The black cardinal philodendron (Aglaonema commutatum ‘Black Cardinal’) is a beautiful and unique houseplant that is sure to add a touch of elegance to any room.
With its dark green leaves and striking red veins, this plant is sure to catch the eye.
In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about black cardinal philodendron care, including how to water, fertilize, and propagate it.
History of Black Cardinal Philodendron
The black cardinal philodendron is a tropical plant that is native to Brazil.
It is a member of the Araceae family and is closely related to the peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.). It is an evergreen perennial that typically grows 3-5 ft. tall, with a crown of broad, deep green leaves.
Its leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 12 in. long and 10 in. wide. It produces showy red flowers that are pollinated by hummingbirds.
This plant is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and tolerates low light levels. It is also one of the few philodendrons that can be grown outdoors in temperate climates.
It was first introduced to the horticultural trade in 1883 by German nurseryman Gustav Gerber. It is named for its black stems and black flowers.
If you are looking for a tropical plant that is easy to care for and tolerant of low light levels, this plant is a good choice. This striking plant will add colour and interest to your home or garden.
Light Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
This plant needs medium to bright light.
If you fail to supply it with sufficient light, the leaves will start to turn yellow. On the flip side, if you supply excess light, the leaves will start to fade and the plant will become leggy.
The black cardinal philodendron does best in indirect light.
To get it to flower, position it in a bright spot. Supplying insufficient light may cause it to flower less.
Its flowers are small and white and they grow on long stems. They’re not very showy, but they’re pretty nonetheless.
Water Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
This plant needs a lot of water, but it cannot tolerate wet feet.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes and place it in a tray filled with gravel or broken potsherds.
Water your plant frequently enough to keep the soil moist, but don’t let the pot sit in water.
Fertilizer Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
When it comes to fertilizing your plant, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, these plants prefer high-nitrogen fertilizers.
Second, it’s important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
Finally, make sure to water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at each of these fertilizer requirements.
First, this plant prefers a high-nitrogen fertilizer. This means you should use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content than phosphorus and potassium. You can find high-nitrogen fertilizers at most garden stores or online.
Second, it’s important to avoid over-fertilizing it. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots and leaves of the plant. If you think you’ve over-fertilized your plant, flush the soil with water to get rid of any excess fertilizer.
Finally, make sure to water your plant thoroughly after fertilizing. This will help it absorb the nutrients it needs.
Following these fertilizer requirements, you can help your plant thrive. Give your plant the nutrients it needs and avoid over-fertilizing to keep your philodendron healthy and happy.
Humidity Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
The black cardinal philodendron (Aglaonema commutatum “Rotunda”) is a tropical plant that requires high humidity to thrive.
In the home, a humidifier can be used to increase the humidity level in the air in the plant.
Alternatively, you can place it in a bathroom with a shower running, or near a kitchen sink where the steam from dishwashing or cooking will help raise the humidity level.
Another way to go about it is to group plants together so that they can create their own microclimate and increase the humidity around them.
Temperature Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
This plant thrives in warm climates.
In order to ensure that your plant remains healthy, you should keep the temperature in its growing environment between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature falls outside of this range, your plant may experience leaf wilting, stunted growth, or even death.
To provide your black cardinal philodendron with the ideal growing conditions, you should consider investing in a grow light.
Grow lights can help to maintain a consistent temperature in your black cardinal philodendron’s environment, which is essential for its health and growth.
In addition to temperature, this plant also needs high humidity levels to thrive. If the humidity in your plant’s environment is too low, you may notice that its leaves begin to turn yellow or brown.
If you provide your black cardinal philodendron with the ideal temperature and humidity levels, you can expect it to grow quickly and remain healthy for many years to come.
Soil Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
The black cardinal philodendron is a beautiful plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.
If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur or lime to adjust the pH.
This plant also requires a high level of organic matter in the soil, so be sure to add compost or peat moss to the planting area. It is not tolerant of salt, so if you live in an area with salty soils, it’s best to avoid planting this species.
Propagating Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
Black cardinal philodendron can be propagated by division or stem cuttings.
To propagate it by division, use a sharp knife or scissors to divide the plant into two or more sections. Each section should have at least one healthy leaf and root system. Replant the sections in moist, well-drained soil and water thoroughly.
To propagate black cardinal philodendron by stem cuttings, remove a healthy stem from the parent plant with a sharp knife or scissors.
Cut the stem just below a leaf node and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and insert it into moist, well-drained soil.
Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the cutting roots.
Once the black cardinal philodendron cutting has rooted, replant it in a pot or garden bed.
Both methods of propagation are relatively easy and can be done with little experience.
However, the division method is often preferred as it results in a fuller, healthier plant.
Whichever method you choose, the black cardinal philodendron makes an excellent addition to any indoor or outdoor space. Thanks for reading!
Pruning Requirements for Black Cardinal Philodendron
A black cardinal philodendron needs to be trimmed every few months to keep its shape.
The plant can grow up to six feet tall, so it’s important to keep it pruned.
If it isn’t trimmed, it will begin to grow in all directions and will become leggy.
To trim this plant, start by cutting off any dead or dying leaves.
Then, cut back any stem that has grown more than six inches.
Be sure to make your cuts at an angle so that the plant can continue to grow.
Once you’ve trimmed the plant, place it in a sunny spot and water it regularly.
Pruning a black cardinal philodendron is easy and only takes a few minutes.
By doing so, you’ll keep your plant healthy and looking its best.
Diseases Affecting Black Cardinal Philodendron
The black cardinal philodendron is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for.
However, it can be susceptible to a number of diseases, including root rot, leaf spot, and fungal leaf spots.
Root rot is the most common disease affecting black cardinal philodendrons.
This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The first sign of root rot is wilting leaves, followed by blackened or yellowed leaves.
If left untreated, the plant will eventually die.
Leaf spot is another common disease that can affect black cardinal philodendrons.
This disease is caused by a variety of different fungi and results in small black spots on the leaves of the plant. A yellow halo may also surround the spots.
If left untreated, the leaf spot can cause the leaves of the plant to fall off.
Fungal leaf spots are another type of fungus that can affect black cardinal philodendrons.
This fungus causes small black spots on the leaves of the plant that often have a purple border. The spots may also spread to the stems or petioles of the plant.
If left untreated, this fungus can cause the plant to die.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent diseases from affecting your black cardinal philodendron.
First, make sure that the plant is getting enough light. Black cardinal philodendrons need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Second, water the plant regularly and evenly. Avoid letting the soil dry out or become soggy.
Third, fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Fourth, remove any dead or dying leaves from the plant. And finally, avoid overwatering the plant.
If you do find that your black cardinal philodendron is affected by a disease, there are a few things that you can do to treat it.
First, remove any affected leaves from the plant.
Second, water the plant with a fungicide to help kill the fungus.
And third, apply a copper-based fungicide to the leaves of the plant.
By following these tips, you can help prevent diseases from affecting your black cardinal philodendron and keep it healthy for years to come.
Pests Affecting Black Cardinal Philodendron
Pests can be a major problem for black cardinal philodendron, as they can damage the leaves and stems of the plant.
Some of the most common pests that affect black cardinal philodendrons are mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
Mealybugs are small, sap-sucking insects that can infest black cardinal philodendron plants.
They typically attach themselves to the leaves or stems of the plant and feed on the sap, which can cause the leaves to become distorted or yellowed.
If left untreated, mealybugs can damage the plant’s stem and cause it to wilt.
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of black cardinal philodendron plants.
They typically inhabit the leaves of the plant and can cause them to become discoloured and covered in webs. If left untreated, spider mites can eventually kill the plant.
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from black cardinal philodendron plants.
They typically inhabit the leaves and stems of the plant and can cause them to become discoloured and distorted.
Aphids can also transmit diseases to black cardinal philodendron plants. If left untreated, aphids can eventually kill the plant.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent pests from infesting black cardinal philodendron plants.
First, make sure to keep your plants clean and free of debris.
Second, don’t over-water your plants as this can create an environment that is conducive to pests.
Third, consider using a pesticide or insecticide to prevent pests from damaging your plants.
If you do find that your black cardinal philodendron plant is infested with pests, you can do the following to get rid of them.
First, you can try using a pesticide or insecticide to kill the pests.
Second, you can remove the affected leaves or stems from the plant.
Third, you can place the plant in quarantine to prevent the pests from spreading.
