The Philodendron prince of orange, a philodendron hybrid, goes through a unique transformation upon maturity as its leaves change from bright orange, to yellow, to washed-out green in color. If you love to see changes in the environment that you live in, the prince of orange philodendron is definitely a must-have.
This article gives you professional advice on the care and propagation requirements of this dazzling plant.
Contents
What Is Philodendron Prince of Orange?
The Philodendron prince of orange is a philodendron hybrid plant that is native to South American tropical climates. This plant falls under the Araceae family of plants, and just like other Philodendrons, the Philodendron prince of orange is an ornamental epiphyte. Plants that are referred to as epiphytes grow on other plants without being parasitic.
The prince of orange plant, which can be an indoor plant, is unique and prized for its foliage that transforms in color.
The younger leaves of this plant start out as orange then gradually change in color as they mature, finally adopting a green color that appears washed-out in their maturity.
This transformation in color explains the name of the Philodendron prince of orange. This plant is sometimes called the plant with orange and green leaves.
Philodendrons are known for being climbers, but the Philodendron prince of orange is a cultivar that is an exception to that norm. The Philodendron prince of orange is self-heading and self-supporting as new leaves grow from the center base. This plant is relatively small compared to other philodendrons as it grows up to a height of only 2 feet tall. The Philodendron prince of orange appears similar to Philodendron Congo, just that the latter grows bigger than the former.
Quick Overview
Here is a handy table of this plant’s requirements.
| Requirements | Philodendron Prince of Orange |
| Light | Thrives well under bright, indirect light |
| Water | Water when the first two inches of the topsoil are dry |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mixture with organic matter |
| Humidity | High humidity required |
| Temperature | Temperatures ranging from 65 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Fertilizer | Apply a balanced liquid foliage fertilizer that has macronutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus |
Philodendron Prince of Orange Care
Like any other plant, properly caring for the Philodendron prince of orange depends on you knowing the proper care requirements for the plant. This section will enlighten you on all that you need to know in order to parent your Philodendron prince of orange the right way.
– Light Requirements
Whether you are growing your Philodendron prince of orange in an office or a home, this plant requires a spot that receives bright but indirect light throughout the day. Considering that your eyes are made to naturally compensate for brightness, it is difficult to determine the appropriate light requirements for your plant. The discrepancies in measuring light are even worse when you are growing your philodendron as a houseplant.
To measure the light in your house, identify the spot where you intend to place your plant and raise your hand up during the time of the day when the sun is brightest. Check the shadow of your hand. Well-defined shadows are a sign that there are high levels of light, while faintly outlined shadows show that the spot receives low light. You can also use a light meter or other applications on your smartphone.
Place your Philodendron prince of orange close to the window that brings in light, making sure that the leaves of the plant do not get into direct contact with the rays of the sun. Regularly rotate your plant towards the light to help enhance an even growth that gives your plant the good shape that it should have. Also, constantly dust the leaves of your plant to increase the surface area for light absorption.
– Water Requirements
The Philodendron prince of orange requires enough water for survival and other vital processes like photosynthesis. The moment you receive your Philodendron prince of orange, ask for information about its watering requirements. Ideally, you should let the soil of your plant dry a bit before you can water it again.
Check the moisture of the soil before you give your Philodendron prince of orange a drink. If the moisture is just above the surface of the soil, do not water your philodendron. To make sure you don’t overwater your plant, make sure the first two inches of the topsoil are dry before the next watering.
Aerating the soil of your plant before watering is a tip to consider. It helps the water to drain through the soil well and this keeps the roots healthy.
– Temperature Requirements
The Philodendron prince of orange is a tropical plant, so it thrives best when the temperatures are warm. Temperatures between 65 F and 78 F during the day are conducive for the healthy growth of the Philodendron prince of orange. During the night, your plant will be happy under temperatures of 60 F.
If the temperatures around your plant rise well above the ones that are stipulated in this article, consider placing your plant under filtered light. You can also hydrate the plant consistently so as to cool it down.
In regions where the climates are colder, grow your orange prince philodendron indoors, just make sure the temperature in your house does not fall below 55 F. You can heat the room where your philodendron is in order to create the right conditions of temperatures. During winters, always keep your Philodendron prince of orange indoors.
– Humidity Requirements
The Philodendron prince of orange is happy when it is grown in an environment that is highly humid. Misting the plant is a great way of enhancing the right humidity conditions for your plant. Additionally, misting keeps your plant clean and consistently refreshed.
Misting can be done about four times every week during the winter. Remember to wipe off water droplets from the surface of your plant’s leaves to avoid bacterial and fungal infections. Humidifiers also help you to keep the humidity around your plant at 50 percent or higher.
Other plant caregivers prefer using the pebble tray method and you can also give it a try. To use this strategy of increasing humidity, put some pebbles in a shallow tray prior to adding water. Place the pot of your prince of orange philodendron on the pebble tray but make sure the pot is not in contact with the water. As the water in the pebble tray evaporates, it will increase the humidity levels around your plant.
– Soil
If you want your Philodendron prince of orange to grow big leaves, its potting soil should be moist. The Philodendron prince of orange is an epiphyte and has aerial roots. It is very vulnerable to root rot. It is, therefore, important for you to use a well-draining potting mixture so that your plant will not sit in water.
Add organic matter to your Philodendron prince of orange. Organic matter has water-retaining properties so it reduces excessive leaching of nutrients. Your Philodendron prince of orange will also do well in 100 percent sphagnum peat moss. Peat-perlite, peat-vermiculite and other soilless mixtures produce great results on philodendrons.
If you want to retain the moisture in your soil for longer, you can add a mulch. This is very helpful for instances when you have to leave your plant unattended, such as when you travel.
– Fertilizer
Adding some fertilizer to your prince of orange philodendron will boost the growth of the leaves of your philodendron, making it appear gorgeous. You can use a balanced liquid foliage fertilizer that has macronutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Also, make sure that your fertilizer contains micronutrients like magnesium and calcium, whose absence can cause the leaves of your plant to become pale.
Apply the liquid fertilizer to your plant every month during the spring. Reduce the frequency in the winter and fall months, during which you should add the fertilizer once every eight weeks. If the leaves of your plant do not grow as big as expected, you might need to slightly reduce the timeframe between adjacent fertilization procedures.
Although balanced fertilizers like the 10-10-10 are the best, some gardeners prefer to dilute them to avoid the build-up of salts. Liquid fertilizers make it easy to make the dilutions. Take note that too high concentrations of fertilizers will burn the leaves of your plant and eventually kill it.
– Repotting
You can repot your prince of orange plant once a year, and repotting it between 12 and 18 months is ideal. You can also repot your Philodendron prince of orange when its growth begins to slow down. If you notice that the leaves of your plant are growing smaller than normal, consider repotting your plant.
When you repot your plant, use the next size of the pot, preferably two or four inches larger. Avoid pots that are too big because they tend to hold too much water than what is needed by your plant. Using a pot that is too big will lead to waterlogging conditions that support root rot. Also, ensure that the new pot has drainage holes that will allow it to release excess water upon watering your plant.
Be careful to choose a pot that is heavy enough to support the growing weight of your Philodendron prince of orange. A terracotta pot is among the best options when it comes to this.
– Grooming
There is no need for you to regularly prune your Philodendron prince of orange. You can just remove the old, discolored leaves and stems, as well as the aerial roots that have dried. Remember to use 70 percent alcohol to disinfect the shears that you use for trimming off unwanted parts of the plant. Also, put on your gloves as you handle your plant to avoid microbial contamination.
We also recommend that you deadhead your old Philodendron prince of orange plants. You will determine the right time to deadhead your plant when you notice that its head is overhanging the pot and the stem has become leggy. After deadheading your plant, new growth will develop from the base. Interestingly, you can also use the head that you removed from your plant to propagate new plants that are more vigorous.
Propagation
Getting a new Philodendron prince of orange from the ones that you already have is quite easy. Some of the methods that you can use to propagate this philodendron are air-layering, seeds and stem cuttings.
– Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cutting is best done during the summer and spring when the days are warmer. Identify a leaf node on the stem and cut the latter just above the node. Put the stem cutting on a flat surface until a callus form on the wounded part of the cutting. Dipping the cut end of your stem cutting in a rooting hormone will hasten the development of its rooting system.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining and aerated substrate. You can use peat moss, moist soil or vermiculite. The nodes on the stem should be well-covered in the substrate, placing them about three inches into the substrate will do the trick. Place the pot with the cutting on a spot that receives indirect light with medium intensity brightness.
Lightly water the substrate to keep it relatively moist. If you are using soil, you can water it two times every week. Your stem cutting will develop roots within four weeks after planting it in its substrate, and after the first month, you will notice some shoots also developing. At this stage, you can now take care of your new plant in the same way you would do for the mother plant and aim to meet all its care requirements.
– Water Propagation
Instead of using solid substrates for growing the stem cutting for your Philodendron prince of orange, you can also use water. To do this, begin by adding water to a jar until it passes the halfway point.
Now place the cutting into the jar that you filled with water. Make sure to change the water in the jar after every two days to help keep microbial infections at bay.
– Seeds
Propagating your Philodendron prince of orange using seeds is feasible, but it is more time-consuming compared to other methods.
– Air Layering
For the Philodendron prince of orange, air-layering is done using plantlets that grow at the base of the mother plant. Identify the plantlets that have aerial roots on your plant and allow them to grow until they have some leaves. Get a six-inch ziplock bag and punch some holes on the bottom prior to adding soaked sphagnum moss into the bag. Slit the bag at the top so that it appears like it has wings.
Identify aerial root bumps on the plantlets and use a knife to create a two-millimeter-deep slit just under the node where the plantlet should root, according to your preference. Get the wet moss in the plastic bag and hold it against the stem without causing damage to the plantlet. Use the wings on the plastic to tie the wet moss to the stem. After a few weeks, new roots will begin to be visible as long as you keep your moss moist.
Once the plantlets develop a strong rooting system, you can remove them from the mother plant using a clean, disinfected knife. Be sure to remove the plantlet together with its new roots. Plant the philodendron in a pot and take care of it just like you would the original plant.
Problems
While the Philodendron prince of orange is a pleasure to look at, there are problems that you should be on the lookout for as you take care of it. Most of these problems are common among houseplants. In this section, we will explore these issues so that we can help you be on the alert.
– Aphids
If you see the leaves of your philodendron becoming crinkled and spotted with yellow specks, aphids are the most likely culprit. Aphids are tiny sucking pests that attack the soft areas of your plant’s foliage, drawing sap from them. They are also commonly found in new growth, where their activities destroy the vitality of the plant.
Use tepid water to rinse the leaves of your Philodendron prince of orange, especially the undersides. You can then treat the whole plant with a commercial or homemade insecticidal soap.
To make your own pesticidal soap, you will need oil, soap and water. Mix 2.5 tablespoons of oil and liquid soap prior to adding them to a gallon of water. Thoroughly mix and fill a spray bottle with the liquid.
– Mealybugs
Like aphids, mealybugs suck the sap of your Philodendron prince of orange, which is how these pests damage your plant. With time, the activity of the mealybugs on your plant causes the leaves to turn yellow. You can find these pests on stems, the undersides of leaves, flowers, as well as outside the pot of your plant.
You should regularly check your plant for mealybugs. If you see any cottony white wax on any part of your plant, then you are dealing with a case of mealybugs. Make washing your plant a habit so that you reduce the chances of having to deal with mealybugs. Smaller infestations of mealybugs on your philodendron can be countered by dabbing the pest with cotton balls that are saturated with 70 percent alcohol.
If you decide to spray your plant with alcohol, be sure to test a small portion first to see if the chemical does not affect the foliage of your Philodendron prince of orange. Neem Oil is another safe, organic and viable option for destroying mealybugs. This product blocks the air spaces on the surface of mealybugs, thereby disrupting the breathing of the pests and killing them in the process. Also, consider buying an insecticidal soap or making your own using simple and affordable ingredients in your home.
– Fungus Gnats
The presence of fungus gnats on your houseplants is difficult to notice because they are black and crawl on the soil. These pests attack your plant if you keep the soil constantly wet, but eliminating fungus gnats is quite easy.
The easiest way to deal with fungus gnats is by reducing the frequency at which you water the infested plant. Ensure that the pot of your plant has sufficient drainage holes. You can also put a saucer underneath the pot, making sure that the pot does not sit on the collected water.
– Yellow Leaf Discrepancy
Do the leaves of your prince of orange plant appear yellow even when they are not yet mature? This sudden change from green to yellow is usually due to overwatering. Too frequent watering often leads to overwatering, but it is also sometimes caused by potting soil that poorly drains the water, leading to the accumulation of water.
Underwatering also causes yellowing of the leaves of your Philodendron prince of orange. When this is the case, the whole leaf turns yellow and develops tiny brown spots. Carefully follow the appropriate watering schedule for the Philodendron prince of orange as described in this article.
– Stunted Growth
Inadequate light causes stunted growth of your plant. If you improve the light conditions and your plant still doesn’t grow well, revisit your watering schedule and style. If you are not giving your Philodendron prince of orange enough water, its growth rate will be below average.
– Toxicity
The Philodendron prince of orange is toxic to dogs, cats and humans. The toxicity of this plant is due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals that are released when any part of this Philodendron is chewed. The crystal oxalates in the Philodendron prince of orange may also cause skin irritation.
When eaten, the parts of the Philodendron prince of orange can cause a burning sensation or swelling on the lips and throat. Other clinical signs that are associated with ingestion of parts of the Philodendron prince of orange include oral pain, vomiting, inappetence, excessive production of saliva, depression and difficulty swallowing.
In extreme though rare cases, ingesting the Philodendron prince of orange can lead to breathing difficulties and even death. We recommend that you keep your beautiful Philodendron prince of orange in a room that is not easily accessible to your pets and children 一 your bedroom could be ideal.
If the plant is accidentally consumed, immediately seek assistance from health professionals. While you wait for professional help, you can soothe the stinging pain in the mouth by eating yogurt or drinking some fresh milk.
FAQ
How much sun does Philodendron Prince of Orange need?
Philodendron Prince of Orange thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure, as it can scorch the leaves. Moderate to high light levels are ideal.
Is Philodendron Prince of Orange a hybrid?
Yes, Philodendron Prince of Orange is a hybrid plant, resulting from the crossbreeding of different Philodendron species.
Is Philodendron Prince of Orange variegated?
No, Philodendron Prince of Orange typically does not display variegation. Its leaves showcase vibrant shades of orange and green without variegated patterns.
Conclusion
If you apply the care advice that has been presented in this article, you will be able to take care of your Philodendron prince of orange like a pro. Here are the take-home points that you should know like the back of your hand:
- The Philodendron prince of orange prefers bright, indirect light.
- Allow the topsoil of your Philodendron prince of orange to dry before you give your plant another drink.
- The best temperatures for your Philodendron prince of orange are 65 F to 78 F during the day and about 60 F at night.
- The Philodendron prince of orange thrives well under high humidity levels, but anything above 50 percent will do.
- Well-draining soils will keep your plant hearty and healthy.
- Adding fertilizer to your Philodendron prince of orange will see it having huge and more lively foliage.
- The Philodendron prince of orange can be successfully propagated through stem cuttings, seeds and air layering.
- Although the Philodendron prince of orange is rarely affected by pests, be on the lookout for mealybugs, aphids and fungus gnats.
- Take the necessary counter actions if your plant is experiencing stunted growth or yellowing leaves.
- The Philodendron prince of orange is toxic to humans and pets if any part of the plant is ingested.
With the information that you have attained from this article, there is no way your gorgeous tricolor philodendron can die on you. Grow the plant expert in you by applying these tips and tricks!
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