The Philodendron erubescens ‘Green Princess’ is a charming and compact houseplant, celebrated for its vibrant foliage and manageable size. This cultivar is a self-heading variety, meaning it exhibits an upright, bushy growth habit rather than vining. Its glossy, deep emerald green, heart-shaped leaves offer a lush aesthetic. The ‘Green Princess’ is an easy-care plant, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Green Princess Philodendron Care Guide
The ‘Green Princess’ thrives with bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or north-facing window provides ideal illumination. Direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon rays, can scorch the plant’s leaves, leading to brown marks or a pale, washed-out appearance. Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy, with elongated stems and smaller, less vibrant leaves, or yellowing foliage. While it tolerates medium light, growth may slow considerably.
Water the plant when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. This philodendron appreciates consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Its roots do not tolerate soggy conditions. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water pooling. When in doubt, allow the plant to dry out slightly between waterings rather than risk overwatering.
The ‘Green Princess’ needs a well-draining, airy, and nutrient-rich soil mixture. An ideal blend includes components like peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite or orchid bark for aeration and drainage. This substrate allows for moisture retention while preventing waterlogging. Standard heavy potting soil is not recommended, as it retains too much moisture and can compress, increasing the risk of root rot.
This tropical plant prefers warm environments, ideally 65°F (18°C) to 85°F (29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, so protect it from temperatures below 60°F (15°C). The ‘Green Princess’ thrives in moderate to high humidity, ideally above 50-60%. To increase humidity, use a room humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray, or mist the leaves.
During spring and summer, feed your ‘Green Princess’ monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent nutrient burn. An NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or one with higher nitrogen is suitable for promoting lush foliage. During fall and winter, reduce or cease fertilization. Over-fertilization can cause burnt or dry leaf tips.
Propagating Green Princess Philodendron
Propagating the ‘Green Princess’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes, which are small bumps where leaves and roots emerge. Using sterile pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged to prevent rotting.
Root the cutting in water or a moist substrate like sphagnum moss or a well-draining potting mix. If rooting in water, place the cutting in a glass, ensuring at least one node is submerged while keeping leaves above the waterline. Change the water every few days to maintain cleanliness. Roots typically emerge within two to four weeks.
For rooting in soil, plant the cutting in a small pot with a suitable mix, burying at least one node, and keep the soil consistently moist. High humidity can accelerate rooting.
Repotting Green Princess Philodendron
Repotting your ‘Green Princess’ is necessary every one to two years, or when it shows signs of being root-bound. Indications include roots emerging from drainage holes, a slowdown in growth, or the plant appearing overly dense. The optimal time for repotting is during the active growing season, typically spring or early summer, allowing the plant to recover quickly.
When selecting a new pot, choose one only slightly larger than the previous, about 20% wider or one to two inches in diameter. This prevents the soil from retaining too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. Carefully remove the plant from its old pot, gently loosening any compacted roots. Place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining soil, ensuring the plant is at the same depth.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often signal an issue with watering, commonly overwatering or inadequate drainage. Insufficient light or a nutrient deficiency can also cause foliage to yellow. If yellowing occurs, assess your watering schedule and ensure the plant receives appropriate indirect light; consider fertilizing if a deficiency is suspected. Oldest leaves may naturally yellow and drop as the plant ages.
Browning leaf tips or edges are a symptom of low humidity. Underwatering or over-fertilization can also contribute. Increasing ambient humidity through misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier helps alleviate this issue. Adjusting watering frequency and flushing the soil if over-fertilization is suspected are also important.
Stunted growth can result from insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or poor soil quality. Pest infestations can also hinder development. Ensuring the plant receives adequate bright, indirect light, fertilizing regularly during the growing season, and using a rich, well-draining soil mix promotes healthier growth. Regularly inspecting for pests and addressing them promptly is beneficial.
Pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. These pests feed on plant sap, causing discolored or damaged foliage. Regular inspection of the leaves, especially the undersides, aids early detection. Treatment involves wiping down leaves with a damp cloth or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot is a common disease caused by overwatering and soggy soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and soft, mushy roots. To address root rot, allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure good drainage. In severe cases, repotting into fresh, well-draining soil after trimming away any affected roots helps the plant recover.