Philodendron El Choco Red

Some plants whisper. This one blushes.

The Philodendron El Choco Red is a velvety collector's favourite whose new leaves unfurl in deep, wine-red tones before maturing into rich, dark green with striking pale veins and red-flushed undersides.

Often listed as Philodendron 'El Choco Red' (and linked by some growers to Philodendron rubrijuvenile), it hails from the humid rainforests of the Chocó region of Colombia and Ecuador. Its big, heart-shaped leaves have a soft, almost suede-like texture, and each new one is a small event. Give it something to climb and a bit of patience, and the leaves grow larger as the plant matures.

Care snapshot

• Light: Bright, indirect light. Harsh direct sun can scorch those velvet leaves.
• Water: When the top inch or two of soil is dry. Use a chunky, airy aroid mix so the roots stay happy and never soggy.
• Difficulty: Intermediate. Not fussy, but it rewards steady conditions and a little extra humidity.
• Pet-safety: Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten (like all philodendrons). Best kept out of reach.

What you'll receive

Plants are living things, so your El Choco Red will have its own character and may vary slightly from the photo. Leaf colour shifts as each leaf matures, which is part of the fun of watching it grow.

Why you'll love it

Moody colour, velvet texture, and a new-leaf reveal that never gets old. El Choco Red is a statement plant for collectors and a satisfying step up for anyone ready to graduate from the basics. Give it a home and watch it flourish.