The Philodendron White Princess is a beautiful and sought-after plant that is native to the rainforests of South America. Its suitability for indoor planting and rapid growth rate when kept under optimal conditions makes it popular among plant enthusiasts.
With its striking heart-shaped green leaves adorned with white patches, it's sure to capture the attention of any plant enthusiast. However, it's worth noting that this plant's leaves are quite sensitive, easily scorching and browning under direct sun exposure. As a result, it requires careful attention to light conditions to maintain its vibrant appearance.
While the white variegation of the Philodendron White Princess enhances its appeal, it comes with a warning. The plant is toxic when ingested, making it potentially dangerous around curious pets or young children. Therefore, it must be placed in a secure location where it can be admired but not accessed easily.
How to Identify White Princess Philodendron?
The White Princess has gorgeous heart-shaped green leaves distinctively splashed with white patches. These white patches usually dazzle and delight in the light and vary in intensity and pattern from one White Princess to another. However, the Philodendron White Princess can be easily confused with its close relatives - the White Knight and White Wizard - especially for the uninitiated. But the variegation and stem colour help differentiate them.
Unlike the White Princess, the White Knight boasts dark purple stems with similar white variegation. The White Princess, on the other hand, has a bright green stem with white or pink colouring, and in some cases, both. Still, with close observation, you’ll notice that the White Wizard's white patches are typically larger, and its leaves tend to be bigger than the White Princess's more slender leaves.
Aside from the large roots that dig deep into the soil, the White Princess Philodendron also has aerial roots. These aerial roots are quite resourceful at absorbing nutrition from the air. This plant is equally suited to inexperienced plant enthusiasts who may be constrained by space, as it fits perfectly within smaller grow boxes, rooms, or indoor gardening spaces. Having the White Princess Philodendron, with its manageable size and unique features, will undoubtedly add a dash of tropical allure to any indoor setting.
How to Care for a Philodendron White Princess?
Here are the simple things you can do to make sure that your Philodendron White Princess thrives in any setting:
#1. Light requirements
Place your White Princess in a bright area without direct contact with sunlight. In its natural habitat, the plant is found underneath the forest canopy. The variegation can easily suffer sun damage when the plant is in direct sunlight.
Besides direct sunlight, a light imbalance can also cause the variegation to brown. This is usually a problem for plant parents during winter when there isn’t enough natural light. It’s advisable to use grow lights during such times to ensure your White Princess doesn’t experience dormancy. Lack of enough natural light may also cause your White Princess to appear gangly and stretched out.
It’s essential to keep the leaves clean for maximum light absorption. Similarly, keep rotating your White Princess to ensure it absorbs light evenly from all angles.
#2. Providing support
Your White Princess needs extra support to grow stronger, especially during times of its biggest growth. For this, you can use a moss pole to help train your Philodendron White Princess to wind its way upwards. The support of a moss pole will also help the leaves grow incredibly huge.
#3. Watering needs
This gorgeous plant likes its soil to dry out slightly between watering periods. Overwatering is bad because the plant can easily suffer root rot.
Make a habit of feeling the moisture in the soil with your finger before adding water. Only water the plant if the few inches of soil at the top is completely dry. The number of times you have to water your White Prince may vary depending on the conditions in your home.
When it comes to watering your Philodendron White Princess, it’s better to err on the side of under-watering rather than over-watering. An under-watered plant can generally be revived more easily, while over-watering can cause root rot and potentially trigger fungal problems. Always remember, it's easier to add water than to take it away!
#4. Fertilising schedule
Adding nutrients into your White Princess’ care routine during spring and summer is strongly recommended. Not only help encourage but also support new growth. Ideally, you should add nutrients to your White Princess every time you water it during the growing season. Then again, avoid giving this plant too much fertiliser. Remember to read the instructions and give the recommended amounts.
If it is your first time to fertilise this plant, start with small amounts of fertiliser to avoid sending the plant into “shock.” Similarly, a White Princess that has been recently re-potted should not be fertilised for a few weeks or even months. This is so because the quality of the new soil is good and rich in nutrients.
#5. Suitable soil type
The ideal soil for a White Princess Philodendron should be well-draining. You can use potting mix together with orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir. This is a good combination because it creates well-draining, moisture-retaining soil.
The Philodendron White Princess thrives in a well-draining soil mixture. Use a combination of potting mix, orchid bark, perlite, and coconut coir. This mixture ensures adequate drainage, preventing waterlogging and encouraging root health. Tailoring your soil mix specifically for your White Princess sets the foundation for a thriving plant.
#6. Maintaining humidity levels
The White Princess Philodendron is a tropical plant. So, lack of humidity is a cause for alarm for this plant. Poor humidity can cause the white variegation to brown, along with other undesirable effects. The plant is usually healthier and happier in an environment with 60 to 90% humidity. If you are a new plant parent, you need to find a humidifier and place it near the plant.
#7. Ideal temperature range
As far as temperature is concerned, the White Princess prefers a slightly warmer and more stable environment. Preferably, keep the plant in an environment with a temperature ranging from 26°C to 30°C (78°F to 86°F), with the absolute minimum being 17°C (62°F). If your plant is exposed to temperatures below 17°C, it will suffer severe damage. Also, the temperature should be steady and consistent and not fluctuating.
#8. Pest control and disease prevention
The vibrant appearance of your White Princess can also draw pests like scales, mealybugs, and aphids. These little guys can cause some severe damage to your White Princess. The mealybugs are notorious for sucking the fluid from newly grown leaves and stems, while the aphids release a sticky substance that makes the leaves appear yellow-contorted. On the other hand, scales attach themselves to either the leaves or stems.
The good news is that these pests are controllable. You simply have to wipe the pests off the plant. A cotton swab soaked with isopropyl alcohol does an excellent job of removing the mealybugs. But do a patch test first before using alcohol on the entire plant. These plant diseases are typically caused by overwatering, with the common diseases being root rot and bacterial leaf spot.
Philodendron White Princess Toxicity
While it is a beautiful and popular houseplant, it is essential to know its potential hazards, especially if you have pets or small children. White Princess Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with the skin or eyes.
Symptoms may include mouth and throat irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing. It is crucial to handle this plant with care and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in your household. Keep it out of reach of pets and children, and if accidental ingestion or contact occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
How to Propagate the Philodendron White Princess (8 Simple Steps)
Propagating a Philodendron White Princess is an exciting way to expand your plant collection or share this beautiful plant with others. Here's a simple guide on how to propagate a Philodendron White Princess:
- Select a healthy stem: Look for a mature stem with multiple nodes and at least two or three leaves. Nodes are the points on the stem where leaves and roots emerge.
- Prepare a cutting: Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Ensure the cutting is around 10-15 inches in length.
- Remove lower leaves: Trim off the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This helps the cutting put more energy into developing roots.
- Optional: While not necessary, you can apply a rooting hormone to the cut end of the stem. This can promote faster root development.
- Place the cutting in water or soil: There are two common methods for propagating Philodendron White Princess - water propagation and soil propagation.
- Water propagation: Place the cutting in a jar or glass filled with water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged. Place it in a bright, indirect light location and change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
- Soil propagation: Prepare a well-draining potting mix and create a small hole for the cutting. Insert the cutting into the soil, burying the nodes and leaving the leaves above the soil surface. Water the soil lightly and place the pot in a warm and bright spot.
- Provide the right conditions: Regardless of the propagation method, it's important to provide warmth, indirect light, and consistent moisture for successful root development. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may damage the cutting.
- Wait for root development: It typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months for roots to develop. Monitor the progress by gently tugging the cutting. Once you feel resistance, it means roots have formed.
- Transplant into a new pot: Once the roots have grown, you can carefully transplant the new Philodendron White Princess into a suitable pot with well-draining soil. Water it thoroughly after transplanting and continue caring for it as you would with a mature plant.
Remember to be patient and provide proper care during the propagation process. With time and care, you can successfully propagate your Philodendron White Princess and enjoy the beauty of multiple plants.
Can the Philodendron White Princess Revert?
Yes, the Philodendron White Princess can revert. Reversion is when a variegated plant starts producing leaves with less or no variegation, resulting in plain green leaves. This can occur due to several factors, including genetic instability and environmental conditions. If a White Princess Philodendron experiences stress or receives insufficient light, it may produce predominantly green leaves instead of exhibiting the characteristic variegation.
It's important to provide the plant with adequate light conditions to prevent or minimize reversion. Place it in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight, as excessive exposure to direct sunlight can also cause leaf burn. Additionally, maintaining a consistent care routine, including proper watering, fertilization, and providing optimal humidity levels, can contribute to the plant's overall health and minimize the chances of reversion.
If reversion does occur, you can prune the reverted portions of the plant to maintain the desired variegation. Regularly monitoring the plant's growth and promptly addressing any signs of reversion can help preserve the unique variegated appearance of the Philodendron White Princess.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Philodendron White Princess.
Are Philodendron White Princess rare?
Yes, the Philodendron White Princess is considered a rare and highly sought-after variety of philodendron. Its distinctive white variegation on the leaves sets it apart from other philodendron plants, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. However, the rarity of the Philodendron White Princess can vary depending on the availability and demand in different regions.
How fast does the Philodendron White Princess grow?
The growth rate of Philodendron White Princess can vary depending on various factors such as light, temperature, humidity, and care provided. Generally, it is considered to be a moderate to fast-growing plant when provided with optimal conditions. However, it's worth noting that the White Princess Philodendron has a slower growth rate compared to some other Philodendron varieties. It may take several years, possibly up to 10 years, for the plant to reach its mature size of around 3 feet. Patience and consistent care are key when growing the White Princess Philodendron, and over time, you can witness its steady growth and development.
Is the Philodendron White Princess a climber?
The Philodendron White Princess is not a natural climber like some other philodendron varieties. It is more of a compact and bushy plant that tends to grow in an upright manner rather than sending out long climbing vines. However, it may produce trailing stems as it matures, which can be trained to climb or cascade with appropriate support.
If you want your Philodendron White Princess to climb, provide it with a moss pole, trellis, or other forms of support. As the plant grows, you can gently guide its stems towards the support structure, allowing it to attach or wrap around it. With time and proper training, the plant can display a climbing habit.
Why is my Philodendron White Princess drooping?
Drooping leaves on a Philodendron White Princess can be attributed to several factors. It is crucial to evaluate your watering practices, ensuring that you neither overwater nor underwater the plant. Adequate lighting is also essential, as too little or too much light can cause leaf drooping.
Maintaining moderate room temperatures and increasing humidity levels can help prevent stress-induced drooping. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen, should be addressed through proper fertilisation. Additionally, inspecting the roots for any signs of decay or overcrowding is important, as root-related issues can contribute to leaf drooping.
• Philodendron Silver Sword: A striking philodendron variety with long, sword-shaped leaves showcasing a shimmering silver-green hue, adding an elegant touch to any indoor space.
• Philodendron Xanadu: A tropical beauty known for its lush, glossy, deeply lobed leaves and easy-going nature, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Philodendron Prince of Orange: A vibrant philodendron hybrid that boasts brilliant orange leaves when young, transitioning to a lustrous green as they mature, bringing a pop of warm color to any plant collection.
Laura
Wrapping Up
Remember, plant care isn't about perfection but about understanding and attentiveness. Each leaf, each new growth, tells a story. By observing your White Princess and using this guide as a reference, you'll soon become attuned to its needs, and the joy of watching it thrive will be your reward.
If you're a new plant parent, you will likely encounter problems caused by overwatering and pests that may not have been covered here. When unsure about how to treat a particular issue or you are hesitant, seek the advice or help of a gardening professional. They can help you diagnose the problem and provide effective treatments that bring your White Princess back to good health.
