Philodendron Dark Lord
Published: Sep 20, 2023
• Updated: Sep 21, 2023
A comprehensive guide to Philodendron Dark Lord including care instructions, where to purchase, and handpicked resources for further learning.
By: Nalin Singapuri
Table of Contents
Philodendron Dark Lord
- Where to buy an Philodendron Dark Lord
- Characteristics
- Caring for your Philodendron Dark Lord
Shop: Philodendron Dark Lord
And similar species
Philodendron Dark Lord Characteristics
Scientific Name:
Philodendron erubescens 'Dark Lord'
Common Name(s):
Philodendron Dark Lord, Dark Lord Philodendron, Philodendron erubescens, Dark Lord, Darklord Philodendron
Native Environment:
Rainforests
/ Hybrid
Variegation:
Not Variegated
Toxicity:
Toxic
Growth:
Epiphyte
Philodendron Dark Lord Care
Philodendron Dark Lord is a rare and exotic plant that requires special care to thrive. Here are some guidelines to help you take care of your Philodendron Dark Lord:
Even a smaller dark lord can be quite a large plant
Light
Philodendron Dark Lord plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing her in direct sunlight, as this can burn her leaves. Dark Lord Philodendrons can also tolerate medium light conditions, but will not grow as well.
Water
Use a finger to probe the top inch of soil and water your Philodendron erubescens when she feels dry to the touch. Soak throughly, let water run through drainage holes in the pot. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling in the pot. Make sure to use a planter with drainage holes, which can be nested inside of a decorative planter if desired.
philodendron mix is great for the Darklord Philodendrons roots
Soil
Philodendron Dark Lords love a rich, well draining soil with chunky bits to help oxygenate the roots. A mixture of 1/3 orchid bark, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 compost works well. Our Philodendron Friday potting mix features large size bark and perlite specifically for Philodendrons and augments these ratios with additional ingredients like charcoal and worm castings to help supply added nutrients.
Fertilize
Fertilize your Dark Lord Philodendron plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Humidity
Philodendron erubescenss prefer high humidity (around 80% in their native habitat). To increase humidity, you can place a humidifier nearby, group the plant with other plants or utilize an greenhouse cabinet or other high humidity space. She will tolerate average household humidity levels, lower the humidity slowly over time to help her acclimate.
Repotting
Repot your Dark Lord plant every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Transfer to a pot with drainage holes thats an inch or two larger.
The dark lord features deep burgundy stems and petioles
Propagation
Darklord Philodendrons propagate via node cuttings. Select an area with a few nodes and remove it from the mother with clean scissors. Trim excess leaves and root in water or sphagnum moss. Our guide to philodendron propagation details the process.
Pruning
Trim any yellow or brown leaves off your Philodendron Dark Lord as they appear. You can prune the plant to control its size and shape.
Zone
Dark Lord Philodendron can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10b to 11b.
By following these care tips, your Philodendron erubescens plant should thrive and continue to add beauty to your space.
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Resources and Further Reading
Nalin Singapuri
Self appointed Mayor of Plantytown, the ultimate "Plant Whisperer" and the proud overlord of a jungle disguised as a nursery. With a green thumb so legendary, even the plants line up for selfies with him. 🌿📸
When he's not talking chlorophyll with his leafy friends, or writing engrossing articles about Philodendron Dark Lords you'll find him nurturing his nursery like it's his own personal garden of Eden.