Philodendron 'Orange Marmalade' Ø10.5cm

Philodendron 'Orange Marmalade' is a spectacular cultivar from the Araceae family, with bright orange-red new leaves that gradually mature through bronze and copper to dark green. The plant simultaneously displays all colors. Dynamic chromatic aroid, collector plant. Growth and development Philodendron 'Orange Marmalade' has a semi-erect to moderately climbing growth habit, with good vigor under bright indirect light. Unlike Philodendron scandens 'Brasil' (fast, highly branching), 'Orange Marmalade' forms a central trunk from which successive leaves emerge, without natural branching. At maturity, the plant can reach 60-100 cm in height in a standard pot, more if provided with a moss pole to climb on. The growth rate is moderate - one new leaf every 3-4 weeks during the warm season, while winter activity slows significantly. The plant greatly benefits from a moss pole or vertical support that mimics the tree trunk of its natural habitat, since aerial roots emerge and seek surfaces to anchor on, which in turn stimulates the production of larger leaves as the plant climbs. According to cultivation observations from experienced growers, leaves grow significantly larger in size when the plant receives a vertical support - a phenomenon known as 'maturation through ascent,' characteristic of hemiepiphytic aroids. An 'Orange Marmalade' trained on a moss pole can produce 20-25 cm leaves, compared to 12-15 cm on a plant left to creep along the ground. See also other cultivars with chromatic transformation such as Philodendron 'Ring of Fire', which responds similarly to vertical support. Light: bright indirect, 10,000-20,000 lux; tolerates 2-3 hours of soft morning sun, but avoid strong summer sun which fades the orange leaves Temperature: 18-27°C ideal; tolerates minimums of 13°C but growth stops below 15°C; keep it away from direct cold drafts from windows or air conditioning Watering: when 2-3 cm of substrate surface has dried (approx. 5-8 days in summer, 10-14 days in winter); use filtered or settled water at room temperature Humidity: 50-70% ideal; happily accepts 40%, with leaves at their most luminous in the higher range; a humidifier or grouping with other plants raises local humidity Substrate: airy, well-drained - 50% peat/coir, 25% perlite, 15% pine bark, 10% horticultural charcoal; optimal pH 5.5-6.5 Fertilization: balanced NPK fertilizer (e.g. 20-20-20) diluted by half, monthly in spring-summer; stop in winter; supplement with foliar feeding for vigorous growth Propagation: stem cuttings with at least one node and an aerial root, rooting in water or sphagnum at 22-25°C; new roots within 3-5 weeks Specifications Pot diameter: 10.5 cm Total height (incl. pot): 20 cm