Rojo Congo and Philodendron Imperial Red are similar, but they also differ in a few key ways. For instance, the Rojo Congo tends to expand and grow more vigorously.

The Rojo Congo’s leaves are significantly darker and wider than the Imperial Red’s, which have bright green, elongated leaves.

Both have huge, oval leaves and are lovely foliage plants.

You won’t have any trouble identifying the strain you’re dealing with once you’ve been familiar with the primary distinctions.

You may quickly identify the strain by using the detailed breakdown of the significant distinctions found below.

What is Imperial Red Philodendron?

This philodendron cultivar is distinguished by its broad leaves and vivid hues. It swiftly expands to a height of up to 6 feet, making it the ideal plant for larger rooms.

You can move your plant around easily because of its long leaf stalk, so you can do so as necessary. The philodendron imperial red is low-maintenance because it just has to be misted once or twice a week.

Philodendron imperial red is the ideal choice if you’re seeking a plant that is attractive and simple to maintain.

What is Congo Rojo?

The Congo Rojo Philodendron is an amazing houseplant that has vibrant color. Ruby-red new leaves are emerging. The leaves mature and turn a scarlet green color.

The colorful stems are red as well. The glossy leaves have a heart-like form. When fully grown, this plant can reach heights and widths of about 3 feet.

In contrast to most other philodendrons, which have a vining character, the red congo philodendron has an upright, shrubby habit.

The crimson congo philodendron will purify the air in your home while enhancing the color and texture! This amazing houseplant requires very little upkeep. It can adapt to lower light levels, albeit it likes bright indirect light.

philodendron imperial red vs rojo congo

1. General Size

The size of the plants is the primary distinction between Imperial Red and Rojo Congo. The Philodendron Imperial Red is a little bit smaller overall than the Rojo Congo.

Rojo Congo plants frequently shrink up to 4 feet in both width and height. The Imperial Red, on the other hand, rarely exceeds 3 feet. There will also be variations in the size of the leaves.

Rojo Congo plants have substantially longer leaves, which can occasionally grow as long as 10 inches.

However, depending on their respective ages, the Imperial Red’s leaves are often shorter. However, the Imperial Red typically grows to a maximum length of seven inches.

You can quickly determine which one you’re dealing with using a tape measure and a fully developed plant.

2 .Various Colors

The plants’ hues are also noticeably different. You shouldn’t have any trouble determining what you’re working with if you pay close attention to the hue. You should start by examining the plant’s petioles or stalks.

The stalk aids in joining the leaf to the rest of the plant. The petioles are green and brownish when you’re looking at an Imperial Red.

Because of its distinctive dark red stalk that could be mistaken for purple, the Rojo Congo is very different from other plants. The bloom and foliage both have various colors.

The dark crimson leaves of the Rojo Congo resemble the stalk in appearance. The leaves are dark crimson and have a deeper color.

However, the middle of the lead will have a brownish-green color, which may make it more difficult to distinguish between the two.

Because the plant can more effectively draw attention to its most attractive features, Rojo Congo plants typically have a higher aesthetic value.

The leaf blades of an Imperial Red will be dark green with flecks of brown when you are dealing with one.

The Imperial Red plant doesn’t have a reddish tint, which is the main distinction.
Lastly, a peek at the blossom will reveal the type.

By the end of April, both plants will begin to flower. The plants often only produce one blossom at a time.

Because the blossoms on Rojo Congo plants are more vibrant than those on Imperial Red plants, many people favor them over the latter.

3. Toughness

The strength of a plant is determined by its root system. In the end, this is another distinction between the plants. Because of its larger and more established root structure, the Rojo Congo is stronger.

As a result, the roots of the Rojo Congo can supply the rest of the plant with more water and nutrients. The main drawback is that a Rojo Congo will require more space to expand.

You’ll need a tall pot with a height of up to 15 inches if you want to cultivate a huge, gorgeous Rojo Congo.

The root system of the Imperial Red is less extensive and established.

4.Shape

You can determine what kind of plant you are looking at by its shape. The shapes of the leaves vary.

The leaves of the Imperial Red have pointed tips. Additionally, they are longer. The plant has somewhat beautiful leaves.

The Rojo Congo, on the other hand, has a wider and longer leaf. Its leaves will become more substantial.

5. Pot Prerequisites

It is probably best to choose a Philodendron Imperial Red if one of these plants will be grown indoors. You must use a taller pot if you want to throw a Rojo Congo.

The Rojo Congo requires a significantly taller pot since it has a bigger root system.

It is advisable to use a pot with a minimum height of 10 inches. A 15-inch pot, though, could be preferable. Make sure it is sufficient as well.

6. Pet Toxicology

Canines and felines are both poisoned by the species Rojo Congo and Philodendron Imperial, respectively. These plant species have insoluble calcium oxalate formed in their leaves. So, calcium oxalate doesn’t dissolve in water.

Cats are infamous for burrowing in the soil of indoor plants. Houseplants are attractive to these inquisitive creatures. It is very common for cats to munch on plant leaves.

Even if they don’t intend to, they still run the risk of consuming the deadly calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves.

7. Environment

The Rojo Congo and Philodendron Imperial should stay out of the cold as other tropical plant species do. The ideal temperature range for plants is between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius and 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using artificial lights is a straightforward way to create a tropical environment. Tropical plants can be grown indoors using LED grow lights, which are efficient and effective.

Natural light should always prevail over artificial light when it comes to plant growth. The difference between different kinds of lighting has substantially shrunk as a result of current technology.

Plants will thrive under a full-spectrum LED grow light. Plant development is aided by natural light because it has enough energy to support typical photosynthesis.

Even while you and your family feel warm and comfortable in your house, the Rojo Congo and Philodendron Imperial may not feel the same way. There should be no drafts in the area around tropical plants.

A grow tent is far better because it will completely enclose the plants, eliminating any chance of chilly drafts.

8. Sunlight requirements

Philodendron imperial red requires significantly more sunlight than Rojo Congo does.

Rojo congo grows well in indirect light or light shade, but imperial red needs full sun exposure.

Imperial Red is better suited for indoor plants where bright colors are sought since its leaves are thicker and more vividly colored than those of Rojo Congo.

Philodendron imperial red requires less water and fertilizer to maintain than Rojo congo, so you can easily keep them both indoors or outdoors all year long.

Additionally, Philodendron Imperial Red is not frost resistant, so care should be taken while cultivating them outdoors in areas where it is cold enough to freeze.

Similarities

There are some resemblances between the two plants despite all of these variances.

They both have great air filtration capabilities and require little maintenance.

Similar conditions are needed for each of these plants to flourish.

Both of them favor warm weather and high humidity levels. Additionally, they also require bright, indirect light and soil that drains well.

Both the Rojo Congo and the Imperial Red philodendron gain from light pruning.

With pristine tools, dead or damaged leaves can be removed. By using cuttings and new pots, it is simple to multiply both of these plants.

The majority of philodendron species are generally pest-resistant, and the Imperial Red and Rojo Congo philodendrons are no exception.

Mealybugs and spider mites, two insects that consume plant sap can sometimes result in harm

Summary

Due to their small size, the Rojo Congo and Philodendron Imperial are ideal indoor plants for flats, apartments, and condominiums. The plants will grow all year long in the ideal conditions.

The similarities and distinctions between these two species must be understood. To ensure their survival, the right atmosphere must be created. Your new houseplants will survive more frequently if you are more prepared.