White Princess Philodendron Care Guide

Are you looking to add an elegant and charming houseplant to your space? You can opt for the White Princess Philodendron. It is also known as the sister plant to the Philodendron Pink Princess. It has longer and thinner leaves and splashy white colors, which give them an intricate look. Its stem looks like a candy cane with a mix of white, pink, and green. The best part is that it requires minimum care and prefers bright but indirect sunlight.

So, if you know the basics, growing a White Princess is not challenging. Even if you don’t have the basic information, go ahead. Read the blog to know about the benefits, plant care, and the difference between the White Princess Philodendron and other philodendrons.

White Princess Philodendron: An Overview

What Are the Benefits of the White Princess Philodendron?

Here are a few benefits of the White Princess -

• It adds elegance to the space and complements modern decor while bringing a hint of nature’s variation inside.

• The plant absorbs harmful substances, such as formaldehyde and benzene, found in furniture and cleaning products.

• They are low-maintenance fit snugly in corners, and are best for smaller spaces as well.

• They can be hung in a basket or kept on a high shelf, where the leaves look like waterfalls.

White Princess Philodendron Propagation

Philodendrons propagate well in water. Here’s how you can propagate White Princess -

• Cut the stem using sharp, sterilized scissors or shears. Ensure that at least two healthy leaves are kept at the top and a few nodes at the bottom.

• Leave the stem to callus over for at least 24 hours.

• Next, place the stem in a tall, clear jar of water. Position it in a space where it receives bright and indirect sunlight.

• Replace the water every week to keep it well-oxygenated.

• If you see new roots sprouting, transfer them to a well-draining potting mix once they reach around two inches in length.

• Ensure that the plant is kept in bright and indirect sunlight and water thoroughly. It is important to keep the mix moist for the first few weeks.

White Princess Philodendron Care Tips

Light Requirements

The White Princess plant is very sensitive and direct and too much sunlight can damage and burn the white variegated parts of the plant. Hence, it is advisable to keep the plant in a bright and indirect sunlight area. But if the light is too low, it may affect the growth of the plant, which may cause the variegation to fade. It is advisable to keep the plant near filtered light or sheer curtains.

Watering Needs

It is advisable to water the plant only when the top layer of the soil or the leaves start to droop. When watering the plant, ensure to water thoroughly and let the excess water drain completely.  Avoid over-watering or let the soil stay dry for a long period. Too much water can lead to drooping leaves, whereas not watering enough can cause slower growth and root damage.

Pest Control

When the plant turns yellow and contorted, this means that your plant has aphids. They secrete sticky substances that damage the plant. Another pest that infests the White Princess is the mealybug, which sucks the fluid from the plant and kills it. If you have minimal infestation, you can remove them using cotton swabs dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol. But before using, consider patch testing to ensure it doesn’t damage the plant.

Soil

The White Princess thrives in a light, well-draining potting mix. The mix should be rich in nutrients, including a blend of regular potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. The combination holds enough water without becoming waterlogged. For better plant growth, consider opting for a premium indoor soil mix that’s specifically formulated for houseplants.

Temperature and Humidity

It is recommended to keep the White Princess plant in temperatures between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They grow well in high humidity (between 60-80%). So, to keep your plant well hydrated, use a humidifier, especially during winter. Also, you can place the pot over a pebble and water tray to ensure your plant is receiving enough moisture.

Fertilization Requirements

Fertilization promotes lush foliage and vivid and healthy plants. It is recommended to feed the plant a balanced 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer, once or twice a month during its growing season. Always fertilize after watering the plant to help the root absorb nutrients more effectively. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root damage and salt accumulation in the soil.

White Princess Philodendron Vs. White Knight

It is easy to mix up the White Princess and White Knight, but you can tell the difference by looking at their leaf shape and stem color. A White Knight has a reddish-brown stem and broader leaves, whereas a White Princess has narrower leaves and greenish stems. Also, the White Princess is a self-heading plant, while the White Knight is a climbing variety that needs support to climb.

White Princess Philodendron Vs. White Wizard

The White Princess philodendron is mostly confused with White Wizard. However, the White Princess has slightly narrower leaves and may show both white and pink tones on its variegated stems. On the other hand, the White Wizard, just like the White Knight, has broader leaves, but their stems have only white variegation, without any pink. They also need support to climb up.

Common Pests and Diseases in White Princess

These plants do not usually attract pests, but as they thrive in moist soil, bugs that love humidity can occasionally become an issue. While they don’t kill your White Princess, they can damage the appearance and impact the health of the plant. So, it’s advisable to keep an eye out for common pests, such as fungus gnats, mealybugs, thrips, etc. They are easy to manage if they are caught early, using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Also, high humidity can lead to brown spots on the leaves, so if you notice such spots on your White Princess leaf, silhouette the plant. This prevents the spreading of the fungus.