Philodendron Dark Lord

If you’re looking for a houseplant that makes a dramatic statement, look no further. The philodendron dark lord is famous for its stunning deep burgundy foliage that seems to capture light in its leaves.

This isn’t your average green philodendron. It’s a collector’s favorite for good reason. The leaves emerge a bright coppery-red, then mature to a deep, almost blackish burgundy. The contrast against the bright red stems is breathtaking. It brings a touch of gothic elegance to any room.

But is it right for you? Let’s get to know this spectacular plant. I’ll walk you through everything from finding one to keeping it thriving for years.

First, let’s clear up some confusion. The Dark Lord is a specific cultivar of Philodendron erubescens. That’s the same species as the popular ‘Pink Princess’ and ‘Red Emerald’.

Its full botanical name is Philodendron erubescens ‘Dark Lord’. The ‘erubescens’ part means “to blush red,” which perfectly describes its new growth. Every part of this plant has a reddish hue, from the stems to the leaf sheaths.

It’s a climbing philodendron. In it’s natural habitat, it would use its aerial roots to climb up tree trunks. In your home, it will appreciate a moss pole or other support to attach to. This encourages larger, more mature leaves.

What Makes the Foliage So Special?

The color is the main event. It’s a dynamic, changing display.

New Leaves: They unfurl as a shimmering, metallic copper-red. They are soft and delicate at this stage.
Maturing Leaves: As the leaf hardens, the color deepens to a rich burgundy.
Mature Leaves: Finally, they settle into their famous deep, dark burgundy-green. The underside often remains a contrasting rusty red.

The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and have a semi-glossy texture. Good light intensifies the darker colors. Each leaf is a unique piece of living art.

Dark Lord vs. Other Black-Leaved Plants

You might see other plants like ‘Black Cardinal’ or ‘Majesty’ called “black philodendrons.” Here’s the difference:

Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’: This is a self-heading (non-climbing) shrub. Its leaves are a very dark green, almost black, but it doesn’t have the bright red new growth or stems of the Dark Lord.
Philodendron ‘Majesty’: A dark hybrid with narrower leaves. It’s beautiful, but the Dark Lord’s leaf shape and color progression are distinct.

The Dark Lord’s combination of climbing habit, red stems, and color-changing leaves is what sets it apart.

Finding and Buying Your Plant

This plant used to be very rare, but it’s becoming more available. You still might need to look beyond the standard garden center.

Where to Buy

Specialist Nurseries: Check online or local plant shops that cater to collectors.
Etsy and eBay: Many small sellers offer well-rooted cuttings or young plants. Always check reviews and photos.
Plant Swap Groups: Online communities on Facebook or Instagram are great places to find cuttings from other enthusiasts.

Choosing a Healthy Plant

When you find one, inspect it carefully. Here’s what to look for:

Foliage: Leaves should be firm, not limp or yellowing. Expect some variation in color, but avoid leaves with large brown spots or crispy edges.
Stems and Nodes: Look for plump, reddish stems. The nodes (where leaves and roots emerge) should look healthy, not mushy.
Roots (if possible): For potted plants, gently check if the roots are visible at the drainage holes. They should be light-colored and firm, not dark and soggy.
Pests: Check the undersides of leaves and stems for signs of spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. Look for tiny webs, white cottony spots, or small bumps.

Buying a healthy plant from the start gives you a huge advantage. It’s worth paying a bit more for quality.

The Perfect Home: Light, Soil, and Potting

Getting the basics right is simple. Mimic the plant’s natural tropical environment, and it will reward you.

Light Requirements

Light is the most important factor for bringing out that deep color.

Ideal: Bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is perfect. A few feet back from a south or west window (with a sheer curtain) also works well.
What to Avoid: Direct, harsh afternoon sun will scorch the leaves. Too little light, however, will cause the plant to become leggy and the leaves to revert to a greener, less dramatic color.
Signs of Wrong Light: Pale, green leaves mean it needs more light. Brown, crispy patches on the leaves mean too much direct sun.

The Best Soil Mix

Philodendrons need a well-aerated mix that holds moisture but drains quickly. They hate sitting in soggy soil.

You can buy an aroid mix, or make your own. Here’s a simple, effective recipe:

2 parts high-quality potting soil
1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and aeration)
1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)
A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional, helps keep soil fresh)

Mix this all together thoroughly. It should feel light and fluffy, not dense and compacted.

Choosing and Using a Pot

Pot choice matters more than you think.

Material: Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous, allowing soil to dry more evenly and preventing overwatering. Plastic or ceramic pots are fine if you are careful with watering.
Size: Only repot into a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball. Too large a pot holds excess wet soil that can cause root rot.
Drainage: This is non-negotiable. The pot must have at least one drainage hole. Never use a pot without a hole, no matter how pretty it is.

Your Care Routine: Water, Food, and Humidity

Consistency is key. Once you get into a rhythm, caring for your Dark Lord becomes second nature.

How to Water Correctly

Overwatering is the number one cause of problems. Here’s the foolproof method:

Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly until you see water flowing freely out the drainage hole.
Empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the plant isn’t sitting in water.

In warmer, brighter months, you might water once a week. In winter, it could be every 2-3 weeks. Always check the soil first; don’t water on a schedule.

Fertilizing for Fantastic Foliage

Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer).

Type: Use a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
Frequency: Dilute it to half the recommended strength and apply every 4-6 weeks.
When to Stop: Reduce or stop fertilizing completely in fall and winter when growth slows.

Over-fertilizing can burn the roots and cause leaf tip burn. When in doubt, use less.

Humidity Preferences

As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity, but it’s often adaptable to typical home conditions (around 40-50%).

If your air is very dry (common in winter with heating), you can boost humidity:

Group plants together.
Use a humidifier nearby (most effective).
Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).

Brown, crispy leaf edges are a common sign the air is too dry. Misting is not very effective and can promote fungal issues if leaves stay wet, so I don’t recommend it as a primary solution.

Training, Pruning, and Propagation

Helping your plant grow up, not just out, and creating new plants is part of the fun.

Providing a Support

Since it’s a climber, giving it a moss pole or wooden plank to climb is a game-changer.

Insert the support into the pot when you repot, being careful of the roots.
Gently tie the main stem to the support using soft plant ties or strips of fabric.
As it grows, its aerial roots will naturally attach to a moist moss pole. You can encourage this by keeping the pole damp.

Climbing leads to bigger, more impressive leaves that reach their full potential size and color.

When and How to Prune

Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushier growth.

Reason to Prune: Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of their stem. To control size or encourage branching, you can cut just above a leaf node (the bump on the stem where a leaf is attached).
Tool: Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Wipe them with rubbing alcohol between cuts to prevent spreading disease.

Don’t be afraid to prune. It’s good for the plant’s overall health.

Propagating Your Dark Lord

Making new plants from cuttings is easy. The best time is spring or early summer.

Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves and a few visible aerial root nubs.
Using clean shears, cut about half an inch below a node.
You can root it in water or moist sphagnum moss.
- Water: Place the cutting in a jar so the node is submerged. Change the water weekly. Roots should appear in a few weeks.
- Sphagnum Moss: Soak moss, squeeze out excess water, and wrap it around the node. Place in a clear container or bag to retain humidity.
Once roots are 2-3 inches long, pot the cutting in your aroid soil mix.

Propagation is a great way to share this amazing plant with friends or fill out your own pot.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with great care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to diagnose and fix them.

Yellowing Leaves

This is a common symptom with a few possible causes.

Older leaves yellowing slowly: This is natural aging. The plant is shedding its oldest leaves.
Many leaves yellowing, especially with wilting: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check the soil and roots. Let the plant dry out more between waterings.
Yellow leaves with brown tips: Could be underwatering, low humidity, or fertilizer burn.

Brown Leaf Edges or Spots

Crispy brown edges: Typically low humidity or inconsistent watering (letting it get too dry for too long).
Brown, soft, mushy spots: Often a sign of overwatering and the start of root rot.
Brown spots in the center of leaves: Could be sunburn from direct light or a fungal issue from water sitting on the leaves.

Leggy Growth and Small Leaves

If the spaces between leaves (internodes) are getting long and new leaves are small, the plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (without putting it in direct sun).

Pest Management

Catch pests early! Isolate any new plant for a week or two to be safe.

Spider Mites: Tiny spiders that create fine webbing. Wipe leaves regularly. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Look like tiny white cotton puffs. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Scale: Appear as small, brown, hard bumps on stems and leaves. Scrape them off and treat with horticultural oil.

Regularly inspecting your plant during watering is the best prevention.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Is the Philodendron Dark Lord toxic?

Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.

How fast does the Dark Lord philodendron grow?

With good light, warmth, and proper care, it’s a moderately fast grower during the spring and summer. You can expect several new leaves each season. Growth slows or stops in the winter.

Why are my Dark Lord’s leaves turning green?

Insufficient light is the most common reason. The deep burgundy color is a response to bright light. Move it gradually to a brighter spot to encourage the darker pigments to return.

Do I need to use a moss pole?

It’s highly recommended. Without support, it will grow as a trailing plant, but the leaves will often remain smaller. A moss pole allows it to climb, mimicking its natural habit and promoting larger, more spectacular foliage.

How often should I repot my philodendron dark lord?

Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot or growing out the drainage holes. Only size up slightly to prevent overwatering issues.

Can it be grown outdoors?

Only in USDA zones 10-11, where temperatures never drop near freezing. It must be in a shaded, protected spot. For most people, it is strictly a magnificent indoor plant.

Caring for a Philodendron Dark Lord is a rewarding experience. Its stunning deep burgundy foliage is a constant source of beauty. By providing the right light, a well-draining home, and careful watering, you’ll have a healthy, dramatic plant that matures and becomes more impressive with each new leaf. Pay attention to its signals, and you’ll enjoy this remarkable philodendron for many years. It truly is a lord among houseplants.