Philodendron Choco Empress

🔥🍫 Philodendron ‘Choco Empress’ (cho-CO em-PRESS) 🍫🔥

Also known as: Choco Empress, sometimes linked/compared with Philodendron “Pluto” due to similarities.

A stunning hybrid philodendron prized for its dramatic foliage. New leaves often emerge with a rich chocolate-bronzy or burgundy tone with a velvety texture, gradually maturing to deep green with pronounced veining. It has large, deeply lobed or somewhat scalloped leaves, and a semi-scandent habit (meaning it can climb or trail a bit, often with support). It forms an upright/vase-shaped clump if left alone, but performs beautifully when given a moss pole or pedestal.

💡 Care Tips:

☀️ Light – Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight (especially harsh midday sun) as that can scorch the leaves and damage their velvety finish. 
💧 Water – Water when the top portion of soil (about ¼-to-½ the pot’s top) begins to dry. It’s average to let soil mostly dry slightly between waterings; don’t leave soils soggy. Typically ~1-2 weeks between waterings depending on conditions. 
🌡️ Humidity – Prefers higher humidity (60%+) for optimal growth, though it tolerates average household humidity somewhat. Higher humidity helps maintain rich coloration and velvety texture. 
🌱 Growth – Large leaves, semi-scandent habit. Can climb or be trained. Climbing / support tends to encourage larger, more dramatic foliage. Needs rich, fertile, organic, well-draining soil. Avoid letting it sit in water. 

📊 Difficulty: Intermediate (not the easiest, but very rewarding with the right balance of light, moisture, and humidity).

🐾 Pet Safety: Toxic if ingested. Like other philodendrons, contains calcium oxalate crystals which may irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach. All pets are unique and reactions may vary in symptoms and severity.

🌟 Collector’s Tip:
To show off the “chocolate-bronze → green” transition, rotate the plant so light hits all sides. Use a support like a moss pole to encourage climbing; this helps leaves deepen and enlarge. Also, choose a rich soil mix with good drainage and feed monthly during active growth. Wipe leaves gently to preserve velvety texture.

Photos do not depict the exact plant you will receive; colors and size will vary. You will receive the healthiest and best-looking plant from your size selection.