Philodendron Black Cardinal
Best low-maintenance statement plant for style-conscious indoor gardeners.
Discover the Philodendron Black Cardinal, a captivating hybrid houseplant renowned for its dramatic foliage that transitions from a coppery tone to a deep, glossy black. This exotic plant offers an easy care level, making it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers moderate humidity, contributing to improved indoor air quality. Please note, this plant is toxic to pets if ingested and should be kept out of their reach.
$58.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
141
/ 9359
#141 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
+11%
Above average
Scientific Name
Philodendron erubescens 'Black Cardinal'
/ Philodendron erubescens 'Black Cardinal'
Who it's for
- Apartment dwellers wanting a tidy, upright plant without staking
- Interior designers seeking a sophisticated, high-contrast focal point
- Busy plant parents needing a forgiving, low-maintenance companion
Who should skip it
- Impatient growers looking for rapid, dramatic size increases
- Pet owners and parents of curious toddlers
- Gardeners lacking access to bright, indirect light sources
Performance breakdown
Foliage aesthetic
Dramatic color shifts create a sophisticated, high-contrast focal point.
Care accessibility
Forgiving nature makes this an ideal choice for novice plant owners.
Air purification
Effective at filtering common indoor toxins while enhancing living spaces.
Placement versatility
Thrives in various indoor environments with bright, indirect light access.
Propagation potential
Straightforward stem cuttings allow for easy expansion of your collection.
Pet safety
Requires careful placement due to toxicity risks for curious household pets.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Philodendron erubescens 'Black Cardinal'
Pot Size
6 inches
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect Light
Temperature Range
65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C)
Humidity Range
50% to 70%
Repotting Interval
Every 1-2 years
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested
Care Level
Easy
Features
- Striking foliage color transition
- Easy care for beginners
- Improves indoor air quality
- Adds sophisticated decor
- Can be propagated easily
- Versatile placement options
What customers say
Customers rave about the Philodendron Black Cardinal's striking design and exceptional quality. Its deep, nearly black foliage is a consistent highlight, arriving healthy and vibrant with impressive color saturation. The packaging is frequently commended for its security, ensuring plants reach buyers undamaged. Despite minor mentions of size relative to cost, the overwhelming sentiment is that the plant's dramatic aesthetic and robust health make it a valuable addition. It is widely considered a premium specimen, offering significant visual appeal and reliable quality that justifies the investment for many.
Know before you buy
To keep the foliage vibrant and dark, place your plant in a spot with bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light, the leaves may lose their signature deep, glossy black hue and revert to a lighter green if it doesn't receive enough light.
No, the Philodendron Black Cardinal is toxic to pets if ingested. It is best to keep this plant on a high shelf or in a room that your pets cannot access.
This plant prefers a moderate watering schedule. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely before watering again, and ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent root rot.
It prefers a humidity range between 50% and 70%. While it is generally adaptable to standard home environments, it will appreciate an occasional misting or the proximity of a humidifier if your indoor air is particularly dry.
You should plan to repot your Black Cardinal every 1 to 2 years. As it grows, moving it into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix will help support its continued health and development.
Yes, the Black Cardinal is easy to propagate. You can typically grow new plants by taking stem cuttings that include a node and placing them in water or moist soil until roots develop.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.