Philodendron Ring of Fire Highlights
| Family | Araceae |
| Light | Bright, Indirect |
| Water | Once per week |
| Temperature | 65-85° F |
| Mature Size | 3-4 Feet |
| Soil Type | Well-Draining |
| Toxicity | Toxic to People/Animals |
| Native Area | Hybrid – No Specific Native Area |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Summary from Customer Reviews
I’ve looked through a bunch of different reviews for the philodendron ring of fire to get the thoughts of real customers on caring for the plant. I looked through all the reviews, and put together a summary based on my findings:
People were really excited about their ROF plants. Someone even went as far as to say that they literally could not believe that they own one now. Almost everyone who wrote a review for the ring of fire talked about how healthy their plant was and that it didn’t require much on their end to make it happen.
Based on the reviews, the ring of fire plant is a pretty easy plant to take care of. Most people didn’t have a problem keeping it healthy, which is always a nice thing. Everyone loved the appearance and beauty of the plant as well, which isn’t much of a surprise.
Overall, people seem to love the plant. I didn’t come across a single negative review about the plant, apart from damage that was caused during shipping, which has nothing to do with the plant itself.
Philodendron Ring of Fire Care
Light
Philodendron ring of fire plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure, as this can damage the leaves. A great location for this plant is a few feet away from a bright window or in a room with plenty of natural light. If your plant is not getting enough light, you may notice that the leaves begin to yellow or droop. On the other hand, if the leaves are turning brown, it could be a sign that they are getting too much direct sunlight.
The light requirements for ROF plants may vary depending on the specific location and conditions in your home. It’s always a good idea to monitor your plant’s behavior and adjust its position accordingly. If you notice that the plant is not growing well, it may need more light. If the leaves are getting scorched, it may be getting too much light.
Water
The philodendron ring of fire should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining, as too much water can lead to problems. Watering frequency can vary depending on the size of the plant, the type of potting mix used, and the environment it’s in. It’s important to always check the top inch of soil before watering and avoid letting the soil completely dry out between watering sessions. During the winter months, you should reduce watering frequency and let the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
Bottom watering can be beneficial for the ring of fire as it allows the plant to soak up water from the bottom of the pot, promoting healthy root growth. This can be done by placing the pot in a container filled with water and allowing the soil to absorb the water through the drainage holes at the bottom. It’s also important to avoid getting water on the leaves as this can lead to fungal issues. If the plant is placed in a particularly dry or hot environment, misting the leaves with a spray bottle can help to increase humidity levels and prevent the leaves from drying out.
Soil
They do best in well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. It’s best to use soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A high-quality potting mix that contains a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal. Adding organic matter like compost can help improve soil quality and increase moisture retention. It’s important to avoid using heavy clay soils or soils that are too dense, as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
These plants are sensitive to overwatering. They require consistent moisture but do not like to sit in soggy soil. It’s important to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to let the soil dry out completely. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it’s important to reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Temperature
Philodendron ring of fire plants should be kept in a temperature range of 65-85°F. Make sure to keep them away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves, causing brown spots, yellowing, and eventually, death. At the same time, too high temperatures and exposure to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Humidity is also crucial for the ring of fire, and they should be in high humidity levels of around 60-70%. Low humidity levels can cause the plant’s leaves to turn brown at the edges, and the tips might start to dry out. To increase the humidity levels, you can place a humidifier near the plant or use a pebble tray. You can also group several plants together or place them near each other to increase humidity levels naturally. Additionally, you can mist the leaves occasionally with distilled water to keep them moist and clean.
Fertilizer
Philodendron ring of fire plants have fairly high fertilizer needs, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 is ideal for healthy growth and vibrant foliage color.
Fertilizing once a month is sufficient during the growing season, and you can reduce to once every two months during the dormant season.
Propagating
Propagating the philodendron ring of fire is relatively easy and can be done through stem cuttings. Start by selecting a healthy stem with a few leaves and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves to leave a few inches of bare stem. Place the cutting in water or well-draining soil and keep it moist until roots have formed. Once the roots are established, the cutting can be transferred to a larger pot with potting soil.
Another method of propagation is by air layering, which involves wounding the stem, applying rooting hormone, and then wrapping it with sphagnum moss to encourage root growth. This can take several weeks or months, but once the roots have formed, the stem can be cut off and planted in soil. With proper care and attention, new growth will eventually appear from the cutting. Propagating Philodendron Ring of Fire through division is also possible, but it’s a good idea to wait until the plant has reached a larger size to avoid damaging the root system.
Pruning
Pruning the ring of fire is important for maintaining its health and appearance. The ROF is known for its stunning leaves that feature shades of red, orange, and yellow. To keep it looking its best, prune any damaged yellow leaves using clean and sharp pruning shears. Cut just above a leaf node or aerial root to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
If you want to control the size or shape, you can also prune the stems. Cut back to just above a leaf node or aerial root to encourage new growth and keep the plant from becoming too tall or bushy. It’s best to prune in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Potting
The ROF can thrive in a variety of pots, but should definitely be in a pot that is slightly larger than the plant itself. It is important to choose a pot with proper drainage holes so that water doesn’t accumulate in the soil.
When repotting the ROF, it is best to do so in the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. Gently remove the plant from its current pot and loosen any tangled roots before placing it into the new pot with fresh potting mix. Don’t plant the stem too deeply, as this can lead to stem rot. Water the plant thoroughly after repotting and keep it out of direct sunlight for a few days to allow it to adjust to its new environment.
Common Problems
Overwatering: philodendron ring of fire plants are prone to root rot if it sits in soggy soil for too long. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Low humidity: This plant needs high humidity, and low levels can cause brown tips on the leaves. Increase humidity by placing a humidifier nearby, misting the plant regularly, or placing a tray of water near the plant.
Pests: Like most indoor plants, philodendron ring of fire’s are susceptible to pest infestations, particularly spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Check the plant regularly for signs of pests and treat immediately if any are found.
Lack of nutrients: Without sufficient nutrients, the philodendron ring of fire may develop yellow leaves or stop growing. Feed the plant every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Insufficient light: The philodendron ring of fire requires bright, indirect light to thrive. If the plant is kept in low light conditions, its growth may slow down, and the leaves may become smaller or lose their variegation. Move the plant to a brighter location or provide artificial light if it’s needed.
FAQS
Is Philodendron Ring of Fire a crawler or climber?
Philodendron ring of fire plants are a climber plant that needs support such as a moss pole, trellis, or stake to climb on.
Does Philodendron Ring of Fire need a pole?
Yes, eventually. A moss pole will help the plant grow taller and provide more support for the stems and leaves.
How big do Ring of Fire Philodendrons get?
Ring of fire philodendrons can grow up to 3-4 feet in height and can spread up to 2-3 feet wide, depending on growing conditions.
What colors do philodendron Ring of fire come in?
The leaves of Philodendron ring of fire’s have a unique reddish-pink hue in the center, surrounded by bright green.
What is the best soil for Ring of fire?
Philodendron ring of fire’s do the best with a well-draining soil.
Fun Facts
- The name “Ring of Fire” comes from the plant’s unique red and orange variegation, which resembles flames.
- Philodendron ring of fire plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, as they can remove harmful toxins from the air in your home.
- The ring of fire is a hybrid philodendron, created by breeding two different philodendrons.
