The Prince of Orange Philodendron is a popular houseplant, known for its striking, color-changing foliage. Its leaves emerge in vibrant orange hues, gradually transitioning through shades of salmon and copper before maturing into a deep green. This makes it a captivating addition to indoor plant collections.
Understanding “Coming Back Every Year”
The Prince of Orange Philodendron, formally known as Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’, is a tropical plant. Unlike temperate perennials that die back in winter and re-emerge from their roots in spring, this plant is an evergreen native to warm, humid environments in Central and South America. It thrives outdoors year-round only in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
Outside of these zones, the Prince of Orange Philodendron cannot survive outdoors during winter without protection; exposure to cold or frost will prevent it from “coming back” in the spring. Most cultivate it as an indoor houseplant, where its continued presence depends on consistent care within a controlled environment. For indoor growers, “coming back every year” means the plant’s continuous growth and vibrancy under suitable indoor conditions.
Prince of Orange Philodendron Care
Maintaining a Prince of Orange Philodendron indoors requires consistent care tailored to its tropical origins. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sun exposure can scorch its leaves, while insufficient light may diminish the intensity of its vibrant orange coloration. Rotating the plant periodically promotes even growth and leaf development.
Watering requires a balanced approach; the soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged to prevent root rot. Allowing the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings is a good practice. A well-draining, airy potting mix, often composed of ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark, provides the necessary aeration and moisture retention. These plants also appreciate high humidity, ideally between 50% and 70%. Methods to increase humidity include misting, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or using a humidifier.
The ideal temperature range for the Prince of Orange Philodendron is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Protect it from cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C), as it is not cold-hardy. During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks to support its growth.
Winter Care and Overwintering Strategies
Ensuring the Prince of Orange Philodendron returns annually depends on effective winter care. If the plant has been grown outdoors in a container in zones below 10, bring it indoors before temperatures drop. This tropical plant is sensitive to cold and frost, which can cause damage or death.
During the colder months, the plant’s growth naturally slows, entering a period of semi-dormancy. Consequently, its water requirements decrease, so reduce the frequency of watering to prevent overwatering and root issues. Indoor lighting changes in winter due to shorter, darker days. Providing adequate light, perhaps by moving the plant closer to a window or supplementing with a grow light, helps maintain its health.
Maintaining indoor humidity during winter is important, as heated indoor air tends to be much drier. Using humidifiers or pebble trays helps prevent brown leaf tips and maintain foliage health. While growth may slow down, consistent attention to these adjusted care practices ensures the plant remains healthy and ready to resume more vigorous growth in the spring.