The philodendron imperial green is a plant that never fails to catch people’s attention. Of course, this is all thanks to its large, glossy-green leaves.
But another reason why many love having this plant at home is that it is inexpensive and easy to care for. Do you want to add this plant to your collection? Keep reading!
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What is the Philodendron Imperial Green plant?
The imperial green is a cultivar of the philodendron erubescens. As mentioned, it is a prized plant for its large, evergreen leaves that grow in all directions. When displayed outdoors, it creates a stunning effect in the home.
This plant has an appearance quite similar to the other philodendron varieties such as imperial red, prince of orange, and congo. The philodendron imperial green plant does not climb up compared to other philodendron variants. Instead, it grows uptight where it displays its broad leaves.
Although its leaves grow big, they are not usually too many in one pot. This is perhaps one reason why it is such a stunning plant to care for.
Another reason why it stands out is that it is so easy to care for. It also doesn’t cost a lot of money to buy, which is a great choice for home gardeners who are just starting out.
Origin and Classification
The philodendron imperial green is a cultivated variety of the philodendron erubescens. It belongs to the Araceae family.
Just like the other philodendrons, this is a plant known to be native to the West Indies. They can also be found deep in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America.
Features
You might be wondering why this plant looks so familiar. This is particularly true if you already have a home collection or have been to several gardens.
The reason behind this is that the imperial green philodendron looks almost the same as the philodendron imperial red. Both have similar features which include the following:
1.) Height
There are some philodendron varieties that are known to be climbers. But unfortunately, this plant is not one of them.
When grown outdoors, the imperial green grows up to nearly 45 inches in height and usually spreads its leaves up to 36 inches. You can also grow the plant indoors. However, it will not reach its full capacity. The plant usually stops getting big once it reaches 30 inches in height.
2.) Flowers & Leaves
Like other ornamental plants, the imperial green plant does not produce any flowers. Each leaf can grow up to 8 inches wide and 18 inches long. The plant usually grows like a bush and is known for its air-filtering properties.
3.) Foliage and Stem
While the leaves of the imperial green plant are what make it noticeable, it also features a stunning stem. The plant does not typically grow in number, but can still be a very stable plant.
4.) Evergreen
Like other philodendron varieties, the imperial green is an evergreen plant. It stays green throughout the year and is not affected by seasonal changes. You can also choose to grow the plant indoors because of its air-filtering properties.
Basic Care of Philodendron Imperial Green
If you already own an imperial red, you’ll have no trouble growing the imperial green at home. In fact, it has precisely the same requirements to keep the plant healthy and happy.
Nonetheless, here are the things you need to know about the imperial green plant and how to care for it:
1.) Size & Growth
The imperial green grows moderate to fast. When it fully matures indoors, the plant reaches a height between 35 and 47 inches. It may look like a bush but it’s actually an attractive plant for your home.
2.) Light Requirements
This plant grows best in bright but indirect sun. If you opt to grow this plant indoors, you need to make sure it gets enough light. You’ll know that the plant is not getting enough light once it stops growing. Another sign of low light is when your plant is not producing new leaves for a few months.
3.) Water Requirements
If you’re new to caring for plants, you have to be careful not to overwater your philodendron imperial green. This is because it can easily lead to root rot once it gets overwatered.
To know when to water your plant, a good rule to follow is to water only once the upper half of the soil starts to feel dry.
It’s not a good idea to follow a watering schedule for your imperial green. Instead, you can stick a finger into the soil to see how dry it is. This is also done with other plants.
4.) Soil Requirements
To make sure your plant grows strong and healthy, you need to use well-draining soil. You need to make sure that your plant gets enough aeration so that it does not get dried out too quickly.
For your imperial green, you can use a combination of houseplant potting mix, perlite, or coarse sand. You can also get a specialist aroid mix so it’s much easier to use.
5.) Sunlight Requirements
If you decide to grow your imperial green plant outdoors, make sure that you put it in a shaded space. It will grow best in a shaded area with bright, indirect light.
Indoors, you can grow it next to a window. Either option, you have to make sure that it will not be exposed to direct sunlight as this can scorch its leaves.
6.) Temperature & Humidity
Compared to other houseplants, the philodendron imperial green is tolerant of low humidity. Still, it grows well in an area with humidity that is over 40%.
If you are planting indoors, make sure to avoid an area with a draft as it can damage your plant. This plant will grow best in normal indoor temperatures of around 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit.
7.) Drought & Disease Resistance
One of the reasons why the imperial green plant is easy to care for is because it is a disease-resistant plant. Despite this, it can still be susceptible to other diseases, especially if it is already affected by one. And this can often be the problem caused by overwatering your plant.
8.) Toxicity
If you have small children or pets at home, you need to be careful of placing this plant within their reach. It can be mildly toxic once ingested and can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
When handling or pruning this plant, it is advisable to wear gloves as it can cause a localized skin reaction.
9.) Fertilizing
To make your imperial green plant grow well, you must ensure that it has a balanced fertilizer. At the same time, you need to make sure you don’t overdo it.
During spring and summer, you can apply fertilizer every 4 weeks. In the colder months, you can lessen this by half.
10.) Potting & Repotting
To make sure your imperial green grows at its fullest capacity, you will need to repot it as soon as the roots start to grow out of the pot’s drainage holes. You can repot to a larger one that is up to 2 inches bigger so you can avoid overwatering.
11.) Pruning Requirements
You do not need to prune your imperial green. All you need to do is remove damaged or dead leaves as needed.
How to Propagate Philodendron Imperial Green
You can propagate the imperial green via stem cuttings. After you have cut these, you can plant them directly in the soil or let them root in water for a few weeks.
Water Propagation
- Cut a healthy stem that is around 6 inches long.
- Make sure to use a pair of clean, sterilized pruning shears.
- Transfer the stem to a glass with clean water.
- Let the plant root for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Once roots have emerged and reached up to an inch, you can plant the cutting in soil.
Soil Propagation
- Place a stem cutting 3 to 6 inches long in the soil. It should have at least one node or aerial roots.
- Remove the leaves, leaving only the ones on top.
- Plant in a pot containing a new well-draining potting mix.
- Place the pot in a warm, humid spot. You can cover the plant with plastic to improve humidity.
- New roots will sprout in 3 to 4 weeks, which will indicate your plant is growing well.
Common Problems Caring For Philodendron Imperial Green
When you’re growing the imperial green plant, you will need to know how to take care of it once problems occur. Here are some of the common problems you may encounter when growing an imperial green plant in your own home:
1.) It Has Brown Spots
Brown spots on your plant’s leaves are a sign of improper watering. You could either be overwatering or underwatering your plant.
The best way to avoid this problem is to make sure you only water your plant when the soil is becoming dry.
2.) The Leaves are Turning Yellow
Overwatering your plant can cause its leaves to turn yellow. This is an early indication of this problem, which you will need to address as soon as possible to avoid root rot.
Acclimation can also cause your plant’s leaves to turn yellow. The first time you bring home this plant, it will need some adjusting to the new environment. This will cause some of its leaves to turn yellow.
However, acclimation is not something you should worry about. Your plant will be back to its beautiful self once you provide what it needs.
3.) It Has Droopy Leaves
Dropping leaves are a sign that your plant is getting insufficient water. Saggy leaves can also be a sign of overwatering.
Be careful when you are watering your plant so you don’t encounter dropping leaves. You might not need a watering schedule. Instead, make sure to check if the soil starts feeling dry.
4.) Root Rot
All houseplants are susceptible to root rot because of overwatering. You will need to avoid this from happening as it can cause your plant to die.
This is a pretty common problem that all plants face. But once the root rots, it will be almost impossible to recover. Because of this, you have to make sure to use a well-draining soil and to avoid overwatering your plant.
See a previous post: Thai Sunrise Philodendron Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022
Outro
Having a philodendron imperial green plant can be a great starter plant to have in your garden. Whether you grow the plant outdoors or indoors, you’ll have an easy time caring for it since it is a no-fuss plant.
As long as you provide the things it requires, your plant will be healthy and happy.
Buying Options
The philodendron imperial green plant can be purchased on Amazon and Etsy. The price for the plant varies so to get the cheapest price check both marketplaces.
Click on the links below to check the prices.
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Etsy
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for an imperial green philodendron?
It is so easy to care for an imperial green philodendron. The first thing you will need to do is to make sure you put it in an area that gets bright, indirect light.
The soil you use should be well-draining. Avoid putting the plant in an area with a draft. As soon as the top half of the soil starts feeling dry, water the plant.
Is philodendron imperial green rare?
The imperial green philodendron is not considered a rare plant. In fact, you’ll find them in a lot of gardens and online sellers since this is a plant that can easily be cared for.
Because it is inexpensive, it makes a great starter plant for anyone who wishes to get into the hobby.
How tall does an imperial green philodendron get?
The imperial green philodendron typically grows to a height of 35 and 47 inches. This is if you grow the plant indoors. But if you opt to plant the imperial green outdoors, your plant grows up to 45 inches in height and has a spread of up to 36 inches.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
