Red Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron x 'Red Leaf'

Most of the Philodendrons which are used as indoor plants or warm climate garden specimens originate in tropical South America. I have this one in a pot on a sheltered patio and am always amazed by the red colouring of the new leaves. As the leaves age they go a deeper metallic purplish red. The original "Red Leaf Philodendron" was a hybrid species of domesticum x erubescens, the so called "blushing philodendron". It was bred by a Mr Manda and hence bore the name x mandaianum. It was released in the United States in 1936 for use as an indoor plant.