Philodendron With Orange Leaves – Your Ultimate Guide To Cultivating

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever been scrolling through your favorite plant-lover’s feed and stopped dead in your tracks at a flash of brilliant, fiery foliage? That stunning burst of sunset color was likely a philodendron with orange leaves, a true showstopper in the world of houseplants.

It’s easy to assume that a plant this spectacular must be difficult to care for. But I’m here to promise you that’s not the case! As a long-time gardener, I’ve found these beauties to be surprisingly resilient and incredibly rewarding.

You can absolutely grow a thriving, vibrant philodendron that brings that warm, coppery glow into your home. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike!

In this complete philodendron with orange leaves guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. We’ll identify the most popular orange varieties, dive deep into their specific care needs, troubleshoot common problems, and even share some eco-friendly tips to keep your plant and the planet happy.

Meet the Stars: Popular Philodendron Varieties with Orange Leaves

Before we dig into care, let’s get acquainted with the most popular cultivars that boast those incredible orange hues. Each one has its own unique personality, but they all share that signature warmth.

Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’

This is the undisputed king of orange philodendrons. The magic of the ‘Prince of Orange’ is in its transformation. New leaves emerge a brilliant, almost electric orange, then slowly transition to a coppery tone, and finally settle into a deep, dark green as they mature. This creates a stunning, multi-toned effect on a single plant.

Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’

A close cousin to the ‘Prince of Orange’, the ‘McColley’s Finale’ offers a deeper, richer color palette. Its new leaves unfurl in a striking shade of cinnamon or deep cherry-red before maturing to a glossy dark green. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a more dramatic, moody vibe.

Philodendron ‘Autumn Queen’

If you love variegation, the ‘Autumn Queen’ is for you. This plant is a living piece of art, with new leaves emerging in a mottled mix of yellow, bronze, and fiery orange. As the leaves age, they become a creamy green, ensuring the plant is always a kaleidoscope of fall colors.

Philodendron ‘Orange Marmalade’

Just as the name suggests, this variety is a delicious treat for the eyes. New leaves are often mottled with shades of bright orange, light green, and yellow. It’s a climbing variety, so it looks absolutely spectacular when given a moss pole or trellis to ascend.

The Ultimate Philodendron with Orange Leaves Care Guide

Ready to help your plant live its best, most colorful life? Following these philodendron with orange leaves best practices is the key to success. The good news is, their needs are quite simple!

The Secret to Vibrant Color: Light Requirements

This is the most important tip I can give you! The intensity of that beautiful orange color is directly related to the amount of light your plant receives. To get the most vibrant foliage, place your philodendron in a spot with bright, indirect light.

An east-facing window that gets gentle morning sun is perfect. A spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window also works well. Too little light, and your new leaves will be less orange and more pale green. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, leaving brown, crispy spots.

Watering Wisdom: How and When to Quench Their Thirst

Overwatering is the number one mistake I see new plant parents make. These philodendrons, like their cousins, are susceptible to root rot if their soil stays soggy. The rule of thumb is simple: let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings.

You can check this easily by sticking your finger into the soil. If it feels dry up to your first knuckle, it’s time to water. When you do water, do it thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard the excess.

The Perfect Foundation: Soil and Potting Mix

A happy philodendron needs a pot with drainage holes and a soil mix that allows for excellent airflow around its roots. Standard potting soil is often too dense and can hold too much water. You need something chunkier!

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I love to create my own simple, airy mix. Here’s a recipe that works wonders:

  • 1 part high-quality indoor potting mix
  • 1 part perlite (for aeration)
  • 1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and drainage)

This combination provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage, mimicking their natural environment.

Creating a Cozy Home: Temperature and Humidity

Remember, philodendrons are tropical plants! They thrive in the same conditions we find comfortable. Keep them in a room with temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing them near cold drafts from windows or blasting AC units.

They also appreciate a bit of humidity. If your home is dry, especially in the winter, you can easily boost humidity by misting the leaves every few days, placing a humidifier nearby, or setting the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.

Feeding for Fiery Foliage: Fertilizer Needs

To support that glorious new growth, your philodendron will benefit from regular feeding during its growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for houseplants, diluted to half-strength.

Feed your plant once a month from spring through fall. Give it a rest during the winter when growth naturally slows down. Remember, more fertilizer does not equal more growth—it can actually burn the roots!

How to Keep Your Philodendron with Orange Leaves Thriving

Beyond the basics, a little maintenance will keep your plant looking full, healthy, and vibrant. This section of our how to philodendron with orange leaves guide covers pruning, propagating, and repotting.

Pruning for a Fuller, Healthier Plant

Don’t be afraid to give your philodendron a haircut! Pruning is a great way to encourage a bushier, more compact shape. If your plant starts to look a bit leggy, simply snip off a few stems just above a node (the little bump where a leaf grows from).

This encourages the plant to branch out from that point, creating a fuller appearance. Plus, you can use the cuttings to make new plants!

Propagation: Sharing the Orange Glow

Propagating philodendrons is incredibly easy and rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to expand your collection or share with friends.

  1. Take a Cutting: Using clean, sharp scissors, cut a piece of stem that has at least 2-3 leaves and one or two nodes.
  2. Root in Water: Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the nodes are submerged but the leaves are not. Put it in a spot with bright, indirect light.
  3. Wait for Roots: In a few weeks, you’ll see new roots begin to form from the nodes.
  4. Plant in Soil: Once the roots are about an inch long, you can plant your new philodendron in a small pot with the airy soil mix we discussed earlier.

When to Repot Your Growing Beauty

Your philodendron will eventually outgrow its pot. You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, or if the plant’s growth has stalled. Typically, this is every 1-2 years.

Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Going too big can lead to the soil staying wet for too long. Gently remove the plant, loosen the root ball, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.

Solving Common Problems with Philodendron with Orange Leaves

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue or two. Don’t panic! Here are solutions to the most common problems with philodendron with orange leaves.

Problem: Why Are My Orange Leaves Turning Green?

This is the most frequent question! First, remember it’s natural for the vibrant new leaves to mature to a darker green. However, if new leaves are emerging pale or green instead of orange, it’s almost always a sign of insufficient light. Move your plant to a brighter location (but still out of direct sun) to encourage that fiery color to return.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, are a classic sign of overwatering. The soil is staying too wet, and the roots are suffocating. Allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings and make sure your pot has good drainage.

Problem: Brown, Crispy Edges

This is usually caused by the opposite problem: low humidity or underwatering. The air is too dry, causing the leaves to lose moisture. Try increasing humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier, and ensure you’re watering deeply once the top layer of soil is dry.

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Problem: Dealing with Common Pests

Philodendrons are pretty pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract spider mites or mealybugs. If you see fine webbing or tiny white cottony spots, act quickly. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

The Eco-Friendly Gardener: Sustainable Philodendron with Orange Leaves Practices

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet. There are many simple ways to incorporate sustainable philodendron with orange leaves practices into your routine.

Peat-Free Potting Mixes

Peat moss, a common ingredient in potting soil, is harvested from peat bogs, which are vital ecosystems. Look for peat-free potting mixes that use renewable resources like coco coir as a base. Your philodendron will thrive in it!

Natural Pest Control Solutions

Instead of reaching for harsh chemical pesticides, embrace eco-friendly philodendron with orange leaves pest management. Neem oil is a fantastic natural insecticide and fungicide. You can also introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs if you have a larger collection or greenhouse.

Water Conservation Tips

Be mindful of your water usage. Using a watering can allows for more precise application than a hose, reducing waste. You can also leave a bucket outside to collect rainwater, which is free of the chlorine and minerals found in tap water and is great for your plants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philodendron with Orange Leaves

Are philodendrons with orange leaves toxic to pets?

Yes, they are. Like all philodendrons, these plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and digestive tract if ingested by cats or dogs. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets.

How fast do these philodendrons grow?

They are considered moderate growers. During the spring and summer, you can expect a new leaf every few weeks if the plant is happy and healthy. Growth will slow down significantly in the fall and winter.

Can I grow my ‘Prince of Orange’ outside?

You can, but only if you live in a warm, humid climate (USDA zones 10-11). For most people, these plants are best grown indoors where you can control their environment and protect them from cold temperatures.

Why are the new leaves on my philodendron small?

Small new leaves are often a sign that the plant needs more resources. This could be a lack of light, which is needed for energy production, or a lack of nutrients. Try moving it to a brighter spot and ensure you are fertilizing it regularly during the growing season.

Bring Home the Sunset Glow

Growing a philodendron with orange leaves is more than just adding another plant to your collection; it’s about cultivating a living piece of art that brings warmth, color, and joy into your space. From the electrifying ‘Prince of Orange’ to the speckled ‘Orange Marmalade’, there’s a fiery friend for every home.

By providing the right light, a little watering wisdom, and the perfect soil, you have everything you need to watch your plant flourish. Remember that every leaf is a tiny victory, a sign that you’re providing a happy, healthy home.

Now you have all the tips and tricks from this comprehensive philodendron with orange leaves care guide. Go forth and grow with confidence. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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