion
A superb houseplant that can add style and drama to any area is the philodendron “Black Cardinal.“It’s a great option for plant lovers of all skill levels because of its gorgeous leaf, low maintenance needs, and sturdiness. A flourishing Black Cardinal that really shines out can be yours if you provide it the proper circumstances, which include enough sunshine, moisture, and nutrients.
You’ll be well-prepared to take care of your Black Cardinal and make sure it stays a lively, healthy component of your indoor garden for many years to come if you follow our thorough advice. Regardless of your level of experience with plant care, the Black Cardinal’s striking beauty will make your efforts worthwhile. Have fun with your gardening!
FAQ
The philodendron black cardinal is a rare houseplant that you won’t find in the average big box plant store. Fortunately, there are many readily available philodendron species to choose from if you’re struggling to source a black cardinal.
As far as philodendrons go, the philodendron black cardinal is a relatively slow-growing, compact variety. When grown as houseplants, they typically reach up to 3 feet tall. Occasionally, they stretch to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
If the leaves are fading to a light green, the plant is most likely exposed to too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a different location farther away from the window where it gets bright but indirect light, or in a place where there’s a sheer curtain between the light source and the plant.
There are other philodendrons featuring foliage with hues other than plain green. Sometimes, those with burgundy red shades can be mistaken for the philodendron black cardinal at certain stages of maturity. One example is the Rojo Congo philodendron. The leaves emerge as a coppery-red rather than a burgundy red before developing into a deep green.