🌿 Burgundy Princess — Wine Colour on Regal Leaves

Philodendron 'Burgundy Princess' is a demonstration of elegance in warm wine tones. Its new leaves unfurl in an intense burgundy red, like a glass of wine held to the light, then gradually mature to a deep dark green with wine undertones. The reddish petioles and the contrast between young and old leaves give it a truly regal air, like a plant grown in a princely greenhouse.

It is a plant that brings warmth and depth to any collection, a darker, more dramatic alternative to the classic green philodendrons. While many philodendrons rely on white or pink variegation, Burgundy Princess chooses a warm, deep chromatic register that blends superbly into modern interiors and creates a spectacular contrast next to green or silvery plants.

Spectacular yet surprisingly forgiving, Burgundy Princess is an excellent choice both for the ambitious beginner and for the collector who wants chromatic depth without high demands. It belongs to the fascinating world of collector philodendrons, prized for their varied foliage and forgiving nature.

🌍 Origin and Botanical History

The genus Philodendron belongs to the Araceae family (aroids) and counts over 480 species from the tropical forests of Central and South America. The name comes from Greek — philo (love) and dendron (tree) — describing the climbing habit of many species, which rise up tree trunks toward the filtered light of the canopy. This forest origin explains their preference for indirect light, steady warmth and moderate humidity.

'Burgundy Princess' is a cultivated hybrid related to Philodendron erubescens — the "blushing philodendron" — a species known for its red stems and new growth, which has been the basis of many popular colourful cultivars, including the famous Pink Princess. Burgundy Princess was selected specifically for its intense wine pigmentation, darker and deeper than its pink relatives.

The red colour of the new growth comes from anthocyanins, protective pigments that temporarily cover the chlorophyll on young leaves, shielding them from strong light until they mature. As the leaf ages, the anthocyanins retreat and the green of chlorophyll becomes dominant, while keeping the wine undertones. This colour dynamic means the plant always displays several shades at once. It shares its Araceae family with famous relatives such as Monstera and Syngonium.

🌱 The Foliage

The leaves are elongated heart-to-spear shaped, 15–25 cm long on mature plants, glossy and firm. New growth emerges in a bright burgundy red, almost coral, then darkens to green-wine as it matures. The leaf undersides and petioles keep intense reddish tones, and the whole plant looks as if touched by a wine-dipped brush — a warm, sophisticated chromatic effect.

The contrast between the young, red leaves and the mature, green-wine ones creates a dynamic play of colours that changes as the plant grows. The glossy leaves reflect light and can be wiped easily with a soft damp cloth to keep their shine and highlight the wine tones.

The habit is climbing and robust, appreciating a moss pole as it grows — vertical support mimics how it climbs trees in nature and encourages ever larger leaves. Offered at the generous Ø12 cm size, it is already a developed specimen. For decorative foliage in other tones, the rest of the Philodendron genus is also worth exploring.

🌱 Growth and Development

Philodendron Burgundy Princess grows moderately with a vigorous climbing habit. It is a forgiving plant, suited both to the ambitious beginner and to the collector, asking for no special conditions beyond good light and balanced watering. Offered at the Ø12 cm size, it is already a developed specimen, ready to produce ever larger and more colourful leaves, alongside other collector philodendrons.

• Light: bright, indirect light — intensifies the wine tones and the red of new growth. Avoid harsh direct sun, but also too little light, which reduces the red pigmentation and produces greener leaves.
• Temperature: 18–27°C; avoid cold draughts and drops below 13°C.
• Watering: water when the top 2–3 cm of substrate have dried; check with your finger. Avoid standing water at the roots, which quickly leads to rot.
• Humidity: 50–65%; appreciates misting or a humidifier, especially in winter.
• Substrate: airy aroid mix — pine bark, perlite and coco fibre, just like for Monstera. Excellent drainage is essential.
• Fertilising: balanced diluted liquid fertiliser every 3–4 weeks during the growing season.
• Propagation: stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or sphagnum. Like other aroids such as Epipremnum, they root easily within 3–6 weeks.

🌸 Common Problems, Solutions and Who It Is Perfect For

Burgundy Princess is a forgiving plant, but it communicates through its leaves. New growth is greener, without intense red: usually insufficient light — move the plant closer to a good light source and the red pigmentation will return. Brown tips or edges: dry air or hard water — raise the humidity and use filtered water. Yellow leaves at the base: if they appear on old leaves, it is normal; if there are many and they are soft, it indicates overwatering — let the substrate dry more. Long stems with sparse leaves (etiolation): insufficient light — move the plant to light and give it a stake. Soft stem, permanently wet substrate: root rot — repot into fresh substrate and reduce watering.

Like all aroids, it can occasionally attract spider mites or mealybugs in dry air; periodic inspection prevents problems. It is a plant toxic through calcium oxalate and must be kept away from pets and small children.

In conclusion, Philodendron Burgundy Princess is the ideal choice for enthusiasts who want a plant with chromatic depth and dramatic character, without the fuss. Its wine tones bring warmth and contrast to any green collection, and its forgiving nature makes it accessible to ambitious beginners too. Place it on a moss pole, in a bright spot, alongside other collector philodendrons, and you will have a regal plant that impresses with every new leaf, year after year.