At a Glance:
- Growth Habit: Semi-heading to climbing vine (produces thick stems that benefit from a vertical support pole as it matures).
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Needs strong filtered light to sustain its variegation without burning.
- Water: Water when most of the soil has dried out, typically every 7–10 days.
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Toxicity: Contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Keep away from curious pets and small children.
Philodendron 'Red Anderson' is an ultra-rare chimeric showstopper. A hybrid of P. 'Pink Princess' and P. 'White Knight', this collector aroid displays a mesmerizing palette of colors on a single plant. Leaves emerge and mature through deep burgundy, forest green, crisp white, cream, and soft pink, all carried by red-wine petioles.
Philodendron 'Red Anderson' Care Instructions
What light conditions does Philodendron 'Red Anderson' need?
Thrives in bright indirect sunlight but can benefit from a few hours of morning direct sun. Keep it 2–4 feet from a large, unshaded southern window or directly in an eastern or western exposure. This plant is not suited for low light as it will cause the new foliage to emerge solid green or bronze instead of variegated.
How often should I water my Philodendron 'Red Anderson'?
Water using the soak-and-dry method when most of the soil (the top 50%) has dried or completely depending on conditions and season. Evenly and thoroughly saturate the potting mix until water drains freely from the drainage holes, and discard excess water from the saucer. Cut back on watering during late autumn and winter.
How humid should I keep my Philodendron 'Red Anderson'?
Normal home humidity will do, but keeping levels between 60-75% helps new leaves slip out of their sheaths without tearing or getting stuck.
Can Philodendron 'Red Anderson' survive cooler temperatures?
Keep it comfortable in a range between 65-80°F. Protect from drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C) to prevent cold damage.
What potting mix and support does it need?
Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. If desired, you can mix in extra ingredients such as perlite or bark to increase soil aeration and drainage around the roots. Because it develops a semi-climbing habit with age, securing the stem to a coco coir pole, totem, or trellis encourages larger, more balanced foliage.
Common Problems
While Philodendrons are generally easy-going and resilient houseplants, they are prone to fungal leaf spot diseases. Treating them proactively with neem oil or an organic fungicide can help keep outbreaks at bay, and reviewing the symptoms below will help you quickly catch other common issues.
SYMPTOM: Browning cream/white variegation
CAUSE: Low humidity, sudden light changes, mineral build up.
SYMPTOM: Loss of variegation
CAUSE: Low light or unstable variegation
FAQs
Is Philodendron Red Anderson variegation stable?
It is a chimeric mutation, so variegation can fluctuate by plant. Ensure to provide it with bright light directly in a window or under a grow light to help stabilize the variegation. If new growth emerges reverting back to green, simply prune back all-green stems if desired back to the last variegated leaf. This may trigger the plant to produce variegated leaves again.
How can I tell Red Anderson apart from White Knight?
Red Anderson displays pink, cream, red, and green all on one plant, while White Knight is strictly white-and-green with purple-red stems.
