Philodendron White Princess
Light
Philodendrons, which sit in dappled light on the rainforest floor in their natural habitat, are known for tolerating low light. However, the philodendron white princess needs plenty of bright, indirect light to prevent the white variegation from fading—at least six hours is ideal. However, it’s all about getting the balance right. Too much direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the delicate foliage.
Water
While consistent moisture is key to keeping the foliage on your philodendron white princess looking its best, watch out for overwatering. Soggy soils are a no-no and can lead to root rot.
Let the top few inches of soil fully dry out before watering again. Don’t judge by sight or work on a strict schedule—insert your finger into the soil or use a moisture meter to get a better idea of when it's time to water. And don’t let your plant sit in water that escapes through the drainage holes into the tray below.
Humidity
As you would expect of a tropical plant, the white princess is also a lover of high humidity. It’s rare to be able to provide the consistent 60% or more humidity levels these plants appreciate in average home environments—even in a steamy bathroom. You might need to group tropical plants and add a pebble-filled water tray under the pot or even invest in a humidifier to offer favorable levels.
Temperature
Philodendron white princess is a tropical hybrid and is particularly cold-sensitive. Create a consistently warm environment where temperatures remain above 65°F.5 Don’t position the plant next to drafty doors or windows or in rooms that experience extreme temperature fluctuations.
Fertiliser
The philodendron white princess is a heavy feeder. Regular fertilization during the plant’s growth season helps promote large, healthy foliage with stand-out variegation.
Offering a feeding of a balanced, diluted nitrogen fertilizer every few weeks works. Stop feeding during the dormant winter phase. Always fertilize when the soil is moist to avoid the risk of fertilizer burn to dry roots.
Toxicity
Philodendron White Princess is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive system. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets.
Additional Information
Pruning: Trim any yellow or damaged leaves to encourage healthy growth and maintain the plant's appearance.
Repotting: Repot the plant every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for aroids.
Support: Philodendron White Princess can benefit from a moss pole or trellis to support its climbing habit.
Troubleshooting
Yellowing Leaves: This can be due to overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and the soil dries out between waterings.
Brown Leaf Tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering can cause brown tips. Increase humidity and ensure a consistent watering schedule.
Pests: Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and regularly check the plant for signs of pests.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient light can cause the plant to become leggy. Move it to a brighter location with indirect light.