Philodendron Prince of Orange Species Profile & Care Guide

The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is a vibrant, hardy houseplant known for its range of leaf colors that resemble a sunset.

This semi-self-heading plant has a moderate growth rate and brings a pop of color to any indoor space, making it an engaging addition to your indoor garden.

In this article, we delve into its distinctive traits and offer a comprehensive guide on its care and requirements.

Profile Overview

The Philodendron Prince of Orange has a variety of descriptors as follows:

• Common Name: Philodendron Prince of Orange
• Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’
• Family: Araceae
• Origin/Native Region: South America
• Growth Habit: Upright with new leaves emerging in a bright orange color then changing to green over time. This brings a colourful rhythmic pattern to the plant, with the newest leaves being a vibrant orange color at the top and moving down the plant becoming more green.

Appearance

The Philodendron Prince of Orange showcases subtropical beauty with its impressive foliage. It has distinctive, changeable leaves that transition in color as they mature.

Let’s delve deeper into the luscious appearance of this unique houseplant.

Leaf Size

The Philodendron Prince of Orange showcases leaves that are quite substantial in size, adding to the plant’s impressive aesthetics.

When the plant is fully mature, these leaves can typically reach a length of approximately 20 inches (50 cm), and a width of around 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm).

Even as the plant is growing, the leaves steadily increase in size, giving it a tropical and lush appearance.

Consequently, due to their size, these leaves have a commanding presence and can fill up space beautifully, making this plant perfect for large areas or for making a bold statement.

Leaf Shape

The leaves of the Philodendron Prince of Orange sport a unique shape that adds to its aesthetic appeal. Unlike other plants in the Philodendron genus, the Prince of Orange has medium-large leaves up to 8 inches long, which are broad and canopy-like in their overall structure.

They are ovate (egg-shaped) with an acute or pointy apex, where each leaf has wavy or slightly curved margins.

The plant’s growth pattern causes the substantial leaves to form a rosette shape for maximizing light absorption, and these leaves unfurling in their characteristic manner contributes to the plant’s overall hardy and stunning visual presentation.

Leaf Color

The Philodendron Prince of Orange is aptly named for its striking leaf color. In the initial growth phase, the leaves unfurl with a brilliant orange shine that tips the scale of aesthetics.

As the leaves age and mature, they undergo a transformation in hue, gradually transitioning from a luminous orange to a pleasing peach, and eventually settling into a deep green.

This unique color transition sets the Philodendron Prince of Orange apart from other species. Each new leaf brings a vibrant splash of color, giving a dynamic aspect to the overall look of the plant.

Stem Characteristics

The Philodendron Prince of Orange has unique, sleek stems that add to its overall appeal. Often, they are green to reddish in color and quite robust in nature, providing solid support to the leaves.

As the plant matures, the stem becomes trunk-like, often sporting aerial roots that can either be left alone or buried in soil for added stability.

Over time, the stem might also develop characteristic markings or patterns, indicative of the plant’s growth. Being quite resilient, the stems can resist unfavorable conditions to some extent, contributing to the plant’s hardiness.

Mature Size

The Philodendron Prince of Orange typically reaches a mature size of 2 feet in height and width. This makes it a rather compact variety compared to other Philodendron species.

Remember, the size of your Philodendron can be influenced by care conditions such as light exposure, pot size, and regularity of watering and feeding.

With optimal care, you can enjoy a vibrant, lush plant that stands out with its size and unique coloration. Ensure you provide enough space for your plant to grow comfortably and display its full potential.

This mixed with other care elements will yield a healthy, happy Philodendron Prince of Orange.

Care Requirements

Caring for a Philodendron Prince of Orange requires specific attention. To keep your plant healthy and thriving, it’s crucial to understand the following categories:

Light Needs

The Philodendron Prince of Orange appreciates bright, indirect sunlight. It’s important to keep the plant away from direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown.

In contrast, if provided with too little light, you will observe that the plant’s vibrant orange leaves may appear less colorful and its growth will be stunted.

A good approach to ensure your Prince of Orange receives suitable light is to place it near a north or east-facing window or alternatively using fluorescent indoor plant lights.

It is one plant that enhances its beauty when it gets the light it needs, hence the name ‘Prince of Orange’.

Watering Frequency

The Philodendron Prince of Orange prefers consistent and regular watering to support its health and growth. Typically, you should water these plants once the top inch of soil has dried out, which usually equates to once a week.

However, the frequency might fluctuate depending upon the time of the year and the humidity levels in your home. In winter, you might need to reduce watering.

On the other hand, during some hot summer months, twice a week might be necessary. Remember, this plant doesn’t enjoy soggy roots so avoid overwatering. Always check the soil’s moisture level before you water it again.

Humidity Preferences

The Philodendron Prince of Orange prefers a high-humidity environment, more closely resembling its native tropical habitat.

However, it is relatively adaptable and can tolerate some indoor conditions. If you notice the foliage becoming brown and crispy at the edges, it is a good indication that the atmosphere may be too dry for this plant.

You can increase the humidity around your Philodendron Prince of Orange by positioning a tray of water near the plant, misting the leaves regularly or placing it in a humid room, like a bathroom or kitchen.

Remember, it’s all about making your plant feel at home!

Temperature Range

The Philodendron Prince of Orange thrives in a warm climate. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

It can tolerate minimal dips below this range, but prolonged exposure to cold can severely harm the plant. It’s not frost hardy and suffers in sudden temperature fluctuations. Therefore, indoor conditions where you can control the temperature are suitable for this plant.

In colder regions, overwintering indoors is necessary to protect the plant from freezing temperatures. Remember, a consistent, warm temperature range is key to maintaining a healthy Philodendron Prince of Orange.

Soil Type & pH Preferences

The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as peat moss or perlite combined with potting soil.

The pH level should preferably fall within the slightly acidic to neutral range, between 6.0 and 7.0. This ensures optimal nutrient absorption and supports the plant’s overall health.

Avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot and other complications. A good quality of potting mix designed for houseplants can also work great.

Periodic soil refreshing may be beneficial to this philodendron variety for maintaining vitality and stimulating growth.

Growth & Propagation

The Philodendron Prince of Orange exhibits a moderate to fast growth rate when provided with optimum conditions.

This remarkable plant can be propagated by stem cuttings, ensuring a successful and relatively easy method for plant enthusiasts to multiply their beautiful specimen.

The months of spring and summer are typically the most active growth period for the plant, which aligns well with its tropical origin.

Effective potting and repotting can promote higher growth, making it essential to consider the specifics about the potting mix, container size, repotting frequency and related factors when you aim to cultivate and propagate this vibrant plant in your home.

Growth Rate

The Philodendron Prince of Orange has a moderate to fast growth rate. As a result, you can witness its lively transformation almost throughout the year.

Under optimal conditions, it can gain several inches to a foot annually. The new leaves unfurl as a vibrant orange or copper and gradually turn green as they mature.

This cycle of the leaves’ color transformation, which showcases the active growth of this plant, is likened to a living sunset, providing you with a continuous display of natural wonder right in your indoor space.

However, this growth is contingent on providing the plant with proper care and adequate growing conditions.

Propagation Methods

Propagation of the Philodendron Prince of Orange is primarily achieved through stem cuttings. Indeed, it is a simple and efficient method.

You just need to cut a stem tip or a node, ensuring that each section has at least two leaves. Then, place the cutting in water or directly in soil. Over a few weeks, new roots will start to emerge.

Another popular method involves separation. If the plant is mature enough and has developed several offshoots, you can gently divide these sections at the roots and transplant them into new pots.

Always ensure you are propagating during the active growing season for best results.

Season of Active Growth

The Philodendron Prince of Orange exhibits its most vigorous growth during the spring and summer seasons. During this period, you’ll notice an uptick in its overall activity as your plant will be producing new leaves and growing in size.

It is essential during this time to provide the plant with the correct care requirements – ample light, water, and a good feeding regime to help it thrive.

The active growth season is also the best time to propagate the plant. As temperatures drop in the fall and winter, the Philodendron Prince of Orange will transition into a slower growth period, maintaining energy.

Potting and Repotting Recommendations

For the Philodendron Prince of Orange, repotting is recommended every few years, or when the plant becomes too large for its pot.

When selecting a new pot, opt for one that is slightly larger than the existing one to allow room for growth. Ensure your pot has plenty of drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.

During repotting, use fresh soil and carefully loosen the roots before placing it in the new pot. When potting for the first time, use a soil mix that is well-draining and slightly acidic, ideally with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0.

Potential Issues

Despite Philodendron Prince of Orange’s generally robust nature, it may still encounter certain challenges and issues related to pests, diseases, and sensitivities.

Understanding these possible issues can equip you with the knowledge required to counteract problems when they arise and maintain a healthy, thriving plant.

Common Pests

The Philodendron Prince of Orange can occasionally attract common household pests. This typically includes mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.

Mealybugs are small, cotton-like bugs that often stick to the underside of leaves or near the stem. Aphids suck the sap from your plant leading to undergrowth. Spider mites are tiny, almost invisible, and cause speckling on leaves. Scale insects look like little turtles on plant leaves and stems.

Early discovery of these pests will allow for effective treatment and minimal damage to your Philodendron Prince of Orange. Regular inspection of your plant, specifically focusing on the underside of leaves, can prevent pest infestations.

Common Diseases

Philodendron Prince of Orange plants are generally sturdy, but like any indoor plant, they can be prone to a range of diseases.

The most common disease they suffer from is root rot, typically caused by overwatering, which can lead to wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.

They can also suffer from fungal problems such as blight and powdery mildew, especially in conditions of high humidity and poor ventilation.

Leaf spot can be another issue if the leaves remain wet for prolonged periods. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance can help keep your plant in good health.

Regular pruning of affected leaves can help control these diseases.

Other Sensitivities

The Philodendron Prince of Orange, like many other houseplants, may show signs of distress under certain conditions. It is sensitive to drafts and rapid changes in temperature.

Overexposure to direct sunlight can cause its vibrant leaves to fade. The plant may also react poorly to tap water with high chlorine or fluoride content.

Stunted growth can be a sign of a nutrient deficiency, specifically a lack of nitrogen. Always keep these sensitivities in mind when handling the Philodendron Prince of Orange to ensure it stays healthy and thrives.

Special Features & Uses

The Philodendron Prince of Orange has unique attributes that make it an attractive choice for plant enthusiasts. Its colorful foliage provides a lavish display of orange, yellow, and green leaves, easy to spot and enjoy.

This feature makes it a fantastic choice for decorative use in various environments, from home interiors to office spaces. Besides, it’s ideal for purifying the air indoors.

However, keep in mind that all parts of Prince of Orange are toxic if ingested. Always be careful if you have pets or small children around this plant.

As you delve into its features, the Prince of Orange will reveal more to love!

Unique Characteristics

The Philodendron Prince of Orange stands out with its vibrant, color-changing foliage. What sets it apart is its dynamic display from the new leaves that emerge in a vivid shade of orange, before gradually transitioning through a spectrum of neon-like tones from pink to green as they mature.

Unlike most philodendrons which only display singular leaf color throughout their life, the ‘Prince of Orange’ is famous for its colorful, youthful leaves while, at any given point, you can witness shades of orange, yellow, and green on the same plant.

This unique feature adds a refreshing and lively splash of color to any space.

Decorative Use

The Philodendron Prince of Orange holds considerable decorative allure due to its vibrant, color-changing foliage. This makes it a popular choice for indoor gardeners who desire an easy-to-care-for plant that provides a splash of color.

As the new leaves unfurl, they display a bright, vibrant orange color, before gradually darkening to a rich green. This color transition adds a unique, dynamic element to any space.

Its relatively compact growth habit also makes it an excellent plant to display on desks, shelves, or as a stand-alone feature. You can also showcase it in decorative pots to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Toxicity

The Philodendron Prince of Orange, like many philodendrons, contains calcium oxalate crystals. This lends the plant a level of toxicity that makes it harmful if ingested or contacted by sensitive skin.

This may cause oral irritation, swelling of lips, mouth, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, and in severe cases, difficulty in breathing if ingested by pets or humans.

Similarly, getting the plant sap on the skin can lead to irritation and a rash. Therefore, ensure the plant is placed out of reach of children and pets, and handle it with care, preferably with gloves.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Caring for your Philodendron Prince of Orange can become a breeze once you become acquainted with a few additional care tips.

Consistent nurturing will yield beautiful results, and knowing the nuanced requirements of your plant will ensure its best health.

This section will delve into some handy tips including ones on fertilization recommendations, the appropriate approach to pruning and maintenance, and the need for support structures.

Your understanding of these aspects is quintessential for the prolonged well-being and radiant appearance of your Prince of Orange. Get ready to further your plant care expertise.

Fertilization Recommendations

Philodendron Prince of Orange generally appreciates a regular feeding schedule during its active growth phase. Any high-quality, water-soluble fertilizer designed for indoor plants can be used.

Generally, you should aim to fertilize your plant every two to four weeks during the spring and summer months. During fall and winter, its resting period, reduce fertilization to once every six to eight weeks.

It’s important to dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the packaging to prevent root burn. Always water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to distribute it evenly through the soil.

Remember, over-fertilizing can lead to leaf burn and possibly kill your plant.

Pruning & Maintenance

Your Philodendron Prince of Orange doesn’t require much pruning. However, if you notice any yellow or brown leaves, it’s best to remove them to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.

Simply cut off the leaf at the base of the stem using clean, sharp shears. Regular maintenance also includes wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust and prevent pest infestations.

Remember, this plant grows best when left somewhat root-bound, so frequent repotting isn’t necessary, making it quite a low-maintenance plant, perfect if you’re new to houseplants or have a busy schedule.

Support Structures

The Philodendron Prince of Orange typically does not require any support structures due to its self-heading (non-vining) nature.

However, if, for decorative reasons or space management, you want to direct its growth, you can use a moss pole or trellis. It’s important to note that while the plant can climb, it won’t adhere naturally like its vining Philodendron relatives.

To attach the plant to the support structure, you’d need to use plant ties or clips, handling the plant gently to avoid damaging its large, tender leaves.

Adding a support structure can provide an exciting twist to your indoor garden and facilitate the aerial root growth of your Philodendron.