The Philodendron Prince of Orange is one of my favorite Philodendrons. It’s gorgeous, easy to care for, and tolerant of a little neglect which makes the prince of orange plant care pretty easy.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.
Prince of Orange Plant Care
Plant History
The Philodendron Prince of Orange, also known as Philodendron Orange Prince is an ornamental hybrid plant that has gained popularity for its vibrant foliage and ease of care. Its exact origins remain unclear, but it is believed to have emerged from the diverse philodendron genus, native to the tropical rainforests of South America.
The Philodendron Prince of Orange is a hybrid cultivar, resulting from the cross-pollination of two different Philodendron species. While its exact parentage is unknown, it is thought to involve Philodendron Erubescens, known for its velvety red leaves, and Philodendron scandens, a vining philodendron with heart-shaped leaves.
The Philodendron Prince of Orange stands out for its captivating foliage, which transitions through a spectrum of colors as the leaves mature. New leaves emerge with a vibrant orange hue, gradually transforming into a coppery red before maturing into a rich, deep green. This unique color transformation adds a touch of dynamism and visual interest to any indoor space.
The plant’s popularity has grown in recent years due to its adaptability and ease of care. It thrives in well-draining soil, indirect light, and moderate humidity, making it a suitable choice for homes and offices. Its compact growth habit and non-climbing nature make it easy to maintain, even for those with limited gardening experience.
The Philodendron Prince of Orange has become a beloved addition to homes and gardens worldwide, captivating hearts with its vibrant foliage and ease of care. Its unique color transformation and adaptability have cemented its place as a popular choice for indoor enthusiasts and casual plant lovers alike.
More Posts you may be interested in!
- What’s the best pot size for a Fiddle Leaf Fig
- How to make the best ZZ Plant Soil Mix
- 33 Insanely Easy ways to be more Sustainable
Philodendron Prince of Orange Characteristics:
1. Foliage: The Philodendron Prince of Orange is renowned for its captivating foliage, which undergoes a unique color transformation as the leaves mature. New leaves emerge with a vibrant orange hue, gradually transitioning into a coppery red before maturing into a deep, rich green. This dynamic color change adds a touch of visual interest and beauty to any indoor space.
2. Growth Habit: The Philodendron Prince of Orange is a self-heading philodendron, meaning it grows in a compact, bushy form rather than vining like some Philodendron species. This makes it a suitable choice for smaller spaces or for those who prefer a more controlled growth habit.
3. Size: The Philodendron Prince of Orange typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet and a width of 2-4 feet. This moderate size makes it a versatile plant that can be accommodated in various settings, from windowsills to tabletops.
5. Adaptability: The Philodendron Prince of Orange is an adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of conditions, making it a good choice for both experienced plant enthusiasts and beginners. It is also relatively tolerant of occasional neglect or suboptimal conditions.
7. Aesthetics: The Philodendron Prince of Orange adds a touch of tropical elegance and vibrancy to any space. Its eye-catching foliage and compact growth habit make it a popular choice for home décor and interior design. They also produce aerial roots as they age which means they can climb if you want them to.
How to grow a Philodendron Prince of Orange plant:
Light:
Philodendron Prince of Orange likes bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves while too little light can hinder growth and dull the vibrant colors. If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, you can supplement it with grow lights. Mimicking dappled sunlight they would receive in their native rainforest habitat.
Here’s how to provide the ideal light conditions
1. Choose a location near a window: East or west-facing windows are ideal, as they provide ample indirect light throughout the day. North-facing windows may not provide enough light, while south-facing windows may require filtering with sheer curtains or blinds to prevent direct sunlight.
2. Rotate the plant regularly: To ensure even growth on all sides, rotate your Philodendron Prince of Orange every few weeks. This will help prevent it from leaning towards the light source.
3. Supplement with artificial light if needed: If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, consider using a grow light to supplement. Hang the grow light a few inches above the plant and keep it on for 8-10 hours per day.
4. Observe the plant’s response: If the leaves begin to turn yellow or brown, it may be getting too much direct sunlight. If the leaves are small and pale, it may not be getting enough light. Adjust the plant’s position or the grow light accordingly.
Watering:
Philodendron Prince of Orange likes to be watered regularly, but not too much. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering’s. If you overwater your plant, its leaves may turn yellow or brown.
How to water your Philodendron Prince of Orange:
- Check the soil: Before watering, stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water. If the soil is still moist, you don’t need to water yet.
- Water thoroughly: When you do water, water the plant until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This will ensure that the soil is completely saturated and that the roots are getting the water they need.
- Drain excess water: After watering, allow the pot to drain completely. If you leave water sitting in the pot, the roots can rot.
- Water regularly: The Philodendron prince of orange needs to be watered regularly, but not too much. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. In general, you will need to water the plant more often in warmer weather and less often in cooler weather.
- Use room temperature water: Never use cold water to water your Philodendron Prince of Orange. This can shock the plant and damage its roots. This is a tropical plant and rain in tropical areas tends to be warm.
- Avoid using tap water: Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals that can harm your philodendron prince of orange. If you must use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours before using it to water your plant if you can.
Humidity:
All Philodendrons love a little extra humidity, but I’ve noticed that the Prince of Orange is not very fussy when it comes to lower humidity. However, the plant will grow much better with a little added moisture in the air.
Philodendron Prince of Orange is a tropical plant, so it thrives in higher humidity. If your home is dry, you can increase the humidity by grouping your plants together, placing a humidifier near them, or misting them regularly.
Strive for humidity levels between 50% and 70%. This is because it’s a tropical plant that is native to rainforests, where the humidity is typically very high. If the humidity falls below 50%, the plant’s leaves may start to curl or turn brown.
Here are some signs that your Philodendron Prince of Orange may not be getting enough humidity:
- Curling or browning leaves
- Yellowing leaves
- Slow growth
- Loss of new leaves
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take steps to increase the humidity around the plant.
Soil:
The Philodendron Prince of Orange prefers rich, well-draining soil. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
The best soil for Philodendrons is a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
Here are some of the best options for potting soil:
- Commercial aroid potting mix: This is a good all-around option that is specifically formulated for aroids, which includes philodendrons.
- Equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark: This is a good option if you want to make your own potting mix. The perlite and orchid bark will help to aerate the soil and prevent it from becoming compacted.
- Coco coir: This is a sustainable and organic option that is made from coconut husks. It is very well-draining and aerated, and it is also a good source of organic matter.
- Peat moss: This is a good option if you want to create a very acidic potting mix. However, peat moss can be difficult to wet evenly, so it is best to mix it with other materials, such as perlite or orchid bark.
No matter which potting mix you choose, make sure that it is well-draining and aerated. You can also add a handful of compost or worm castings to the potting mix to increase its organic matter content.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the best soil for the Philodendron Prince of Orange:
- Consider the drainage of the soil: Philodendrons do not like to sit in water, so it is important to choose a potting mix that drains well. If your soil is not well-draining, you can add perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.
- Consider the aeration of the soil: Aeration is important for root health, so it’s important to choose a potting mix that is aerated. If your soil is not aerated, you can add perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration.
Fertilizer:
Feed your Philodendron Prince of Orange with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Fertilize less often during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
Philodendrons are moderate feeders, so they don’t need a lot of fertilizer. In fact, overfertilizing can damage the roots and burn the leaves.
Here are some tips on how to fertilize your Philodendron Prince of Orange:
- Choose a balanced liquid fertilizer. A fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 is a good option.
- Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength. This will help to prevent root burn.
- Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer). Apply fertilizer every two weeks.
- Fertilize less during the winter months. The plant is dormant and does not need a heavy dose of fertilizer.
- Water the plant thoroughly before and after fertilizing. This will help to distribute the fertilizer evenly and prevent root burn.
- Watch for signs of fertilizer burn. If the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, you are probably overfertilizing. Reduce the amount of fertilizer or switch to a weaker formula.
Here are some signs that your Philodendron Prince of Orange may need fertilizer:
- Slow growth: If your plant is not growing as quickly as it used to, it may need more fertilizer.
- Pale leaves: If the leaves of your plant are pale or yellow, it may need more fertilizer.
- Stunted growth: If your plant is stunted or has small leaves, it may need more fertilizer.
If you are unsure whether or not your Philodendron Prince of Orange needs fertilizer, it is always best to err on the side of caution and fertilize less often. Too much fertilizer can damage the plant, while too little fertilizer will not harm it.
Pruning:
Philodendron Prince of Orange can be pruned to shape it or to remove any dead or damaged leaves. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make cuts just above a node.
Repotting:
Philodendron Prince of Orange will need to be repotted every year or two as it grows larger. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current pot.
Propagation:
Philodendron Prince of Orange can be propagated by stem cuttings. Simply cut a 4-6 inch section of stem from the plant and remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the stem.
Dip the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot of well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and the pot in a warm place, and new roots should start to form within a few weeks.
Another propagation option is taking a cutting and sticking it into a vase. Change the water regularly and once your roots are 1-2 inches you can pot into soil.
Despite its reputation for being easy to care for, the Philodendron Prince of Orange is not without its challenges.
Common Prince of Orange Problems
1. Overwatering: Philodendrons are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The roots will turn brown and mushy, with yellow leaves and droop. If you suspect overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Consistently moist soil can also draw in fungus gnats which can be difficult to get rid of.
2. Underwatering: Underwatering can also cause problems for philodendrons. The leaves will start to turn brown and crispy at the edges, and they may eventually drop off. If you underwater your plant, give it a thorough soaking until water runs out of the drainage holes.
3. Low humidity: Philodendrons are tropical plants and prefer humid conditions. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and brown at the edges. You can increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly, placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping it with other plants.
4. Pests: Philodendrons are susceptible to a few common pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests can cause a variety of problems, including stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and sticky honeydew secretions. If you see any pests on your plant, you can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
5. Fungal diseases: Philodendrons can also be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause a variety of problems, including brown spots on the leaves, white powdery mildew on the leaves, and premature leaf drop. If you see any signs of fungal disease on your plant, you can treat it with a fungicide.
Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored flies that are commonly found around houseplants. They are attracted to the moist soil and decaying organic matter that is often found in potted plants. While fungus gnats are not harmful to plants themselves, they can be a nuisance and can damage delicate roots.
Here are some tips on how to treat fungus gnats in plants:
Reduce watering: Fungus gnats thrive in moist environments. By reducing the amount of water you give your plants, you can make them less hospitable to fungus gnats. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between watering’s.
Improve drainage: If the soil in your pots is not draining well, it can create a breeding ground for fungus gnats. Make sure that your pots have drainage holes and that you are using a well-draining potting mix. You can also add a layer of gravel to the bottom of your pots to help with drainage.
Use sticky traps: Sticky traps are a great way to catch adult fungus gnats. You can place them near the base of your plants or hang them from the ceiling.
Introduce beneficial nematodes: Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that prey on fungus gnats. You can purchase them online or at your local garden center. Simply mix the nematodes with water and apply them to the soil around your plants.
Use insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to kill fungus gnats. Simply mix the soap with water and spray it on the plants, making sure to get the underside of the leaves.
Remove dead leaves and debris: Dead leaves and debris can provide a breeding ground for fungus gnats. Make sure to remove any dead leaves or debris from your plants regularly.
Quarantine new plants: When you bring new plants home, it is a good idea to quarantine them for a few weeks to make sure they are not infested with fungus gnats.
Here are some additional tips to prevent fungus gnats from returning:
- Use a fan to circulate air around your plants. This will help to dry out the soil and make it less hospitable to fungus gnats.
- Avoid using water that has been sitting in saucers under your plants.
- Repot your plants every year or two in a fresh potting mix.
If you have a severe fungus gnat infestation, you may need to repot your plants and discard the old potting mix. You can also use a commercial insecticide to kill the fungus gnats. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the label carefully, as some insecticides can be harmful to plants.
When you learn how to properly care for your Prince of Orange Philodendron it will reward you with new growth and large leaves.
Happy Gardening!
Leave a ReplyCancel reply