If you’ve ever seen a red-leaf philodendron in person, you know how striking the plant can be. It’s hard to believe that such a vibrant plant could exist! But there are two main types of red-leafed philodendrons and some subtle differences between them. In this post, we dive into the differences between Philodendron imperial red vs. philodendron Rojo Congo.
The first type is the typical green-and-red philodendron, which has been popular among houseplant enthusiasts for many years now. There’s another type, however, that features even bolder colors and an unusual purple hue. They may look related to one another at first glance, but these two plants have quite a bit of difference even if they appear very similar to each other. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these plants unique, and which should be your go-to choice when you want to add more philodendrons to your home.
Philodendron Imperial Red
When it comes to philodendrons, “imperial red” is the most common type you’ll see in stores. The plant has been popular for many years due to its vibrant red leaves that almost glow in the light. These plants also feature green leaves and stems. Imperial red philodendrons produce flowers that are purple and appear in the springtime, which is when many other philodendron varieties flower. The flowers are small and not particularly ornate, making the plant even more unique among indoor gardens. Imperial red philodendrons thrive best in evenly moist soil, but they don’t appreciate getting their roots wet. They’re also sensitive to fluoride, which is often found in tap water.
Philodendron Rojo Congo
The philodendron Rojo Congo variety is a slightly different type of red-leafed philodendron. This plant has bolder, darker red leaves that are reminiscent of the color of fresh blood. It has an abundant amount of green on the top of the leaves and a purple stem. Philodendron Rojo Congo produces a smaller number of flowers compared to imperial red philodendrons, and the flowers are even more purple. They often bloom in the late winter and early spring months, which is a bit less common among other philodendron varieties. Philodendron Rojo Congo prefers slightly less soil moisture than imperial red philodendrons. They both thrive best when the soil is kept evenly moist but not soggy, which is easier to maintain than you might think!
The Similarities Between Philodendron Imperial Red and Rojo Congo
There are a few ways these plants are very similar. For starters, they’re both varieties of the same species: philodendron. Both of these plants also grow best indoors and produce small, purple flowers in the springtime. While both of these varieties are stunning and unique, they also share some similarities in terms of care. You should water philodendrons regularly, with the soil being neither too dry nor too moist. You should also fertilize them with a balanced liquid plant food once every couple of weeks. Finally, philodendrons prefer moderate sunlight, but they can easily be placed in low-light areas of your home like a living room or bedroom.
When it comes to philodendron imperial red vs Rojo Congo pruning, there are a few key similarities between them. Firstly, both plants benefit from having their leaves trimmed and pruned regularly. This helps to keep them looking tidy and also encourages new growth. Secondly, both plants cannot be pruned quite aggressively without causing any damage. This means that you should only trim dead or damaged leaves, Otherwise, it will seriously harm the plant. Finally, both plants respond well to being pruned, so you will see new growth appearing quite quickly after you have trimmed them back.
The Differences between Philodendron Imperial Red and Rojo Congo
As we’ve discussed, these plants are very similar, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any differences between them. While philodendron imperial red and philodendron Rojo Congo are both red-leafed philodendrons, the latter features an even bolder color scheme and a different hue on the leaves. The young leaves of imperial red philodendrons are mainly red with mature leaves being green, while philodendron Rojo Congo has a larger amount of green on the leaves. Philodendron imperial red also has a purple stem while philodendron Rojo Congo has a purple stem. These plants also have different light preferences and water requirements. Philodendron imperial red prefers moderate sunlight and less water, while philodendron Rojo Congo prefers less sunlight and more water.
Imperial red vs Philodendron Rojo Congo differ mainly in size. Philodendron Rojo Congo is a large plant, while imperial red is smaller. Rojo Congo has large, glossy leaves, while imperial red leaves are smaller and less glossy. Philodendron imperial red produces large, red flowers, while Rojo Congo produces smaller, red flowers.
There are a few key ways in which philodendron imperial red and Rojo Congo differ in terms of resistance to pests. Both plants are incredibly resistant to pests, but philodendron Rojo Congo is significantly more resistant to common pests like spider mites and mealybugs. This is likely since the leaves of philodendron Rojo Congo are tougher and less palatable to these pests. This does not mean imperial red is much more susceptible to pests. But the damage can be high because its leaves are softer and more delicate. This difference in resistance will not be a significant factor to consider when choosing a plant for your home or garden.
Final Words: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re in the market for a red-leafed philodendron, you have a few choices. Philodendron imperial red vs philodendron Rojo Congo is one of the hardest choices you can make. They also differ in subtle ways. If you want a plant that features bolder red and green leaves, philodendron Rojo Congo is the better choice for you. Philodendron imperial red, on the other hand, is the more sensible option if you want a plant that is slightly less intense in terms of its color. No matter which variety you choose, philodendrons are some of the most beautiful plants you can grow indoors. They’re easy to care for, too, which makes them great first-time houseplants.
