Are you looking to add some flair to your indoor garden? If so, the White Princess Philodendron might be just what you need. With its stunning green leaves splashed with white, it’s a true showstopper. But as with any plant, it’s important to ensure that you’re providing it with the proper care. In this blog, we’ll explore the basic care requirements for the White Princess Philodendron so that you can keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Features of Philodendron White Princess
The White Princess Philodendron is a favourite among horticulturists due to its exceptional foliage. While its origins remain a mystery, this hybrid has become highly coveted among plant enthusiasts. Its oval lustrous green leaves are adorned with abundant white variegations that create an awe-inspiring sight, with occasional hints of pink adding to its appeal. Furthermore, the plant’s compact size and slow growth make it ideal for smaller interiors, but don’t let its size fool you – it has natural air-purifying properties. The White Princess Philodendron is not just an aesthetic delight; it’s also a functional addition to your space.
Appearance
The White Princess Philodendron is a stunning addition to any home decor with its green and white leaves and occasional pink patches.
its foliage is the star of the show, with 20 cm long oval leaves that are glossy and generously splashed with brilliant white.
The stems of the plant are bright green with pink edges and stripes of white. The cataphylls are also colourful with a pink, white, and green pattern.
White Princess Philodendron blooms only occur when the plant is fully mature, which can take up to ten years due to its slow growth rate.
If you want to encourage bloom, wait until it has reached its full size and use a fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus.
The mature size of the plant is about three feet high with a spread of 1-2 feet. It is a self-heading plant that maintains a fairly compact shape without much pruning.
The White Princess Philodendron does not have a fragrance, but it’s stunning appearance and tidy growth make it a desirable plant to have in any indoor garden. It can also purify the air of contaminants such as formaldehyde, making it a useful plant as well.
| Scientific Name | Philodendron erubescens ‘White Princess’ |
| Common Name | White Princess |
| Family | Araceae |
| Origin | Brazils |
| Height | height of 100 up to 120 cm |
| Soil | Well drain soil |
| Water | When the soil dries deep two inches |
| Sunlight | Diffused bright light |
| Temperature | 64-73˚F (18-23°C ) |
| Humidity | 60%-80% |
| Toxic to Cats & Dogs | Yes |
| Hardiness zone | USDA Zones 10-11 |
| Pests | Aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites |
| Diseases | Root rot |
How to care for Philodendron Erubescens White Princess plant?
Caring for your White Princess Philodendron is hassle-free and effortless.
Providing it indirect sunlight helps safeguard the leaves from getting scorched.
Use soil that facilitates proper drainage and avoid overwatering it. Water only when the soil is dry.
Keep the plant in warm temperatures with high humidity to create a tropical atmosphere.
By following these basic White Princess plant care instructions, you are going to witness your stunning plant flourish.
Light requirement
Philodendrons thrive in the tropical rainforests of South America. To grow White Princess Philodendrons successfully, it is advisable to recreate the same environment. These plants require bright, indirect sunlight, similar to the conditions in which they grow in their natural habitat under the forest canopy.
A range of 10,000 to 20,000 lux is optimal for their growth. The best place to position them in your home is next to a north or east-facing window or in a shadier spot in a south or west-facing room. It is essential to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can damage their foliage and even lead to their eventual death with prolonged exposure.
Temperature
The optimum temperature range for the White Princess Philodendron is between 64-73˚F (18-23°C). Achieving this temperature indoors is relatively easy, and the plant has limited tolerance below 60°F (17°C).
It’s important to note that White Princess Philodendron is not frost-hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures. Unless you live in zones 10-13, it’s advisable to keep the plant indoors for most of the year. In the summer, you can bring the plant outdoors, but be careful not to place it in full sunlight. Additionally, it’s crucial to keep the plant away from cold drafts and air conditioning when indoors to avoid any damage.
Watering requirement for White Princess Philodendrons
When it comes to watering White Princess Philodendron plants, we might assume that they require a lot of water due to their tropical nature. However, these plants actually thrive in drier conditions, similar to their natural habitat in rainforests.
To properly water a White Princess Philodendron, it may only be necessary to do so every 7-10 days. Check the soil and wait until the top half is dry before watering.
One effective watering method for this plant is to briefly soak the pot in a bucket of water and then remove it to allow excess water to drain.
It’s important to avoid letting the plant sit in water as this can lead to root rot and ultimately cause the plant to die.
Repotting White Princess plant
As a plant owner, it is important to plan for repotting your White Princess plant every 12 or 18 months as it continues to grow bigger. You can easily determine the perfect timing for repotting when you notice that the new leaves become smaller or roots start growing out of the drainage holes.One essential thing to keep in mind is not to use an extremely large pot. Plants tend to suffer in such containers. Instead, opt for a pot that is up a couple of inches in diameter at the most.
While potting the White Princess Philodendron, use fresh soil and provide enough space for the root ball. Ensure that you loosen the roots gently and firm the soil before watering properly.
At this point, it is also possible to divide your White Princess Philodendron to create multiple plants.
Humidity requirement
The White Princess Philodendron, being a native of the tropical rainforests, requires high humidity levels of between 60-80%. However, you do not have to turn your entire home into a steam bath to achieve this.
One way to create an acceptable humidity level for your White Princess Philodendron is to group it with other tropical plants that require high humidity around a small humidifier. This will moisten the air in their immediate vicinity.
Another option is to place your plants on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Lastly, you can mist the leaves of your White Princess Philodendron with distilled water every few days. This is an easy and simple way to raise the humidity level without requiring any specialized equipment.
Fertilizing Philodendron white princess
For your White Princess Philodendron to flaunt luscious foliage growth, regular feeding is essential. To achieve this, a liquid White Princess Philodendron fertilizer that can be diluted in water and applied to the soil is ideal.
It is not recommended to fertilize when the soil is dry, as the fertilizer may run through without the plant absorbing it. After watering the White Princess Philodendron, fertilize the plant to ensure the even distribution of nutrients in the soil. The recommended fertilizer ratio for optimum growth is an even 10-10-10.
To maintain the beauty of your White Princess Philodendron, fertilize the plant once or twice per month during the spring and summer growing seasons. In the fall and winter, cut back on fertilizing to once every two months.
Perfect Soil
For the White Princess Philodendron, it’s important to have porous and well-draining soil to prevent excessive moisture.
The pH level should be mildly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.6-7 being optimal.The soil mix should contain nutrient-rich elements while remaining light and airy.
This will prevent overwatering and root rot from occurring. To create the perfect soil mix, combine potting mix or compost with sphagnum moss, perlite, and peat moss.
If the soil becomes compact, adding pine bark or vermiculite can help loosen things up.
Pruning Philodendron White Princess mature plant
Pruning a White Princess Philodendron usually involves the removal of dead or damaged leaves every few months.
Due to its naturally tidy form and slow growth, trimming it isn’t required as often as more wild-vining tropical plants.
When cutting the plant, ensure to utilize sharp scissors or a knife. Sanitize them with alcohol or flame beforehand to avoid spreading any diseases between your plants. Make a precise, clean cut at the base of the leaf stem, then dispose of it in the garbage or compost.
Propagation
Producing more of the beautiful tropical White Princess Philodendron plants is made easy through propagation. A few years of growth is needed before taking large cuttings from the plant. However, younger plants can be divided at the roots as well.
If you want to propagate the White Princess plant, start with stem cuttings that are at least 3 inches long, with two or three nodes and at least one leaf. Root the cuttings in water or a light-medium. like peat or perlite, making sure they’re kept warm and away from direct sunlight.
Within a few weeks, roots will begin to grow. Once they reach a few inches in length, transfer the cuttings into the potting mix. Don’t forget to also explore our comprehensive Philodendron Xanadu plant care guide for additional support.
Is White Princess Philodendron Toxic to Pets?
The White Princess Philodendron, as a member of the Araceae family, contains calcium oxalate which makes it toxic to both humans and animals. While it is not lethal, exposure to any part of the plant can cause serious reactions that may require medical attention.
Kids
Children are especially at risk due to their natural curiosity and tendency to try tasting anything they find. Symptoms of ingestion may include swelling of the mouth and tongue, and in more extreme cases, difficulty breathing due to constricted airways.
For mild reactions, it is recommended to remove any plant material from the mouth and face and to apply a cooling agent such as a popsicle to soothe any pain. Seek medical care immediately if breathing becomes affected. If the plant’s sap causes skin irritation, rinse the affected area and apply an antihistamine cream.
Pets
Household pets like cats, dogs, and rabbits can also have severe reactions to the White Princess Philodendron. Vomiting, drooling, and swollen mouth or tongue are all signs of ingestion. Even small amounts can have a serious effect on pets due to their small size. Consult a veterinarian immediately if any of these symptoms appear.
To prevent exposure, keep the plant out of reach of children and pets by placing it on a high shelf.
Common Issues
As with any indoor plant, it is important to keep an eye out for potential issues that may arise with your White Princess Philodendron. Monitor the leaves for any signs of fungal disease or insect infestations, and take necessary steps to maintain your plant’s health.
Pests
In the case of pests, your White Princess plant may attract a variety of bothersome bugs. However, there are effective methods for controlling these pests. For instance, spider mites can be identified by small, brown or yellow spots on the leaves, while aphids congregate on the underside of the leaves and are usually green. To combat both of these bugs, try using neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Fungus gnats may appear as cream-colored larvae in the soil, or as small flies resembling mosquitoes. To tackle this issue, spread diatomaceous earth on the soil’s surface and ensure it remains dry.
Scale insects often attach themselves to the stems or leaves and can appear in shades of gray, green, brown or black. In order to control these pests, neem oil is an effective solution.
Finally, mealybugs resemble white, cottony fluffs on the leaves and stems. A simple way to remove them is to dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and apply it to the bugs. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve many common problems with your White Princess plant.
Diseases
As with any other houseplant, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any potential problems that may arise with the White Princess Philodendron. One must watch out for signs of insect infestations or fungal diseases by regularly checking the leaves.To maintain good plant health, one should be ready to spray for pests or remove diseased plant tissue. If the White Princess Philodendron does encounter issues, most of these can be resolved by doing so.
Over-watering usually causes White Princess Philodendron diseases. To solve this problem, take out the affected plant tissue and improve watering techniques.
If the leaves of the White Princess plant develop watery spots that eventually turn brown or black with yellow edges, it means it has bacterial leaf spot. This results from an excess of moisture. Isolate the plant from other species, stop misting the leaves and apply fungicide to the leaves.
Root rot is diagnosed when the leaves yellow and the roots turn black and mushy. To deal with this problem, remove the affected roots and replant the Philodendron in fresh, well-draining soil.
Growing problem
Potential issues may arise with your White Princess Philodendron if you are not attentive to its cultivation needs. Fortunately, you can generally restore an ailing plant to good health by providing the proper growing conditions. If your plant’s leaves are wilting, the soil could be overly dry or excessively moist. In the case of the former, give it some water. If you find the soil too saturated, it may be necessary to repot the plant using fresh soil that has good drainage. Additionally, adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Should you notice yellowing leaves, consider relocating the plant to a brighter area.
On the other hand, if the leaves’ tips are crispy and brown, the plant may be receiving too much sunlight; in which case, move it to a shadier spot.
Rare Philodendron Tricolor Princess
FAQ
What is White Princess Philodendron?
It is a popular tropical plant indigenous to South America’s rainforests and is now commonly grown as a houseplant.
How to identify White Princess Philodendron?
If you want to identify the White Princess Philodendron, look for the oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip that shine in glossy green with a white, occasionally pink, and random pattern.
How to care for White Princess Philodendron?
To care for White Princess Philodendron, avoid direct sunlight and water it when the soil is dry. During the spring and summer, fertilize it once a month.
Is White Princess Philodendron toxic to humans?
Yes, it is harmful to humans. The sap may cause skin irritation. Rinse it and apply a topical ointment for rashes.
Does White Princess Philodendron have a scent?
Though the foliage is scentless, White Princess Philodendron may have scented flowers. However, it seldom blooms when grown indoors.
Can I grow White Princess Philodendron outdoors?
White Princess Philodendron can be grown outdoors year-round in tropical regions. However, in temperate zones, place it in a shady area during the summer.
What is the growth rate of White Princess Philodendron?
It has a slow growth rate and can take up to ten years to reach its full height of three feet. With its compact shape, it doesn’t need to be trimmed.
How can I increase the growth rate of White Princess Philodendron?
To increase the growth rate of your plant, provide it with ideal growing conditions of semi-shade and high warmth and humidity.
Do I need to stake the White Princess Philodendron?
It does not need to be staked. However, using a sphagnum moss pole can help its growth as aerial roots attach and nourish the plant.
What kind of soil is needed for White Princess Philodendron?
When potting Your plant, use a well-draining soil mix, place it in a container with adequate drainage holes, and repot it every year or so.
Why If your White Princess Philodendron is wilting?
If your plant is wilting, it may be suffering from a lack of water. Immerse the pot in water and drain it until it is completely soaked. Remove any excess water.
Why my White Princess Philodendron is dying?
If your White Princess Philodendron is dying, it may have bacterial leaf spots or root rot due to overwatering. Cut out the affected parts and replant it in a fresh soil mix.
