The Philodendron ‘Burgundy Princess’ is a sought-after houseplant, known for its dark, luxurious foliage. Its leaves unfurl with deep burgundy, sometimes almost black, contrasting with common green philodendrons. Its distinctive coloration provides a dramatic visual impact, adding depth and sophistication to living spaces. Admired for its aesthetic appeal and manageable care, the ‘Burgundy Princess’ is a popular choice.
Philodendron Burgundy Princess Care
Philodendron ‘Burgundy Princess’ thrives in bright, indirect light. This light encourages deep burgundy coloration in its leaves. Ideal placement is a few feet from a south or west-facing window, or in an east-facing window. Direct sunlight, especially intense midday sun, can scorch leaves. Insufficient light causes greener, less distinctive foliage and leggy growth.
Proper watering is crucial, as both overwatering and underwatering cause issues. Allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Check soil moisture with a finger or moisture meter before watering to prevent root rot from soggy conditions. Ensure excess water drains freely from the pot’s drainage holes.
An ideal growing medium promotes aeration, moisture retention, and excellent drainage. A well-draining, chunky soil mix is preferable, often including peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. This mix prevents compaction and ensures roots receive adequate oxygen, vital for nutrient uptake and overall plant vigor. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is also beneficial.
Appropriate temperature and humidity are important. They flourish in warm conditions, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, which stress the plant. High humidity, ideally above 50%, benefits foliage and growth, mirroring their native tropical environments. To boost humidity, use a pebble tray (ensuring the pot doesn’t sit in water), a room humidifier, or group plants together.
Fertilize during the active growing season (spring and summer) to support vigorous growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, every two to four weeks, to provide necessary nutrients without overwhelming the plant. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter dormancy to prevent nutrient burn and salt buildup.
Propagating Philodendron Burgundy Princess
Propagating ‘Burgundy Princess’ through stem cuttings is a straightforward and effective method. Select a healthy stem with at least two to three leaves and one or more nodes (where roots and new leaves emerge). Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp, sterilized shears to minimize damage and prevent disease. Remove the bottom leaf or two to expose the node for rooting.
Root cuttings in water or a moist, well-draining soil mix. For water, submerge at least one node in a clear glass, changing water every few days. Roots typically form within a few weeks, and once they are several inches long, the cutting can be transplanted into soil. Alternatively, plant directly into a small pot with moist perlite or propagation mix, ensuring the node is covered.
When rooting in soil, maintain consistent moisture. Create a humid environment, such as by covering the pot, to enhance rooting. Warmth (70-75°F / 21-24°C) also accelerates root development. Once new growth appears, it indicates that the cutting has successfully rooted and is ready for more typical plant care.
Repotting Philodendron Burgundy Princess
Repot ‘Burgundy Princess’ when it outgrows its container. Signs of being root-bound include roots from drainage holes, stunted growth, or instability. Repot every one to two years, or when these signs appear, to ensure continued healthy development.
Choose a new pot only one to two inches larger in diameter; overly large pots retain too much moisture and can lead to root rot. Terracotta pots or those with ample drainage holes are beneficial. Prepare the new pot with a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix.
To repot, gently remove the plant from its old container, taking care not to damage the root ball. Inspect roots for rot or damage, and gently loosen any circling roots. Place the plant in the new pot, centering it, and backfill with fresh potting mix, ensuring the same depth as before. Lightly tap the pot to settle the soil, then water thoroughly to help the soil settle further and remove any air pockets.
Common Philodendron Burgundy Princess Issues
Loss of burgundy coloration and leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched stems with sparse leaves, both indicate insufficient light. In an attempt to find more light, the plant’s internodes (the spaces between leaf nodes) elongate. Move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location to encourage vibrant color and compact growth. Pruning leggy stems can also promote bushiness.
Yellowing leaves signal overwatering or underwatering, though overwatering is a more frequent culprit. Overwatering, especially with consistently soggy soil, leads to root rot and yellowing. Ensure the top few inches of soil dry between waterings and the pot has adequate drainage. Severe underwatering can also cause older leaves to yellow and drop as the plant conserves moisture.
Brown, crispy leaf edges indicate low humidity or underwatering, causing leaf margins to dry out and become brittle. Increase humidity using pebble trays, humidifiers, or by grouping plants. Ensure consistent watering to prevent the soil from becoming too dry.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips can affect ‘Burgundy Princess’. These tiny pests feed on plant sap, leading to distorted growth, sticky residue, or visible webbing. Regularly inspect leaves, especially undersides, to catch infestations early. Treat with organic solutions like neem oil spray or insecticidal soap.