The Philodendron Royal Queen is a striking indoor plant known for its unique foliage. New leaves emerge with a deep, almost black burgundy hue, gradually transforming into a rich, dark green as they mature. This color transition and its upright, bushy growth make it a popular, easy-care houseplant.
Philodendron Royal Queen Care
Light Needs
The Philodendron Royal Queen thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant leaf coloration. Place the plant near an east or north-facing window, or several feet away from a south or west-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight can lead to leaf scorch or cause burgundy hues to fade. Insufficient light may result in leggy growth and less pronounced leaf colors.
Watering
Water consistently, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which leads to root rot, and prolonged underwatering, which causes leaves to droop. Check soil moisture by hand before watering. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent water accumulation around the roots.
Soil Requirements
An ideal soil mix for the Philodendron Royal Queen is well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. A suitable blend includes potting soil combined with amendments like perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir. This combination ensures proper aeration for the roots while retaining adequate moisture. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.0 and 7.5.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain temperatures between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C) for optimal growth. This plant appreciates high humidity levels, around 60-80%. To increase humidity, use a room humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray, or group it with other plants. Protect the plant from cold drafts, especially temperatures below 60°F (15°C).
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization. As growth slows in fall and winter, reduce or cease fertilizing until the next growing season. Excessive fertilization can harm the plant’s root system.
Repotting Your Royal Queen
Repotting the Philodendron Royal Queen is necessary every two to three years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. Indicators like roots emerging from drainage holes or a decline in growth rate signal repotting is needed. Select a container only slightly larger than the current one, one to two inches wider in diameter. This provides space for new root development without overwhelming the plant.
Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen any circling roots, and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Position the plant at the same depth as it was previously. After repotting, water thoroughly to settle the new soil around the roots. This supports healthy growth and provides renewed access to nutrients.
Propagating Royal Queen
Propagating the Philodendron Royal Queen is achieved through stem cuttings. During the active growing season, select a healthy stem with at least two or three leaves and a node. Make a clean cut just below a node, as this is where new roots will emerge. Removing the lowest leaf or two can prevent rot when submerged.
The cutting can be rooted in water or directly in a moist, well-draining soil mix. If rooting in water, place the cutting in a clear container, ensuring the node is submerged, and change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. Once roots are approximately one inch long, the cutting can be transferred to a small pot filled with suitable potting mix.
Common Problems and Solutions
Philodendron Royal Queen plants can exhibit issues related to environmental conditions. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering or inadequate soil drainage, requiring adjustment of watering and drainage. Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity; increasing moisture in the air helps.
Drooping leaves signal either too much or too little water, requiring a soil moisture check. Stunted growth or less vibrant leaf colors indicate insufficient light exposure. Conversely, direct sunlight can cause scorched patches or faded leaf color. Addressing these environmental factors resolves most issues, promoting a healthier plant.