A Philodendron Congo is one of several cultivars of Philodendron that has been developed by growers over the last few years. This is a plant that can adapt to all kinds of conditions as long as you keep it warm. Its care instructions can be used for the following other Philodendron hybrids: Imperial Red, Black Cardinal, Moonlight, Red Emerald, and Autumn. Many philodendrons are climbers, but not this one. A Philodendron Congo is a self-header that spreads outward as it grows upward. The glossy, dark green, thick leaves are spaced very close to each other on a single stem. The stiff, barely visible stem, keeps a Philodendron Congo upright and elegant looking as it matures. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me to Your Cat: A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants. This is an easy to grow plant if you don’t over- fertilize or over- water.
Plant Care
Light
A Philodendron Congo can grow almost anywhere except in the direct sun. In low light the plant often looks stretched out as it tries to reach for the light.
Water
Always allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering a Philodendron. When watering, cover the entire surface to prevent leaf problems because of dry soil areas.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly when the plant is actively growing with a balanced food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. If the plant is not producing new leaves, it doesn’t need plant food.
Temperature
Philodendron Congos grow well in normal household temperatures between 70°-85°F (21.1° 29.4°C). Keep these plants away from cold drafts and air conditioners.
Humidity
Higher humidity is a plus, but philodendrons do well in basic household humidity.
Pests
Aphids and mealy bugs
Diseases
Although high humidity helps a Congo grow well, it also encourages Erwinia Blight.
Soil
Use a rich quick-draining soil for philodendrons. You may have to add a little sand to your usual soil mix.
Pot Size
A Philodendron Congo is usually found in 6”, 8”, and 10” containers. They are slow growers and do not need frequent repotting.
Pruning
A Philodendron Congo rarely needs pruning.
Propagation
Growers use tissue cultures to propagate this Philodendron hybrid. You can use off- shoots or air layering if you want to try to propagate a Congo.
Poisonous Plant Info
A Philodendron Congo is a poisonous houseplant with a #2 Toxicity Level.
FAQ
Philodendron plants are very poisonous houseplants and will definitely make a small dog very ill.
Aside from looking unattractive, the mold growing on your Philodendron plant soil won’t hurt anything. Mold develops when the soil is being kept too wet. Cut back on your water and see if that helps get rid of the mold or change the potting soil.
Your philodendron plant is not getting enough light. Move the plant to a brighter location, but not into direct sun, and I’m sure it’ll improve.
A Philodendron Congo is a type of self-heading plant, not a vine. It really can’t be trained to grow on a trellis.
Poor leaf color on a Philodendron occurs when the plant gets too cold, when it’s sitting in the direct sun, or if it’s getting too much fertilizer.
Plant leaf tips usually turn brown from too much fertilizer. The high salt concentration in plant food burns the leaf tips. Water that passes through a water softener and becomes salty or water that is high in chlorine or fluorine can also cause brown tips.