A beautiful tropical houseplant, the Philodendron Prince of Orange is distinguished by its vivid foliage, which as it ages changes from bright orange to lush green. Being a non-vining hybrid, this gorgeous plant is a great option for anybody looking to add a small but eye-catching accent to their interior decor. A vibrant splash of color may be added to any space with the Philodendron Prince of Orange’s glossy, heart-shaped leaves and upright growing habit.
This Philodendron cultivar is easy to maintain and mimics its natural tropical habitat by thriving in bright, indirect light and loving damp conditions. It is appropriate for both inexperienced and seasoned plant lovers due to its versatility and resilience. With its distinct beauty and vibrant foliage, the Philodendron Prince of Orange is guaranteed to enthrall whether it is placed on a table, in a decorative pot, or as part of a larger indoor garden. To help you develop a healthy Philodendron Prince of Orange in your house, this article will go into important maintenance advice, growth habits, and how to solve frequent problems.
The Complete Guide to Philodendron Prince of Orange Care and Cultivation
A beautiful and well-liked houseplant, the Philodendron Prince of Orange is renowned for its vivid foliage and low maintenance requirements. This tropical beauty is a favorite among plant lovers since it brings color to any interior area. Everything you need to know about taking care of the Philodendron Prince of Orange will be covered in this extensive guide, including the best growing conditions, how to propagate it, and typical problems to look out for.
An overview of the Prince of Orange Philodendron
The Philodendron Prince of Orange is a hybrid species native to South America’s tropical regions, with distinctive orange and green leaves that first turn a vivid bright orange before turning a rich green. It belongs to the Araceae family and is valued for its hardiness and adaptability in addition to its lovely leaf, making it a great option for both new and seasoned plant owners.
Important Features
- Leaf Color: As they mature, new leaves gradually change from a vivid orange to a lush green.
- Growth Habit: This philodendron grows straight with strong stems and is self-heading, meaning it does not climb.
- Size: Depending on care and pot size, it can grow to an average height of two to three feet indoors.
Optimal Growing Environment
The Philodendron Prince of Orange needs particular environmental conditions in order to flourish. Here is a thorough examination of the requirements for your plant.
Light Needs
Bright, indirect sunshine is preferred by the Philodendron Prince of Orange.
- Location: A window that faces east or west is ideal. Avoid placing the plant in areas where it may be exposed to strong sunlight for extended periods of time, as this might cause the leaves to become scorched.
- Signs of Inadequate Light: A plant may be getting too little light if its leaves seem lifeless or if it grows lanky. On the other hand, excessive exposure to direct sunlight may cause the leaf margins to turn brown.
Watering
Your Philodendron Prince of Orange’s health depends on proper watering.
- Watering Frequency: In between waterings, let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry. Generally speaking, watering should be done every 7–10 days during the spring and summer growing season and every 10–14 days during the fall and winter dormant season.
- Water Quality: Whenever feasible, use filtered, room-temperature water. The pot may develop root rot if it is left in standing water.
The level of humidity
The Philodendron Prince of Orange is a tropical plant that does well in higher humidity.
Aim for humidity levels between 50% and 60% for optimal results.
- Increasing Humidity: You can use techniques like misting, setting the pot on a tray with wet stones, or utilizing a humidity tray with water and pebbles to enhance humidity. Humidity levels can also rise when plants are grouped together.
Temperature
Warm conditions are ideal for this plant.
- Ideal Temperature Range: The ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C).
- Avoid Temperature Extremes: Because abrupt temperature fluctuations can stress plants, keep them away from heaters, air conditioner vents, and cold gusts.
Soil Conditions
For the Philodendron Prince of Orange, selecting the proper soil is essential.
- Type of Soil: It’s critical to use a potting mix that drains well. For aeration and moisture retention, think about combining peat, perlite, and orchid bark. This mixture maintains adequate moisture for the needs of the plant while guaranteeing proper drainage.
Repotting and Potting
Repotting your Prince of Orange philodendron encourages robust growth.
- When to Repot: This plant usually needs to be repotted every two to three years, or more frequently if the soil has deteriorated or roots are emerging from the drainage holes.
How to Repot
- Choose a New Pot: Pick a pot with sufficient drainage and one to two inches more diameter than the one you already have.
- Remove the Plant Gently: Remove the plant from its pot with care, making sure to loosen the root ball.
- Examine the Roots: Use sterile scissors to cut off any unhealthy roots and look for any that are decaying or damaged.
- Fill with Fresh Soil: Put your plant in the middle of the newly purchased pot with fresh potting mix. Make sure the plant remains at the same depth as before by adding more potting mix to the area surrounding the roots.
- Water Well: To help the soil settle after repotting, give the plant plenty of water.
Cutting back
For the Philodendron Prince of Orange to remain healthy and beautiful, pruning is necessary.
- When to Prune: The active growing season should fall in the early spring, which is when pruning should be done.
- What to Trim: To promote new growth and enhance air circulation, remove any dead or yellowing leaves. To encourage a larger form, you can also reduce the growth of your legs.
Philodendron Prince of Orange Propagation
An fascinating approach to grow your collection is to propagate the Philodendron Prince of Orange.
Methods of Propagation
1. Stem Cuttings
Choose a stem that is healthy: Pick a stem that has multiple leaves and at least one or two nodes.
Make the Cut: Just below a node, cut a section of the stem that is 4–6 inches long with sterile scissors.
-
Rooting Process:
- In Water: Make sure the cutting’s node is submerged in a glass of water. Every few days, change the water. It will take a few weeks for roots to grow.
- In Soil: Plant the cut end in moist potting mix after dipping it in rooting hormone (optional). To keep it moist until roots take hold, loosely cover it with a plastic bag.
2. Division:
When repotting, you can divide your plant if it has grown a lot.
- Extract the Plant: Carefully remove the plant from the pot.
- Determine Divisions: Examine the root ball for any organic divisions. At least a few roots and a few stems should be present in every division.
- Replant Each Division: Replant every division. Use fresh soil to pot each piece separately. After replanting, give them plenty of water.
Typical Issues and Their Fixes
The Philodendron Prince of Orange may have the following common problems in spite of its resilience:
Leaf Yellowing
- Causes: Insufficient light, food deficits, or excessive watering are frequently the causes of this.
- Solutions: Evaluate your watering schedule and give the soil more time to dry out in between applications. Consider moving the plant to a brighter location if the current lighting is inadequate.
Edges of brown leaves
- Causes: Usually denotes low humidity or underwatering.
- Solutions: Water the plant more frequently and increase the humidity surrounding it.
Spots of Leaf
- Causes: Usually brought on by stale air or fungal infections from overhead irrigation.
- Solutions: Water the plant straight at the base to prevent moisture on the leaves and increase air circulation around the plant. Eliminate any impacted leaves.
Infestations of Pests
Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are among the pests that might cause problems for your Philodendron Prince of Orange.
- Prevention: Examine your plant frequently, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves. Pests can also be avoided by keeping the plant clean by using a moist cloth to wipe the leaves.
- Treatment: To address infestations, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the afflicted regions. Continue as needed until the issue is fixed.
Conclusion
A gorgeous plant that can provide vibrancy and color to any indoor area is the Philodendron Prince of Orange. It’s no surprise that this plant has grown to be a favorite among many plant enthusiasts given its colorful foliage and comparatively low maintenance needs. You may appreciate this tropical beauty for many years to come if you provide it the proper conditions, do routine upkeep, and give it careful attention. The Philodendron Prince of Orange will enliven your house and add value to your collection, regardless of your level of gardening experience.
FAQ
Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ typically reaches around 24 inches tall, but some plants can grow to 30 inches or more when conditions are right—making it big enough to make a statement in your home but compact enough to be an ideal apartment plant.
Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is still a relatively rare philodendron variety, and you’re unlikely to see it in many big box retailers or nurseries. However, it is growing in popularity, and because of the demand for this plant, it is available at affordable prices via numerous specialist online suppliers.
To promote the brightest orange colors on new foliage growth, offer your Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ sufficient bright but indirect light. Getting lighting levels wrong can cause premature fading or leaf scorch.