Rojo Congo Philodendron Is a Standout Houseplant: Here's How to Care for It

The Rojo Congo philodendron is a hybrid plant that is known for its luscious foliage and unique red and green coloring. Its leaves start out coppery red as they emerge and mature to a deep green color (although the petioles remain red). Thanks to its lush appearance and low-maintenance nature, the Rojo Congo has become a popular houseplant among philodendron enthusiasts and houseplant lovers alike.

This philodendron is a hybrid of the Philodendron tatei and Philodendron imperial red that was developed in Florida. It is commonly confused with its parent plant, the imperial red, due to their similar leaf shapes and coloring. In fact, both of these philodendrons are commonly referred to by the nickname “red congo” philodendron.

Pet owners and parents should be aware that, like all philodendrons, the Rojo Congo philodendron is considered toxic to pets and children if ingested.

Here’s what you need to know about growing and caring for the Rojo Congo philodendron indoors.

Rojo Congo Philodendron Care

Here are the basic requirements for growing the Rojo Congo philodendron:

• Provide it with several hours of bright, indirect light. 
• Water once the top half of the soil is dry.
• Fertilize regularly during the active growing season. 
• Plant in a soil mix that is rich in organic materials, airy, and well-draining.

Light

The Rojo Congo does best with several hours of bright, indirect light. Position it within a few feet of a bright window to ensure it gets enough light. While bright indirect light is best, this philodendron can also grow in medium indirect light. In low light conditions, this philodendron will develop leggy growth and drop leaves but it can survive for short periods. 

Soil

Like most philodendrons, the Rojo Congo appreciates airy, well-draining soil. A soil mix with plenty of organic material and minerals for drainage is ideal. Equal parts perlite, indoor potting soil, and orchid bark is a great combination that your Rojo Congo will love. 

Water

As a tropical plant, the Rojo Congo philodendron likes consistent moisture. At the same time, it is sensitive to overwatering and should never be left in wet soil. For optimal growth, allow the soil to dry about 50% between waterings and then water well, allowing excess water to drain from the pot. Cut back on watering slightly in the fall and winter months once temperatures begin to drop and the plant’s growth rate naturally slows. 

Temperature and Humidity

This philodendron does best in warm temperatures and slightly humid conditions which makes it an ideal houseplant. It is well-adapted to standard household humidity but appreciates humidity above 50% to 60% if available. Placing the plant next to a small humidifier or in a naturally humid room in the home (such as a bathroom, laundry room, or even a kitchen) are both great ways to provide your plant with some extra humidity.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing it can benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer once a month during watering to encourage vigorous, healthy growth. Stop fertilizing during the fall and winter as the plant enters dormancy.

Propagating Rojo Congo Philodendron

Like most philodendrons, propagating the Rojo Congo philodendron is pretty simple and is best done by stem cuttings. Follow these simple steps to propagate your Rojo Congo philodendron.

1. Using a pair of clean pruning shears or scissors, take a stem cutting from a healthy Rojo Congo philodendron plant. The cutting should have at least two to three nodes at the bottom.
2. Remove any leaves around the bottom couple of nodes on the cutting.
3. Place the cutting in a vase or glass filled with water, ensuring the nodes at the bottom of the cutting are submerged while the cutting's leaves remain above the water.
4. Place the cutting in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light.
5. Refresh the water once a week. After two to three weeks you should begin to see small roots sprouting from the nodes on the cutting. Once the roots are at least an inch long you can transfer the rooted cutting from water to soil.
6. Fill a small container with well-draining potting soil and plant the rooted cutting in the soil, watering well after planting.
7. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate to the soil, and then slowly cut back on watering until you have established a normal watering routine.

Potting and Repotting Rojo Congo Philodendron

The Rojo Congo philodendron should only be repotted once it has outgrown its previous potting container —usually once every one to two years. Roots growing from the pot’s drainage holes or circling the inside of the pot are both indications that the plant is ready to be repotted.

Spring or summer is the best time to repot your plant since it is actively growing and can adjust to its new environment more easily. Before you begin, choose a pot that is only two to four inches larger than it’s previous container, and make sure that you have plenty of fresh potting soil on hand. 

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Watch out for a few common pests and plant diseases when growing this philodendron indoors. Houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats can all take up residence on the Rojo Congo, particularly if you have other plants nearby that are infested. 

Similarly, like all philodendrons, the Rojo Congo is susceptible to fungal leaf spot diseases like brown leaf spot. This disease presents as small brown or rust-colored spots on your plant’s leaves that spread over time. It can be difficult to treat and eradicate but it is possible to do—just be sure to isolate your plant from others so it doesn’t spread. Also, watch out for signs of root rot which usually results from overwatering. 

Common Problems With Rojo Congo Philodendron

The philodendron Rojo Congo is relatively low-maintenance, but don’t be alarmed if you notice these common issues. Usually, a small tweak to your plant’s growing environment will quickly solve the problem.

Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always something to be worried about, but they usually indicate that your plant is missing something in its environment. The most common culprits are underwatering and a lack of light, although overwatering, over-fertilizing, and a lack of humidity can also cause yellow leaves. Closely examining your plant’s growing environment and tweaking things is the best way to determine what is causing the problem.

Brown Leaves

Brown leaves or brown spots on your plant’s leaves can be the result of a few potential problems. Leaves that are turning brown and crispy around the edges usually indicate that your plant is underwatered or suffering from overly dry air. In contrast, small brown spots on the leaves of your plant are usually due to an infection like fungal leaf spot diseases. 

Further still, large brown crispy spots are usually a result of leaf burn due to too much sun. Again, examining the plant’s environment and the type of brown leaves that it is developing will help you narrow down the potential causes and the best way to deal with the problem.