Philodendron ‘Red Sun’ and Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ are popular houseplants known for their vibrant foliage. While both belong to the Philodendron genus and share general care needs, they exhibit distinct characteristics. This article compares these two varieties to highlight their differences, helping enthusiasts choose the ideal plant for their indoor spaces.
Visual Distinctions: Red Sun vs. Prince of Orange
Philodendron ‘Red Sun’ earns its name from the striking color evolution of its leaves. New foliage emerges in vivid red, orange, or coppery tones. As these leaves mature, they gradually transition to a deeper green, often retaining burgundy or red undertones, creating a dynamic display of multiple colors. The leaves of ‘Red Sun’ are large, oval, and leathery.
In contrast, Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ showcases a different spectrum of colors. Its new leaves unfurl in bright orange hues, reminiscent of a sunset. As these leaves age, they shift through copper, bronze, yellow, and chartreuse, before settling into a glossy, dark green. The intensity of the orange coloration is often more pronounced with brighter light exposure. Its leaves are typically elongated with a subtle point, or spear-shaped.
Stem color also offers a distinction between the two. ‘Red Sun’ often features red wine-colored stems, while ‘Prince of Orange’ can have vibrant red stems.
Growth Habits and Mature Size
Philodendron ‘Red Sun’ exhibits a compact, self-heading growth habit, growing upright rather than vining. This makes it suitable for smaller indoor spaces, maintaining a bushy, clumping form. Indoors, ‘Red Sun’ typically reaches a mature height of 1 to 2 feet and a similar spread.
Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ also displays a self-heading, bushy, and upright growth pattern. Its non-vining nature makes it an excellent option for tabletops or as a floor specimen. ‘Prince of Orange’ generally grows to a manageable height of 1 to 2 feet and a similar spread, with some plants reaching up to 35 inches tall under optimal conditions. Both varieties offer a modest size, making them versatile for various indoor settings without requiring extensive pruning for height management.
Care Requirements
Both Philodendron ‘Red Sun’ and ‘Prince of Orange’ are tropical plants that share similar care needs. They thrive in bright, indirect light, which is crucial for maintaining their vibrant foliage colors. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch their leaves and cause colors to fade. While they can tolerate medium light, their growth and coloration are best in brighter conditions.
Regarding watering, both philodendrons prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. It is advisable to water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. They both benefit from a well-draining, airy potting mix.
Humidity is another shared preference, with both varieties appreciating moderate to high levels, ideally between 50-70%. While they can adapt to average household humidity, increased humidity can promote healthier foliage. Consistent room temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) are suitable. Fertilization is beneficial during their active growing season in spring and summer, typically once a month with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Choosing Your Philodendron
Selecting between Philodendron ‘Red Sun’ and ‘Prince of Orange’ depends on your aesthetic preference for their unique color transformations. If you are drawn to fiery reds, coppers, and burgundies that mature to a deep, red-tinged green, ‘Red Sun’ is ideal. Its bold new leaves create a striking contrast as they age.
Conversely, if you prefer vibrant oranges, yellows, and chartreuse shades that eventually settle into a classic green, ‘Prince of Orange’ offers a dynamic, multi-tonal display. This variety provides a consistent spectrum of warm hues as new leaves continuously emerge. Both plants maintain a compact, upright growth habit, making them suitable for various indoor spaces. Your decision ultimately rests on the specific color palette and visual journey you wish to introduce into your home.