Prince of Orange Philodendron
Philodendron erubescens 'Prince of Orange'
Prince of Orange
About this plant
Philodendron erubescens 'Prince of Orange' is a popular tropical houseplant known for its stunning, colorful leaves that emerge bright orange and mature to shades of green. It has a climbing or trailing growth habit, making it great for hanging baskets or trained on supports. This plant adds a vibrant splash of color and lush tropical feel to indoor spaces.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Philodendron
- Family
- Araceae
- Higher classification
- Order: Alismatales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Colombia, South America
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated as a houseplant worldwide, originally native to tropical regions of South America.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 4–7 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 15 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 18-26 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 10-12
- Soil pH
- 5.5-7.0
- Soil type
- well-draining potting soil mix
Watering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot. Increase humidity if leaf edges brown.
Fertilizing. Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Prince of Orange is a moderately easy plant to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, and avoid letting it dry out completely. Watch for common issues like yellow leaves from overwatering or brown tips from dry air. Regular feeding during the growing season helps it thrive.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- No
Bright orange new leaves that mature to green, glossy heart-shaped foliage, climbing or trailing form.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Toxic if ingested; keep away from children and pets to prevent mouth irritation or digestive upset.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- None
Some people sensitive to plant sap may experience mild skin irritation when handling this plant. The main trigger is its sap. To reduce exposure, wear gloves when pruning or repotting.
Common problems
Yellowing leaves often result from overwatering, while brown leaf tips can indicate dry air or inconsistent watering. Pests like spider mites or mealybugs may occasionally appear.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental houseplant for its colorful foliage and tropical appearance.
Notes
Prune to control size and encourage bushier growth. Repot every 1-2 years or when root-bound. Sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.