4" Pot Philodendron Chocolate Empress

Common Name: Philodendron Chocolate Empress, Chocolate Empress Philodendron, Philodendron Choco Empress, Choco Empress Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron 'Choco Empress'

This hybrid philodendron can have foliage that turns from deep burgundy or bronze to a chocolately-brown tone.

-Care Recommendations By The Dude-

Best for These Animals:

• Small and medium sized reptiles and amphibians from tropical and temperate climate zones.

Bio Dude Substrates:

• The Bio Dude's Terra Flora (for tropical or rainforest setups)

• The Bio Dude's Terra Fauna (for slightly drier but still humid forest environments)

• The Bio Dude's Terra Firma (for temperate terrestrial environments with only occasional humidity spikes)
  

• Can also adapt to Terra Aranea if provided with consistent moisture.

Soil Depth:

• Prefers moderate to deep soil.

• Can be placed partially-submerged near water features.

Lighting:

• Low to moderate indirect light (or low-level full-spectrum LED/UVB terrarium lighting) preferred; can tolerate indirect high light.

• Avoid placing directly under intense heat lamps — leaves can scorch easily.

Humidity & Misting:

• Prefers high humidity (40% – 100%).

• Prefers consistently moist soil and can be placed partially-submerged near water features.

• Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.

Temperature Tolerance & Placement in the Terrarium:

• Ideal range: 65–85°F (18.3–29.4°C), but can take as low as 60 degrees.

• Avoid prolonged exposure below 60°F (15°C).

• Can get 2 to 3 feet in height (though it can be trimmed and selectively pruned), and does best as a sprawling/semi-clumping groundcover, a climbing vine, or placed next to a water feature.
  

Edible & Side Effects if Ingested:

• Philodendrons are members of the family Araceae, so they contain low levels of oxalic acid and sharp calcium oxalate crystals known as raphides.

• Ingestion may cause oral irritation, but philodendrons are not commonly consumed by reptiles or amphibians.

• Always monitor new plants for pesticide residues before adding to enclosures (rinse thoroughly or propagate from clean cuttings).

Pot Size & Packaging: A single 4" potted philodendron plant is shipped in the pot, wrapped in paper.