Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo [Differences 2024]
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Philodendron imperial red and Rojo Congo? They may look similar, but there are some key differences in their care that you need to be aware of.
The two most noticeable characteristics of the Philodendron Rojo Congo and the Philodendron Imperial Red are their relative sizes and reddish hues.
When compared to Philodendron Imperial Red, Philodendron Rojo Congo is both more massive and more prolific in its growth.
Also, Imperial Red’s leaves are narrower and blacker, whereas Rojo Congo’s are narrower and brighter green.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each variety to help you decide which one is right for your home. Stay tuned!
Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo – Which One is Better?
Philodendron Imperial Red
The Philodendron Imperial Red is a gorgeous, deep red variety of classic houseplants.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to add a splash of color to their home without having to worry about too much maintenance.
This plant is known for its slow growth habit and its ability to tolerate lower light levels than other philodendrons.
It’s an ideal choice for anyone who wants a beautiful plant that they can enjoy for years to come.
Philodendron Rojo Congo
A philodendron from the Congo. A beautiful plant that thrives in warm climates, Rojo is known for the gorgeous flowers and unique foliage it produces.
The name “Rojo” comes from the color of the plant’s newest leaves, which are an intense, glossy shade of red. The color of the leaves changes from dark green to a burgundy hue as they grow.
Size
When it comes to size, Philodendron Rojo Congo is the clear winner. This plant can grow up to 4 feet tall, whereas Philodendron Imperial Red only reaches a maximum height of 3 feet.
Growth
Additionally, the growth pattern is a little bit different. Imperial Red is a compact bush that has a greater density.
Whereas Rojo Congo tends to grow taller, some of its side stems branch out at a distance that is sufficient from the main stem.
The rate of growth is yet another point of differentiation. Imperial Red is slower to mature and less energetic than its counterpart, Rojo Congo.
This becomes especially apparent after a transplant or a period of stress since the body recovers significantly more quickly.
Color
Rojo Congo has darker, redder foliage. Comparatively, the leaf’s center-to-edge contrast is more prominent. The middle of the leaf is greenish-brown, and the margin is dark crimson.
Imperial Red lacks the beauty of its rival. The leaf isn’t red. Expect brownish-green or dark green foliage.
Young leaves are diverse colors. Imperial Red has reddish-brown foliage, while Rojo Congo’s is red. This boosts the first.
Rojo Congo’s foliage is prettier. Darker lenses have a higher gloss. Light reflects beautifully from the leaves surface.
Leaves
Leaves of Imperial Red are stiff. They’re shiny and tough to the touch. The petioles are also strong and thick, which adds support to the entire plant.
On the other hand, Rojo Congo’s leaves are thinner and more fragile. You’ll want to take extra care when handling this plant.
Toxicity
Another key difference between these two plants is their level of toxicity. Philodendron Imperial Red is considered to be non-toxic to both humans and animals.
However, Rojo Congo is considered to be toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
Petioles Comparison
Petioles are another difference. Rojo Congo Philodendron has a longer, thicker petiole. Rojo Congo has an appealing dark red-purple color.
The Imperial Red Philodendron has a thinner, shorter petiole. This compacts the plant. The petiole is a duller brownish-green than Rojo Congo.
Rojo Congo has lovely leaves and petioles. Rojo Congo is a gorgeous plant and therefore highly sought after.
Blooming Difference
These two philodendrons also exhibit subtle variations in flowering. Only until they’ve reached adulthood do they begin to blossom.
When spring has progressed past its midpoint, that’s when you’ll see the flowers. In most cases, the plants will only produce a single massive blossom.
Although both Imperial Red and Rojo Congo are red, Rojo Congo’s brighter petal color and purple undertones are more apparent in the preceding image.
Imperial Red has dark red petals that aren’t as eye-catching as Rojo Congo’s vibrant orange ones. Another victory for the latter then!
Toughness
The depth and health of a plant’s roots greatly contribute to its overall robustness.
This is another way in which the plants vary from one another. The Rojo Congo will be more robust due to its larger and more robust root system.
Therefore, the Rojo Congo’s roots are better able to supply the remainder of the plant with water and nutrients. One possible drawback is that a Rojo Congo will require more room as it matures.
Similarities
Even with all of these differences, there are some similarities between the two plants. They’re both excellent at purifying the air and they’re both low-maintenance.
Both of these plants require similar environments to thrive.
They both prefer warm temperatures and high humidity levels. They also both need well-draining soil and bright, indirect light.
The Rojo Congo philodendron and the Imperial Red philodendron both benefit from minimal pruning.
Dead or damaged leaves can be trimmed away with clean equipment. Both of these plants can be easily multiplied by cuttings and repotting.
The Imperial Red and the Rojo Congo philodendrons are no exception to the rule that most philodendron species are fairly pest-resistant.
Insects that feed on plant sap, such as mealybugs and spider mites, can occasionally cause damage.
Conclusion
Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo debate at its end.
There are some similarities and differences between them. These two plants are the best pick for you and if you want one of them then it depends on your needs.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s easy to care for and purifies the air, either one would be a great choice.
If you’re looking for a plant that’s more aesthetically pleasing, Rojo Congo is the way to go. It has brighter flowers and more vibrant leaves.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a plant that doesn’t take up much space, Imperial Red is a better option. It’s more compact than Rojo Congo and can even be hung on a wall.
Related Articles
* Philodendron Dark Lord vs Black Cardinal
* Philodendron Cream Splash vs Brasil
* Philodendron Black Majesty vs Dark Lord
FAQs
Question
How do I know if my philodendron is imperial red?
Answer
A characteristic of the Philodendron Rojo Congo is its juvenile leaf, which is a vivid red. The lance-shaped leaves of an older plant mature into a darker green while the leaf stalks maintain their original, deep Auburn color.
Question
” How can you tell if a red Congo is a philodendron?”
Answer
Yes! The Rojo congo philodendron is an extremely unusual houseplant. Because of its rare and beautiful red leaves, it is highly sought after by collectors.
Question
” Is philodendron rojo Congo rare?”
Answer
The ‘Rojo Congo,’ also known as the ‘Congo Rojo,’ ‘Red Congo,’ and ‘Congo Red,’ is a massive plant with glossy, thick leaves that have smooth margins. It has chocolate-brown to copper-red young leaves that turn a dark green or greenish red as they age. Red highlights the stems of the leaves.
Question
What is the difference between Imperial red and red Congo philodendron?
Answer
Imperial Red and Red Congo philodendrons are different cultivars of the same species. Imperial Red has smaller leaves with red undersides, while Red Congo has larger leaves with burgundy undersides.
Question
How do I identify Rojo Congo?
Answer
Rojo Congo is a Philodendron cultivar with large, dark green leaves that have reddish undersides and stems. It grows up to 4 feet tall and prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
