Is it time to refresh your living space? A Philodendron White Knight might be the perfect addition to your decor. Adding Philodendron White Knight to your collection will surely be a treat. It is a popular tropical plant among plant lovers owing to its low care requirements.
This stunning and popular houseplant is a must-have for any collector!
Do you want to learn more about these tropical houseplants? We’ll go through how to best care for this plant down below.
Philodendron White Knight Profile
General Information
White Knight Philodendron is a rare variegated tropical plant that belongs to the Araceae family and the genus Philodendron.
It is a fleshy, terrarium-friendly hybrid that is native to the rainforests of South America, low-maintenance, and suitable for novices. It may be grown both indoors and outdoors. This is a stunning ornamental plant that will stand out in your home.
Philodendron is well-known for their exquisite foliage. This plant features heart-shaped, dark green leaves with flecked and marbled white variegation which can be varied from leaves of the same plant.
When fully grown, the Philodendron White Knight plant may reach a height of 3 meters, and its foliage can grow to a maximum length of 1.5 meters.
Etymology
The name “White Knight Philodendron” was first used in the U.S. by H. Lincoln Foster, who was a plant hunter and collector from the U.S. Two Philodendron domesticum cultivars,
Philodendron squamiferum, and Philodendron corrugatum, were crossed to make the Philodendron White Knight. This makes Philodendron White Knight rare.
Flowering
White Knight Philodendron has flowers all spring and summer. It usually has a long spadix that is covered by an elongated spathe. The leaf-like spathe covers this spadix, which has a few tiny flowers growing on it.
However, don’t expect it to blossom, especially if you leave it inside. Most people cultivate this plant for its foliage rather than its blossoms.
Season of interest and Purchasing
White Knight Philodendron blooms during the spring and summer seasons. They may be gathered and used to decorate with other companion plants.
This is the plant for anyone searching for a low-maintenance indoor plant. It adds exotic flair to the interior decor and improves air quality.
White Knight Philodendron is accessible through aroid plant nurseries, some garden retailers, and on online markets.
Growth
This Philodendron is an evergreen climber with an upright pattern that grows rapidly. When fully grown, the Philodendron White Knight plant may reach a height of 3 meters, and its leaf can reach a maximum length of 1.5 meters under optimum conditions.
It grows quicker when planted around a moss pole. During the growth season, you may control the height of this plant by trimming it properly.
Philodendron White Knight Overview
| Scientific name | Philodendron erubescens “White Knight” |
| Common names | White Knight Philodendron |
| Family | Araceae |
| Growth Habit | Herbaceous, Epiphytic Vine |
| Height and Spread | up to 3 meters in height, and 1.5 meters in leaf width |
| Classification based on life cycle | Perennial |
| Origin and Distribution | Native to rainforests of South America |
| Climate Zone | Generally mild climate |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | USDA Zone 9-11 |
| Color | Large leaves with flecked white and marbled variegations |
RELATED: Philodendron Birkin: Its Most Informative Care, Propagation, and Watering Guide
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Sunlight is the source of nutrition for plants. White Knight Philodendron prefers bright, indirect light, so keep it out of direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burns.
When given ample light, they produce massive leaves with exquisite veining. The plant’s optimal interior location is near a window.
If the plant is kept in the shadow for an extended period of time, the variegation becomes discolored. This is necessary for the plant’s growth since it permits it to receive filtered light throughout the day.
Note that lack of proper lighting will revert the foliage marbled appearance to a plain green color.
Temperature Requirement
Philodendron White Knight, being a tropical plant, prefers warm temperatures. This hardy plant can withstand average household temperatures but would flourish in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°-26°C) throughout the day.
Extreme cold temperatures are not kind to the White Knight Philodendron. During the fall and winter months, move the plant to a warmer location within the house.
Water Requirement
Giving a houseplant enough water is one of the most crucial components of caring for it. Philodendron White Knight prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the White Knight gently. On the other hand, this plant is drought-hardy and loves to be watered infrequently.
Make it a habit to water the plant once or twice every week. Allow the soil to dry to approximately two inches at the top before watering again. You may use your finger to determine the moisture content of the soil.
Humidity Requirement
The White Knight, like other Philodendron cultivars, thrives in a humid climate. A humidity level of 70% is enough for keeping your plant hydrated and healthy.
It makes the environment more humid, which is ideal for growing a variety of houseplant species and sustaining plant development.
A humidifier, mist, or pebble tray can all assist you. It leads to the establishment of a more humid environment, which is ideal for growing various types of houseplants.
Soil Requirement
Enriched moist soil is another factor that promotes your White Knight’s good health and rapid development. Philodendron White Knight prefers rich, moist, well-draining soil.
Use a high-quality potting mix that includes components like perlite, sphagnum moss, and orchid bark.
Do this to avoid being muddy or flooded. This will let excess moisture to drain, preventing the pot from becoming saturated.
Fertilizer Requirement
Fertilizer, like food, is used to nurture plants. Plants eat fertilizer for added sustenance. A balanced liquid fertilizer is recommended for feeding your White Knight.
Foliage growth would be encouraged by any decent Nitrogen-based fertilizer. Feed the plant once or twice a year throughout the growth season.
In most cases, the optimum periods to fertilize are spring and summer; it helps to replace the soil’s lost nutrients, it gives components required by the plant to grow healthily, and it also helps to preserve soil fertility.
Space Requirement
The White Knight Philodendron prefers shade, preferably semi-shade to indirect lighting. Place this plant in a south or east-facing window to ensure it gets enough light.
Separate your White Knight Philodendron from other houseplants by at least two feet. Allow this plant plenty of space to grow.
Growing and Planting Tip
Propagation
The only viable technique to reproduce a Philodendron White Knight is by stem cutting. This process was primarily used to create new cultivars.
Propagation by Stem cutting
The ideal growth to cut from is a younger and healthier bud. A three-inch cutting should contain several nodes and leaves.
Please only use sterile scissors for this part of the propagation method. Squeeze the soil around the nodes of a philodendron white knight stem in a moist potting soil cup to hold the young plant in place.
There should be no leaves buried in the moisture-retentive or well-draining mixture. A window with moist soil and bright, indirect sunlight would be great.
A fresh Philodendron White Knight should form roots in two to three weeks. As a result, you may now transfer your Philodendron white knight into a larger container.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial to the plant’s development; however, pruning Philodendron White Knight is not frequently necessary. You can trim it to get rid of the stems and leaves that are harmed or dead. The plant’s form is preserved by pruning.
Trim back White Knight Philodendrons as they become overgrown. Every early spring or during the growth season, they require pruning.
Potting and Repotting
Philodendron White Knight may be planted in ceramic, terracotta, or clay pots since they allow for better aeration and prevent your plant from overwatering diseases.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches bigger in diameter than the root ball of your younger plants. It would allow you to inspect the roots without having to remove the plant from the pot.
Repot your Philodendron White Knight every two years in the first few days of spring. When repotting a plant, ensure the new container has drainage holes, is two inches larger than the old one, and is filled with high-quality, freshly mixed potting soil.
RELATED: Philodendron cposportoanum: The #1 Care, Watering, and Propagation Guide
Philodendron White Knight Care
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Temperature | Intermediate to warm, 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water | Once a week, increased in summer, decreased in winter |
| Soil | Airy, well-draining soil; not too loose; African Violet or Aroid Soil Mix |
| Fertilization | Regular household fertilizer or liquid formula, once a month in spring and summer, every 6-8 weeks during fall and winter |
| Space | Substantial amount of space to spread |
| Propagation | Via stem cuttings |
| Blooming | Rarely blooms, enough sunlight and maturity needed |
| Pruning | Regular pruning for shape maintenance |
| Potting | Regular potting mix, use of horticultural charcoal, orchid bark, perlite and coco coir |
Problem and Troubleshooting
Overwatering
The most prevalent reason for stunted, slow growth with yellowing leaves is overwatering. However, if your plants are yellowing but have not yet begun to wilt, you can retain them by starting to water them adequately.
To prevent overwatering, Insert your index finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil to prevent overwatering. Water it if it appears dry. Wait a few days before trying again if it seems wet or damp. Make sure the container has sufficient drainage as well, and allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Furthermore, check for proper drainage in your planter and, if possible, create sufficient air space around the roots.
Underwatering
There might be a number of factors if the majority of the leaves seem pale and discolored, drooping, wilting, and/or curled, extreme water shortage, and too much sunshine.
They will recover if you properly water your Philodendron white knight according to their watering schedule. Please try to keep them out of direct sunlight.
Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient inadequacies can cause slower development, leaf browning, darker patterns, and other symptoms. Feeding your Philodendron White Knight can encourage thicker leaves and root growth, which will help you avoid this issue. Contrarily, this house plant doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer.
Philodendron White Knight is routinely fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur to promote lush green growth.
Flowering Problems
When it comes to flowering, Philodendron White Knight has a problem since it is challenging to blossom in an indoor living environment.
Make sure your plant receives the right attention and meets its requirements if it has a chance of flowering. Ample light is also essential for healthy flowering.
Pests
There aren’t many bugs that like to feast on Philodendrons, but you might find aphids and mealybugs.
With cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol, you can get rid of mealybugs. Pests can be kept away by spraying the plant with water and insecticidal soap every so often.
Good soil, light shade or bright indirect light, and a place that doesn’t get frost.
Diseases
Your White Knight was made to be resistant to many common houseplant diseases, so you don’t need to worry too much.
Root rot is the most common disease that affects philodendrons. Root rot happens when a plant’s soil stays too wet, and the roots can’t breathe, which leads to a fungal infection.
The leaves turn yellow and fall off, and the stems get soft. Meanwhile, the roots turn black and smelly.
You might be able to save your plant by cutting off all the diseased parts and replanting what’s left in new soil in a clean pot.
Problems with People and Animals
Toxicity
White Knight Philodendron plants contain poisonous substances. This is due to calcium oxalate crystals in the plant’s leaves.
Both people and animals that are severely allergic to it may have symptoms including vomiting, trouble swallowing, excessive drooling, acute mouth, lip, and tongue burning, and oral irritation.
To prevent poisoning, it should be kept out of the reach of children and animals.
RELATED: Philodendron Rojo Congo: The Best Care, Propagation, and Watering Guide You Need
Philodendron Plants Meaning and Symbolism
Philodendrons are believed to enhance indoor air quality and represent good health, vitality, and wealth. This plant’s leaves are formed like flames, symbolizing the fire element in Feng Shui.
Additionally, Philodendrons are thought to symbolize a love of nature, making them the perfect choice for people who are enthusiastic about gardening and eco-friendly living.
They also represent personal growth, making them the ideal gift for anyone undergoing a major life transition or working to better themselves.
They stand for personal development, making them a fantastic present for someone going through a significant life transition or making changes in their own life.
| General Meaning | love of nature, passion for eco-friendly living |
| Symbolism | Personal growth |
Landscaping and Gardening Ideas
Companion Plants
Philodendron ‘White Knight,’ Philodendron White Princess, and Philodendron White Wizard are all varieties of Philodendron. These are rare plants and are the best tropical companion plants that are super vibrant and rare! In the houseplant community, this is known as the Triple Crown.
All of them have unusual, wonderful contrast of green and white leaves and rich red, dark purple vining stems
Pink Princess Philodendron is also a good companion plant for White Knight since it will add a contrasting vibrant color. Variegated plants grouped together are definitely a feast to the eyes.
Landscaping Ideas
White Knight Philodendron is a variegated Philodendron with green and white or all-white leaves. These plants can be cultivated in pots, hanging baskets, or as a landscape plant.
It may thrive in the dappled shade cast by trees or bushes in an outdoor garden. It’s also great for hanging baskets on balconies or patios.
It is becoming more and more common to incorporate this plant as a design feature both indoors and outdoors, where it produces an aesthetically pleasing environment that is exciting to the intellect as well as the senses.
| What to plant with | Other Aroids, Monsteras, Bird of Paradise, Areca Palms, Fire Spike, Heliconia, Variegated Arboricola, Croton, Chenille Plant, Pentas, Most Tropical Plants |
| What NOT to plant with | Basically nothing |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can pets get sick from eating Philodendron White Knight plants?
Pets, like cats and dogs, can’t eat Philodendron White Knight or any other kind of Philodendron. Keep your pets away from this plant!
- Where would my White Knight Philodendron do well?
Put your plant somewhere where it can get bright but not direct sunlight. That could be close to a window facing west or east.
- How do you take care of a plant that has a leaf spot caused by bacteria?
This is a little hard to explain, and the answer depends on how sick your plant is. If there are only two sick leaves, you can cut them off before they spread to other leaves. Use fungicides if the damage is already severe.
Conclusion
Philodendron White Knight is a sight to behold due to its color diversity. It is uncommon but simple to maintain and develop. It requires little upkeep and is simple to produce.
The plant will be happy and healthy as long as you keep humid weather and appropriate food supplies. If you want to spice up your uncommon collection, this plant is an excellent choice.
Editor’s Recommendations
Philodendron Black Cardinal: The #1 Complete Care, Watering, and Propagation Guide
11 Frequently Asked Questions on How to Care for a Philodendron Birkin
Yellow? Goodbye! 7 Reasons Why Your Philodendron Is Changing Color
The majority of people who have no interest in the subject, and aren’t green fingered assume that all plants and vegetables require the same growing conditions. This is not the case at all. Each plant has its own unique and interesting history and growing process.
I hope you will find The Natural List useful, and that it will help educate you on the wide variety of different flower and plant species there are across the globe.
- Top 10 Online Places You Can Trust To Buy Indoor/Outdoor Plants - July 2, 2023
- How To Use Plant Watering Globes Correctly? A Comprehensive Guide - July 2, 2023
- 25 Fantastic Gifts For Gardeners And Plant Lovers - July 2, 2023
