'Imperial Red' philodendron guide
Philodendron 'Imperial Red', also called Imperial Red, red philodendron
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps big leaves.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky houseplant mix with bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain and drooling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes 'Imperial Red' philodendron different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the philodendron care guide.
What it is
‘Imperial Red’ is an upright, self-heading philodendron with large, glossy leaves in deep burgundy red. New leaves unfurl bright red and darken to a red-green as they age. It grows from a central crown and does not vine. Select-A-Plant lists it at 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Imperial Red’ | Large, glossy, deep burgundy | Red at every age, upright crown |
| ‘Prince of Orange’ philodendron | New leaves orange, aging green | Orange, not red |
| ‘Rojo Congo’ | Dark red-green, red stems | Narrower leaves with bright red stems |
‘Imperial Green’ is the same type of plant in solid green.
Care differences
‘Imperial Red’ handles medium light well. The red stays darkest in bright indirect light. It does not need a pole.
Its big, glossy leaves collect dust. Wipe them with a damp cloth every few weeks.
Grow it from a side shoot
It does not make vines. Cut away a side shoot from the base once it has a few leaves and roots. Pot it on its own.
Buying it
‘Imperial Red’ shows up at garden centers and plant shops, often as a large floor plant. Look for a full crown with a red new leaf. Torn or brown-edged leaves point to rough shipping or dry soil.