Philodendron "Black Cardinal"

Philodendron 'Black Cardinal' is a stunning self-heading philodendron prized for its rich, dramatic foliage. New leaves emerge in shades of deep burgundy before maturing to an almost black-green, creating beautiful contrast and depth throughout the plant. Its glossy, broad leaves and compact growth habit make it an elegant statement piece that complements both modern and jungle-inspired spaces.

Unlike climbing philodendrons, 'Black Cardinal' grows in a tidy rosette, making it an excellent choice for tabletops, shelves, and decorative planters. Easy to care for and wonderfully forgiving, it's a favourite among both beginners and seasoned collectors.

Key Features:

'Black Cardinal' has a compact, upright growth habit and typically reaches 45–90 cm (18–36 inches) tall and wide indoors. It grows at a moderate pace in bright conditions and develops increasingly larger leaves as it matures.

Pet Friendliness:

The Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’ is not pet-friendly.  It contains calcium oxalates, which can be toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.

Care Instructions:

Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. It tolerates medium light well, but brighter conditions help maintain compact growth and rich foliage colour. Avoid prolonged direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Water: Allow the top 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil to dry before watering thoroughly. Empty any excess water from the saucer, as consistently wet soil can lead to root rot.

Humidity: Average household humidity is perfectly acceptable, although moderate to high humidity (50–70%) encourages larger leaves and healthier growth.

Temperature: Keep between 18–29°C. Protect from temperatures below 15°C and avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or heating vents.

Soil: Use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix. A blend of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and pumice provides the ideal balance of moisture retention and airflow around the roots.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during the fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

Pruning: Remove older yellowing or damaged leaves as needed. Since this is a self-heading variety, pruning is generally only needed for maintenance rather than shaping.

Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years or when roots begin circling the pot. Choose a container only one size larger, as philodendrons prefer not to be over-potted.

Pro Tip: The deep, almost black colouring develops best in bright, indirect light. While it tolerates lower light, brighter conditions encourage richer foliage colour and more compact growth. Wiping the glossy leaves occasionally also helps them absorb light efficiently and keeps them looking their best.

*Please note that color may differ slightly from how it appears on your screen due to varying monitor settings. 

**Please note that we will select a plant for you when you order online. Though you will not receive the specific plant in the image, we will ensure we select something comparable.