Philodendron Red Sun vs. Philodendron Prince of Orange: A Comprehensive Comparison - Step into the world of indoor gardens, where vibrant hues, beautiful shapes, and calming organic vibes thrive. Now, imagine the possibilities in your room, lighting up corners with attractive and low-maintenance houseplants. In such a green dream, the charming and popular Philodendron breed would undoubtedly shine brightly. As indoor plant enthusiasts, you may have already come across Philodendrons. But are you aware of the striking differences and similarities that exist within its wide range of cultivars?
Take centre stage, two stunning and beloved varieties — the Philodendron Red Sun and the Philodendron Prince of Orange. Packed with desirable features, each of these plants offers their unique allure, bringing distinctive characteristics to indoor spaces everywhere.
Navigating through their beauty, you might wonder what sets these two varieties apart? You are not alone. It's easy to be drawn into the heart-shaped, glossy textured leaves of the Philodendron Red Sun, starting as a radiant red or maroon, transitioning to a deep green as they mature. Similarly, the Prince of Orange, with its large coppery-orange leaves that mature into a deep, rich green, promises an equally captivating sight.
It's about time that we suggested an investigative hat be donned for comprehensive enlightenment on these two cultivar gems. These varieties are more than just pretty foliage; they also offer distinct growth habits, unique leaf structures, and variations in care needed. Your next favourite plant for that cherished indoor spot could be waiting for you in this head-to-head comparison!
In the following sections, we delve deeper into the characteristics, care requirements, and decision-making strategies for these two Philodendron cultivars. Prepare yourself for a botanical journey of Philodendron Red Sun versus Prince of Orange. This is an exploration into their world, where you discover which one is your ideal houseplant match.
Philodendron Red Sun: Key Features
The Philodendron Red Sun is an exceptional hybrid variety within the wide-ranging philodendron family. It captivates with its unique combination of colours, growth habits, and resilience, making it a favourite among indoor plant enthusiasts and philodendron collectors alike. As a descendant of tropical rainforest plants native to South America, the Red Sun is sure to turn heads with its vibrant display. Delve into the details that make this variety so captivating, from its remarkable attributes to essential care guidelines, in the following sections.
Characteristics of Philodendron Red Sun
The Philodendron Red Sun, often referred to as Prismacolor™ Sun Red or 'Red Sun', promises to be a standout addition in any indoor plant collection. Its distinct physical attributes, striking colours, and exceptional growth habits set it apart within the exceptional range of the philodendron family, making it an eye-catching choice for indoor gardens.
Physical Attributes
A medium-sized variety within the philodendron species, the Red Sun showcases a height ranging from 12 to 24 inches. This gives the plant a bushy and voluminous appearance, perfect for filling indoor spaces with its unique tropical aesthetic.
Strikingly Colourful Leaves
The charm of the Red Sun unequivocally lies in its unique leaf colours. The young leaves emerge with a vibrant red hue, which over time become a stunning burgundy red-purple as they mature. The colour transformation featured by this Philodendron is a head turner and this brilliant play of colours is what gives it its distinctive name, 'Red Sun'.
Unique Growth Habits
Unique to the Red Sun is its growth habit – it's both compact and bushy, with an upright posture that's independent of any aids or supports. Hailing from its native tropical rainforest habitat, this lovely Philodendron thrives in environments with low to medium light levels and high humidity.
A point to note for indoor gardening enthusiasts is that the Red Sun benefits from early morning or late afternoon sun exposure when grown indoors. Moreover, indoor potting mix enhanced with good drainage capabilities works ideally for this plant. There's also a preference for high humidity spaces and consistent watering when the top 1-2 inches of potting mix feel dry.
Care Guide for Philodendron Red Sun
Caring for your Philodendron Red Sun is a reasonably simple task, even for those new to indoor gardening. With its captivating look and relatively low maintenance requirements, this beautiful philodendron is an excellent choice for households and offices alike. In this section, we'll explore the essential care tips for the Red Sun, ensuring it remains healthy while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Ideal Indoor Conditions
To create the perfect environment for your Philodendron Red Sun, focus on providing the following indoor conditions:
- Lighting: Place your Red Sun in a location with access to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may burn the delicate leaves. Bright light helps encourage the distinctive red new growth.
- Humidity: Though adaptability is an advantage for this plant, keep in mind that it hails from the tropical rainforest and prefers higher-than-average humidity. If possible, use a humidifier to increase humidity levels in the area surrounding the plant.
- Temperature: Maintain a comfortable room temperature for your Red Sun, ideally between 10°C-29°C (50°F-85°F).
Planting and Maintenance Instructions
To ensure a healthy and vibrant Philodendron Red Sun, follow these step-by-step planting and maintenance guidelines:
- Step 1: Soil Mix: Prepare a chunky aroid mixture by combining 2 parts peat-based potting mix or coco coir, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark. This well-draining, airy mix ensures sufficient root support for your philodendron.
- Step 2: Positioning: Place your Red Sun in an area with bright, indirect light. Ensure the plant is not exposed to direct sun, as it could burn the delicate leaves.
- Step 3: Humidity and Temperature: Keep the room temperature between 10°C-29°C (50°F-85°F) and maintain high humidity levels by using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray with water and pebbles.
- Step 4: Regular Check-ups: Inspect your Red Sun weekly for signs of pests or discoloured leaves. Use a damp cloth to clean the leaves and keep the plant looking attractive while preventing potential pest issues.
Watering, Fertilisation, and Pruning Guidelines
Keep your Philodendron Red Sun hydrated and nourished by following these watering, fertilisation, and pruning guidelines:
- Watering: Allow the top third of the soil to dry out before watering your Red Sun. Avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to dry out completely.
- Fertilisation: Fertilise your Red Sun using a half-strength liquid fertiliser once a month during the growing season.
- Pruning: Regular pruning helps the plant maintain its bushy appearance. Trim away yellow or dead leaves using sharp, clean secateurs.
Potential Pests and Diseases
While the Red Sun is a hardy plant, it's not immune to pests and diseases. Stay alert for signs of infestation, such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Should pests appear, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the situation. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure you follow the watering guidelines to prevent this condition.
By adhering to these care tips, your Philodendron Red Sun will flourish, bringing a vibrant, tropical charm to your indoor space.
Philodendron Prince of Orange: Key Features
The Philodendron Prince of Orange is a striking indoor plant casting a royal charm within any living space. Native to the rainforests of South America, this evergreen, perennial plant has made its regal presence known within the indoor gardening community worldwide.
What sets the Prince of Orange apart is the stunning colour transformation that its leaves undergo. New growth begins as a brilliant starburst yellow, then transits to an appealing copper tone, eventually settling into various shades of green as they mature. This dynamic display of colours sets a mesmerising backdrop, adding a vibrant touch to any indoor space.
Reaching an average height of 2 feet when fully grown, the Prince of Orange showcases a compact growth habit, growing its brilliant leaves from the centre. Devoid of vines or stems, it shares similarities with the Philodendron Congo, making it not just attractive but also quite unique among philodendron varieties.
We will plunge into more detail in the following sections. Brace yourself for an in-depth exploration journey where you’ll delve into the nuances of the Philodendron Prince of Orange’s care requirements. As an indoor plant enthusiast or philodendron collector, this plant undoubtedly deserves a special place in your collection.
Characteristics of Philodendron Prince of Orange
Exuding an aura of princely elegance, the Philodendron Prince of Orange is a captivating offering from the heartlands of South American rainforests to your indoor garden. This stand-out philodendron variety shines through its changing colours and unique bushy growth habit.
Leaf Shape and Size
Primarily, the Prince of Orange spots oval-shaped leaves tapering to a point, which subtly break the monotony of geometric shapes in your leafy collection. The leaves grow from the plant's centre, a characteristic that distinguishes it from other trailing or vining philodendrons. This attribute sets the stage for a dense, bushy growth, reinforcing the plant's compact form.
Size-wise, the Prince of Orange can stand tall up to 90cm (approx. 3ft) and spread as much laterally. Consequently, despite not being a giant, it commands a respectable amount of space within your indoor setting.
Key Highlight: Colour Transformation
The head-turning feature of the Prince of Orange is indeed the remarkable change in leaf colours. Starting as a fiery orange, the leaves gradually morph into a verdant green as they mature, creating a delightful harmony of colours. The fresh leaves burst into an uplifting starburst of yellow-orange, followed by a meditative deep green mature phase.
Further, there's a variegated variety called the Philodendron Prince of Orange Variegata. This cultivar also exhibits the spellbinding colour transitions, coupled with variegation on the individual leaves, making it remarkably enchanting.
Unique Growth Habit
What makes the Prince of Orange unique among its peers is its growth habit. New leaves sprout from the centre of the plant, which tend to seek out warmth. This phenomenal growth pattern gives the plant its thick, bushy structure that is consistently expanding, making it a vibrant focal point in any indoor space.
Moreover, while the plant rarely blooms indoors, its small, plain white flowers still manage to contribute to its overall charm when they decide to show up.
The Philodendron Prince of Orange can undeniably add a touch of royalty to your indoor plant collection with its vibrant colour shifts, unique leaf shapes and bushy growth habit. As enchanting as it is to behold, keeping one is an experience that goes beyond mere aesthetic pleasure.
Care Guide for Philodendron Prince of Orange
Cultivating the Philodendron Prince of Orange can be a rewarding experience. They are undemanding plants that require minimal maintenance, making them suitable choices for both novice and experienced plant owners. Here is a step-by-step guide illustrating how to take care of this royal houseplant.
Light Requirements
The Philodendron Prince of Orange thrives in bright but indirect light. Exposing it to 10,000 to 20,000 lux best captures its rainforest origins. Place it near a north or east-facing window, as exposure to direct sunlight may damage the leaves. A grow light may come in handy for periods of shorter days in temperate climates.
Watering Guide
Philodendrons are naturally accustomed to rich soils that retain some level of moisture. Hence, watering should not adhere to a strict schedule but should rather entail checking the top inch of soil moisture. When it feels dry, water your plant thoroughly until all soil has absorbed the water.
Temperature Tips
Optimal temperature for Philodendron Prince of Orange ranges between 65 to 80ºF (18 to 27ºC). They can also be moved outdoors in summers to bask in hot and humid weather. Regardless, ensure that temperatures remain above 55 ºF (13ºC), as Philodendron Prince of Orange is not frost-hardy and should not be exposed to freezing temperatures.
Humidity Hacks
With roots tracing back to rainforests, the Philodendron Prince of Orange favors a high humidity environment, ideally 50% or higher. Establish a microclimate with increased humidity for the plant, which can be achieved by grouping all your indoor plants together, or using pebble trays filled with water. An indoor humidifier can also be used to maintain adequate humidity levels.
Soil and Fertilization
The ideal soil type is a rich, quick-draining, loamy mix with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. You can cultivate your Philodendron Prince of Orange in 100% peat moss or a blend of equal parts peat moss and perlite. Fertilize your plant once a month in spring and summer using a balanced liquid formulation diluted to half strength.
Repotting & Pruning
Plan to repot the Philodendron Prince of Orange every 1 to 2 years or as required if the roots outgrow its current pot. Pruning is mainly necessary to remove dead or damaged foliage, preventing disease or attracting pests.
Pest Control and Diseases
Observing the leaves can help you spot pests or diseases early. While the Prince of Orange breed is resistant to common bacterial and fungal diseases, there are a few potential problems. Root rot may develop if the soil is oversaturated and powdery mildew may appear in warm, humid conditions.
Regular foliage cleaning with insecticidal soap or neem oil can help keep pests like scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites away. If pests do appear, there are simple solutions like gently scraping insects off or using a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to eliminate fuzzy clumps of mealybugs.
One of the joys of indoor gardening is the opportunity to bring a piece of the wild into the comfort of your home. The Philodendron Prince of Orange is an exceptional representation of that ethos, merging the raw and captivating beauty of nature with accessibility and ease of care.
Philodendron Red Sun vs. Philodendron Prince of Orange: A Comparative Analysis
In the world of indoor gardening, picking the perfect houseplant can be a tad daunting. When it comes to variants within a species, the task may seem even more taxing. This comparison guide delves into the nuanced differences between two spectacular species – the Philodendron Red Sun and the Philodendron Prince of Orange.
Appearance and Plant Structure
The Red Sun, true to its name, greets you with large, glossy leaves exhibiting a vibrant intermingling of red and yellow. This climbing Philodendron, with its oval-shaped leaves, introduces vivid hues into your living space.
On the other hand, the Prince of Orange flaunts leaves that experience a unique spectrum of colour transformation with time – from a sunburst yellow to a rich copper, finally settling into a deeper shade of green. Unlike the Red Sun, this plant is a self-heading hybrid, producing new leaves from its centre, giving it a bushier look.
Growth and Maintenance
When it comes to growth rate, the Red Sun outpaces its counterpart, reaching up to 6 feet in length, whereas the Prince of Orange generally grows up to 3 feet tall. If you are seeking a rapidly growing plant, the Red Sun would be the ideal choice. However, Philodendron Prince of Orange needs more frequent maintenance compared to the Red Sun, which generally requires less care.
Light and Soil Requirements
Both plants thrive under indirect sunlight, but their preference for its intensity varies. The Red Sun prefers bright, diffused sunlight, while the Prince of Orange fares well in partial shade.
As for the soil, the Prince of Orange is more tolerant to varied soil types. The Red Sun, however, prefers well-draining, moist soil, not too soggy or wet.
Watering Needs
In terms of watering, the Prince of Orange requires less frequent watering compared to the Red Sun. The former needs to be watered once a week, while the latter requires watering every 2 to 3 days.
Whether you choose the rapidly growing Philodendron Red Sun with its brilliant red foliage or the adaptable Philodendron Prince of Orange with its colour-changing leaves, each plant possesses unique characteristics. The choice entirely depends on your specific needs, space, and aesthetic preferences. However, it remains undoubted that, whichever variety you select, will introduce an intriguing splash of colour into your indoor space.
Conclusion
In this comparison of the awe-inspiring Philodendron Red Sun and the fascinating Philodendron Prince of Orange, we uncovered the key distinctions between these varieties, guiding you to make the right choice for your home or office.
To summarise, the Red Sun is a quickly growing plant characterised by its brilliant red and yellow, glossy leaves and a climbing nature. On the other hand, the Prince of Orange has intriguing colour-changing leaves and a bushier, self-heading growth habit. While both species prefer well-draining soil and indirect sunlight, their light preferences vary, with the Red Sun enjoying diffused light and the Prince of Orange thriving in partial shade.
These two captivating Philodendron varieties each possess distinct attributes and charm, offering indoor plant enthusiasts the delightful challenge of selecting the perfect match for their space and preferences. Exploring these magnificent plants will not only add visual appeal to your interiors but also remind you of the remarkable diversity found within the Philodendron family.
Whether you're opting for the vibrant Red Sun or the adaptable Prince of Orange, there is no doubt that these exquisite plants will introduce a sense of discovery and character into your indoor garden, elevating your space and satiating your love for botanical beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow Philodendron Red Sun and Prince of Orange together in the same pot?
While this might seem like an appealing aesthetic choice, it's typically recommended to plant each variety separately because of their different growth habits and care needs. The Red Sun, being a climbing plant, might overgrow the Prince of Orange, which has a more bushy growth habit.
How often should I water these philodendron varieties?
Philodendron Red Sun requires more frequent watering—about every two to three days. In contrast, the Prince of Orange only needs to be watered once a week.
What is the best lighting for Philodendron Red Sun and Prince of Orange?
Both the Red Sun and the Prince of Orange thrive in indirect light. However, the Red Sun prefers brighter indirect light, while the Prince of Orange can cope well with lower light levels and partial shade.
Do I need to provide additional humidity for these plants?
While both the Red Sun and the Prince of Orange enjoy a humid environment, they are generally quite adaptable to regular household humidity levels. However, if you live in a dry climate, you might want to consider providing additional humidity through a humidifier or a humidity tray.
Are there any specific fertilization requirements?
Both of these Philodendron varieties appreciate a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. However, it's recommended to closely follow product instructions and dilute the fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Can I propagate these philodendrons at home?
Yes, both the Red Sun and the Prince of Orange can be propagated at home. Cuttings should be taken just below a leaf node and can be propagated in water or directly in soil. As always, remember to use a clean, sharp tool to take cuttings to minimize plant stress.
