The Philodendron ‘Green Princess’ is a popular houseplant, known for its deep-green, glossy foliage and compact, bushy growth habit. Its low-maintenance nature makes it appealing to both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. Unlike some philodendron varieties that vine or climb, the ‘Green Princess’ maintains an upright form, suitable for tabletops and shelves.
Philodendron Green Princess Care
Light
The ‘Green Princess’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near a north or east-facing window provides gentle morning sunlight without harsh direct exposure. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while insufficient light may cause the plant to become leggy with smaller leaves. If natural light is limited, a grow light can supplement its needs for 10-12 hours daily.
Water
Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. This plant prefers consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Conversely, underwatering can cause wilting and crispy leaves. Always check soil moisture before watering.
Soil
An ideal soil mix is well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. Components like potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark are suitable. A mix of about 3/4 potting mix and 1/4 perlite is often recommended. Good drainage prevents soggy conditions and root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
This philodendron prefers average room temperatures, ideally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It benefits from moderate to high humidity. To increase humidity, mist the plant regularly, place it on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier. Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season in spring and summer, fertilize your ‘Green Princess’ about once a month. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, is recommended. An NPK ratio of 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 is often suggested. Reduce or cease fertilization in the fall and winter.
Propagating Green Princess Philodendron
Propagating the ‘Green Princess’ is straightforward, typically done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes, which are the points where leaves and roots emerge. Using sterile pruning shears, make a clean cut below a node. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water, as this prevents rot.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in moist soil. If using water, change it every 3-5 days. Roots usually begin to develop within 2-4 weeks. Once roots are several inches long, transplant the cutting into a potting mix. High humidity can also encourage faster root development.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate improper watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes dehydration. Adjusting your watering schedule and ensuring the topsoil dries out between waterings can help. Nutrient deficiencies or too much direct sunlight can also contribute to yellowing foliage.
Browning leaf tips or edges are a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier can help. Stunted growth may result from insufficient light, nutrient deficiencies, or the plant becoming root-bound. Repotting into a slightly larger container with fresh soil can alleviate this.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids may affect ‘Green Princess’ philodendrons. Spider mites often create fine webbing and thrive in dry air, while mealybugs appear as white, cotton-like masses. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth or applying neem oil manages these pests. Good airflow around the plant also helps deter fungal infections.
Green Princess vs. Other Philodendrons
The Philodendron ‘Green Princess’ distinguishes itself by its compact, bushy, and upright growth habit, rather than vining or trailing. Its leaves are a consistent, deep, glossy emerald green. This sets it apart from variegated varieties like the ‘Pink Princess’ Philodendron, known for its striking pink and green foliage.
Compared to other solid green philodendrons, the ‘Green Princess’ features slightly smaller, oval-shaped leaves. While some philodendrons develop very large, deeply lobed leaves, the ‘Green Princess’ maintains a more modest size, generally growing up to about 10-12 inches tall and wide indoors. This makes it a popular choice for smaller spaces.