The philodendron royal queen is a popular and easy to care for tropical plant known for its large, deeply lobed leaves and vining growth habit. With proper care, the royal queen philodendron makes an excellent houseplant that can provide years of enjoyment. This plant has unique foliage and an exotic look that makes it stand out in any indoor plant collection. Read on to learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for philodendron royal queen.
Light Requirements
The philodendron royal queen thrives in bright, indirect light. Some morning or late afternoon direct sun is tolerated, but more than a couple hours of direct midday sun can scorch the leaves.
The ideal light conditions include:
- South or west facing windows where the plant gets bright light without several hours of direct sun.
- Bright office environments and atriums away from windows. Fluorescent lights are sufficient.
- Outdoor partial shade locations protected from hot midday sun.
If the leaves begin to look pale or washed out, it indicates the plant needs more light. On the other hand, leaves that scorch or brown along the edges show too much light intensity. Adjust the plant to the proper lighting for the healthiest growth.
Watering and Soil
As a tropical plant, philodendron royal queen prefers a consistently moist but not wet soil. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. The plant should be watered whenever the soil feels slightly dry to the touch.
Follow these tips for watering philodendron royal queen:
- Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root zone receives moisture.
- Always water enough so that water drains freely from the drainage holes. Stagnant water can cause root rot.
- Allow all excess water to drain fully from the saucer or cachepot. Never leave the plant sitting in water.
- Water less often during the winter months when growth slows.
The philodendron royal queen thrives in a rich, well-draining potting mix. A quality potting soil blended with perlite provides the fast drainage these plants require. Orchid potting mixes also work well. Avoid regular garden soil, which stays too wet.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant native to the jungles of South America, philodendron royal queen thrives in normal household temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Avoid cold drafts and prolonged exposure below 50°F (10°C). The plant may survive dips into the 40s, but growth will stall.
High humidity is appreciated by these jungle plants. Ideal indoor humidity levels are 40-60%. Place the plant on a pebble humidity tray, mist the leaves occasionally, or use a humidifier to boost the moisture in the air.
Fertilizer
Feed philodendron royal queen monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted by half strength. This provides nutrients during the active growth season. Reduce fertilizer applications in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Never fertilize a dry or stressed plant. Always water thoroughly a day before fertilizing. This allows the roots to fully absorb nutrients and avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Prune philodendron royal queen to control leggy growth or direct the trailing vines. Pruning encourages bushier and more compact plants.
Follow these tips when pruning:
- Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to avoid damaging the plant. Make cuts just above leaf nodes.
- Prune back leggy stems by cutting them back by one-third to one-half of their length.
- Prune off small lower leaves to expose the stem. This enhances height.
- Remove yellow, dead, or damaged foliage at any time to maintain an attractive appearance.
Philodendrons bleed sap when pruned, so a sealant like Vaseline can be applied to cuts. Bleeding is not harmful to the plant and the sap will eventually dry up.
Propagation
Philodendron royal queen is easily propagated by stem tip cuttings. Follow these simple steps:
Gather Supplies
- Sharp, clean shears or scissors
- Small pot with moist potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional)
Take Cuttings
- Cut a stem right below a leaf node. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long.
- Optional – Dip cut end in rooting hormone. This encourages faster root growth.
Root Cutting
- Stick cutting 2-3 inches deep in the potting mix.
- Gently firm down soil and water well.
- Cover pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse environment.
- Place cuttings in bright, indirect light.
- Keep soil moist but not saturated while roots develop.
- New leaf growth indicates successful rooting in 3-8 weeks.
Once rooted, the new philodendron plant can be transplanted into a regular potting mix and cared for like the parent plant. Taking cuttings is an easy way to make new plants!
Common Problems
Philodendron royal queen is quite hardy when given proper care but can encounter a few issues:
- Leaf scorch – Caused by too much direct sun. Move plant to brighter indirect light.
- Leaf yellowing – Due to overwatering or lack of fertilizer. Allow soil to dry between waterings and fertilize in the growing season.
- Dropping leaves – Normal as older leaves die off. But can indicate underwatering, overwatering, or exposure to cold drafts.
- Pale leaves – Not enough light. Move plant closer to a window or light source.
- Leggy growth – Needs more light to encourage compact growth. Prune back leggy stems.
- Root rot – Caused by soggy soil. Allow soil to dry between waterings and ensure pot has drainage.
With proper philodendron royal queen care, these problems can be avoided and the plant will thrive for many years as an indoor plant. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty with this gorgeous tropical!
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do philodendron royal queens get?
Given proper care and bright indirect light, philodendron royal queen can grow quite large, up to 3-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. The vines can reach 6 feet or more as they trail. Pruning helps keep the plant full and compact.
What type of soil does a philodendron royal queen need?
Philodendrons do best in a rich, well-draining potting mix. Look for a quality potting soil blended with perlite or peat moss to provide moisture retention and aeration. Orchid potting mixes also work well. Avoid regular garden soil.
How often should you water a philodendron royal queen?
Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This tropical plant prefers moist but not soggy soil. Allow the pot to drain fully after watering and never leave sitting in water. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth is slower.
What are the ideal temperatures for a philodendron royal queen?
Normal indoor temperatures between 60-80°F suit a philodendron royal queen best. Avoid prolonged exposure below 50°F. The plant can tolerate brief dips into the 40s but prefers warmer temps.
Should I mist my philodendron royal queen?
Misting can help increase humidity around the plant. But it only provides temporary moisture. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to maintain 40-60% humidity. Misting occasionally supplements ambient humidity. Just don’t allow water to sit on the leaves.
Why are the leaves on my philodendron royal queen turning yellow?
Leaf yellowing is often caused by overwatering or lack of fertilizer. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly during spring and summer growing season. Underwatering or cold drafts can also cause yellow leaves.
How can I prune my philodendron royal queen?
Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to prune off leggy stems back to just above a leaf node. This encourages bushier regrowth. Also pinch off lower leaves to expose the stems and give the plant more height. Remove any dead or damaged foliage.
Conclusion
With its large, lobed leaves and vining growth habit, the philodendron royal queen makes a stunning addition to any plant collection. Caring for this tropical philodendron is easy when you provide the right growing conditions of bright indirect light, consistent moisture, warm temperatures, and humid air. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Give the plant a balanced fertilizer during spring and summer to encourage healthy growth. Prune back long vines or leggy stems to direct the plant’s growth and maintain an attractive, full appearance. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty – growing philodendron royal queen is very rewarding!