Caring for Prince of Orange Philodendron

The Philodendron Prince of Orange gets its name from its uniquely hued leaves, which change color over time. New growth starts a starburst yellow when it first emerges, transitioning first to copper tones and ultimately settling into darker shades of green.

This plant is a self-heading Philodendron hybrid. Unlike many Philodendron varieties, the Prince of Orange grows its vibrant leaves from its center rather than from vines or stems. Its brilliant coloring aside, it looks and grows very similarly to a Philodendron Congo, except will only reach about 2 feet tall at its largest.

The Prince of Orange appreciates a bright location in your home or office, out of reach of direct sunlight, in a spot where it will receive plenty of ambient or filtered light throughout the day.

The Prince of Orange shows many different colors during its leaves’ life cycle. New growth emerges from the center of the plant a yellow/orange then turns to green. Older leaves toward the outside of the plant also turn yellow, so be sure to differentiate between normal leaf color change and coloring that indicates poor health before pruning.

The Prince of Orange can grow large and broad over time. In the right lighting conditions it can double in size in a year.

Routine Maintenance

Always be sure to assess your plant’s watering needs upon receiving it. Before giving your plant a drink, it is best to check the moisture level in the soil first to ensure it isn’t moist right beneath the surface. Also, consider aerating the soil of your plant before the initial watering. Stores compact the soil to avoid shifting during transit, so aerating can help the soil breathe and allow moisture to be released.

Philodendrons prefer soil that is consistently slightly moist, especially if you want them to grow big leaves. As epiphytes with aerial roots, they are sensitive to overwatering, so they don’t want to sit in soggy soil. Typically, you shouldn’t have to water your Prince of Orange more than once a week. When the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry, your plant could use a drink. Rest easy knowing this plant is hardy and easy to care for!

Rotate your plant periodically to ensure even growth on all sides and dust the leaves often so the plant can photosynthesize efficiently. When dusting the leaves, also take the opportunity to inspect the undersides and keep an eye out for pests.

Remember each plant is a unique living thing and may have varying needs, especially in their individual locations. Pay attention to the condition of your Philodendron Prince of Orange and its watering needs and you will have a long and happy relationship.

Rotate your plant every few weeks so that it grows proportionately. Prince of Orange love to lean towards the light, so rotating will help it stay full on all sides.

Information courtesy of GreeneryUnlimited.co