Hello everyone! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of two stunning philodendrons – Autumn and Prince of Orange.
QUICK ANSWER: The Philodendron Autumn stands out with its new leaves flaunting a deep coppery-red hue. On the other hand, the Philodendron Prince of Orange showcases new leaves in a vibrant tangerine-orange shade. An interesting difference to note is that the Autumn variety has slimmer leaves, while the Prince of Orange boasts broader ones.
| Philodendron Autumn | Philodendron Prince Of Orange | |
| USDA Hardiness zone | 10-11 | 10-11 |
| Mature height | 1-3′ (0.3-0.9 m) | 1-3′ (0.3-0.9 m) |
| Mature width | 1-3′ (0.3-0.9 m) | 1-3′ (0.3-0.9 m) |
| Growth rate | fast | fast |
| Light exposure | indirect | indirect |
| Soil | well-drained | well-drained |
| Soil pH | 6.4-7.3 | 6.4-7.3 |
| Watering | 1-2 times per week | 1-2 times per week |
| Diseases | fungus | fungus |
| Pests | insects | insects |
Color
The leaves of both the Prince of Orange and Autumn philodendrons go through a captivating color transformation from when they first unfold to when they reach full maturity.
The young leaves of the Prince of Orange start off with a soft, pastel orange, not too vivid. In contrast, the Autumn variety unfurls its leaves in a striking bronze-red shade, which is both darker and more vivid.
As they approach mid-maturity, the leaves of the Prince of Orange deepen to a more vivid orange, yet they remain comparatively lighter. Autumn leaves, meanwhile, shift to a fiery orange hue.
Upon reaching full maturity, each variety adopts distinct colors. The Autumn transitions to a red-burgundy before settling into a dark green, almost akin to the Black Cardinal. In contrast, the Prince of Orange shifts from orange to a light green, maintaining this lighter tone thereafter.
In essence, Autumn leaves exhibit brighter and slightly darker tones before maturing and then darken considerably, while the Prince of Orange maintains lighter shades throughout its lifecycle.
Leaves
Another key distinction between these philodendron varieties lies in their leaf shapes.
While both the Autumn and Prince of Orange philodendrons boast similar leaf sizes, around 15 inches in length and 5 inches in width, their shapes differ notably. In the Autumn variety, the leaves begin to taper midway, culminating in a spear-like sharp tip. On the other hand, the tapering in Prince of Orange leaves starts much closer to the end, leading to a tip that’s also sharp but bears a more heart-shaped appearance.
Petioles
The final notable difference between these varieties is in the color of their petioles.
The petioles of the Prince of Orange, much like its leaves, display a more subdued color intensity, showing up as a pale red. This is except for the young petioles of leaves yet to unfold.
In contrast, the Autumn variety boasts petioles with much richer coloring. When they are young, they exhibit a bright red hue. As they mature, they transition to a dark red, making them a real standout feature.
Similarities
Let’s explore the shared characteristics of the Autumn and Prince of Orange philodendrons.
Growth Habit
Both these varieties are self-heading philodendrons, meaning they don’t have the long stems common to many other philodendrons. They reach up to three feet in height and width, with Autumn being more angular and Prince of Orange more rounded.
Toxicity
A common trait among most philodendrons, including Autumn and Prince of Orange, is their toxicity. All parts of these plants contain substances harmful to humans and animals, causing discomfort if ingested or contacted with mucous membranes.
Growing Conditions
These philodendrons thrive in warm conditions, ideally around 70-75 °F. Both extreme cold and heat can hinder their growth. They prefer about 80% humidity but can grow in 50% humidity. Low humidity, especially in hot conditions, can cause dry spots on the leaves, necessitating misting or a humidifier. They need indirect but bright sunlight for optimal leaf color, as direct sunlight can burn their leaves.
Watering
Watering should be done responsibly, usually once a week, and more often in summer or the growing season. The soil should be almost completely dry before watering. Over-watering can cause rot.
Soil
The soil should be loose and well-draining. Some growers use bark, requiring more frequent watering and high humidity. A mix of potting soil and compost or succulent soil is also suitable.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids are a common pest, indicated by a sticky residue on leaves. Horticultural oil can be used for treatment. Diseases are rare but can be prevented with good air circulation and proper watering.
Both varieties share these key features, making them both unique and similar in their care and appearance.
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