Last Updated on April 13, 2022 by Admin
Philodendron Orange Marmalade is an uncommon plant that is hard to find. As such, you won’t often see it in garden centers or even online stores.
And if you do, it usually has a price of $150 or higher.
Because of this, there also isn’t a lot of background information about this philodendron plant. And the growers who know the plant do so from experience of taking care of it.
That said, it is a stunning plant that features bright colors and variegations. It is a philodendron hybrid with lanceolate leaves.
During its young juvenile stage, these leaves emerge as bright orange color. As it grows the leaves’ color turn into lime green or mottled lime.
Like many philodendron varieties, the Philodendron Orange Marmalade is a climber and will appreciate being given a support to go up on.
Because of its orange foliage, it is sometimes confused with the Philodendron Prince of Orange. Similarly, its looks closely resemble the Philodendron Painted Lady.
How do your care for Philodendron Orange Marmalade? This plant needs bright, indirect light to maintain its bright colored leaves. Its leaf color also makes it less tolerant of low light. For optimum growth, keep the plant in a warm, humid location.
Water it only when the soil has dried and feed it with liquid houseplant fertilizer when it is actively growing.
Philodendron Orange Marmalade Plant Care
Light Requirements
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade needs bright, indirect light to maintain its beautiful colors. Unlike other philodendron varieties with solid green leaves, it cannot tolerate low light as well because of the different foliage colors it has.
As such, while the different colored leaves are beautiful to look at, they also mean that it is more important to keep the plant in a well-lit location. Ideally, somewhere with medium to bright, indirect, filtered or dappled light.
If it does not get sufficient lighting, you’ll see its orange, lime or light green leaves turn green (a darker shade of green).
This is the plant’s way of adapting to the lack of light by producing more chlorophyll, which make use the green color of most leaves. Chlorophyll is also what absorbs light so the plant can use it for photosynthesis.
So, by turning its leaves more green, it will try to collect as much light as it can for the low source.
In addition, losing its colors, low light will also cause the Philodendron Orange Marmalade to become leggy and produce fewer leaves. Its growth will also slow down.
On the other hand, it is also important to keep in mind not to expose the plant to too much light. Direct sunlight and very intense light will turn its colorful leaves yellow.
It can also burn its leaves leaving you with brown spots or scorch marks.
Temperature
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade is a tropical plant.
This means it is used to warm weather where the sun is out all year round and there is not snow, frost or freezing temperature during the cold months.
This is why its ideal temperature range is between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant also does not have a problem with hotter weather as long as you avoid temperatures above 95 degrees for long periods of time.
While it will easily tolerate this, the heat will cause it to lose water faster.
Thus, it can experience underwatering or dehydration if you do not give it enough moisture.
On the other hand, because it is used to warm environments, the Philodendron Orange Marmalade is more susceptible to the cold.
In fact, you want to keep it away from temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once you reach this level, you’ll notice its growth slow down. And the longer its stays there or the further down the climate drops, the slower it will grow until it completely stops.
Additionally, the plant will also experience cold stress and possible injury.
Therefore, avoid leaving it outside during winter if you live anywhere colder than USDA Hardiness Zones 9b to 11. It will not survive snow in winter or anything colder.
Humidity
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade will grow best in moderate to high humidity, ideally 50% to 70%. Although, it will still do well at 40% humidity and even slightly less provided it is well hydrated.
The plant’s humidity tolerance may or may not be an issue largely depending on where you live.
For most homes, indoor humidity usually averages between 20% and 50%. And it will drop during winter as the weather dries up the air.
But that’s not always the case.
For example, if you live in California or Florida, the Philodendron Orange Marmalade’s humidity requirements are not going to be much of a problem.
Similarly, if you live in a coastal city, near a lake or beach, humidity will easily be sufficient as well.
However, if you happen to reside in Utah, Arizona, Las Vegas or other areas which tend to have very dry air, then it is a good idea to monitor humidity levels.
I like to use a hygrometer to be able to tell what the humidity is in any given room at home and at any given time.
It also lets you generally track what the recently humidity levels and trends have been.
This lets you take action in case the moisture in the air drops.
How Often to Water Philodendron Orange Marmalade
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade does not need a lot of water. But it is important to make sure to keep it hydrated and avoid letting the soil go completely dry.
Therefore, during the summer when the weather gets hot, it will need regular watering.
That said, be careful when you water the plant since it is susceptible to overwatering.
This means that is it best not to follow a fixed schedule. Instead, adjust your watering routine as the weather changes through the season.
The easiest way to do this (and avoid overwatering) is to check the soil before you water the plant.
Stick your finger into the soil down to about the second knuckle. Then feel your finger for moisture.
If there is any moisture or the soil feels moist or wet at that depth. Wait 2 days then test the soil again. Only water when the soil at that level is completely dry.
This will let you avoid watering too often.
Additionally, because you are watering based on how quickly the soil is drying up, it will automatically adjust your watering schedule based on the weather.
During the hotter months, the soil will dry faster. So, you’ll feel dryness usually in a few days. This will prompt you to water the plant.
Come winter when the cold weather keeps soil moist longer. You’ll only feel dryness in the soil every 2 weeks or so. Therefore, that’s when you water the plant.
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Philodendron Orange Marmalade Potting Soil
The best soil for Philodendron Orange Marmalade is well-draining and had good aeriation. This gives the plant’s roots a good balance of water and air to keep them healthy.
It also ensures that even when you overwater a little bit, the soil will bail you out by draining excess moisture.
Therefore, it helps prevent overwatering.
On the other hand, avoid heavy soils, clay soils or anything that tends to retain too much moisture. This includes regular houseplant potting soil you find in stores.
These soils hold too much water. And in the process will leave your Philodendron Orange Marmalade’s roots wet for long periods of time.
When this happens, they won’t be able to breathe because they are drowning in liquid. As a result, they will suffocate and rot.
As such, waterlogging is closely associated with overwatering. And both can eventually destroy your plant.
The simplest way to obtain the perfect soil for your Philodendron Orange Marmalade it spick up a bag of Aroid mix.
Aroid mixes are designed for plants in the Araceae family, including philodendron, monstera, anthuriums and pothos. These genera all need well-draining soil because their roots don’t like having wet feet.
Note that depending on the nursery or online store you go to, each will have its own aroid mix blend using different ingredients and percentages of these components. However, they all provide the same function which makes them ideal for the Philodendron Orange Marmalade.
In case you prefer to make your own potting mix at home, an easily recipe that works really well combines:
- 3 parts orchid bark
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part sphagnum moss
- 1 part agricultural charcoal
This will give you a chunky, loose soil that provides good drainage while retaining some moisture to keep the roots hydrated.
Fertilizer
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade does not need a lot of fertilizer. However, it is important to make sure it gets plant food.
Fertilizer gives it the nutrients it needs to grow faster, produce more leaves and maintain their vibrant colors. However, avoid falling into the temptation of using too much fertilizer.
Some growers, especially beginners, tend to add too much fertilizer or feed the plant more often than needed believing that more is better.
Unfortunately, too much fertilizer will harm your plant. That’s because it contains salts which the plant does not like.
The salts are used as transport mediums for the nutrients. Manufacturers use the salts to deliver the nutrients efficient making it easier to the roots to absorb them
But after this happens, and the water evaporates, the mineral salts are left in the soil As they accumulate, they become toxic to the roots. This is why they can eventually cause fertilizer burn.
Thus, avoid feeding too often, using high concentrations or adding too much fertilizer each time.
Instead, the Philodendron Orange Marmalade only needs fertilizer during spring and summer. You can use a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month.
Don’t feed the plant in winter as it won’t grow much then. Therefore, it won’t need or use up the fertilizer.
Pruning
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade has a moderate growth rate. And like other philodendrons it will eventually get bigger.
So, you can enjoy it on tabletops early on. But as it grows, it will find its way to the floor due to its size.
The thing is, the plants’ leaves are its main attraction. And if you let them, they will grow to the length of your head combined with your toros (and even more).
It won’t also have a lot of leaves at nay given point. Usually, it will have anywhere between 4 to 8 or so foliage.
Thus, there’s little pruning that needs to be done making it a low maintenance plant.
However, still want to remove any dead, dying, discolored or damaged leaves. This will help the plant grow faster as it will stop expending resources on trying to revive these leaves and focus on the new leaves as well as the healthy ones.
How to Propagate Philodendron Orange Marmalade
There are many different ways to propagate the Philodendron Orange Marmalade.
The most common for houseplant owners are:
- Stem cuttings
- Offsets
- Division
That said, each has their varying level of practicality.
The most popular propagation method of the 3 is stem cuttings and for obvious reasons. It is easy to do, you only need stem or tip cuttings and it produces a high success rate.
Offsets are no doubt the fastest.
All you need to do is sperate the offsets from the parent plant. Then plant them into their own pots. These will eventually grow into full-sized mature plants.
However, the downside is that you are at the mercy of the plant. That’s because the plant will produce offsets whenever it wants to. And you have no control over it.
Therefore, you cannot time when to propagate it. Just as importantly, it can take years before it decides to produce them.
This makes it less practical.
Root division is another great option. It is best done when repotting since you need to unpot the plant. However, you are limited to how many divisions you can get from one parent plant based on the parent’s size.
However, that’s not a big problem for the Philodendron Orange Marmalade since it will grow into a large plant.
That said, the biggest advantage of root division is the new plant or plants you get after propagation are semi-grown. That is, they have roots, stems and leaves. So, unlike stem cuttings, you do not have to wait for the new plant to root and start producing shoots, stems and leaves from scratch.
Another thing about root division is that it allows you to reduce the size of your parent plant. This can come in handy if you don’t want your Philodendron Orange Marmalade to get too big.
How to Repot or Transplant Philodendron Orange Marmalade
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade usually needs repotting once every 2-3 years. Make sure that the pots you use have good drainage. This in addition to your watering routine and well-draining soil will prevent overwatering and waterlogging.
The drainage holes will allow any excess water to escape from the pot instead of just pooling at the bottom.
Because the plant will eventually get quite big, you will end up using a good sized container for it.
However, avoid jumping pot sizes to reduce the need to repot often. Using a pot that’s too big for the roots is a good way to create unnecessary overwatering.
That’s because the large volume of soil relative to the roots will drown the roots when you water. Additionally, it will take much longer for the soil to dry.
The best time to repot is during spring or early summer.
Is It Toxic/Poisonous to Humans, Cats & Dogs
Yes, unfortunately, the plant is toxic. But it only becomes toxic when ingested or the you get exposed to the sap.
Thus, avoid letting young children and pets play near the plant as they may accidentally chew or consumer the leaves or stems.
On your part, make sure to wash your hands after pruning or propagating the plant. And avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth when you come into contact with its sap.
Philodendron Orange Marmalade Problems & Troubleshooting
Pests
The Philodendron Orange Marmalade is not overly susceptible to pests. However, like many houseplants it is not immune either.
Therefore, you need to regularly inspect it for bugs and insects.
Sap sucking pests including spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and scale tend to be the most common problems because these are attracted to the plant’s leaves.
Diseases
When it comes to diseases, root rot and leaf infections are the more common problems. However, you can prevent both by being mindful of moisture.
Root rot happens due to overwatering and waterlogged soil. Therefore, avoid watering too often, use well-draining soil and make sure your pot has ample drainage is important.
Leaf diseases, be it bacterial or fungal, usually occur from overwatering, leaves that stay wet for too long, too much misting, lack of sunlight or air circulation.
