Philodendron Red Moon: How To Take Care of This Beautiful Plant

Philodendron Red Moon of the Araceae family is a very rare ornamental climber plant, so if you are lucky enough to get your hands on this one, learn how to properly care for it.

Continue reading to find out its exact growth requirements and care needs.

What Is Philodendron Red Moon?

Philodendron Red Moon is an ornamental Philodendron variety popular for its pale lime foliage. It is found in the rainforests growing as a climber.

It grows under the large trees where it receives bright but dappled sunlight.

– Size and Growth

The Philodendron Red Moon grows in the dense forest canopies in the wild. A mature plant of this variety has darker red stems. The stems bear long, pale green leaves spaced tightly around them. The trunk is barely visible and keeps the plant upright and elegant looking.

The Philodendron Red Moon can grow up to about 3 feet high on maturity.

It is a climbing plant but it grows compactly so it will not need a climbing pole for quite some time.

It is toxic to both humans and pets, so keep it away from the reach of both. It can cause mild to severe irritation in the throat if ingested.

– Leaves

Philodendron Red Moon has pale lime foliage with deep red streaks running through each leaf. Over time, the leaves turn into a darker shade of green. Some leaves grow full red with yellow spots or half yellow and half red.

The long leaves are spaced tightly around a red stem and can grow up to 9 inches wide. The varied leaf colors from red to green are the main attraction of this plant. 

– Roots

Philodendron Red Moon has an extensive root system like most other Philodendrons. The roots go deep into the soil over time, and it also develops aerial roots that absorb moisture and nutrients from its air and surroundings.

Quick Overview

Here is a handy table of this plant’s requirements.

Requirements	Philodendron Red Moon
Light	Thrives well under bright, indirect light
Water	Water when the top one to two inches of the topsoil is dry
Soil	Well-draining aroid type of soil rich in organic matter
Humidity	High humidity levels above 60 percent
Temperature	Temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Fertilizer	Fertilize three times a year

Philodendron Red Moon Care

Philodendron Red Moon is a tropical plant growing in dense rainforests. Try to replicate the conditions of the rainforest and your plant will be healthy and happy.

Read on to find out all about its growth requirements such as light, water, soil mix, temperature and fertilizer needs.

Light Requirements

Philodendron Red Moon likes bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate low light conditions, but we would recommend keeping it in a bright spot for healthy growth. A window receiving indirect sunlight during the day is a perfect spot for this plant.

Never subject your plant to bright sunlight as it is susceptible to leaf burn. Just like in its natural environment, this plant loves to be in filtered light as well. Direct sunlight can cause browning of the leaf edges and scorch marks on the leaves. 

Direct sunlight in the morning and evening is fine, but the harsh afternoon sun tends to cause extreme leaf burns.

Water Requirements

Watering Philodendron Red Moon should be such that the soil remains moist most of the time. Do not let the soil become completely dry in between the watering sessions. Maintain sufficient soil moisture especially if you live in a dry area, as lack of water causes the leaves to turn crisp and dull and eventually affects the plant’s overall health. 

The soil should be moist and not soggy or water-logged. Too much water causes root rot and other fungal diseases. Reduce the watering frequency significantly during the winter months because this plant is almost dormant and hardly shows any new growth in winters.

To correctly determine whether your plant needs water or not, you can use the finger knuckle test. Put your finger in the soil until your second knuckle, and if the soil feels dry, water the plant. Otherwise, wait a few more days and check again before watering. This is a great way to prevent overwatering.

Soil Mix Requirements

Red Moon Philodendron thrives in a well-draining aroid type of soil that is also rich in organic matter. To the regular soil, add some perlite and orchid bark for drainage, and coco coir for moisture retention. Avoid using soil mixes that are too sandy or too wet.

A well-draining soil mix allows the water to reach the entire root system because the air pockets ensure proper drainage. Adding coco coir and orchid bark makes the soil mix rich and airy.

Temperature Requirements

Temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for the growth of the Philodendron Red Moon. It prefers a slightly warmer environment for richer and deeper colors in the leaves.

The Philodendron Red Moon is not frost-hardy. Do not let it sit in temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit as this causes plant growth to slow down. Sometimes, the plant may go into shock and even die due to extreme cold. Shift your plant indoors to protect it from cooler temperatures.

The first sign of the plant suffering due to cool temperatures is dark brown coloring in between the leaf veins. If you notice these symptoms, check the temperature in your area and move the plant away to a warmer location.

The Philodendron Red Moon thrives in warmer temperatures, but make sure to protect the plant from temperatures that are too hot. Avoid keeping your plant in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit as this causes browning of the leaf edges and the leaves to wilt.

Humidity Requirements Maintain

If you want your plant to have thick and glossy leaves, keep it in high humidity. Maintain humidity levels above 60 percent for the plant to have thicker and broader leaves. This plant can tolerate as low as 30 to 40 percent humidity levels, but in this case, you would not get very glossy and big leaves.

To keep the humidity levels high, use humidifiers and humidity trays around the plant. You can also group plants to create a humidity biome. These are some ways to maintain high humidity levels in your home. 

To prepare humidity trays, fill shallow trays with some pebbles and water. Keep your potted plant above the tray, and as the water evaporates, the plant will absorb moisture from the air. While maintaining high humidity conditions around your plant, make sure to also keep the air moving. Proper air circulation around the plant is essential because lack of ventilation can cause rot and fungus development.

Fertilizer Requirements

Fertilizing Philodendron Red Moon three times a year works well for its growth. Use the regular fertilizer meant for Philodendrons, or add vermiculite or worm castings to the soil if you are looking for natural fertilizers.

Avoid over-fertilizing your plant as it may cause the leaves to droop and curl downwards. If not remedied, the roots will eventually die off. Do not fertilize your plant in the winter months as the plant does not show any new growth and is in dormancy.

Avoid under-fertilizing your plant too. Too little fertilizer causes stunted growth in the plant. If you wish to have thick and glossy leaves, remember to fertilize the plant regularly during its active growing season.

 

Repotting Philodendron Red Moon

The Red Moon Philodendron does not need frequent repotting. You will need to shift it every two to three years after the plant takes over the entire pot and its roots start coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom.

Root-bound plants do not grow well if you let them remain in the same containers for long periods.

– How to Repot Philodendron Red Moon

Before shifting the plant to the new soil mix, remember to clean off the leaves. Rinse or clean the roots before putting your plant in the new soil mix and remove or cut the dead roots that may cause rot problems later. You will notice the plant having long roots once you remove it from the old soil mix. The long, white roots curl around the end, which is an indication that the plant needs repotting. 

Make sure to not use the old soil mix for repotting your plant. Prepare a new soil mix with soil, perlite, coco coir, and orchid bark chips. Gently place the plant in the soil and firm the soil around the roots. Water the plant thoroughly and keep it in a shaded spot for a few days before placing it in the final spot with bright, indirect light.

The repotted plant may appear like it is dying with some of its leaves drooping, but don’t worry as this is normal. The plant will take some time to adjust to its new surroundings.

Propagation 

Propagation of Red Moon Philodendron is easy, similar to most other Philodendron varieties. But these plants usually come in very small sizes when purchased, so before taking cuttings and propagating them, wait for the plant to grow and develop at least 8 to 10 healthy leaves.

Propagate Philodendron Red Moon by taking either leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. If the plant is small, we would recommend propagating the plant by taking leaf cuttings as stem cuttings will prune a large part of the new plant. Please note that there is no guarantee that the baby plant propagated will look exactly like the mother plant. It is often reported that Red Moon philodendrons do not breed true.

– Propagate Using Leaf Cuttings

To propagate by leaf cuttings, take a cutting that has at least one leaf using a sharp pair of scissors. Cut the stem off and take only the leaf. Place this leaf in a shallow container on top of the soil. Keep the soil moist and keep this container in bright, indirect light.

You can cover the container with a plastic sheet to increase the humidity level. Remember to remove the plastic sheet daily for some time to keep the air moving. Wait for a few months and you should see new leaves growing.

– Propagate Using Stem Cuttings

To propagate your plant using stem cuttings, choose a healthy-looking stem with at least two leaves on it. Cut the stem below the node and put the cutting in a jar full of water on a windowsill. 

Once the roots develop and grow about an inch long after a week or two, you can plant them in the soil mix. Water it regularly and initially keep the soil moist to protect the plant from going into shock.

Pruning 

The Red Moon Philodendron is an extremely valuable plant because of its rarity. There are usually long waiting lists to get one of these, so it becomes important to discuss when and how to prune it.

We would advise you to prune it only after at least one year of growth. They usually come in small propagated sizes when purchased, so wait for a year until you see new growth then prune the stems if the plant begins to look leggy and lanky. The ideal time for pruning is in spring.

Remove the dead leaves first using a clean, sharp pair of scissors. Pruning a mature and established plant helps make it bushier and healthier. Avoid taking more than one or two cuttings in the initial years of the plant’s growth.

Problems

Like most other tropical plants, the Red Moon Philodendron is also susceptible to certain pests and infections.

Let us take a detailed look at some of them.

– Spider Mites

Spider mites thrive in warm and dry conditions. They look like tiny, white dots on the leaves and stems, so it is difficult to notice them until they infect the entire plant. Keeping a humidifier near the plant helps in keeping spider mites away.

You can rub soapy water or alcohol on the affected leaves to get rid of the spider mites. Prepare a mixture of a teaspoon of soap mixed in one liter of water and spray this mixture on the affected parts for best results. For organic options, use Neem oil to make sure that the plant is treated and remains safe from further pest infestations.

– Aphids, Scale and Mealybugs

All these insects leave a sticky residue on the leaves. To prevent and control the spread of these harmful pests, use a mixture of soap and water — wipe off the leaves using this mixture.

Scale insects are quite small and brown. They stick to the leaves and may be difficult to get rid of using soap and water. You may have to individually pick and remove them, but if the plant is heavily infected, just remove the infected parts to control the spread.

– Bacterial Leaf Spot

Translucent browning with yellow outlines on the leaves is an indication of bacterial leaf spot. The most common cause of it is constant water contact with the leaves. 

To prevent this problem, water the soil and not the leaves. Keep the leaves dry and remove infected leaves to control the further spread of the infection.

– Root Rot

Root rot is another common issue faced by Philodendrons and is caused by overwatering. Watering too much, especially during the dormant months of the winter season, makes the plant roots clogged with excess moisture.

To prevent the problem of root rot, always follow a proper watering schedule. Water the plant only when the top few inches of the soil have dried. Check the soil by inserting your finger and if it comes out moist, hold back and check again after a couple of days.

– Nutrient Deficiency

Sometimes, V-shaped yellow spots on the leaves indicate a lack of magnesium. Use Epsom salt to cure the problem of magnesium deficiency. 

Other Important Information

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Philodendron Red Moon.

– How Can You Tell if a Philodendron Is a Red Moon?

One of the easiest ways of determining whether a philodendron is a Red Moon or not is by looking at its leaves, as the leaves of a Red Moon are pale green with red streaks running on every leaf.

Over time, these leaves darken and turn into a dark green shade.

– Why Are the Leaves of My Red Moon Philodendron Turning Yellow?

The most common causes of yellow leaves in the Red Moon Philodendron are overwatering, low humidity and too much or too little light. Keep these conditions in check, maintain their optimal levels, and your plant will be happy.

Place the plant where it receives bright, dappled sunlight and keep the humidity level above 50 to 60 percent for the plant to grow properly. Avoid overwatering by checking if the soil is moist or dry before watering.

– Why Do the Leaves of My Red Moon Philodendron Have Black Spots?

Black spots on leaves are caused by leaf burn, low humidity and bacterial blight. The black spots on the leaves do not turn green, so if a leaf is all black, it is better to remove it completely so that the plant can focus its energy on producing other leaves.

To prevent this problem, keep your plant out of direct sunlight and provide it with high humidity conditions. Try to keep the humidity level above 50 percent for the plant to grow well.

– How Do You Take Care of a Red Moon Philodendron?

The Red Moon Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light conditions and needs a well-draining and airy soil mix for its roots to grow well. Provide it with regular fertilizer during the active growing period of spring and summer. Keep it in moderately warm temperatures of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep the humidity levels above 60 percent for best growth results.

Water your plant in such a way that all its roots can get wet while watering. This happens only when the soil is well-draining and loose. Take note that there should be no standing water in the soil. 

– What Is the Most Common Symptom of Underwatering in the Red Moon Philodendron?

The Red Moon Philodendron is prone to wilting due to underwatering. Lack of enough soil moisture makes it difficult for the plant to stay strong and grow properly, but you also need to make sure that you are not overwatering the plant.

Both underwatering and overwatering can make the plant wilt. If the plant is overwatered, check its roots. Remove the affected parts and repot the plant in a fresh soil mix. Do not let brown or yellow leaves remain attached to the plant as they will only take up extra energy without ever returning to their healthy color.

– Is the Red Moon Philodendron Rare?

Yes, the Red Moon Philodendron is quite rare, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to get your hands on it.

It is an expensive plant and is majorly sold as a small propagated plant. It is found in very few online stores.

Conclusion

The Philodendron Red Moon is a rare and expensive plant, but you will find it worth all your money once you witness its beautiful foliage firsthand. Let us take a look at everything we have learned about this plant so far.

• Philodendron Red Moon is a tropical climbing Philodendron variety found typically in rainforests.
• It has pale lime and red splotched leaves that grow into a darker tropical green with time.
• It grows the best in medium to bright, indirect light but never direct sunlight.
• Keep the soil mildly moist at all times by following a regular watering schedule.
• Prepare an airy and well-draining soil mix composed of soil, bark chips and coco coir. Add perlite to the soil mix for drainage.
• For richer and brighter leaves, place your plant in warmer temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep the plant away from cold window sills in the winter. Cold drafts and frost are damaging to its growth.
• Maintain humidity levels above 60 percent for best growth results.
• Fertilize the plant regularly during the active growing months of spring and summer.
• Repot your plant every two to three years once it has taken over the entire pot and its roots start to curl downwards.
• Propagation of the Red Moon is easy by taking cuttings and rooting them in either water or soil.
• It may face some issues such as pest and insect infestations, bacterial leaf spot and root rot, but these problems can be treated.

The Philodendron Red Moon is a rare plant to get, and if you are lucky enough to get it, follow our care tips to have a happy and healthy plant.