Red Anderson Philodendron Highlights
| Family | Araceae |
| Light | Bright, Indirect |
| Water | Once per week |
| Temperature | 60-85° F |
| Mature Size | 2-3 Feet |
| Soil Type | Well-Draining, Loose |
| Toxicity | Toxic to People/Animals |
| Native Area | Hybrid – No Specific Native Area |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Summary from Customer Reviews
I’ve looked through a bunch of different reviews for the red anderson philodendron 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 who have red anderson’s seem to really love them. This is another plant that can be really expensive to purchase depending on who you buy it through. On the low end you’ll spend $100, with one review mentioning that they spent $800 on their plant. Most people agreed that it was money well-spent, but there were a few people that weren’t super impressed.
A lot of people were confusing the red anderson with both the pink princess and the white knight philodendrons. It’s believed that the red anderson is actually a hybrid of both of those two plants though.
Based on what customers were saying, the red anderson is an easy plant to take care of, it can just be difficult to get a high quality and healthy one. If you’re able to get a nice, high quality one, you’re likely to fall in love with the appearance. Every review talked about beautiful and awesome the plant looked.
Red Anderson Philodendron Care
Light
One of the keys to keeping your red anderson philodendron plant happy and healthy is to provide it with the right amount of light. It’s not too complicated, and pretty easy to keep up with their light needs.
The red anderson should have bright, indirect light. Place it near a window that gets plenty of natural light, but make sure it’s not in direct sunlight. A little bit of morning sun is okay, but make sure it doesn’t get too much direct sun. If you don’t have a lot of natural light in your home, don’t worry – this plant is pretty adaptable and can tolerate lower light levels, too. Just don’t put the plant in dark corners or areas with no natural light.
Water
The answer for how often you should water your red anderson is: It depends. I know that’s not the answer you were looking for, but unfortunately that’s the case with most plants. It’s more about understanding the plant and when it needs water, rather than giving it water every few days.
However, as a general rule of thumb, you’ll likely be water your plant ever 7-10 days. You should be checking the soil moisture level regularly, and adjust your watering schedule as needed. Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with this plant, so it’s better to err on the side of underwatering.
Soil
First and foremost, you need to make sure the soil is well-draining. This means that it allows excess water to drain away from the roots, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged.
The red anderson should also have relatively loose soil that is rich. It’s also a good idea to refresh the soil every year or two, since the organic matter will break down over time and lose its potency. With the right soil mix, your red anderson should do great!
Temperature
The red anderson is fairly adaptable and can handle most temperatures, as long as they’re not too extreme. The ideal temperature range is between 60-80°F. Basically, as long as you’re comfortable in your home, chances are your red anderson will be as well.
That being said, the red anderson doesn’t like extreme temperature fluctuations, so make sure that whatever temperature you’re keeping it at, that it’s a fairly stable temperature. If the climate is a little bit cooler, you’ll likely notice slower growth with your plant too, so that’s no reason to panic.
Fertilizer
Feeding your red anderson is important, and it’s especially important to choose the right type of fertilizer to keep your plant healthy and happy. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as under-fertilizing, so be sure to follow the instructions on your chosen fertilizer carefully and avoid giving your plant more than it needs.
During the spring and summer, try to fertilize your red anderson every two to four weeks, depending on the strength of your fertilizer and the health of your plant. In the winter months, when growth slows down, you can cut back on feeding or even stop altogether until spring rolls around again.
Propagating
There are a few methods you can use to propagate the red anderson. You can either do it by stem cutting or air layering.
To propagate with stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with several leaves and cut it just below a node. Remove the bottom leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a pot with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
To use the air layering method, select a healthy stem and make a small cut about one-third of the way through the stem, just below a node. Wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss and secure it in place with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep the moss moist and wait for roots to grow from the cut area. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the root area and plant it in a new pot with fresh potting soil.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps to remove dead leaves, stimulate new growth, and control the overall size and shape of the red anderson. To prune your red anderson, start by finding the dead an d yellow leaves you’ll want to prune. Use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors to carefully remove these leaves, making a clean cut just above the stem.
If you’re simply trying to control the size or shape, find the areas of the plant that are growing too large and and use pruning shears to carefully trim back the branches. Be sure to cut just above a leaf node or bud, as this will encourage new growth in the right direction.
Potting
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot, with good drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the pot about one-third full with fresh soil, and gently remove the plant from its current pot. Carefully untangle any roots and gently spread them out in the new pot. Add more soil around the roots, filling the pot to about one inch below the rim. Press the soil down gently and water the plant.
Common Problems
Overwatering: The red anderson philodendron is susceptible to root rot if they’re overwatered. This can lead to wilting, and yellow leaves.
Lack of humidity: Low humidity levels can cause brown tips on the leaves or make the plant more susceptible to pests.
Pests: Pests can infest red anderson’s. They can cause damage to the leaves, stunted growth, and eventually lead to death if they’re not addressed.
Too much direct sunlight: While these plants require bright, indirect light, too much direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves.
Improper pruning: Pruning is important for maintaining the health and appearance of the plant, but if it’s not done right, it can damage the plant and cause it to produce fewer leaves or grow unevenly.
FAQS
What is the difference between a red Anderson and a pink princess?
The red anderson philodendron has reddish-brown stems and leaves, while the pink princess philodendron has pink variegation on its leaves.
Is the red anderson philodendron rare?
The red anderson isn’t necessarily rare, but it’s more difficult to find than most other philodendron varieties.
Is the red anderson a climber?
The red anderson philodendron is a climber and will grow up to several feet in length if given the right support.
Is the red anderson the same as a white knight?
The red anderson isn’t actually the same plant as the white knight, even though they do look very similar.
What is the red anderson a hybrid of?
I’m not exactly certain what the red anderson is a hybrid of, but I’ve heard that many people believe it to be a hybrid of the pink princess and the white knight.
Fun Facts
- The red anderson philodendron’s leaves will change color and shape as they mature. Younger leaves will be darker and smaller, while older leaves will be larger and have a lighter color.
- The red anderson can be trained to grow on a moss pole or trellis, and with proper support, it can reach up to 6 feet in height.
- The red anderson philodendron is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
