How to Care For and Grow Your Red Congo Philodendron
Red Congo
AKA philodendron congo rojo
With stunning green and crimson leaves sprouting from a single central stem, the Red Congo is at once as elegant as it is lush. Learn the basics of Red Congo plant care including light requirements, watering frequency, and how to troubleshoot common problems you may encounter along the way.
What type of light do Red Congos need?
As members of the philodendron family, Red Congos prefer bright indirect light, though they can adjust to medium levels of light as well.
Keep them out of harsh direct sunlight, as too much of it can burn their leaves.
How to water your Red Congo
Let your Red Congo dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly when topsoil is dry, usually once a week.
Avoid overwatering, and note that your watering schedule may be less frequent during winter months.
Are Red Congos fast growers?
Red Congos, unlike other philodendrons, are not climbers but instead “self-heading” plants, meaning they grow new foliage in layers from a single stalk.
They are relatively slow growers and can reach up to four feet tall indoors.
Fertilize your Red Congo 1-2 times per month in the spring and summer with indoor plant food, or foliar feed year round.
Common problems with Red Congos
Leaves turning yellow or brown
Yellow or brown leaves on the Red Congo philodendron is most likely a sign of imbalance between water and light, and usually it is an issue of too much water and not enough light. Make sure your plant is getting the right ratio of each. Keep in mind that if your plant does not get lots of bright indirect light, you will water it less than if it does.
Remember that overwatering can lead to more severe ailments and that may eventually require you change the soil.
Leaves or stems wilting
When philodendrons like the Red Congo wilt, it is again most likely a sign of imbalance between water and light (i.e. too much water, not enough light). However, it could also be a sign of dehydration — if you check the soil and it is bone dry (or you know the plant hasn’t been watered in a long, long time), try giving it a thorough shower: water it in a dish or bathtub so that it may sit in water and “drink” for a couple hours or up to a day.
Dropping leaves
The Red Congo can sometimes mysteriously begin to drop its leaves. In most cases, this is usually a sign of an environment that is too cold for this warm-loving philodendron! Make sure the Red Congo lives in a room that does not drop much below room temperature (~68 degrees Fahrenheit) , or that the plant is not too close to any air conditioning units or vents.
Leaves and stems becoming leggy
When plants lose their fullness or bushiness and grow long, spindly stems (they become “leggy"), this is a clear sign that the plant needs more light. While philodendrons can adjust to medium levels of light, if they are placed in a very low light area they may become leggy as they literally reach for more light. If you aren’t sure about the light you have in your home, check our lighting guide for more details.
How to maintain a beautiful and healthy Red Congo
Take care of your Red Congo and it will take care of you! Below are simple tips to continue caring for your Red Congo over time.
Pruning Philodendrons
Remove dry or dead leaves all year round but save any major pruning for the spring and summer months. Red Congos generally shed old leaves every month or two, so when you see a single leaf looking sad, simply remove it and move on! When pruning your Red Congo, use sharp, clean shears and cut any excessive growth at the base of the stem.
Reshaping Your Plant
If your Red Congo gets a few minor brown spots on the leaves (from overwatering, for example), you can easily reshape the leaf using scissors to cut away the unattractive areas, following the natural shape of the leaf.
Cleaning
Take each leaf between two soft tissue cloths and wipe off the top to reveal a healthy shine (also helps the plant soak in more light!).
How to Repot the Red Congo
Houseplants grow much slower than they would in the wild. Depending on the size of your plant and the density of the roots, this is nice to do every two to three years to provide fresh nutrients and encourage new growth.
When to repot - As they are slow growers, Red Congos do not need frequent repotting. Repot once every two to three years to give your plant fresh nutrients.
Pot sizing - if you want your plant to grow taller, find a nursery pot that’s 2” in diameter larger than the current pot. If you want your plant to stay the same height, you can reuse the same pot and simply change the soil.
Get your hands dirty - spread out newspaper on the floor, remove the plant from the pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible so that you have clean roots. Place the plant in the center of the pot, add new soil and pat down firmly. Water the soil thoroughly and place the plant in an area with bright indirect light. Your plant will take two to four weeks to settle from the shock and adjust to its new home.
How to propagate a Red Congo
Propagating the Red Congo requires some patience, but like most propagations, is fairly simple and straightforward! Follow these instructions to propagate your Red Congo:
Select a stem to propagate - Using sharp, clean scissors or shears, cut a stem from the very base of the central stalk.
Place in water - Find a clear glass and fill with water. Make sure only the stem is submerged, and no leaves are sitting in the water. You may also choose to first dip the cutting in rooting hormone, as this will increase the chances and speed of the cutting forming its own roots.
Place in a bright area and wait! - Avoid direct sun, and be patient! New roots may take a few weeks to begin forming.
Transfer to soil - After the roots are at least two inches long, transfer to indoor potting soil. A small pot is best — no larger than 6” in diameter.
Keep hydrated - During the first few weeks, or until your plant feels firmly rooted in its soil, regularly water and drain your Red Congo. The soil should be just barely moist to the touch at all times.
Illustrations by our talented plant stylist, Kailie Barnes.
RED CONGO
With wide, oval-shaped leaves and deep scarlet stems, the Red Congo is one of the more unique and elegant members of the philodendron family.