Philodendron 'Black Cardinal'
Best statement plant for indoor gardeners seeking low-maintenance tropical elegance.
Elevate your indoor space with the Philodendron 'Black Cardinal', a striking foliage plant native to Central and South America. Its velvety, deep burgundy-black leaves mature to a dramatic, dark hue, accented by prominent veining. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers high humidity, making it ideal for warm, indoor environments. With an easy care level and a medium growth rate, it's a sophisticated choice for tabletops or shelves, adding a touch of tropical elegance to any home. Its upright growth habit and compact nature make it suitable for various indoor settings.
$14.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9277
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Pot Size Available
4
/ "
Who it's for
- Designers seeking moody, high-contrast botanical accents
- Busy beginners needing a forgiving, low-maintenance houseplant
- Apartment dwellers with limited shelf or floor space
Who should skip it
- Owners unable to provide bright, indirect light
- Gardeners who prefer plants resistant to common pests
- Households with curious pets or small children
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep burgundy-black foliage creates a sophisticated, high-contrast focal point.
Care Accessibility
Straightforward maintenance makes this an ideal choice for beginner collectors.
Space Efficiency
Compact, upright growth habit fits perfectly on shelves and small tabletops.
Environmental Adaptability
Requires consistent humidity levels to maintain its lush, velvety leaf texture.
Growth Consistency
Steady, medium-paced development ensures the plant remains manageable over time.
Pet Safety
Toxic to household pets, requiring careful placement away from curious animals.
Key Specs
Pot Size Available
4"
Foliage Color
Deep burgundy-black
Light Requirement
Bright, indirect light
Temperature Range
65–75°F
Humidity Requirement
Above 50%
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering
Allow top inch of soil to dry
Growth Habit
Upright
Features
- Dramatic deep burgundy-black foliage
- Velvety leaf texture
- Compact, upright growth habit
- Easy care requirements
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Prefers high humidity
- Adds tropical elegance to interiors
- Suitable for small spaces
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and striking design of the Black Cardinal. Reviewers highlight the plant's robust health, noting its deep black foliage and impressive size upon arrival. Secure packaging is a major positive, ensuring the plant reaches buyers undamaged and ready to thrive. Consumers feel this purchase represents excellent value, especially considering the plant's rarity and vibrant aesthetic appeal. It is a standout addition to any collection, delivering on both looks and substance.
Know before you buy
The foliage starts as a rich burgundy and matures into a deep, velvety black-burgundy. The intensity of the color is most prominent when the plant receives consistent, bright indirect light.
Yes, it is considered an easy-care plant. As long as you provide bright, indirect light and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, it will thrive.
While it adapts well to standard home environments, it prefers humidity levels above 50%. If your home is particularly dry, placing it near a humidifier or on a pebble tray will keep the leaves looking their best.
No, the Philodendron 'Black Cardinal' is not pet-safe. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested by cats or dogs, so it is best kept on a high shelf or in a room inaccessible to pets.
This variety has a compact, upright growth habit, making it perfect for tabletops, desks, or shelves. Since it comes in a 4-inch pot, it is ideal for smaller spaces where you want a bold, tropical statement without a large footprint.
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$15