The Philodendron erubescens cultivar ‘White Princess’ is a popular houseplant distinguished by its striking foliage. This Aroid is recognized for its deep green leaves splashed with white and occasional pink variegation. Its unpredictable pattern makes each new leaf a unique surprise for collectors. The ‘White Princess’ maintains a compact, upright growth habit compared to many vining philodendrons, making it an appealing indoor specimen.
Identifying the Plant
Accurate identification of the ‘White Princess’ relies on the coloration of its stems and petioles. The true ‘White Princess’ features green stems that exhibit subtle streaks or patches of pink and white variegation. This pink hue may also appear faintly on the leaf petioles, which are the stalks connecting the leaf blade to the stem. The leaf variegation pattern is typically splashy or marbled, rather than appearing in large, distinct blocks.
This stem coloration differentiates it from similar variegated cultivars like the ‘White Knight’ and ‘White Wizard’. The ‘White Knight’ is distinguished by its prominent, deep brownish-burgundy stems and petioles, which contrast sharply with the white and green foliage. Conversely, the ‘White Wizard’ maintains purely green stems, and its variegation appears in larger, more distinct sectoral patches of white and green.
Essential Environmental Needs
The ‘White Princess’ requires bright, indirect light to fully express its white coloration. Place the plant where it receives several hours of bright, filtered light, such as near an east-facing window or set back from a southern exposure. Insufficient light causes the plant to produce more all-green leaves, leading to a loss of variegation. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as the delicate white patches lack chlorophyll and will easily scorch, resulting in brown, crispy spots on the foliage.
Mimicking the plant’s native tropical environment requires consistently warm temperatures and elevated humidity. This cultivar thrives in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F. Exposure to temperatures below 60°F can cause chilling damage and stress. Protect the plant from cold drafts near exterior doors or air conditioning vents to maintain stability.
The plant prefers humidity levels of 60% or higher. Low humidity can cause the sensitive white portions of the leaves to develop brown, crispy edges. Utilizing a small electronic humidifier near the plant is the most effective way to provide consistent moisture. Grouping the ‘White Princess’ with other humidity-loving plants can also create a beneficial localized microclimate.
Watering, Feeding, and Soil Composition
Meticulous watering practices are necessary to prevent root rot, which is a common issue for this philodendron. Use the ‘soak and dry’ method: water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Allowing the roots to sit in stagnant, soggy soil is the primary cause of fungal root infections.
Watering frequency must be adjusted seasonally. The plant requires more moisture during the active growing period of spring and summer. During the cooler, dormant winter months, the plant’s metabolism slows, requiring less frequent watering.
The substrate must be airy and fast-draining, reflecting the epiphytic nature of philodendrons. A high-quality aroid mix containing chunky amendments works well. A suitable mixture combines standard potting soil with materials like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir to enhance aeration and prevent compaction.
During the growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half the strength recommended on the product label to prevent nutrient burn. Stop fertilizing completely throughout the late fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Preserving Variegation and Troubleshooting
Maintaining Variegation
The white sections of the leaves lack chlorophyll and are prone to browning. This browning often results from insufficient humidity or the buildup of mineral salts from tap water. To mitigate this, use distilled, rainwater, or filtered water for irrigation. This significantly reduces the risk of mineral toxicity and unsightly crisping on the leaf margins.
Addressing Reversion
The plant may occasionally revert by producing an entirely green leaf, which is a natural attempt to maximize energy production when light is suboptimal. If the plant consistently produces all-green growth, prune the stem back to the node that produced the last leaf with desirable variegation. This corrective pruning encourages the plant to activate a dormant bud that retains the genetic instructions for variegation.
Toxicity and Safety
All members of the Philodendron genus contain calcium oxalate crystals. These microscopic, needle-shaped structures are contained within the plant’s tissues. If any part of the plant is chewed or ingested, these crystals cause immediate irritation, swelling of the mouth and throat, and digestive upset in humans and pets. Keep the ‘White Princess’ well out of reach of children and household animals.
Pest Management
The ‘White Princess’ is susceptible to common houseplant pests, including spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs. Regular, close inspection of the leaf undersides and stem joints allows for early detection before an infestation becomes severe. Treatment typically involves the localized application of horticultural oil, such as neem oil, or an insecticidal soap to the affected areas.