The Imperial Red philodendron and the Rojo Congo are related plants. The Rojo Congo is a hybrid variety that was bred in the 1990s using an imperial red philodendron and other species. This means that the Imperial red and Rojo Congo are directly related and very similar. The Imperial Red plant is also a relatively new hybrid variety. These plants have very similar care requirements but look slightly different. Let’s look at the Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo.
Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo: Similarities
As the Philodendron Imperial Red and the Rojo Congo are very similar plants, they both have the same care requirements. They both have large leaves that are beautiful, glossy, and red. Like all philodendrons, these varieties are toxic to humans and pets and produce nasty symptoms if ingested. They can also cause skin irritation if handled.
Sunlight needs
These plants can be placed in bright indirect sunlight. Be careful not to put these plants on a windowsill that gets direct sun, or the leaves could become scorched.
If the Philodendron Imperial Red and Rojo Congo don’t get enough light, their foliage will suffer, and the plants will develop an unhealthy appearance. Aim to give your plants about five hours of sunlight daily.
Watering requirements
Both the Philodendron Imperial Red and the Rojo Congo should be watered regularly. They need plenty of water and shouldn’t be neglected. That being said, you’ll also need to be careful not to overwater these plants as they are both prone to root rot.
Most people find that these varieties of philodendron need to be watered once a week. More water should be provided throughout the growing season, from spring to late summer. You can let the topsoil dry out between watering. You can also add some fertilizer to the water once a month to feed your plant.
Soil
Both these varieties of philodendron require good quality soil that can hold moisture but is well-draining. Excess water should be able to drain away to reduce stagnation which will lead to root rot. You can plant these philodendrons in potting soil and perlite.
It’s also a good idea to add some gravel or stones to the bottom of the pot to help with drainage. You’ll need to report your plant about every two years.
Pruning
The Imperial Red philodendron and Rojo Congo don’t require much pruning. You can trim off any dead or damaged leaves using sterilized tools. You can propagate both these plants by taking a cutting and re-potting it.
Pests
Most species of philodendron are pretty resistant to pests, and the Imperial Red and Rojo Congo are no exception. Occasionally sap-sucking insects may attack your plant, so you should be on the lookout for things like mealybugs and spider mites.
Aphids also affect philodendrons, and as they reproduce very quickly, your plant will quickly become infested. You can shower off insects or use neem oil or insecticidal spray to kill them.
Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo: Differences
There are many differences between the Imperial Red and the Rojo Congo, the main one being the plant’s sizes. Imperial red philodendrons are smaller than Rojo Congo plants. Rojo Congo philodendrons can grow up to 4 feet tall and have a similar width. A mature Imperial Red is generally about a foot shorter and has a bushier appearance, standing at 3 feet. These plants are also about 3 feet wide.
The Rojo Congo is slightly faster growing than the Imperial Red. Imperial Red Philodendrons also cope better with stress and thrive after being replanted, while Rojo Congo’s take a while to recover.
Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo: Foliage Differences
The Rojo Congo philodendron has leaves that are darker with a more prominent red than the Imperial red. The leaves look greenish-brown in the middle and have darker edges. Imperial Red philodendron’s leaves are not as beautiful as they don’t have shades of red. These plants’ leaves are more of a brow to green color or just dark green.
The differences in color of these two plants are more apparent when the plants are juvenile. Young Rojo Congo plants have foliage that’s a lovely bright red, while the Imperial Red is a duller, reddish-brown. Rojo Congo philodendrons leaves also look slightly more glossy, and as a result, the leaves reflect light.
There are also some differences in the shape and size of leaves. The Philodendron Rojo Congo has slightly larger leaves that can grow up to 10 inches long. In comparison, Imperial Red leaves are smaller and generally don’t grow longer than 7 inches. Imperial Red philodendrons leaves look slightly more elongated and pointed, while the leaves of the Rojo Congo are more rounded.
Petioles Differences
Another difference between these plants is their petioles. The Rojo Congo Philodendron has a petiole that’s thicker and has a slightly longer leaf. The color is also different as the Rojo Congo has a dark red-purple color which is very attractive.
The Imperial Red Philodendron has a thinner petiole which is slightly shorter when compared to its rival. This makes the plant look slightly more compact. The Petiole is a brownish-green color which is duller than the Rojo Congo.
Overall the Rojo Congo is a more beautiful plant with colorful leaves and petioles that are eye-catching. For this reason, the Rojo Congo is highly sought after as it’s a stunning plant.
Flowers
The Imperial Red and Rojo Congo Philodendron are both flowering plants, but each are slightly different. Both these plants will begin blooming at maturity and will flower in the late spring. Both plants will produce one large red flower annually.
Rojo Congo philodendrons have flowers that are brighter and have a slightly purple tinge. In contrast, the Imperial Red philodendron has dark red flowers.
Philodendron Imperial Red vs Rojo Congo: Conclusion
As you can see, there are many similarities and differences between the Philodendron Imperial Red vs. Rojo Congo. Both plants have similar care requirements but look slightly different. The Rojo Congo is a more attractive plant with lovely glossy leaves and a beautiful reddish-purple flower.