Philodendron Choco Empress
Best statement climber for indoor plant collectors seeking rare, velvety foliage.
Discover the Philodendron 'Choco Empress', a rare climbing hybrid prized for its striking foliage. This plant boasts large, heart-shaped leaves with a luxurious velvety texture. Juvenile leaves emerge in a captivating chocolate-brown or burgundy, maturing to a deep green adorned with golden undertones and prominent veins. As a vigorous climber, it thrives with support, allowing its leaves to reach impressive sizes. Ideal for indoor environments, it brings a touch of regal elegance to any space, preferring partial to full shade and consistent moisture.
$44.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
3617
/ 10298
#3617 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-14%
Below average
Botanical Name
Philodendron hybrid
/ Philodendron hybrid
Who it's for
- Designers seeking a dramatic, dark-toned statement piece
- Novice gardeners wanting a low-maintenance, robust houseplant
- Apartment dwellers needing space-saving, upright greenery
Who should skip it
- Owners lacking bright, indirect light for color maintenance
- Families with curious pets or small children
- Gardeners unable to maintain consistent humidity levels
Performance breakdown
Foliage aesthetic
Velvety texture and dramatic color shifts create a stunning visual centerpiece.
Growth potential
Vigorous vining habit rewards owners who provide adequate climbing support.
Care accessibility
Requires consistent moisture and high humidity to maintain peak leaf health.
Indoor adaptability
Thrives in shaded indoor spots where direct sunlight is not available.
Rarity factor
A unique hybrid variety that stands out in any curated collection.
Pet safety
Toxic to household pets; keep strictly out of reach of animals.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Philodendron hybrid
Cultivar or Variety
Choco Empress
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
Water Requirement
Consistent watering
USDA Hardiness Zone
Indoor only
Pot Included
Yes
Soil Included
Yes
Growth Habit
Vining
Features
- Rare climbing hybrid variety
- Velvety texture on large leaves
- Unique chocolate-brown juvenile leaves
- Mature leaves with golden veins
- Vigorous climber with support
- Suitable for indoor environments
- Arrives potted and planted
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Philodendron Choco Empress for its striking aesthetics, especially the deep chocolate foliage. A key highlight is the exceptional quality upon arrival; plants consistently feature strong root systems and turgid leaves, validating the shop's sourcing reputation. Reviewers frequently commend the robust packaging that ensures safe transit for this delicate Aroid. While the premium price point occasionally prompts minor scrutiny regarding size versus expectation, the overall consensus confirms the purchase is worthwhile. Buyers receive a healthy, highly desirable specimen that often surpasses anticipation in condition, solidifying this as a successful, high-end offering for collectors.
Know before you buy
Yes, as a vigorous climber, this plant performs best when provided with a support structure. Using a moss pole or trellis encourages the leaves to reach their full, impressive size and helps the plant maintain its natural vining habit.
The Choco Empress thrives in partial to full shade. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the velvety leaves; instead, opt for a spot with bright, indirect light.
No, this plant is not pet-safe. Like many other Philodendron varieties, it contains calcium oxalate crystals that can be toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
This variety prefers high humidity to mimic its natural environment. If your home is particularly dry, you may want to place it near a humidifier or in a room with naturally higher moisture levels, such as a bathroom with a window.
Maintain a consistent watering schedule, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Check the top inch of soil regularly and water when it begins to feel slightly dry to the touch.
The deep chocolate-brown or burgundy tones are specific to the juvenile leaves. As the plant matures, the foliage will transition to a deep green, eventually developing distinct golden undertones and prominent veining.
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$45