Regal and Royal Rare Philodendron Care Guide

November 28, 2024 Angel Singh

Philodendrons with vibrant hues and unique variegation, such as the Pink Princess, White Princess, and Prince of Orange, fall under a loose aesthetic theme often referred to as "Royals" or "Regal Philodendrons." This naming convention reflects the plants' luxurious and bold appearances, with color variations in pink, orange, white, and burgundy that set them apart as statement pieces.

These colorful cultivars—whether trailing or self-heading—offer more than just aesthetics; they symbolize elegance and exclusivity, with their vibrant foliage often requiring specific care to maintain the colors. Typically, these plants thrive in bright, indirect light, prefer high humidity, and reward careful nurturing with spectacular leaf patterns. The combination of "princess" or "prince" in their names aligns with the idea of their rare, elevated status in plant collections.

Why You’ll Love Them:

Vibrant Variegation: The colorful blend of pink, red, orange, cream, white, and yellow on their leaves makes every plant unique.
Climbing Beauty: Provide it with a moss pole or trellis to showcase its vining growth.
Exclusive Appeal: Highly sought after by collectors and are statement piece in any plant collection.

Plant Details:

Family: Araceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Size: Many gorw 3–4 ft tall indoors, 2 ft wide
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged; allow the top 1-2 inches to dry before re-watering.
Soil: Well-draining aroid mix with perlite and orchid bark.
Humidity: Prefers 70-80% humidity—ideal for greenhouse cabinets or humid rooms.
Temperature: Best in warm environments (65-85°F); protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and people if ingested.

Care Guide:

Light: Needs bright, indirect light to maintain variegation; direct sunlight can burn its leaves. Low light can lead to leggy growth and loss of vibrant colors.

Watering: Stick to a wet-dry cycle—let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry before watering again. Underwatering can cause the plant to drop leaves rapidly, so monitor soil moisture closely. Use a moisture meter if unsure.

Humidity: Prefers 70-80% humidity. Use a humidifier or place it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom. Misting helps but avoid waterlogging the soil. Misting helps, but for lasting results, use a humidifier or group plants together. Good airflow is essential—fans can prevent fungal issues and promote steady growth.

Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep it away from cold drafts or air conditioners
Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop feeding in fall and winter.
Care PRO Tip: Rotate your plant every few weeks to promote even growth. If you notice solid green leaves developing, prune them to encourage more variegation.

How to Propagate Philodendrons Using Stem Cuttings

(This seems scary but YOU can do it and your plant will be fine :)

Propagate through stem cuttings to expand your collection.

Choose a Healthy Cutting:

Look for a stem with at least 2-3 nodes (the points where roots will develop) and a couple of healthy leaves for photosynthesis.
Ensure the stem section has good variegation for colorful future growth.

Make a Clean Cut:

Use sterilized scissors or shears to prevent contamination.
Cut just below a node to maximize water and nutrient absorption.
What is a Node? A node is a crucial part of a plant’s stem where leaves, roots, or branches emerge. In plants like philodendrons, nodes are essential for propagation because they contain meristematic tissue, which allows new roots and growth to form. On the stem, nodes often appear as small bumps or rings, especially where leaves were once attached

Rooting in Water or Moss:

Water Method: Place the cutting in a clear jar with water, ensuring the nodes are submerged.
Sphagnum Moss: Pre-soak the moss and insert the cutting, keeping the moss moist at all times.
PRO Tip: Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity, but vent it weekly to prevent mold growth

Light and Location:

Place the cutting in bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Avoid direct sun, which can harm new leaves.
Change the water every few days (if using water) to keep it oxygenated and prevent bacterial buildup.

Watch for Roots:

Roots usually appear within 2–4 weeks. Once they are about 1–2 inches long, the cutting is ready to be transferred to soil.

Potting & Repotting

Repot every 1–2 years, ideally in spring or summer, when the plant is actively growing.

When to Repot: Look for roots circling inside the pot or growing from drainage holes.
How to Repot: Use a pot 2–4 inches larger than the current one. Refresh the soil with a well-draining mix containing perlite and orchid bark.
Tip: After repotting, water thoroughly and return the plant to its bright spot.

Pests & Diseases

Pests: Look out for mealybugs, scale, thrips, and fungus gnats.
- Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap at the first sign of infestation.
Diseases: Root rot and fungal leaf spot are common issues.
- Prevent root rot by using well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
- For fungal leaf spots, isolate the plant and treat with a fungicide.

Care FAQs:

Why is my Philodendron losing its variegation? Lack of light is the main cause. Move it to a spot with bright, indirect light to maintain its colorful leaves. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
Why are Regal Philodendrons rare and expensive? Their slow growth and demand for ideal conditions make it hard to cultivate, driving up its rarity and price.

Can I grow it without a moss pole? Using a moss pole helps the plant grow upright and produce larger leaves.
What’s the best way to increase humidity? Use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray, or move it to a humid room like a bathroom.
How often should I repot it?
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots start to outgrow the pot. Spring is the best time to repot.
What causes yellow leaves? Yellowing can result from overwatering, lack of humidity, or low light. Check its environment and adjust as needed.
My plant is 'Leggy' what can I do? If the plant stretches out and becomes sparse, it’s not getting enough light. Move it closer to a window or use a grow light.