Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’ and Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ are popular choices among houseplant enthusiasts. Their vibrant, changing foliage adds dynamic visual appeal to indoor spaces. This article compares their distinct features to help you choose the ideal plant.
Understanding Philodendron McColley’s Finale
Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’ is recognized for its unique foliage color progression and compact growth. New leaves emerge with a copper-red or bright orange-red hue, transitioning to a rusty bronze before maturing into a deep, glossy green. This continuous color shift provides a dynamic display.
Its leaves are typically oval-shaped and can reach around 15 inches. ‘McColley’s Finale’ exhibits a mounding or upright, clumping growth habit, with stems emerging from the center. It generally maintains a compact size, usually reaching about 2 to 3 feet in height and width, making it suitable for smaller indoor gardens.
Understanding Philodendron Prince of Orange
Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is distinguished by its dramatic leaf color transformation. New growth initially appears as a bright orange or starburst yellow. These vibrant leaves gradually fade through shades of copper and bronze before settling into a deep green as they mature. Multiple color stages are often visible simultaneously.
The leaves are broad and elongated, typically growing up to 6-8 inches. This philodendron is a self-heading hybrid, growing its leaves from a central point, resulting in a bushy, rosette growth pattern. It can grow quite bushy and may reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide, requiring adequate space.
Shared Philodendron Care
Both Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’ and ‘Prince of Orange’ share general care requirements, making them relatively manageable houseplants. They thrive in bright, indirect light, which promotes vibrant foliage and healthy growth. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch their leaves, while insufficient light may lead to slower growth and less pronounced color changes.
Watering should occur when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the pot, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot. A well-draining, aerated potting mix is beneficial for both plants to prevent water retention issues.
These philodendrons prefer higher humidity levels. Misting, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby can help increase ambient humidity. An ideal temperature range for both is 60°F to 85°F (15-29°C), and they should be protected from cold drafts.
During the spring and summer growing seasons, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied monthly at half strength. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped in fall and winter when growth slows.
Key Distinctions and Similarities
The primary distinction between Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’ and ‘Prince of Orange’ lies in their new leaf coloration. ‘McColley’s Finale’ typically unfurls new leaves in shades of copper-red, which deepen before maturing to a dark green. In contrast, ‘Prince of Orange’ exhibits brighter orange or yellowish new growth that transitions through copper and then to green.
Leaf shape also offers a subtle difference; ‘McColley’s Finale’ often has broader, more oval or spade-shaped leaves, while ‘Prince of Orange’ leaves tend to be more elongated and narrower. Regarding growth habit, ‘McColley’s Finale’ is known for its compact, upright, and mounding form. ‘Prince of Orange’, while also self-heading, can develop a more sprawling or bushy appearance, requiring more space as it matures.
Despite these differences, both are non-vining, self-heading philodendrons that grow from a central point. They share fundamental philodendron characteristics and similar care requirements.
Making Your Choice
When selecting between Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’ and ‘Prince of Orange’, consider your aesthetic preferences and available space. If you prefer new foliage that leans towards reddish or coppery tones and a more compact, upright growth, ‘McColley’s Finale’ may be a suitable choice for smaller areas. Alternatively, if you are drawn to brighter, more vivid orange new growth and have room for a plant that can spread out a bit more, ‘Prince of Orange’ could be a better fit. Both plants offer rewarding experiences with their dynamic foliage, and their shared care needs mean either can thrive in a well-maintained indoor environment.