Surname: Philodendron erubescens K.Koch & Augustin 1854/55 'Birkin Pink'
Synonyms:
not known
etymology:
erubenscens = blushing, reddish
Reproduction: Division
Origin: Middle and South America
Location:
hemiepiphytic, climbing in dense forests in the tropical humid rainforest on both sides of the Andes and in the Amazon basin in semi-shaded places
Remarks:
Philodendron erubescens is one of the most popular Philodendrons today. The description is based on a cultivated plant that was probably originally found in Colombia. This species is very variable, so there are numerous cultivars on the market today.
Philodendron 'Birkin Pink' is the result of a mutation during cell reproduction of Philodendron Rojo Congo. It is a stable mutation in which the leaf veins are originally white, only later did the mutation with pink veins appear
Philodendron Rojo Congo is a hybrid of Philodendron Tatei and Philodendron Imperial Red, both of which are clones of Philodendron erubescens. So the correct name should be Philodendron erubescens 'Congo Red'. This hybrid was bred in Florida to produce stable and robust Philodendrons for indoor cultivation.
Philodendron 'Birkin Pink' is a stable mutation and was created during cell reproduction of Philodendron erubescens 'Rojo Congo', so the correct name here must be Philodendron erubescens 'Birkin Pink'. Although it is a stable mutation, many of the specimens show other spontaneous mutations: completely white leaves, completely green leaves, leaves with splashes of grain or cream, half-moon leaves and much more.
The pink veins appear with age, but are not visible in young plants.