If you’re a fan of houseplants, you’ve probably heard of the Philodendron Prince of Orange. With its bright orange leaves and easy-to-grow nature, this plant has become a favorite among many indoor gardeners. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to growing and caring for the Philodendron Prince of Orange. We’ll cover everything from the plant’s origins and characteristics to the optimal growing conditions and common problems you might encounter.
The Philodendron Prince Of Orange And It’s History
The Philodendron Prince of Orange, also known as “Prince of Orange” or Philodendron erubescens, is a uniquely beautiful philodendron hybrid. It gets its name from its lovely copper toned leaves. The leaves are known to have shades ranging from copper to yellow and fade to a beautiful matured green. The veins of the plant are known to be a range from green to a vibrant reddish pink.
Originally, the philodendron genus originated in South America. In the wild they are usually ground level plants shaded by the canopy above. Occasionally receiving sunshine filtered between the leaves above. This translates to their need for filtered light as a houseplant.
The Philodendron Prince of Orange does not grow in the wild however. It is a hybrid developed in a greenhouse. This plant typically grows up to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. The leaves grow about 5 to 10 inches in length. It is a medium sized house plant and would do well in almost any room.
Philodendron Prince Of Orange Care
Due to the Prince of Orange being a tropical plant, it prefers warmer temperatures usually between 65° to 80° Fahrenheit. This vibrant houseplant would do best in a room with natural filtered sunlight. A shaded porch or a balcony would be a suitable place for this plant. Too much sunlight or darkness is not good for this type of plant. The Prince of Orange does best in environments where the humidity level is above 50%. It is sensitive to over fertilizing so take care not to give it too much fertilizer.
This plant prefers soil that is airy and slightly moist. The Prince of Orange is sensitive to overwatering so you shouldn’t have to water it more than once a week. If the top 1 to 2 inches of soil is dry, you should water your plant. You can check this by sticking your finger into the soil.
Make sure not to use cold water when watering this plant. It can lead to shock which can cause your plant stress. A low temperature environment can also harm this plant. Signs of this can be withering and curling or browning leaves.
This plant does well in warm temperatures but make sure to spray the leaves with water to maintain humidity. Make sure to keep your Prince of Orange away from cold areas of your home, such as near air conditioners and cold air from outside.
Growing And Propagation
The Philodendron Prince of Orange prefers rich well-draining potting soil. Peat moss based mix, perlite, and vermiculite are all good additions for the potting mix. The best type of soil for this plant is fast draining soil. A well aerated soil mix should do the job.
The Philodendron Prince of Orange prefers mildly acidic soil. The best soil acidity levels for this plant are between 6.1 to 6.5. Tropical potting soil is a good choice for this plant. Quick drain potting soil or African Violet potting mix would also be quality choices.
As for propagation, the best way to propagate a Prince of Orange is by cuttings. The best season to propagate this plant is spring. When taking a cutting, cut 15 to 20 cm of the stem below the leaf node. Take the cutting and put it into moist soil or a jar of water. For the water propagation method make sure the nodes are fully submerged in the water. Change the water every 2 days for the best results.
To propagate a Philodendron Prince of Orange using air layering you will need sphagnum moss, perlite, and aerial roots. Cut below a node and wrap damp sphagnum moss around the cutting. Cover it with a plastic bag to trap and sustain the humidity. After several weeks, you should see signs of roots beginning to grow.
Repotting Your Philodendron Prince Of Orange
This plant only needs to be repotted every one to two years. The best time to repot is in the spring. If your plant’s growth has started to slow down, or if the roots are beginning to become cramped or are creeping through the pot, it might be time to repot your Prince of Orange.
You are going to want to purchase a pot bigger than the previous one. Make sure it has space for your plant’s roots to spread. When choosing a new pot make sure that it isn’t too wide or too narrow. This type of plant prefers soil that is slightly moist. The soil mix should include: peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
The first step in repotting your philodendron is removing it from its previous pot. You will want to hold the base of the plant and gently wiggle it loose from the soil. Be careful not to hurt the leaves or tug on the plant too hard. Once you have freed your plant from the container make sure to assess the roots.
Make sure your plant’s roots are healthy before proceeding to the next step. Ideal roots will be white or light brown in color and firm. If the roots are dark brown or mushy they may be rotting. If your plant’s roots are rotting you will want to remove the decaying roots before repotting it.
Next, fill your new pot with your soil mix. Fill it up to the point where you want to place the roots. Then place your philodendron into the pot and cover the remaining areas with soil. Pack the soil lightly, but don’t overdo it so that the roots can breathe.
Common Issues With The Philodendron Prince Of Orange
The most common issue the Prince of Orange has is rotting roots. The roots can rot due to overwatering causing the soil to be overly moist which deprives the roots of oxygen. Signs of rotting roots include: wilting, brown spots on the leaves, yellowing foliage, and dark or foul smelling roots. You can try to remedy rotting roots by cutting off the rotted section. Disinfect the pot and repot it in fresh dry soil.
A few other common issues your philodendron could have are fungus or mildew. Dark spots on the leaves could indicate fungus. White powdery spots could indicate mildew. Solutions for this are fungicide or spraying your plant with a mixture of baking soda and water.
Bugs are also a common issue for most plants. Aphids, fungus gnats, and mealybugs are common for the Prince of Orange. Make sure you isolate your plant from others nearby so that the bugs do not travel to your other plants. Specific plant insecticides can help with this issue.
It is best to catch and troubleshoot bug infestations as quickly as possible before they spread or possibly kill your plant. The same goes for fungal, mildew, and plant diseases. There are a number of store bought remedies and home remedies available.
Is The Philodendron Prince Of Orange Safe For Consumption?
The Philodendron Prince of Orange is toxic to consume. Ingestion of the plant can lead to nausea and vomiting. Do not let your pets or children consume this plant. As pretty and colorful as it may seem, it is not edible!
Make sure to keep this plant out of reach of your animals and small children. A handful of household plants are not safe for consumption, the Prince of Orange included. It is still an amazing plant to own however! Despite it not being edible, it is still a beautiful houseplant to own and care for.
Why The Philodendron Prince Of Orange Is A Great Choice
This lively tropical plant is growing in popularity and for good reason. It’s easy to care for, looks great in any garden, and will impress any plant lover. It’s a lovely spring plant and will bring color into any space. If you are a fan of unique or tropical plants then the Philodendron Prince of Orange is the best choice.
It can make a wonderful gift to a family or friend. Its colorful leaves are sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who receives one. It is an excellent plant for first time plant owners as well. Its easy maintenance is great for those new to gardening.
Growing a Philodendron Prince of Orange isn’t difficult as long as you know what it needs to thrive. Listen to your plant’s needs, follow these care tips, and it will blossom beautifully. It could be the next vibrant addition to your plant family. The Philodendron Prince of Orange is uniquely beautiful and a great addition to any home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to keep the soil moist but not too wet. A good rule of thumb is to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.
This plant does best in bright, indirect light. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves.
During the growing season, fertilize it every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. This will help it stay healthy and grow strong.
You can propagate this plant by taking stem cuttings and placing them in water or soil to root. This is a great way to make more plants!
To encourage your plant to produce new growth and become fuller, pinch back the stems regularly. This will also help it stay healthy and strong.
