The Philodendron White Princess Tri-Color is a stunning houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space. Known for its beautiful variegated leaves with shades of green, white, and pink, this plant is a favorite among plant enthusiasts. This guide will provide you with the essential tips and tricks to grow and care for your Philodendron White Princess Tri-Color.
Introduction
The Philodendron White Princess Tri-Color is a hybrid cultivar that belongs to the aroid plant family, which also includes popular varieties like Monstera, Anthurium, and Alocasia. Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, this plant thrives in warm, humid environments. Its unique tri-color variegation makes it a standout in any plant collection, similar to Aglaonema and Epipremnum.
Overview and Origin
The philodendron white princess tricolor is a hybrid cultivar developed by crossing different philodendron species. It is believed to be a cross between the philodendron erubescens and philodendron pink princess.
This plant originated in the tropical regions of South America, where philodendrons grow abundantly in rainforests. The white princess tricolor first became available as a houseplant in Europe during the Victorian era when exotic tropical plants gained popularity.
Today, this philodendron variety remains a rare find and is highly coveted by houseplant enthusiasts for its stunning foliage. It’s gained the nickname “white princess” for its regal, multicolored leaves.
Physical Characteristics
- Growth habit: The philodendron white princess tricolor grows upright at first, then becomes trailing or vining as it matures.
- Leaves: The leaves have a unique tricolor variegation – shades of white, light green, and pinkish-red. The leaves are heart-shaped and measure around 4 – 8 inches long.
- Stems: The stems are sturdy and can climb or trail several feet long. When young, the stems are reddish-pink in color.
- Flowers: This philodendron variety can bloom tiny white or greenish flowers, but it’s mainly grown for its ornamental foliage.
Growing Conditions
To keep your white princess philodendron happy and healthy, provide the following growing conditions:
- Light: The Philodendron White Princess Tri-Color thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, while too little light can cause the colors to fade. An ideal location is near an east or west-facing window where the plant can receive filtered light.
This lighting condition is also suitable for other tropical plants like Syngonium and Monstera.
- Temperature: Average room temperatures between 65°F – 80°F are suitable. Avoid cold drafts.
- Water: Consistent watering is key to maintaining a healthy Philodendron White Princess Tri-Color. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
This plant appreciates high humidity levels, much like Fern (Platycerium) and Dischidia. Increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing a humidifier nearby, or using a pebble tray filled with water.
- Humidity: Higher humidity around 50 – 60% is preferred. Mist leaves or use a pebble tray to boost moisture.
- Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential for the Philodendron White Princess Tri-Color. A mix containing peat, perlite, and orchid bark works well. Fertilize your plant monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. This routine is beneficial for other houseplants, including Sansevieria and Scindapsus.
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Care and Maintenance
Caring for a philodendron white princess consists of the following tips:
- Water only when the topsoil feels dry. Water until it drains from the bottom drainage holes.
- Wipe dust off the leaves every so often using a damp cloth to keep them looking shiny.
- Prune off any dead, damaged, or unsightly growth as needed to maintain an attractive appearance.
- Stake or trellis trailing stems to encourage upright growth habit. Pinch back wayward stems.
- Repot every 2-3 years in spring, moving to a container only 1-2 inches larger. Carefully loosen the roots before repotting.
Philodendron species are the most sought after by aroid plant lovers
Propagation
You can propagate the philodendron white princess tricolor by:
- Stem cuttings – Cut a stem with a few leaves. Place in water until roots form then plant in soil.
- Top cuttings – Cut off the top rosette and plant directly into well-draining soil. Keep warm and humid.
- Division – Carefully divide the plant at the root ball, ensuring each division has some roots and stems.
Common Problems
Some potential problems to watch for include:
- Leaf spot diseases if humidity is too low.
- Root rot from overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
- Leaf scorch if exposed to too much direct sun. Provide bright, indirect light.
- Slow growth and small leaves if light is insufficient.
- Yellowing leaves from under-fertilization. Fertilize in the growing season.
FAQ
What type of philodendron is the white princess tricolor?
The philodendron white princess tricolor is a hybrid variety thought to be a cross between P. erubescens and P. pink princess. It displays a mix of genetics from different philodendron species.
How do you care for a white princess philodendron?
Caring for this plant involves providing bright, indirect light, average room temperatures, higher humidity, and well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Wipe leaves often and stake trailing stems for support.
How much light does a philodendron white princess need?
This plant thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light. Some early morning sun is tolerated, but avoid direct afternoon sun. Insufficient light leads to small, sparse leaves.
Why are the leaves on my white princess turning yellow?
Yellow leaves usually indicate a moisture issue – either overwatering or underwatering. Check that you aren’t overwatering and allow the soil to partly dry out between waterings. Low humidity can also cause yellowing.
How do I get my philodendron white princess to grow faster?
Encourage faster growth by providing optimal conditions – brighter light (without direct sun), regular fertilization in the growing season, adequate water and humidity, and warmer temperatures around 70°F – 80°F. Avoid below 60°F.
Conclusion
With its showy tricolored foliage, the philodendron white princess is a must-have for indoor plant collectors but requires some care and ideal conditions to thrive. By providing bright, indirect light, steady humidity, proper watering, and well-draining soil, this exotic tropical plant will grow into a beautiful, cascading showpiece in any home. Check the leaves often for signs of pests or disease and keep up with pruning and fertilizing to maintain an attractive, full plant.
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