Prince of Orange Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’)

The Prince of Orange Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’) is a stunning and unique houseplant known for its vibrant, orange to copper-colored leaves that eventually mature into a rich, glossy green. It’s a relatively easy-to-care-for plant, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced plant lovers. Here’s a care guide to help your Prince of Orange thrive:

Care Guide for Prince of Orange Philodendron:

1. Light Requirements:

The Prince of Orange prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate low light, but its vibrant orange color may not develop as strongly in those conditions.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, especially when they are young and tender.

2. Watering:

Water the plant when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. It’s better to underwater than overwater, as it’s more tolerant of dryness than being too wet.
Make sure the pot has good drainage, as stagnant water in the soil can lead to root rot.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently, but in the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering.

3. Soil:

The Prince of Orange prefers well-draining, rich, and loamy soil. A good mix for philodendrons can include a combination of peat, perlite, and pine bark to improve drainage and aeration.
It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0).

4. Temperature & Humidity:

Ideal temperature range: 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It prefers warm temperatures but can tolerate cooler conditions down to 50°F (10°C) for short periods.
This plant enjoys moderate to high humidity. If the air in your home is dry, consider placing the plant near a humidifier or misting it occasionally.
If humidity is too low, the plant may become leggy, and the leaves may lose their vibrant color.

5. Fertilizing:

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength) once a month to encourage healthy growth and vibrant leaf color.
In the fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizing since the plant’s growth slows down during the colder months.

6. Pruning & Maintenance:

Pruning is typically only needed if you want to control the size or shape of the plant. Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
As the leaves mature, they transition from the bright orange color to dark green, but you can cut back old growth if you want to maintain the colorful appearance.

7. Growth Habit:

The Prince of Orange Philodendron is a relatively compact, bushy plant that grows up to 2–3 feet in height and width, depending on the growing conditions and container size.
It grows in a mounding habit, with young leaves unfurling in brilliant shades of orange and gradually turning to green as they mature.
The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves that create a beautiful contrast in any room.

8. Pests & Diseases:

The Prince of Orange is relatively pest-resistant but may occasionally be affected by common houseplant pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.
Inspect the leaves regularly for pests and treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is also important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases and root rot.

9. Repotting:

Repotting is typically needed every 1–2 years, or when the plant outgrows its pot or becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to give the roots room to grow.
Repotting in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season, is best.

10. Propagation:

The Prince of Orange Philodendron can be propagated by stem cuttings.
Take a cutting with at least 2–3 nodes (the points where leaves grow from the stem) and place it in water or soil to root. Make sure to change the water frequently if rooting in water.
Once the roots are established (in 2–3 weeks), you can transplant the cutting into a pot with fresh soil.

Common Issues:

Yellowing Leaves: This may be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the plant isn’t sitting in stagnant water and that the soil is well-draining.
Leggy Growth: This could be a sign of too little light. Increase the amount of indirect light to encourage more compact growth and vibrant foliage.
Brown Leaf Tips: This could be caused by low humidity or underwatering. Try increasing humidity or misting the plant regularly.

Special Considerations:

The Prince of Orange Philodendron is non-toxic to pets (cats and dogs), which makes it a great choice for households with curious animals.
This plant can also be a great air purifier, removing toxins from the air and adding a tropical feel to your home.

Winter Care:

In colder months, make sure the plant is kept away from drafty areas, as cold temperatures can damage the leaves.
Reduce watering during the winter, as the plant’s growth will slow.