Prince of Orange Philodendron

Basic Information

Common Name: Prince of Orange Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’

Native Habitat: Hybrid, not found in the wild.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is a captivating hybrid cultivar, a testament to the innovative possibilities within plant breeding. Unlike many Philodendrons that boast long histories tracing back to specific geographical origins, the ‘Prince of Orange’ is a deliberately created variety, not discovered in the wild. The exact origins and the breeder responsible for its creation are somewhat shrouded in mystery, a common occurrence with many popular cultivars. However, it’s generally believed to have been developed in a horticultural setting within the last few decades. This points to Florida, or possibly another large, established plant breeding location.

The “Prince of Orange” name itself is quite descriptive and contributes greatly to its popularity. The plant is characterized by its striking foliage, which undergoes a dramatic color transformation as it matures. New leaves emerge in a vibrant, almost neon orange hue, gradually transitioning through shades of bronze and copper before settling into a deep, glossy green. This dynamic color change is arguably the plant’s most defining and appealing characteristic.

The lack of readily available information regarding its specific breeder or exact creation date is perhaps due to the proprietary nature of plant breeding or simply the passage of time blurring the details. Regardless, the impact of the ‘Prince of Orange’ on the houseplant market is undeniable. Its relatively easy care, coupled with its unique and visually stunning foliage, quickly made it a sought-after addition to indoor plant collections. It brought a fresh burst of color and a touch of the tropics to homes around the world.

Its rise to popularity likely began within the commercial greenhouse trade, where its unique characteristics and ease of propagation made it an ideal candidate for mass production. From there, it filtered into garden centers and nurseries, eventually finding its way into the hands of plant enthusiasts eager to add a touch of vibrant color to their indoor spaces.

Today, the Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ remains a highly popular houseplant, readily available in most garden centers and nurseries. Its striking foliage continues to captivate plant lovers, and its relatively easy care makes it a rewarding choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike. It stands as a testament to the power of horticultural innovation and the enduring appeal of plants with unique and visually captivating characteristics. While its exact origins may remain a mystery, its impact on the houseplant world is undeniable. It showcases that plants, even those of hybrid creation, can have a major impact on those who grow them.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

The ‘Prince of Orange’ Philodendron, being a hybrid, exhibits adaptations selected for during its breeding. While it doesn’t have specific adaptations to a particular natural environment, its breeders focused on traits desirable for indoor cultivation. These adaptations include tolerance of lower light levels compared to some other Philodendrons, a relatively compact growth habit making it suitable for smaller spaces, and the striking color-changing foliage which is its main ornamental feature. Philodendrons in general have adapted well to indoor environments as epiphytes or hemiepiphytes, meaning they can extract moisture from the air to survive in dry climates.

Propagation Methods

The Prince of Orange Philodendron is most commonly propagated via stem cuttings.

1. Take a stem cutting with at least one node (where a leaf emerges).
2. Let the cut end callous over for a day or two.
3. Place the cutting in water or directly into a well-draining potting mix.
4. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light until roots develop.
5. New growth will indicate successful rooting. Rooting hormone can aid in this process.

Toxicology

The Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to both humans and pets. If ingested, these crystals can cause immediate pain and irritation in the mouth, tongue, and throat. Symptoms may include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. While rarely life-threatening, it’s important to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. Contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected. Milk can help to neutralize the crystals and alleviate some of the discomfort.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Spider mites
• Mealybugs
• Aphids

Diseases:

• Root rot (due to overwatering)
• Bacterial leaf spot

Other:

• Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
• Brown leaf tips: Can be caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering.
• Leggy growth: Insufficient light.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

The ‘Prince of Orange’ is not considered rare; it is widely available in garden centers and online retailers. However, larger, more mature specimens with well-established, vibrant foliage may command a higher price. It is a very popular plant that is easy to propagate, so its price point is generally low.

Value:

The value of a ‘Prince of Orange’ Philodendron typically depends on its size, health, and the vibrancy of its foliage. Larger, well-established plants with many leaves and a striking orange hue generally command a higher price. Less common, but sought after variations, exist as well. Occasionally reverted plants will appear with all green leaves, or a variegation that is more interesting than the regular form. Healthy, pest-free plants are also valued more highly.