Philodendron Rubrijuvenile 'El Choco Red'

One of the most visually dramatic climbing philodendrons available to collectors, Philodendron rubrijuvenile 'El Choco Red' takes its common name from the Chocó rainforest region of western Colombia — one of the most biodiverse and rainfall-rich ecosystems on earth — where it grows as a hemiepiphytic climber in the humid forest understory. Its defining characteristic is the extraordinary transformation juvenile and adolescent leaves undergo: new growth emerges in a stunning, saturated red to deep burgundy, gradually shifting through copper and bronze as it hardens before eventually maturing to a deep, glossy green on established leaves. On a well-grown climbing specimen, multiple leaves at varying stages of this transition exist simultaneously, creating a layered display of red, copper, and green that is genuinely unlike anything else in the genus. The leaf surface is velvety in youth and develops a substantial, leathery texture at maturity, with the overall form being elongated and heart-shaped with a pronounced glossy finish.

This species produces its most dramatic red coloration on new leaves when climbing vertically — a firm, tall moss pole is not merely supportive but essential for triggering the mature leaf expression and the most intense emergent pigmentation. Provide bright indirect light to maintain the richest red tones in new growth; insufficient light causes new leaves to emerge in muted, washed-out tones with significantly reduced color intensity. Water when the top 1-2" of medium is dry, ensuring excellent drainage and never allowing roots to sit in standing water; provide a chunky aroid mix of coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark. Humidity of 65-80% supports the most vibrant new leaf coloration and the healthiest velvety texture on developing leaves. Maintain warm temperatures between 65-85°F away from cold drafts. Toxic to humans and pets if ingested.