The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is a captivating hybrid known for its dynamic foliage, which cycles through a spectrum of colors. New leaves emerge bright orange, gradually transitioning to copper, yellow, and bronze before maturing into deep green. Its compact, bushy form and relatively simple care make it a popular houseplant.
Prince Orange Plant Care
Light Needs
The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near an east or west-facing window, or a south-facing window with a sheer curtain. Insufficient light causes loss of vibrant orange coloration and leggy growth. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves and fade its unique hues.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is crucial; it prefers consistently moist soil without becoming waterlogged. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot, leading to yellowing leaves and mushy stems. Underwatering causes wilting, drooping, and crispy brown edges. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is essential. This prevents water accumulation around the roots, avoiding root rot. A suitable mix includes peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark, promoting drainage and moisture retention. Ensure the pot has drainage holes for excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity
The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ prefers warm, humid conditions. Ideal temperatures are 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 55°F (13°C), as it is not cold-hardy. It thrives in moderate to high humidity (50-70%), though it adapts to average household levels. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, group plants, or employ a room humidifier.
Fertilizing Your Plant
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 N-P-K) is suitable. Dilute fertilizer to half strength to prevent harm. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during this period for healthy growth. During fall and winter, reduce or discontinue fertilization.
Repotting Your Prince Orange
Repotting is typically needed every one to two years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes, water quickly draining, or stunted growth. Repot in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter to avoid overwatering issues.
Gently remove the plant from its container, avoiding root damage. Loosen circling roots before placing in the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Ensure the plant is at the same soil level as it was previously. After repotting, water thoroughly to help the soil settle.
Propagating Prince Orange
Propagating through stem cuttings is a straightforward way to create new plants. Select a healthy stem with at least one or two nodes (where leaves and roots emerge). Using clean, sharp scissors or a knife, cut 4-6 inches below a node. Remove any leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water to prevent rot.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist, well-draining soil mix. For water rooting, submerge the node in water and change it every few days. Roots typically form within 2-4 weeks. If rooting in soil, bury at least one node and maintain consistent moisture. Warmth, high humidity, and indirect light encourage rooting, with new roots developing within 3-4 weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Common issues often signal underlying care adjustments. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, poor drainage, insufficient light, or nutrient deficiencies. Adjusting watering to allow topsoil to dry and ensuring proper drainage can resolve this. Brown leaf tips or crispy edges usually indicate low humidity or underwatering. Increasing ambient humidity can help alleviate this problem.
Leggy growth (stretched, sparse leaves) points to inadequate light. Move to a brighter location with indirect light for compact growth and vibrant color. While resilient, the plant can attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Regularly wiping leaves with a damp cloth and treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage these issues.
Is Prince Orange Toxic?
Like other philodendrons, ‘Prince of Orange’ is toxic if ingested. Toxicity is due to calcium oxalate crystals throughout the plant. For humans, ingestion causes immediate irritation and pain in the mouth, throat, and lips, along with swelling. In rare cases, ingestion can lead to more severe symptoms or even kidney stones.
For pets, ingestion can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Contact with the plant’s sap may also cause skin irritation in some individuals.