Philodendron Rubrocinctum Platinum can be a perfect choice for growers as this plant can be easily grown in both indoor and outdoor environments. It has dark green, long heart-shaped leaves with a bright red border.
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, Rubrocinctum Platinum is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive for a long if proper care has been taken.
Find out more about this gorgeous eye-catching plant in this article. Being a philodendron lover, I have almost all its varieties in my garden. So, here I will also let you know about some useful tips to take care of this plant and different ways to propagate it.
What does a philodendron Rubrocinctum look like and what are its different names?
A Rubrocinctum Platinum has colorful leaves that make the place more beautiful where it is kept. It has a reddish-brown stem, and its heart-shaped leaves turn to deep ruffled green when matured. This tropical plant can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Unlike most varieties of philodendron, a Rubrocinctum is a tropical plant found mostly in the rain forests of South America, Central America, and Brazil. Other than Rubrocinctum Platinum this plant is also known as Rubrocinctum red and philodendron Rubrijuvenile.
Did You Know
The name “Platinum” refers to the silvery-white variegation on the leaves. It is a relatively new philodendron variety, first discovered in 2017.
How to Take Care of a Philodendron Rubrocinctum Platinum?
Taking care of this plant is quite simple and with proper care, you can make your Rubrocinctum Platinum stay healthy and grow fast. Here are some effective ways to take care of your plant to make it survive for many years.
Soil Quality
This plant does not require a lot of soil to grow and thrive. However, the soil used to plant a Rubrocinctum should be well aerated so that there is a lot of airflow and proper drainage of excess water. You can make your potting mix at home so, that the soil has a neutral pH. level of 5.5 to 7.
To prepare a balanced DIY potting mix take 5 parts of perlite, 2 parts of worm castings, 5 parts of orchid bark, 2 parts of activated charcoal, and 4 parts coir.
This potting mix can help your plant get the required nutrients and prevent water from getting clogged.
Amount of Water
Although moist soil condition is ideal for the growth of this plant, it can also survive in less drought condition. Watering your plant should only be done after checking the moisture level of the top 2 inches of the soil.
If you feel the soil to be excessively dry then, only water your plant. Avoid over-watering as it can cause root rot and other problems to the plant. Using room temperature filtered water can be the best option.
Temperature Needed
Warm and humid temperature is loved by a Rubrocinctum Platinum. This plant prefers consistent and moderate temperatures. Extreme fluctuations in temperature can be stressful for your plant.
So, the temperature of the place where your philodendron is kept should be between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Required Humidity
A Rubrocinctum can survive well in most humid weather conditions. So, make sure the relative humidity of the place where the plant is kept should be 60% or more.
If you are in a location with dry weather conditions then, make sure you use a humidifier or a tray of water and pebbles to increase humidity around the plant.
Enough Light
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, a Rubrocinctum cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Direct, scorching light can cause damage to the leaves and the entire plant.
So, always place your plant in a location where it can receive adequate indirect, bright light to grow well and stay healthy.
Pruning is Important
To remove damaged parts of the plant occasional pruning is very important. You can also keep the plant in good shape and size by removing the damaged parts.
Always use sterilized tools and wear gloves while pruning your philodendron. Mark the areas with colored string or tape before cutting. The best time for pruning a Rubrocinctum Platinum is during summer or spring as it is the growing time of the plant.
- Gently loosen the root and remove the plant from the old pot.
- Use a larger pot than the previous one and re-plant your philodendron carefully in it.
- Cover the pot using potting soil, charcoal, sphagnum moss, peat, and perlite.
- Place the plant in a spot where it receives enough indirect bright light.
- Water the plant only, when required.
Rubrocinctum Platinum Propagation
You can easily propagate this plant through the stem-cutting method. Cut a 6 inches long stem with a few healthy leaves. This stem cutting should be placed in a potting mix. Water it to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering so that the soil does not become too soggy.
You need to place the plant in any location where it can receive enough indirect bright light. After a few days, you will notice new roots developing from the stem cutting.
Reduce watering when the root is developed to prevent water logging and root rot.
Problems Associated With and Ways to Treat Them
While growing a philodendron Rubrocinctum you may have to face several challenges. Here are a few problems and their solutions.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing of leaves can have several causes like waterlogging, root rot, pests, not receiving enough bright light, and over-fertilization.
The Solution
To get rid of these problems make sure the pot where the philodendron is placed should have enough holes to drain away excess water. Use water only after checking the moisture level of the soil and avoid using too much fertilizer. Also, place your plant in any spot with adequate indirect bright light.
Diseases and Pests
Pests and diseases are common problems with this plant. Even after taking proper care, you may notice mealy bugs, thrips, scales, and spider mites on your beloved plant. These insects can suck all the nutrients from the plant and thus, kill them.
The Solution
Natural remedies like using neem oil can be very effective in removing insects from the plant. You can spray the diluted neem oil all over the plant or use your fingers to apply it.
Try out insecticides that are available in the market and online if natural remedies do not work. To get rid of the pests completely you need to use these remedies a few times over a couple of weeks.
Rotting of the Roots
Overwatering and improper drainage can cause root rot. Rotting of the roots is a fungal disease and your plant will have mushy stems and yellow leaves if it has root rot.
The Solution
To prevent root rot the most important thing is to avoid overwatering. Only water your plant when the top 2 inches of the soil gets dry out completely. Also, make sure the drainage holes of the pot are working fine and seeping away the excess water completely from the pot.
If the roots become severely rotten and mushy then, remove the rotten part and place it in a clean pot with fresh potting mix and then, water sparingly.
Leaves Falling Off
Falling of the leaves can be caused due to over over-watering or under-watering the plant.
The Solution
Only water your plant if the top layer of the soil gets completely dry out. On the other hand, do not leave the plant with excess dry soil for a longer period.
Wrapping Up
A little care and maintenance can make your philodendron Rubrocinctum stay healthy and flourish. This beautiful plant can be kept both indoors and outdoors. It makes the place more attractive and fresher wherever it is placed.
Make sure the requirement of the plant to grow and thrive is fulfilled so, that it survives longer and keeps the environment clean and green.
