Philodendron Ring of Fire - Multi-Coloured Masterpiece

Introducing the spectacular Philodendron Ring of Fire, one of the most sought-after and visually stunning philodendrons in the plant world! Originally known as 'Henderson's Pride', this captivating hybrid earns its fiery name from the mesmerising blend of colours that dance across each serrated leaf, creating a display reminiscent of flickering flames.

This extraordinary plant is believed to be a hybrid between Philodendron tortum and Philodendron wendlandii. What makes Ring of Fire truly special is its ever-changing variegation, with new leaves emerging in dramatic shades of orange, red and pink before gradually transitioning through cream, yellow and various greens as they mature. The result? A living work of art where no two leaves are ever the same.

Why Choose Philodendron Ring of Fire?

• Multi-Coloured Magic! Stunning variegation in green, cream, yellow, orange, red and sometimes pink.
• Fiery New Growth! New leaves emerge in dramatic orange and red tones.
• Ever-Changing Beauty! Colours evolve as leaves mature, creating dynamic displays.
• Serrated Edges! Distinctive sawtooth leaf margins resemble flames.
• Each Leaf Unique! Unpredictable variegation patterns make every leaf one-of-a-kind.
• Collector Favourite! One of the most highly prized philodendron varieties.
• Adaptable Grower! Starts compact, develops climbing habit with maturity.

The Distinctive Look

Philodendron Ring of Fire truly lives up to its dramatic name. The elongated leaves feature striking serrated edges that give them a flame-like silhouette, while the variegation creates an incredible palette of colours across the foliage. New leaves typically emerge in warm tones of orange, red or pink before transitioning through cream and yellow, eventually settling into various shades of green while often retaining splashes of their original fiery colours.

This unpredictable variegation means every leaf is a unique masterpiece. Some may display bold streaks of colour, while others show subtle marbling or dramatic sectoral patterns. The intensity of colours can vary with the seasons and light conditions, adding an element of surprise and anticipation as each new leaf unfurls.

Young Ring of Fire plants typically grow in a self-heading, upright form. As they mature and develop more stem length, they transition to a climbing or vining habit, making them wonderfully versatile for different display options. When given support to climb, the leaves can become impressively large, reaching up to 60cm in length.

Light Requirements

Bright indirect light is essential for maintaining the vibrant variegation that makes Ring of Fire so spectacular. Position near an east or west-facing window, or a few metres back from a north-facing window where filtered light is abundant. Good light exposure encourages those stunning colours to develop and remain pronounced.

In lower light conditions, the plant will survive but the variegation becomes less vibrant. As a survival mechanism, the plant may produce more green foliage to maximise chlorophyll production for photosynthesis, meaning you'll lose those incredible fiery tones. If natural light is limited, supplementing with grow lights for 8-12 hours daily can help maintain colour intensity.

Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate variegated portions of the leaves, causing brown patches and faded colours.

Watering Your Ring of Fire

Allow the top 5-7cm of soil to dry out between waterings. When you water, do so thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow excess to drain completely. Ring of Fire is susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions, so good drainage and allowing the soil to partially dry is crucial.

It's important to only water when it suits the environment your plant is living in, as everyone's home is different!

During the growing season (spring and summer), you may need to water approximately once a week. In winter, reduce watering frequency to every 10-14 days as growth slows. A moisture meter can be helpful for gauging when it's time to water. When in doubt, it's safer to wait another day or two rather than risk overwatering.

The Perfect Potting Mix

Ring of Fire thrives in a chunky, well-draining aroid mix that provides excellent aeration while retaining some moisture. A blend of orchid bark, perlite, peat moss or coco coir, and some vermiculite or charcoal works beautifully. This creates a mix that allows air to reach the roots and water to drain freely while still providing adequate moisture retention.

Aim for a slightly acidic pH between 5.5-6.5. Avoid dense, water-retentive potting mixes or garden soil, which can suffocate roots and lead to rot. A pot with adequate drainage holes is essential.

Humidity and Temperature

While Ring of Fire appreciates moderate to high humidity levels between 50-70%, it adapts reasonably well to average household conditions. Higher humidity encourages larger, lusher leaves and can help maintain more vibrant colouration. Low humidity may cause brown patches on leaf edges.

Boost humidity by grouping your Ring of Fire with other tropical plants, placing it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen with good light, or using a humidifier nearby.

Maintain temperatures between 18-29°C for optimal growth. Avoid placing near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or draughty windows. Temperatures below 15°C can cause stress and significantly slow growth. This tropical beauty loves consistent warmth year-round.

Feeding for Vibrant Colour

Support your Philodendron Ring of Fire with regular feeding during the growing season. From September through March, feed with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3-5ml per litre of water at every watering for optimum results. Add Growth Technology Rootzone at 1ml per litre every 2-4 weeks in conjunction with your regular feeding to encourage strong root development.

Flush monthly with plain water to remove traces of mineral salts build up. Reduce fertilising in autumn and stop completely during winter when growth naturally slows. Proper nutrition supports vibrant variegation and healthy leaf development.

Climbing Support

As Ring of Fire matures, it develops a climbing or vining habit and will produce larger, more impressive leaves when given something to climb. A moss pole, coco coir pole, or one of our Grow Vertical Propsticks provides the perfect support structure. These Australian-made, completely reusable plant supports work with any media you choose and help your plant reach its full potential.

When grown with climbing support, the aerial roots will attach to the pole just as they would to tree bark in the wild. You'll notice the leaves become progressively larger and often display more pronounced variegation, creating a stunning vertical display that showcases this plant's incredible foliage.

Seasonal Care

During spring and summer, your Ring of Fire will be in active growth mode. This is when you'll see those gorgeous new leaves emerging in their fiery colours. Maintain consistent watering and feeding during this period to support healthy growth and colour development.

In autumn and winter, growth naturally slows as light levels decrease. Reduce watering and stop fertilising. The plant may appear less active, but it's simply conserving energy for the next growing season. Variegation may also appear slightly less intense during lower light months.

Propagation

Ring of Fire can be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node and preferably an aerial root. For best results, use Clonex Purple Rooting Gel on the cut end, then place in water, moist sphagnum moss, or directly into a well-draining propagation mix.

For water propagation, use Clonex Clone Solution at 5ml per litre to encourage strong root development. Keep cuttings in a warm, humid spot with bright indirect light. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks, after which you can pot up into a chunky aroid mix.

Care Tips for Success

• Provide bright indirect light to maintain vibrant variegation.
• Let soil dry partially between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Use a chunky, well-draining mix with plenty of aeration.
• Maintain humidity above 50% for lusher growth.
• Keep warm and away from cold drafts.
• Add a climbing support as the plant matures for larger leaves.
• Feed regularly during the growing season.
• Trim yellow or damaged leaves to direct energy into new growth.

Common Issues and Solutions

Loss of variegation/more green leaves: Usually indicates insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot with indirect light. The plant produces more green to survive in low light.

Yellow leaves (older growth): Often a sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry more between waterings and ensure drainage is adequate.

Brown leaf tips or edges: Typically caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or chemical buildup from tap water. Increase humidity and consider using filtered or rainwater.

Faded colours: Usually insufficient light. Move to a brighter location to encourage more vibrant variegation in new growth.

Leaf scorch (brown patches): Direct sunlight can burn the variegated portions. Move to a spot with bright but indirect light.

Drooping leaves: Check soil moisture. Can indicate either underwatering (if dry) or overwatering (if soggy). Adjust accordingly.

Slow growth: Normal for this variety. Ensure adequate light, warmth, and feeding. Growth accelerates once the plant is established.

Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Increase humidity to deter spider mites and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Toxicity Information

Like all philodendrons, Ring of Fire contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children. If ingested, it can cause mouth and throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, and digestive upset. Contact a medical professional or vet if ingestion occurs.

Perfect For

• Collectors seeking one of the most prized philodendron varieties
• Adding dramatic colour and visual interest to your indoor jungle
• Vertical displays with climbing support as the plant matures
• Bright rooms that need a statement plant
• Plant enthusiasts who appreciate unique, ever-changing foliage
• Anyone wanting a low-maintenance yet spectacular specimen

Please Keep in Mind

Each plant is unique and may vary slightly from the images shown. The photos are representative examples of the quality and characteristics you can expect, but natural variations in variegation patterns, colour intensity and growth habit make every Philodendron Ring of Fire one-of-a-kind. Variegation can vary significantly from leaf to leaf and plant to plant, and colours may shift with light conditions and seasons. This individuality is part of what makes growing plants so special! For information on how your plant will be shipped, please refer to our shipping and delivery section.

If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service, make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au