If you enjoy large-leaf plants, Philodendron Dark Lord is a must-have Philodendron species. It is a pricey plant since it has only recently attained popularity. Furthermore, Dark Lord is simple to cultivate both inside and outdoors, making it ideal for anybody wishing to add dramatic impact to their yard. Read on to learn everything you need to know about Philodendron Dark Lord care.
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What is philodendron dark lord?
As the name implies, it is a tropical plant famed for its huge dark-colored foliage. This perennial from the Araceae plant family has arrow-shaped dark green leaves with a maroon underside.
Origin
The Dark Lord belongs to the Philodendron genus, which is part of the Araceae family. It is found in the rainforests of Colombia and Panama. It has recently become increasingly popular among numerous indoor growers as an easy-to-care-for tropical houseplant.
Philodendron Dark Lord is a cross between Imperial Red Philodendron Erubescens and Philodendron Erubescens.
The Dark Lord is a non-lacy leaf plant. Philodendrons are aroids, which produce flowers on an inflorescence.
The Philodendron Dark Lord is no exception, with small white flowers and orange berries.
These flowers and fruits, on the other hand, rarely appear in indoor plants since they require specific circumstances to bloom. These conditions are very difficult to recreate at home.
Philodendrons were initially brought to Europe in the 17th century, and by the Victorian era, they had become popular houseplants.
They were introduced to America by settlers in the 1800s and have since become popular. The Dark Lord Philodendron is one of the most prominent Philodendrons in the world!
It became prominent among florists in the last decade as a result of social media; before that, it was not widely known. Since then, its popularity among plant enthusiasts has grown steadily, however, supply has not kept up, rendering it a pricey and rare plant. It’s an absolute must-have for every Philodendron enthusiast.
Roots
Philodendron Dark Lord has a large root system that extends deep into the moist soil as the plant increases in size. A flourishing Dark Lord develops a large number of aerial roots that aid in the absorption of nutrients from the air.
When repotting your plant, keep an eye out for black or dead roots. If these dead roots are not removed, the plant is vulnerable to fungal infections and other diseases.
Philodendron Dark Lord can handle being root-bound for only a brief period, however, if left in the same potting mix for an extended period, it stops developing and possibly wilt.
Foliage
Philodendron Dark Lord has rich foliage, thus its leaves are lengthy and shiny, and include a purple tinge on the margins. They are initially orange, then turn red, and ultimately green. Furthermore, the leaves are a faint shade of maroon from underneath.
Philodendron dark leaves stand out due to its long arrow shape and maroon undersides. The leaves can turn completely black at times, giving rise to the moniker Dark Lord. Certain leaves on a flourishing plant might grow to be 18 to 22 inches long.
Compare the color contrasts between leaves at various phases of development. When a leaf first starts to unfold, it is bright red or orange, and after approximately 14 days, it turns dark green foliage. As the leaf ages, it becomes green with darker undersides. The dark color looks fantastic and gives off a tropical feeling.
Size
It is difficult to keep this plant small because the Pink Dark Lord Philodendron grows quickly and grows large. Because it grows so large, you should support it with a moss pole or a climbing pole coated in coco coir to keep the plant standing upright. Moss poles are additionally helpful in the health of aerial roots. Aerial roots adhere to poles, resulting in better foliage.
The stems are red and grow to be one to two inches in diameter. Pruning your plant regularly will help it grow. Pruning stimulates fresh growth and stem formation.
Remember that Philodendron Dark Lord is a hazardous plant that can be fatal if consumed. So keep it out of the reach of kids and animals.
Frequently encountered problems of dark lord philodendron
Below are the frequently encountered problems of Dark Lord Philodendron:
Mealybugs
An infestation of Mealybugs may strike your tropical houseplant. They can stunt your Dark Knight Philodendron by sucking on the sap and feeding on it.
Neem oil should be applied to your houseplants once a month as a defense against a variety of diseases. Neem should always be diluted before being sprayed, and it’s important to do so in cool weather.
If there is a problem with an infestation, combine water and a cup of rubbing alcohol with one tablespoon of fragrance-free dish soap. The application of this spray twice weekly keeps mealybugs away from Dark Knight Philodendron.
Yellow leaves
To identify the cause of yellowing leaves on your Philodendron Dark Lord, you may need to take into account several variables. Do you water your plant excessively or sparsely? Is there enough light for your plant? Have you lately fertilized your plant? Does the weather frequently change suddenly?
Undoubtedly, yellowing bottom leaves may sometimes simply be a sign that your plant is expanding and the leaf’s energy has been used up. Simply remove the yellowing leaves in this situation so that the plant may concentrate on producing new, green leaves.
Fungus gnats
These small insects eat soil-based organic materials. Their larvae consume fungi, organic matter, and roots, which is bad for your Dark Lord.
If you notice these dark grayish-black insects, you should begin to water your plants less frequently (although not so little as to harm them; instead, allow the topsoil to dry up between waterings to prevent adult gnats from producing eggs).
Their larvae are instantly killed by hydrogen peroxide. A mixture made up of four parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide should be sprayed over your topsoil.
Root rot
You risk losing your Dark Knight Philodendron to root rot. Avoidance is the recommended course of action due to the difficulties of tackling root rot.
Before choosing whether to water your plant, the climate must also be taken into account.
The amount of time it takes for moisture to evaporate depends on how much bright, indirect light and airflow your plant receives. Before providing your plant with a thorough watering, constantly inspect to see if the soil is dry approximately halfway down the pot.
Less variegation
If your plant has dark green, hardly variegated leaves, This indicates that the lighting needs to be changed.
Change the location of your plant straight away and position it in bright, indirect light.
You may also place it in the morning sun to hasten its recovery.
Additionally, low light causes less foliage and stretchy growth. If your plant has smaller, less-variegated leaves and longer stems.
Low light is undoubtedly the root of the problem.
Aphids
The leaves of Philodendron Dark Lord can get eaten by microscopic insects called aphids, which causes black and brown patches to appear.
To get rid of an infestation, use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Dish soap in low doses may additionally eliminate pests without endangering your plant. Consider a fragrance-free product.
Begin by combining 1 gallon of water and 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and then adjust the ratio as needed. Spray this mixture on the afflicted plant, paying specific attention to the undersides of the leaves where aphids are typically present.
Scale insects
Despite being dormant and coated in wax, adult scales can give birth to incredibly tiny crawling creatures.
You can remove armored scales, however, you’ll need to scrape them off carefully using your fingertips or an old ID card. Be careful not to tear apart the Philodendron Dark Lord’s leaves.
To kill scale insects, apply horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Spray your plant with a general insecticide as soon as you notice active crawlers, and then spray it again a week later.
Drooping leaves
The drooping leaves of Philodendron Dark Lord are usually an indication that it needs water. When watered in this situation, your plant typically regains its vibrancy. Increasing the humidity could also be beneficial.
Be cautious! Pest-infested plants initially exhibit droopy and curled leaves however, they ultimately show other symptoms like spots, reduced development, and an overall loss in health. If you think there might be a pest problem, always inspect the underneath of the leaves.
Spider mites
Spider mites are a prevalent problem, especially on Dark Knight Philodendron plants. Small, brown, or yellow patches on your plant’s leaves are the earliest signs of spider mite infestation.
Additionally, you might find that the growth of your plant has diminished or stopped altogether.
Start by cleaning your Dark Lord Philodendron using a sink nozzle, a pressure sprayer, or a gardening hose to eradicate spider mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be sprayed on the leaves, however, remember to cover every surface, even the undersides!
Naturally, you may additionally get their natural predators. Interestingly, they are unlikely to damage your plant despite feeding on spider mites.
Brown leaf tips
If the edges of your Dark Lord’s leaves start to brown, you may need to examine a few things.
Verify that your residence has a moderate level of humidity. If the sun is hitting your plant too fiercely, use drapes to block the light. Avoid using excessive fertilizer. Allow the water to circulate through the soil for a few minutes to remove extra salts and minerals.
Philodendron dark lord care
Philodendron Dark Lord is a low-maintenance plant. Like the majority of other Philodendron plants, it requires little care. The amount of water needed and the composition of the soil will change depending on the climate in your area, including temperature and humidity.
Find out exactly what it needs to grow to get optimal outcomes by reading our advice below!
Fertilizer
Underfertilizing them is preferable to overfertilizing them. Excessive fertilizer will cause root burn, stunted growth, and browning and wilting of the leaves. To avoid burning the roots, fertilize the plant at a distance of about 6 inches from the stem.
You can use compost or manure-based organic fertilizers. If you decide to stick with organic fertilizer, it is recommended that you follow a monthly application schedule while the plants are growing.
Distribute the fertilizer around the plant’s base, being careful to avoid getting any on the leaves.
Pet safety
Calcium oxalate crystals found in Philodendron Dark Lord are poisonous to both people and animals if consumed. The lips, tongue, and throat may swell and burn as a result. Additionally, it may result in vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing.
If you suspect your pet has consumed Philodendron Dark Lord, call your veterinarian right away.
While working with the plant, exercise caution as the sap may irritate your skin. When you finish touching the new dark Lord Philodendron, properly wash your hands.
Water
When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, water Philodendron Dark Lord. The quantity of light your plant gets, the size and kind of container it is planted in, and the type of potting mix will all influence how often you need to water it.
It would require more regular watering if it were cultivated in smaller pots as opposed to bigger ones.
Philodendrons grown in a potting mix that drains well and has significant amounts of organic matter require less watering compared to those planted in a potting mix that doesn’t drain properly.
It is best to underwater your tropical plants than to overwater it because of how well it stores water. The effects of excessive watering include yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunted growth, and in certain circumstances, root rot.
How to water your Dark Lord plant
The bottom-up irrigation technique is the most effective for watering Philodendron Dark Lord. This implies that you should submerge your plant for 15 to 30 minutes in a water container.
Next, drain the pot and wipe the saucer dry of extra moisture. It is crucial to drain any extra water since if the plant is left in water, the roots may rot.
It’s preferable to wait a full day before spraying your Philodendron Dark Lord plant with tap water if you’re using it. Your plant will be safer as a result of the chlorine and other pollutants dissipating.
If your water contains fluoride, it is recommended to use distilled or filtered water because Philodendrons are also extremely reactive to fluoride. Since distilled water lacks nutrients, your Philodendron Dark Lord Light plant needs fertilizer more regularly.
Repotting
You do not have to repot Philodendron Dark Lord plant very frequently. The same pot may contain them for up to two years. Inspect to see whether the plant has become root-bound; if so, it’s time to transfer it to a larger pot because staying root-bound for an extended period could hinder growth.
Humidity
Dark Lord plants require moist environments with a relative humidity of at least 70%. Nevertheless, it also does well at the typical room humidity level (40–50%). High humidity levels promote faster and healthier plant growth.
If the air in your residence is excessively dry, you can use a humidifier or a pebble tray to boost the humidity surrounding your plant. A shallow tray containing pebbles and water is all that a pebble tray is. The humidity level around the stone rises as water from it evaporates.
To keep the water in the pebble tray from getting stagnant, make sure to regularly replace it.
To prevent the Philodendron’s leaves from withering and becoming brown if you reside in an extremely arid region, you might need to wet it every day or many times.
If your plant’s leaves are brown and dry, the air is too dry for it. The humidity in the air can be increased with a humidifier, which will stop the leaves from withering. It is particularly useful to use this in wintertime to stop the leaves from withering out.
Pruning
Philodendron Dark Lord typically doesn’t need a lot of pruning. Always remember to pick up any leaves that are damaged or dead. If the plant becomes too big, you can prune it back. This is a fantastic opportunity to take a portion from the top and grow an additional plant for yourself.
Warm temperature
Philodendron Dark Lord is a native of the tropics. High humidity and warm temperatures throughout the year are characteristics of the tropical climate.
As a result, to flourish without straining or harming them, you must replicate the same habitat.
Be certain that it doesn’t fall below 55°F (12.5°C), though.
Cellular processes are hampered by low temperatures, and in extreme circumstances, the cells may even rupture. As a result, you must bring them inside.
In contrast, considerable water loss from the surface of the leaf occurs at extremely high temperatures (over 85°F).
The plant decreases its surface area to compensate for water loss. Its leaves curl as a result and drop off.
Similar effects of extreme temperature include stunted growth, bleached foliage, and difficulty absorbing nutrients and water. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
Soil mix
The soil mix must be moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich, well-draining, light, porous, and able to hold significant amounts of water.
Use a rich, well-draining organic soil mix to grow Philodendron Dark Lord. Add coco coir, orchid bark, and vermiculite to make the soil rich and fast draining. Sandy soils should not be used since they drain water considerably more quickly than other types of soil. Make sure to thoroughly drain any surplus water.
Both very dry and moist soil can hinder the growth of this plant. These plants should not be grown in clay soil since clay is compact. Keep the soil mix adequately ventilated since compact soils hinder the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the roots of the plants.
Along with making an airy soil mix, you should pick deep pots and containers with sufficient space for the roots to spread out. Choose a small pot with a depth of 8 to 10 inches to get started.
However, because the plant develops more quickly in deeper pots, this enables the roots to form effectively. When the containers are deep, you can avoid having to repot them frequently.
How can I maintain the philodendron dark lord’s coloring?
The dreadful color of Philodendrons is typically caused by conditions including poor humidity, intense sunlight, low light, nutritional inadequacies, pest infestation, and diseases. The Philodendron loses its deep dark green color when the temperature is too low because it produces little chlorophyll.
Similar to low temperatures, surplus chlorophyll formation in plants results in an absence of variegated colors. The issue can be resolved by sustaining a favorable environment with bright, indirect light.
Propagating philodendron dark lord
The most effective way of propagating Philodendron Dark Lord is by stem cutting.
Getting a stem cutting from the top of the plant can allow you to propagate a developed plant if you so desire. It’s possible to obtain a few useful aerial roots on a stem cutting if you’ve got one climbing a moss pole.
A small orchid container should be filled with a peat, perlite, and worm castings-based soil mixture before the cutting is taken.
To take a stem cutting, cut below a node where aerial roots are emerging with a sharp pair of thoroughly cleaned sheers (this keeps bacteria out of the stem cuttings). It is recommended to attempt to get a few nodes on the stem cuttings to enable a flourishing plant. This is how to propagate Philodendron Dark Lord
Is Dark Lord Philodendron rare?
In the horticultural community, it is a highly prized plant in addition to being a rare plant.
Because of its scarcity and great demand amongst enthusiasts, Philodendron Dark Lord is viewed as a fairly pricey plant.
How big do Dark Lord Philodendrons get?
Philodendron Dark Lords can reach heights of 6 feet and widths of up to 4 feet.
Fully grown leaves typically average 18 to 22 inches in length.
How do you make Dark Lord philodendron pink?
You can make Dark Lord Philodendron pink by fertilizing regularly, adding grow light, and increasing humidity.
Is Dark Lord an indoor plant?
Because of its tolerance for low light levels, Philodendron Dark Lord is appropriate for indoor growth.
Conclusion
Philodendron Dark Lord is a great plant for anyone who enjoys dark plants or collects unique plants. It is simple to maintain and adaptable to a variety of growth environments.
This plant can get rather big, so make sure to give it a big pot and lots of space to expand. Keep Philodendron Dark Lord plants away from children and pets as they are toxic if consumed.
