Philodendron Prince Of Orange

If you’re looking for a houseplant that makes a bold statement without demanding constant attention, the philodendron prince of orange is a perfect pick. This vibrant and easy-care plant brings a splash of color to any room with its stunning foliage that changes as it matures.

Unlike some finicky tropical plants, the Prince of Orange is remarkably adaptable. It thrives in typical indoor conditions, forgiving the occasional missed watering. Its main appeal is its leaves, which emerge a bright, shiny orange before gradually shifting to chartreuse and finally settling into a deep, glossy green. This means you get a living display of color on a single plant.

This particular philodendron is a self-heading hybrid, meaning it grows in a neat, clumping form rather than as a long vine. It’s a compact plant, usually reaching about two feet tall and wide indoors, making it ideal for tabletops, shelves, or as a floor plant in a brighter spot.

Why Choose This Plant?

Here are the top reasons the Prince of Orange belongs in your home:

Dynamic Color: The shifting leaf colors provide constant visual interest throughout the year.
Low Maintenance: It’s perfect for beginners or busy plant owners who want reliability.
Compact Size: Its tidy growth habit fits perfectly in modern living spaces without taking over.
Air-Purifying Qualities: Like many philodendrons, it helps filter common household toxins from the air.

Ideal Light Conditions

The key to maintaining those vibrant orange and yellow tones is light. This plant prefers bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window is usually ideal.

Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, causing brown, crispy patches.
Too little light will cause the plant to become leggy, with smaller leaves that stay more green than orange.
If you only have lower light, consider supplementing with a grow light to keep the colors bright.

Watering Your Prince of Orange Correctly

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm this plant. It likes its soil to partially dry out between drinks. A good rule of thumb is the “finger test.”

Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly until you see it run out of the drainage holes.
Empty the saucer underneath after a few minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.

In winter, you’ll need to water less frequently as the plant’s growth slows down. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of to much water, while drooping leaves usually mean it’s thirsty.

Choosing the Right Soil and Pot

A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. Use a standard houseplant mix and amend it with some perlite or orchid bark to increase aeration. This prevents the soil from compacting and holding excess moisture around the roots.

Always choose a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are a great option because they allow the soil to dry more evenly, reducing the risk of root rot.

Humidity and Temperature Preferences

As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity but is quite tolerant of average home humidity levels. If your air is very dry (especially in winter), you can boost moisture a few ways:

Place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
Group it with other plants to create a microclimate.
Use a small humidifier nearby.

Keep it in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors in winter, and keep it away from heating and air conditioning vents, which can cause rapid drying or temperature shock.

Feeding for Fantastic Foliage

To support its colorful leaf production, feed your philodendron a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the bottle.
Apply this about once a month when you water.
Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant isn’t actively growing.

Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the roots. If you see a white crust on the soil surface, you may be feeding to often.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is simple. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves at the base of their stem to keep the plant looking tidy and to direct energy to new growth. You can also remove older, fully green leaves if you want to encourage more of the colorful new growth. Simply cut the leaf stem close to the main plant.

Dust the large leaves regularly with a damp cloth. This allows the plant to breathe and photosynthesize efficiently, keeping it healthy and shiny.

How to Propagate New Plants

It’s easy to create new plants from your Prince of Orange through division. The best time to do this is when you repot in the spring.

Gently remove the plant from its pot.
Carefully separate a section of the plant that has its own roots and at least a couple of leaves.
Pot the new division in its own container with fresh, well-draining soil.
Water it lightly and care for it as usual.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even easy-care plants can have occasional issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Yellow Leaves

This is most often caused by overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your schedule. It could also be a sign the plant needs more light or is getting to much direct sun.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges

Usually a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity or check that you’re watering thoroughly enough when you do water.

Leggy Growth with Small Leaves

The plant is not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location with indirect light.

Pests

Keep an eye out for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil if you spot any. Good airflow and not overwatering help prevent most pest problems.

Repotting Your Philodendron

You’ll only need to repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches wider in diameter. Repotting into a pot that’s to large can lead to soil staying wet for too long.

Water the plant a day before repotting to reduce stress.
Gently loosen the root ball and place it in the new pot with fresh soil at the bottom.
Fill in around the sides with more fresh potting mix.
Water it in to help settle the soil.

Styling Your Space

The Prince of Orange’s bold color makes it a fantastic focal point. Place it in a neutral-colored pot to let the foliage shine. It looks stunning against dark green walls or alongside plants with silver or deep green leaves. Because of its size, it works well on a plant stand, a bright kitchen counter, or an office desk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Philodendron Prince of Orange toxic?

Yes, like all philodendrons, it is toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.

Why are my new leaves not turning orange?

Insufficient light is the most common reason. Try moving your plant to a brighter spot with indirect light to encourage those vibrant orange and yellow hues.

How often should I water my Prince of Orange philodendron?

There’s no set schedule. Always use the finger test to check soil moisture. It might be weekly in summer and every two weeks or less in winter, depending on your home’s conditions.

Can I put my philodendron prince of orange outside?

You can during warm summer months, but place it in a shaded or dappled light location. Never put it in direct outdoor sun, which is much stronger than indoor light. Bring it back inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F.

What’s the difference between Prince of Orange and other colorful philodendrons?

The Prince of Orange is known for its self-heading, compact form and leaves that change from orange to green. Others, like the ‘Pink Princess,’ have variegation with pink, and the ‘McColley’s Finale’ transitions from red to dark green. Each has it’s own unique color pattern.

The philodendron prince of orange truly is a standout choice for adding reliable, low-fuss color to your life. With just a little attention to light and water, it will reward you with a spectacular, ever-changing display of foliage for years to come. Its resilience and beauty make it a favorite among both new and experienced plant enthusiasts.