Philodendron Prince of Orange
A self-heading philodendron whose new leaves open a bright copper-orange, turn yellow-green, then settle to deep green, so a mature plant wears three colours at once. Compact, no pole needed, and as easy as any philodendron.
Prince of Orange does the same trick as Moonlight in a warmer palette. New leaves emerge a bright copper, shift to amber, then yellow-green, and finally a deep green, each stage taking a week or two. On a healthy plant you get a gradient from the centre outward.
It is a self-heading hybrid, so it grows as a neat rosette to about two feet with no pole and no pruning. Give it filtered light and let the soil dry between waterings and it will keep producing coloured leaves for years.
Light
Bright, indirect light is what makes the orange happen. In medium light the new leaves open a muted peach and go green faster. Direct sun scorches. An east window, or a few feet from a south or west one, is the sweet spot.
Water
Water when the top two inches are dry: about weekly in summer, every twelve days in winter. Like most self-heading philodendrons it wilts a little when thirsty and recovers quickly. Keep the saucer empty; the roots rot in standing water.
Soil and potting
A chunky, airy aroid mix. Repot every eighteen months into a pot two inches wider. It does not need much root room and is happier slightly snug.
Feeding
Half-strength balanced feed monthly from spring through early autumn. Regular feeding keeps the new leaves coming, which is where all the colour lives.
Propagation
Division or basal offsets from a mature plant. Not from cuttings.
In a hot, dry home
Suits a dry home well. Forty percent humidity is fine, the leaves are leathery enough to skip the crispy edges, and it likes the warmth. In peak summer water a couple of days earlier than usual and keep it out of the direct AC stream, which fades the orange faster than anything.
Philodendron Prince of Orange varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Orange Marmalade
Orange new leaves splashed and streaked with cream and green. Slower, brighter light to keep the variegation, and pricier.
- Sun Red
A related hybrid whose new leaves open a deep coppery red rather than orange, ageing to dark green.
Problems and fixes
New leaves opening greenish, not orange
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move to a brighter, filtered spot.
Bleached patches on the newest leaves
Likely cause: Direct sun on the tender new growth
Fix: Pull it back from the glass.
Lower leaves yellow
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the top two inches dry first.
Leaves curling under
Likely cause: Thirsty or too warm
Fix: Water, and move it away from a heat source.
Philodendron Prince of Orange questions
How long does the orange colour last?
Each leaf stays orange for one to three weeks before turning green. A plant that is growing well always has a leaf or two in the orange stage.
How big does Prince of Orange get?
Around two feet tall and wide indoors. It stays compact.
Is Prince of Orange pet safe?
No. Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Philodendron Moonlight
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
Philodendron Congo Rojo
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
Philodendron Birkin
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
