Philodendron Fire Variegated

Give this plant plenty of bright, indirect light to keep those fiery colors vibrant. Variegated leaves have less chlorophyll, so they need more light to keep the plant fed.

That said, protect it from harsh direct afternoon sun, it'll bleach and burn the cream and orange sections fast. An east or north-facing window, or a spot several feet back from a bright west or south window, works well.

Water whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. This plant likes a bit more consistent moisture than standard philodendrons, but it's still prone to root rot.

Pour water slowly and thoroughly until it runs freely out the drainage holes, and always empty the tray right away.

Keep humidity high, between 50 and 70%, for clean, healthy leaf growth. Mature plants can handle regular room humidity of 40% or more, but younger starter plants do best in a humid greenhouse, cloche, or propagation box.

Keep the temperature between 65°F and 85°F, and keep it away from cold drafts or anything below 55°F.

Use an airy, chunky aroid mix. Combine a good potting soil base with plenty of orchid bark, perlite, and a bit of horticultural charcoal for good aeration and drainage.

Feed it monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength.

Propagate mainly with stem cuttings or air layering. Find a node with aerial roots along the stem, make a clean cut below it with clean shears, and root the cutting in moist sphagnum moss or water.

Keep the cutting warm and humid until it grows a solid root system, then move it into a chunky soil mix.

Only repot once the roots have filled the pot, usually every 1 to 2 years in early spring. Choose a pot just one size up, about 1 to 2 inches wider, with excellent drainage to avoid water buildup.

This plant is toxic to pets. It has calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth burning, swelling of the tongue and lips, drooling, and trouble swallowing if eaten by dogs, cats, or horses.

Keep it securely out of reach, on a tall shelf or in an enclosed glass cabinet.

While this highly variegated cultivar is a selected hybrid produced for collectors, its parent species originate from the warm, humid tropical rainforests of South America.

The variegation on this plant is completely unstable and unpredictable, meaning no two leaves are ever identical. Watching a new leaf slowly unfurl to reveal its unique pattern of green, gold, cream, and deep orange-pink is one of the most exciting experiences for plant collectors.