Mature Philodendron Prince of Orange: Care & Characteristics

The Philodendron Prince of Orange is a hybrid houseplant prized for its unique and dynamic foliage. Developed for its ornamental appeal, the plant’s appearance evolves as it grows, but its mature form presents a distinct set of characteristics. Understanding the specific needs of an established specimen is necessary for maintaining its health and signature appearance over the long term.

Mature Prince of Orange Characteristics

A fully grown Philodendron Prince of Orange reaches a height and spread of about two to three feet. Its growth pattern is “self-heading,” which means it grows upward and outward from a central base rather than producing long vines. This habit results in a dense, bushy rosette of foliage with leaves emerging in a layered fashion. The main stem is sturdy and becomes more pronounced as the plant ages and lower leaves naturally drop off.

The most distinguished feature is the color progression of its leaves. New foliage emerges from the center of the plant in a brilliant shade of orange. As these leaves mature, their color gradually transitions to a coppery tone, and then hardens off to a deep, glossy green. A healthy, mature plant will display this entire spectrum of colors simultaneously, creating a multi-hued display. The broad, elongated leaves can reach up to eight inches in length.

Caring for a Mature Plant

Light

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which mimics the dappled sunlight of their ancestral habitat. A position near an east-facing window is suitable, as it provides gentle morning sun. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches and faded color.

Water

Proper watering involves maintaining consistent soil moisture without causing waterlogged conditions. A larger plant in a larger pot has a greater capacity to hold water, meaning it may require more water per session but less frequent watering overall compared to a juvenile plant. A reliable method is to water thoroughly when the top 50-75% of the soil has dried out. Apply water until it drains freely from the pot’s drainage holes and discard any excess in the saucer to prevent root rot.

Soil

The soil for a mature Prince of Orange must provide a balance of moisture retention, aeration, and drainage. A well-draining aroid mix is effective, often containing components like peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. This combination ensures roots have access to oxygen. When repotting a mature plant every two to three years, choose a pot only one to two inches larger in diameter to prevent overwatering.

Fertilizer

A mature Philodendron Prince of Orange requires consistent nutrition to support its large leaf mass. During the active growing season of spring and summer, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. The fertilizer should be diluted to half-strength to avoid fertilizer burn. In the fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce fertilization to once every two to three months.

Pruning and Support

Maintenance for a mature Prince of Orange includes periodic pruning, performed mainly for aesthetic reasons and to promote healthy growth. Pruning involves the removal of old, yellowing, or damaged leaves from the base of the plant. This practice keeps the plant looking tidy and allows it to redirect energy toward producing new foliage. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts at the base of the leaf stem.

While the Prince of Orange is a self-heading variety, a large specimen can become top-heavy and begin to lean. Its upright stems are sturdy, but the weight of numerous large leaves can compromise its stability. If leaning becomes an issue, a single stake can be inserted into the soil near the central stem to provide gentle reinforcement. This support helps the plant maintain its upright and symmetrical form.

Encouraging Vibrant Color

The intensity of the plant’s signature orange foliage is directly linked to the amount of light it receives. To encourage the most vivid orange hues, the plant must be in a location with consistent, bright, indirect light. This exposure is the primary trigger for the production of the pigments responsible for the coloration. In lower light, new leaves may emerge a paler yellow or bypass the orange stage entirely.

Proper nutrition also plays a supporting role. The energy required to produce deeply colored leaves is significant, and a well-fertilized plant is better equipped for this process. An underfed plant may lack the resources to produce its most brilliant colors, even if lighting is adequate. A lack of regular feeding can also cause new leaves to appear less colorful.

Common Issues with Mature Plants

A mature plant might develop a leggy appearance or a sparse base as lower, older leaves naturally die off. This can be exacerbated by low light, which causes the plant to stretch.

Another frequent problem for established plants is becoming root-bound, where the root system has completely filled the pot. This condition restricts the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients, impacting overall health. Signs of a root-bound plant include:

• Slowed or stunted growth
• Water running straight through the pot without being absorbed
• Roots visibly emerging from the drainage holes
• A need for more frequent watering