The Philodendron Prince of Orange is named for its spectacularly variegated leaves. Upon first appearing, the young shoots are a brilliant shade of yellow; they then turn a coppery hue and, finally, a more subdued green.
This hybrid Philodendron can propagate its own flowers. The Prince of Orange Philodendron is unique among Philodendrons due to its colourful leaves as they develop from the plant’s center rather than its stems or vines. Aside from its vibrant hues, this plant is remarkably similar to a Philodendron Congo in appearance and growth, with the notable exception that it will never exceed a height of 2 feet.
The Philodendron Prince of Orange prefers a bright position but is out of direct sunlight in a room with lots of natural or diffused light during the day.
About Philodendron Prince of Orange
Table of Contents
Differentiating Features of Philodendron Prince of Orange
Because it is a hybrid that was first patented in 1989, the Philodendron Prince of Orange has never been found growing in the wild. However, it’s still largely like the wild philodendrons that originally grew in the tropical rainforests of the Caribbean and South America.
Philodendron Prince of Orange Appearance
Philodendron Prince of Orange is a stunning plant. Beautiful leaf patterns emerge from the kaleidoscope of hues. Its natural bushy rosette structure and small stature make it an ideal accent plant for classic and modern decor.
Philodendron Prince of Orange Foliage
The Philodendron Prince of Orange has been one of the most sought-after houseplants due to its attractive foliage.
As the evergreen leaves continue to unfurl, you can look forward to a dazzling display of all the foliage hues in one plant. The shiny surface of the thick, leathery leaves is famous among plant lovers. Oval in shape, they can reach a length of 14 inches and a width of 8 inches when fully grown.
Flowering
Even while the flowers on your Philodendron Prince of Orange in the spring are lovely, they are not why you should cultivate this spectacular foliage plant.
The little, white blooms are pretty to look at, but they don’t smell good, and they might get in the way of how impressive the plant’s foliage is.
The flower spikes can be trimmed as they arise without any repercussions. This will allow your Philodendron Prince of Orange to devote its resources to producing even more of its show-stopping leaves.
Dimensions and Expansion
When cultivated in a greenhouse, the full-size Philodendron Prince of Orange is about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide. A plant in a tropical climate could reach a height of three feet in the open air.
New plants can reach a height of 18 to 20 inches in their first year, making this a fast-growing species.
The younger, brighter leaves appear to grow from the core base, while the older, greener leaves act as a border.
Philodendron Prince Fragrance
Unfortunately, there is no scented Philodendron Prince. The evergreen foliage and the few spring flowers that appear each year carry no aroma. However, having this plant around helps improve the air quality in your home.
Like other philodendrons, the plant’s leaves may remove formaldehyde from the air. This chemical is found in many household products, including fabric treatments. Adding a few drops of essential oil to the leaf-washing solution can give your plants a pleasant aroma if that’s something you care about.
Comparison of the Prince of Orange Philodendron to Other Types
Autumn vs Prince of Orange Philodendrons
Leaf width and colour can tell you whether a golden-leafed Philodendron is a Philodendron Autumn or a Philodendron Prince of Orange. Thicker, darker stems support smaller, coppery-hued leaves on a Philodendron Autumn. The orange plant has leaves that are both wider and less intensely orange.
Orange philodendron vs. Prince Albert philodendron
Similarities between the Philodendron Prince Albert and the Orange philodendron are apparent. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll notice that these are two distinct types. The foliage of the orange plant, in contrast to that of Prince Albert, is more elongated and narrow. It also has a more vibrant central vein, which can take on the coloration of the leaf’s primary hue depending on the variety.
Philodendron Prince of Orange Care
The Philodendron Prince of Orange plant is easy to care for. Various philodendron cultivars can be found growing on the forest floor or scrambling up towering trees in their natural habitat, the tropical rainforest.
Follow the instructions given below to ensure the smooth growth of the orange philodendron prince plant:
Philodendron Prince of Orange Light Requirements
The light intensity needed to grow a Philodendron Prince of Orange is between 10,000 and 20,000 lux, which is considered extremely bright. It means that these dark green tropical plants require bright indirect sunlight.
You can use a grow light to ensure that your plant receives at least 8 hours of light daily if you live in a temperate zone during the winter.
Other than that, a north-facing or east-facing window should provide enough light for your Orange plant.
Watering Requirements of Orange Philodendron Prince
Watering philodendrons sparingly and in well-drained soil are essential components of their upkeep. You should water your orange plant till the soil is moist all the way through, but you shouldn’t let it sit in water. Wait until the soil has dried a little before watering it again. Philodendron plants with aerial roots struggle in overly moist soil.
Remember that philodendron leaves turn yellow, and the plant’s roots perish when they sit in water for too long. Therefore, you should stick your finger in the soil to check the moisture level. You don’t need to water your plant if the soil is already damp. On the other hand, if the soil is severely dry, your plant needs watering immediately.
The optimum size pot for this tropical plant is a medium one. Plastic, clay, and terra cotta are suitable options for potting containers.
This tropical plant requires a pot with drainage holes. Even with a lot of water, this plant might fall victim to root rot if the soil is too dry. The presence of drains can reduce the risk of this potentially fatal illness.
Repotting Philodendron Prince of Orange
Philodendron Prince of Orange grows rapidly, given the right conditions. If you want your orange plants to thrive in their new containers, repot them. It will allow you to give them a dose of healthy new soil. Remember that one of the primary ways your houseplants feed is by using new soil.
Your potting container should be at least 1 to 2 inches wider in diameter to accommodate expansion. It’s not a good idea to move the plant into a pot that’s too much bigger than the one it was in. If you want to keep your plant at its current size, you can repot it into the same container with fresh soil and by cutting back some of the roots and foliage. When the plant is actively growing is when you should repot it.
Humidity Requirements of Orange Philodendron Prince
Philodendron prince of orange, often known as orange prince, is a tropical perennial that does best with moderate humidity; ideally, it should be kept at a humidity level of 50% or above.
If your plant has brown leaf tips, it may suffer from low humidity. A cool-mist room humidifier or a humid location may help.
Temperature Requirements of Orange Philodendron Prince
Your Philodendron prince plant prefers temperatures between 66 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit but will do fine in a wider range. Warmth is excellent for this plant; however, you could probably get away with a touch cooler.
Consistency is more important than novelty while thinking about this lovely plant. The Philodendron Prince of Orange is quite susceptible to harm from sudden temperature changes. You should shield them from any sources of extreme temperature, like vents or open windows.
Toxicity of Philodendron Prince of Orange
Like many other species of Philodendron Prince of Orange is poisonous.
To Humans
Philodendron Prince of Orange, like many other members of the Philodendron family, is considered hazardous to humans due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. In no circumstances should any part of this plant be ingested.
To Animals
Philodendron Prince of Orange is poisonous to dogs and cats. Your pet should not be given any portion of the plant to eat. Get in touch with a physician or animal poison control center if you suspect your pet has consumed any part of this plant.
Climatic Conditions for Philodendron Prince of Orange
True tropical natives, the Prince of Orange and its related Philodendron species thrive in hot, humid climates.
If enough moisture is in the soil and the air, your Prince of Orange will be fine on an infrequent irrigation plan. Place your Philodendron in a warm, damp spot in your home to maintain lush green leaves.
If you think your Prince of Orange is losing its luster, it has to be cared for in a warm, humid environment. Therefore, you should put it in your kitchen or bathroom. The high humidity and warm temperatures are perfect for your Philodendron. After some time, the plant’s leaves should begin to regain their health and vitality.
Fertilization Requirements of Orange Philodendron Prince
Apply organic houseplant fertilizer in the growing season to help your Prince of Orange blossom to its fullest potential. To avoid leaf burn, use a balanced slow-release fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Forestry Maintenance
There is a natural inclination for philodendrons to head in the direction of bright light. Keep your Philodendron Prince of Orange looking bright orange by rotating the container so that all the leaves get some sun.
You can appreciate the waxy texture of your Prince of Orange leaves by giving them a light wipe down with a moist cloth once you notice the foliage has begun to collect dust. Your Philodendron Prince of Orange will benefit from the increased humidity and sunlight that this provides.
Pruning Orange Plant
The orange plant has been selectively bred to form a dense cluster; it requires little in the way of pruning to maintain its visually pleasing form.
Remove the leaves when they show signs of damage or deterioration. Diseases and pests can flourish in dying or damaged foliage.
Wear gloves and avoid getting the sap from the plant on your skin when you cut it.
To keep your Philodendron Prince of Orange in neat and healthy form, flip the pot a quarter turn whenever you water it. As a result, it won’t end up crooked as it stretches for the sun’s zenith.
Philodendron Prince of Orange Propagation
Plant enthusiasts, relax; propagating these Philodendron species is difficult but not impossible. This self-heading plant is often reproduced by commercial producers by seeds or tissue culture. However, the following procedures work best in the spring when humidity is high.
Find the little plants via the exposed stem at the base of the mother plant.
Allow the seedlings to develop for at least a month or until a few leaves and nodes have appeared.
Choose a plant that has aerial roots, then prune off a healthy section when it reaches an appropriate length.
Air-Layering
Put some holes in the base of a six-inch zip log bag.
Put a handful of wet sphagnum moss in the bag.
Cut slits on the top for wings. There should be lumps of aerial roots at the plantlet’s base.
Take a clean, sharp knife and cut a slit below the node where you would like the new plant to grow.
After that, press the damp moss against the stem cuttings while using your other hand to wrap the wings around the stem and fasten them with twist ties.
Keep the moss damp until new roots emerge, and place the plant in bright indirect light.
Take your plant out of the bag and use the sterilized scissors to cut away the new roots.
Plant the cutting in a pot and give it some shade as it gets established.
An Orange Philodendron only has to be repotted when its roots have outgrown its container, or it begins to lean over. Go with a terracotta pot because it can handle more weight than other options.
Philodendron Prince of Orange Diseases, Insects, and Other Annoyances
When it comes to pests and diseases, the Prince of Orange Philodendron is a tough cookie. The following are some of the most typical issues with the Philodendron varieties:
Root Rot
Overwatering, poor drainage soil and a lack of drainage holes are common causes of death for this indoor plant, which can lead to root rot.
Preventing root rot is preferable to treating it after it has developed. Ensure you’re on the correct track by keeping track of your watering schedule.
Fungal Gnat
The fungus gnat is a disgusting pest. Even worse, their larvae can eat away at the roots of your Philodendron Prince of Orange, which results in a fungal leaf spot. It will lead to stunted development and eventual death of the plant.
Reduce the number of gnats in your home by using bottom-watering pots or a self-watering planter.
Spider Mites
The extensive presence of spider mites makes life difficult for many plants, including the healthy plants of Philodendron varieties. Tiny brown or yellow patches emerge on Philodendron leaves after they have been damaged by spider mites. Webbing is also a possibility.
First, get your Orange plant wet and shower it down in the bathroom. Some spider mites can be loosened with very little effort. Spray the plant with a solution of neem oil and water twice weekly until the problem disappears.
If you’d like a natural method, ladybirds can help control spider mites.
White Powdery Mildew
Fine white patches might appear on the leaves of this attractive indoor plant if powdery mildew has infected them. As the fungus grows, it weakens the plant and eventually kills it.
Although it can survive in moist settings, powdery mildew grows better when it’s warmer and drier. Although this plant is not overly sensitive to powdery mildew, over-misting or overuse of a humidifier could still cause problems.
Once again, the greatest strategy is prevention. A fan or an air purifier can assist improve ventilation and keep the fungus at bay.
Scales
Scale insects on the branches of a Philodendron Prince of Orange could look more like little lumps or bumps than actual insects. The tiny bugs, which can be any shade of grey, green, black, or brown, tend to remain on a plant once they’ve landed there. They drain the plant of its vital juices, resulting in withering and poor development.
For less severe infestations, you can use a solution of four cups of water and one teaspoon of neem oil to eliminate the pests. Just pour it into a spray bottle and use it on your plants. You can also take preventative measures if your plants are prone to scaling. If this doesn’t work, you can also try spraying an insecticide designed to kill Scale.
Mealybugs
Your Philodendron Prince of Orange could have mealybugs. They are easily recognized by the white cottony substance they leave behind on the stems of plants.
Quick action is required when this occurs to prevent further damage. Remove these bugs from the round, vivid coppery-orange leaves and stem of your orange plant by taking a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol.
You can get rid of the problem by spraying the leaves and stem with a solution of one cup of rubbing alcohol, two gallons of water, with a teaspoon of fragrance-free dish soap twice a week. Neem oil diluted in water is another viable option.
Brown Leaves
The browning of the leaf tips on your Philodendron orange prince plant could be a sign of either too little humidity or too much sunlight. Make only one adjustment at a time to avoid throwing off balance too much.
Leaf Drooping
Depending on the cause, drooping leaves could indicate either overwatering or drought. Focus on your Philodendron plant and make sure that the mealybugs stay away. This is because these bugs can eventually lead to drooping leaves. Moreover, you must look out for overwatering and fertilisation problems as they are the potential causes of droopy leaves.
Yellow Leaves
The older leaves of a Philodendron Prince of Orange houseplant are already a yellowish color, although this is very different from the sickly yellow of diseased leaves. These unattractive yellow leaves could be an indication that your plant isn’t getting enough water or sunlight. An excess of water is usually a warning of trouble for this plant.
Conclusion
A Philodendron Prince of Orange is an indoor plant that can be a beautiful addition to almost any setting due to its uniquely hued leaves. Its modest footprint and low upkeep requirements mean it can be accommodated in even the tiniest of interior settings. This stunning plant will flourish in the high humidity of a bathroom if you have the space for it there. Its vibrantly colored foliage will be a standout in an indoor tropical garden. Use it as a decorative element in the great outdoors.