Philodendron Prince Of Orange

If you’re looking for a houseplant that makes a bold statement without demanding constant attention, look no further. The philodendron prince of orange is a vibrant and easy-care choice that brings a splash of color to any room. Its stunning feature is the foliage, which emerges in a brilliant shade of coppery-orange before maturing to a deep, glossy green. This natural color show means you get a dynamic display from a single, low-maintenance plant.

It’s a member of the popular Philodendron genus, known for its adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor jungle, this plant is forgiving and rewarding. Let’s get into everything you need to know to help your Prince of Orange thrive.

This plant is a self-heading philodendron, meaning it grows in a neat, upright clump rather than as a long, trailing vine. It’s perfect for tabletops, shelves, or as a floor plant as it gets larger. The scientific name is often listed as Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’, linking it to the Blushing Philodendron family.

Why Choose the Prince of Orange?

Its main appeal is obvious: the color. Each new leaf is a surprise package, unfurling in a bright, warm hue. But there’s more to love:

Air Purifying: Like many philodendrons, it helps filter common household toxins from the air.
Compact Growth: It grows to a manageable size, typically 1-2 feet tall and wide indoors, making it ideal for most spaces.
Non-Toxic: It’s safe around cats and dogs, though ingestion can still cause mild irritation, so it’s best to keep it out of reach.
Adaptable: It tolerates a range of home environments better than many finicky plants.

The Perfect Home: Light Requirements

Getting the light right is key to maintaining those vibrant orange leaves. Too little light, and the plant will become leggy with small, mostly green leaves. Too much direct sun, and the leaves can scorch.

Ideal Light: Bright, indirect light is perfect. A spot near an east or north-facing window is excellent.
Good Light: A few feet back from a south or west-facing window, where the sun’s rays aren’t directly hitting the leaves.
Low Light: It can survive in lower light, but growth will be very slow and the colorful leaf displays will be less intense.

If you notice the new leaves coming in mostly green, try moving your plant to a slightly brighter location. A simple rotate of the pot every few weeks ensures even growth.

Watering Your Philodendron Correctly

This is where most people run into trouble. The Prince of Orange likes its soil to partially dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a fast track to root rot.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about 2 inches into the potting mix.
If the top 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days.
Water thoroughly until you see water draining freely from the holes in the bottom of the pot.
Empty the saucer or cache pot after 15-20 minutes so the plant isn’t sitting in water.
In winter, when growth slows, you’ll need to water less frequently.

A well-draining potting mix is crucial. A standard indoor plant mix with some added perlite or orchid bark for aeration works wonders.

Humidity and Temperature Preferences

As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity but is surprisingly adaptable to average home conditions.

Humidity: Aim for 40-60% humidity. If your air is very dry (especially in winter), group plants together, use a pebble tray, or consider a small humidifier. Brown leaf tips can be a sign of air that’s too dry.
Temperature: Keep it in a warm spot between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents, as temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can damage the plant.

Feeding for Fantastic Foliage

To support its colorful growth, your plant will benefit from regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer).

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula) diluted to half the recommended strength.
Fertilize once a month from spring through early fall.
Stop fertilizing in the late fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally pauses.

Over-fertilizing can harm the roots and cause leaf burn, so when in doubt, less is more. Flushing the soil with plain water every few months can prevent salt buildup from the fertilizer.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning is simple and mostly for aesthetics. You don’t need to prune for the plant’s health, but it helps maintain a nice shape.

Remove any yellowing or dead leaves at the base of the stem using clean, sharp scissors.
To encourage a bushier plant, you can pinch off the very tip of a stem. This will prompt growth from lower nodes.
Always clean your tools before use to prevent spreading disease between plants.

Dust the leaves regularly with a damp cloth. This allows the plant to breathe and photosynthesize efficiently, keeping those leaves glossy.

When and How to Repot

Your Prince of Orange will be happy being slightly root-bound. Repot every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.

Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosening the root ball slightly.
Place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom and around the sides.
Water thoroughly to help settle the soil.

The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer, when the plant is entering its active growth phase and can recover quickly.

Common Problems and Easy Solutions

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

Yellow Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your schedule. Older leaves yellowing naturally is normal.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: Often caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity or check soil moisture more frequently.
Leggy Growth with Small Leaves: The plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location.
Pests: Watch for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil if you spot any.

How to Propagate Your Plant

Sharing your Prince of Orange is easy through division, since it grows in a clump. This is best done when you are repotting.

Remove the plant from its pot and gently seperate a section of the clump that has its own roots and at least 2-3 leaves.
Plant the new division in its own pot with fresh soil.
Water it well and care for it as you would a mature plant. It may wilt slightly at first but should perk up in a week or two.

Styling Your Space with the Prince of Orange

This plant’s colorful foliage makes it a natural focal point. Its compact size offers lots of styling options. Place it on a side table to brighten a dark corner, or use it as a centerpiece on a dining table. It pairs beautifully with plants that have dark green or purple foliage, creating a stunning contrast. A simple, neutral pot—like white ceramic or terracotta—really lets the orange and green leaves shine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Philodendron Prince of Orange rare?
It used to be less common, but it’s now widely available at many nurseries and online plant shops. It’s considered a popular and sought-after cultivar.

Why is my Prince of Orange not turning orange?
Insufficient light is the most common reason. New leaves need bright, indirect light to develop their full orange color. Try moving it to a brighter spot.

How fast does the Prince of Orange philodendron grow?
With good light, proper watering, and feeding during the growing season, it has a moderate growth rate. You can expect several new leaves each season.

Can Philodendron Prince of Orange take direct sun?
No. Direct sunlight, especially harsh afternoon sun, will scorch and bleach the beautiful leaves. Stick to bright, indirect light for the best results.

What’s the difference between Prince of Orange and McColley’s Finale?
They are often confused! Both start with colorful new leaves. Prince of Orange leaves emerge bright orange, then change to green. McColley’s Finale new leaves are red-orange and mature to a darker, bronzy green. The growth habit is very similar.

The philodendron prince of orange truly lives up to it’s reputation as a vibrant and easy-care houseplant. By providing it with the right balance of light, water, and warmth, you’ll be rewarded with a constantly changing display of stunning foliage. It’s a perfect example of how a little care can yield spectacular, long-lasting results in your home.