White Princess philodendron is one of the most special and rare houseplants you can have in your home.
With good reasons, of course:
This philodendron cultivar is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplant that originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are variegated with white and green are its most distinctive feature.
And it's these striking characteristics that have made it so popular with plant lovers around the world.
However, just like its close relative the 'Prince of Orange' philodendron, it's not always readily available in most plant nurseries. Even if you find it, there are buying restrictions on how many plants you can purchase.
Therefore, if you can learn to propagate, grow, and care for your own 'White Princess' plants, you'll have an unfair advantage over other houseplant fanatics.
Luckily, you're reading this article. You're already one step closer to gaining that advantage.
So, let's begin:
Introduction to White Princess Philodendron
Description
Philodendron Erubescens White Princess is a gorgeous and rare plant native to South America.
It's a self-heading plant that can reach up to 3 feet tall in height with dark green, glossy, pointy leaves that are variegated with white blotches.
The stems are green with a hint of red. The White Princess Philodendron is an evergreen plant, meaning that it will keep its leaves all year round - given the right care except for the older leaves.
White Princess is a great plant for pros as well as beginners since it requires very little to thrive.
White Princess Plant Profile
Family: Araceae.
Common name(s): White Princess Philodendron, White Philodendron, White Princess Plant.
Scientific/Botanical name: Philodendron erubescens ‘White Princess’.
USDA Hardiness zones: 10 to 12.
Mature Height: 3 - 5 feet tall.
Mature Spread: 1 – 2 feet wide.
Growing habit: Self heading and upright.
Native Area: South America.
Blooming Time: Flowering is rare and inconsequential.
Growth Rate: Medium to fast
Is White Princess Philodendron Toxic?
The White Princess Philodendron is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
This is because their leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals similar to other plants in the Araceae family. When ingested, it could cause drooling, oral pain, decreased appetite, vomiting, and pawing at the mouth.
If you think that your pet or child has eaten any part of this plant, then you should seek medical advice immediately.
Alternatively, prevent such incidences by spraying your philodendrons with Bodhi Dog Bitter Lemon Spray which is effective in discouraging your pets from chewing on the plants.
Philodendron White Princess vs Pink Princess
The Pink Princess Philodendron is a very similar plant to the White Princess Philodendron, and they are often confused with one another.
The main difference between the two is their leaf coloration.
The Pink Princess Philodendron has pink variegation on its leaves, whereas the White Princess Philodendron has white blotches on the leaves.
Both plants are easy to care for and make great houseplants.
Philodendron White Princess vs White Knight
The White Knight Philodendron is another plant that is often confused with the White Princess Philodendron.
The main difference between the two is their leaf shape.
The White Knight Philodendron has rounder leaves and red stems, whereas the White Princess Philodendron the leaves are visibly narrower and pointy plus the stems are green with a hint of red.
Both plants are easy to care for and make excellent indoor plants.
How to Propagate White Princess Philodendron
The best way to propagate the White Princess Philodendron is by stem cuttings. You can get stem cuttings online, from friends, family, or nearest plant nurseries.
Stem cuttings are pieces of stem that have been cut from the main plant and then rooted in soil or water to grow new plants.
To take stem cuttings, follow these steps:
1.Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut a 4-6 inch piece of stem from the main plant. Make sure that the cutting has at least 2-3 leaves on it.
2.Remove the lower leaves from the cutting so that you are left with 1-2 leaves at the top.
3.Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder.
4.Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center.
5.Insert the cut end of the stem into the hole and lightly press the soil around it.
6.Water the soil well and place the pot in a warm, bright location.
7.Keep the soil moist but not wet and in about 4-6 weeks, you should see new growth.
8.Once the new plant is well-established, you can transplant it into a larger pot.
Transplanting White Princess Philodendron
You can transplant your plants at any time of year, but the best time to do it is in the spring.
To transplant your philodendron, follow these steps:
1.Choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger than the current pot.
2.Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
3.Carefully remove the plant from its current pot and loosen the roots slightly.
4.Place the plant in the new pot and fill in around it with potting mix.
5.Water the soil well and place the pot in a warm, bright location.
How to Grow and Care for White Princess Philodendron
The White Princess Philodendron is a fast-growing plant that is easy to care for. With proper care, it will thrive indoors or outdoors in warm weather.
Light Requirements
The White Princess plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium light conditions. However, very low light can cause your plants to become tall and leggy with minimum foliage.
Therefore, if you live in a place that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, then you can grow your plants under fluorescent lights.
If you provide enough indirect light, you'll get maximum variegation on your plants.
On the other hand, if the leaves start to turn yellow, that means it is getting too much direct sunlight.
Potting Soil
Your choice of potting soil or mix is important when it comes to growing indoor plants in containers successfully.
Because if you get it wrong, you'll be inviting problems from the onset, especially in regards to drainage.
This cultivar of philodendron prefers a well-draining potting mix.
You can either make your own mix or buy a pre-made one. To make your own, mix equal parts perlite, sphagnum peat moss, and coarse sand.
Besides, unlike popular beliefs that you need to place rocks at the bottom of your pot to improve the drainage - it won't help you. So, leave that one out.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature for this plant is between 60-and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it can tolerate some fluctuations but will not do well in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period.
In terms of humidity, the White Princess Philodendron prefers high humidity levels but can tolerate medium humidity levels.
You can increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier. Grouping your houseplants together can also help in increasing the humidity around them.
But check your plants closely to ensure they're all free from pests and diseases before grouping them together.
Watering your White Princess Philodendron
This plant doesn't like to stay too wet or too dry.
Water your philodendron when the topsoil feels dry to the touch but be careful not to overwater it.
The best way to water your plant is to use the finger test.
To do this, stick your index finger into the soil up to the second knuckle.
If the soil is dry, then it's time to water your plant. If the soil is damp or wet, then it means the plant doesn't need watering yet.
Be sure to empty any water that catches in the saucer beneath the pot, as this can cause the roots of your plant to rot.
Fertilizer Application
Fertilize your White Princess Philodendron every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
But be sure to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength.
Fertilizing your plant more often can burn the leaves. Besides, most salt build-ups are often a result of frequent fertilizer application.
To prevent this, avoid applying fertilizers when the plant is dormant, especially during winter. You can also flush the potting mix periodically with distilled water or moisten the soil before fertilizing.
Alternatively, you can opt for a slow-release fertilizer that will last 3-4 months.
But regardless of which fertilizer you choose, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Repotting
Your White Princess Philodendron will need to be repotted every 12-18 months to provide fresh potting mix and room for growth.
When repotting, choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
To repot your plant, follow these steps:
1.Water the plant a few hours before repotting to make it easier to handle.
2.Carefully remove the plant from its pot.
3.Check the roots and trim any that are damaged or dead.
4.Place the plant in the new pot and fill in with the fresh potting mix.
5.Water the plant well to settle the potting mix.
Pests and Diseases Management
White Princess Philodendron is relatively resistant to pests and diseases but can be susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites.
To prevent infestation, keep an eye out for early signs of pests such as white powdery substance on the leaves or stalks, small bumps, or webbing.
If you notice any of these signs, isolate the plant from your other houseplants to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Treatment options include gently rubbing the pests off the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Other control measures include the use of horticultural oil, neem oil, or insecticidal soap. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any of these products.
Common Physiological Problems
The most common physiological problem with White Princess Philodendron is leaf yellowing and leaf drop.
Yellowing and Leaf Drops
This can be caused by several factors such as too much or too little water, lack of nutrients, or low humidity levels.
To prevent this, be sure to water your plant regularly and fertilize it every two weeks during the growing season.
You can also increase the humidity around your plant by placing it on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier.
White Princess Philodendron Leaves Reverting
If you notice that the leaves of your White Princess Philodendron are reverting back to their original green color, it's usually due to one of two reasons.
The first reason is that the plant isn't getting enough light. To fix this, simply move your plant to a brighter location.
The second reason is that the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. If this is the case, then you'll need to move your plant to a shadier spot.
Conclusion
White Princess Philodendron is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that can add a touch of elegance to any room.
By following the simple care instructions in this guide, you can enjoy your plant for many years to come.
I hope you're now in a position to propagate, grow, and care for the philodendron cultivar like a pro after reading this guide.
Let me know if you have any thoughts in the comments. And, don't forget to share this post with your network!