Philodendron White Princess is a compact, climbing aroid with crisp white variegation that pops against deep green leaves. This UK‑focused guide explains the exact care for strong growth and clean colour: light, watering, soil, humidity, feeding, pruning, support, repotting, pests, propagation and troubleshooting.
At a glance
- Light: Bright, indirect; avoid harsh midday sun
- Temperature: 18–27°C
- Humidity: 50–70%
- Water: When the top 2–4cm is dry
- Soil: Airy, fast‑draining aroid mix
Light (for crisp white)
Place near an east window or 1–2m back from a south window with a sheer. Too little light turns new leaves green; too much sun browns white sectors. In winter, supplement with a 20–40W LED for 10–12h/day.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then let the top layer dry. Reduce frequency when days are short and cool. Signs of overwatering include limp petioles and yellow lower leaves.
Soil mix
- 40% peat‑free compost or coco coir
- 30% orchid bark
- 20% perlite
- 10% pumice or charcoal
This mix keeps roots oxygenated and reduces compaction. Add a small amount of worm castings for steady nutrients.
Humidity & temperature
White Princess tolerates typical UK indoor humidity but looks best at 50–70%. Keep away from radiators and draughts; group plants or run a small humidifier in winter.
Feeding
- Mar–Sep: Balanced fertiliser at 1/4–1/2 strength every 2–3 weeks.
- Oct–Feb: Monthly at 1/4 strength or pause if growth slows.
Flush the pot with plain water every 6–8 weeks to prevent salt build‑up which can mark pale tissue.
Pruning & support
Prune lanky stems back to nodes to encourage branching and tidy variegation. Train up a thin coir pole for bigger leaves and a compact footprint.
Repotting
Repot every 12–18 months in spring, sizing up only slightly. Refresh the mix if it becomes compacted or stays wet for days.
Pests
Thrips, spider mites, mealybugs and scale are the usual suspects. Wipe leaves, then treat with insecticidal soap weekly for 2–3 weeks. Improve airflow and avoid keeping compost constantly wet.
Propagation
Stem cuttings with a visible node root well in water or sphagnum at 22–26°C. Pot up when roots reach 5–8cm.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| New leaves more green | Insufficient light | Move closer to window or add LED grow light |
| Brown on white sectors | Too much sun / fertiliser salts | Diffuse light; flush pot; reduce feed strength |
| Yellow lower leaves | Overwatering | Let mix dry; check drainage; repot into airy mix |
Summary
Give your White Princess bright, indirect light, an airy mix, consistent but careful watering and modest feeding. With a little pruning and support, you’ll enjoy clean white variegation and compact, upright growth.
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