The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is a captivating houseplant known for its unique foliage, which transitions from vibrant orange new leaves to shades of red, copper, and finally deep green. This dynamic display makes it a visually appealing and continuously interesting addition to any indoor space, further enhanced by its compact size.
Prince of Orange Care Essentials
The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ thrives in bright, indirect light, crucial for maintaining its distinctive coloration. Place the plant a few feet from an east or west-facing window, or use sheer curtains on a south-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves and fade vibrant hues, while insufficient light results in leggy growth and a loss of characteristic orange and red tones.
Consistent watering is important for the ‘Prince of Orange’. The plant prefers its soil to dry out slightly between waterings; water when the top inch or two feels dry. Overwatering leads to root rot, a common issue for philodendrons, as their roots do not tolerate soggy conditions. Conversely, underwatering causes wilting and crispy leaf edges.
A well-draining, aerated potting mix benefits the ‘Prince of Orange’. A peat-based mix amended with perlite, vermiculite, or orchid bark provides necessary drainage and aeration while retaining moisture. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and support healthy root development.
Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity helps this tropical plant flourish. The ‘Prince of Orange’ prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C), aligning with typical indoor environments. While it adapts to average household humidity, it thrives in higher humidity (ideally 50-70%). Increase humidity with a pebble tray, grouping plants, or a cool-mist humidifier.
Fertilizing supports vigorous growth during the active growing season (spring and summer). Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or cease fertilization to prevent nutrient buildup.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning the Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth. Remove yellow, damaged, or dead leaves at their base using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. This directs the plant’s energy towards new, healthy foliage. If leggy due to insufficient light, prune stems back to a node to stimulate new, compact growth. Regularly wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust, allowing for more efficient photosynthesis.
Repotting Your Plant
Repotting is necessary when the ‘Prince of Orange’ outgrows its container, typically every one to two years. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes or significantly slowed growth. Choose a new pot only slightly larger (1-2 inches wider) than the current one. A pot that is too large can lead to excess soil moisture, increasing the risk of root rot.
The best time for repotting is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Gently remove the plant, place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining soil, and backfill carefully.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or insufficient light. If soil is consistently soggy, allow it to dry more between waterings to prevent root rot. Conversely, fully yellow leaves with crispy brown spots may indicate underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule based on soil moisture.
Brown leaf tips or edges typically indicate low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity with pebble trays or humidifiers. Leggy growth (elongated stems with sparse foliage) usually results from inadequate light exposure. Move the plant to a brighter, indirectly lit location to promote more compact and vibrant growth.
Common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs can affect ‘Prince of Orange’ philodendrons. Regularly inspect leaf undersides to detect pests early. If detected, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage infestations.
Propagation
Propagating a Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is commonly done using stem cuttings. To take a cutting, select a healthy stem with at least two to three leaves and a few nodes. Using clean, sharp shears, cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is 4-6 inches long.
Root the cutting in water or a moist, well-draining potting mix. For water rooting, submerge the node, keep leaves above water, and change water every few days. For soil propagation, insert the cut end into the medium, ensuring at least one node is buried. Roots typically form within a few weeks; once several inches long, the new plant can be potted.