This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.
A Philodendron White Knight is an easy-going, rare plant species with simple care requirements. These water-loving plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight with moderate humidity. You’ll have to ensure that the soil remains moist and water the plant adequately when the top two inches of soil feels dry. It’s essential to steer clear of lengthy periods of direct light, as it can cause the leaves to burn.
You’ll come across several Philodendron varieties, and the White Knights Philodendron are certainly an eye-catching, beautiful plant baby to have. They make wonderful houseplants for beginners and are easy to grow with straightforward care needs.
Still, if you want your plant to prosper, it’s best to provide it with extra love and attention. You’ll find all the top tips and tricks in this comprehensive care guide.
Philodendron White Knight Plant Care Tips
Philodendron White Knights have stunning heart-shaped leaves and dark purple, brown, and white shades on their stems. You’ll find that some have dark-green leaves with splashes of white, and some boast all-white leaves.
To keep these beauties thriving, let’s take a look at the essential caring methods and best products available.
Philodendron White Knight – Best Products
When caring for your plant baby, you’ll need a few products to help maintain its beauty and encourage healthy growth. Here are some of the best houseplant supplies that come in handy for Philodendron White Knight plant care:
- A digital hygrometer
- A small humidifier
- Liquid fertilizer
- A pair of pruning shears
- Neem oil for pest control
- A hanging planter basket
- A durable and stylish pot with drainage holes
Philodendron White Knight Soil Requirements
Like other Philodendrons, the White Knight does well in rich, well-drained soil that includes organic matter. It’s important to ensure that the soil remains moist, but we’ll look at watering in a bit.
You can purchase a premade soil mix or get your hands dirty and mix one yourself. You can make a mixture using coconut fibers and organic content.
These include:
- Peat,
- Orchid bark
- Perlite
Using perlite is also beneficial as it helps to improve both water retention and drainage. It’s important to ensure that the soil can hold sufficient water while still providing adequate drainage to promote healthy growth and avoid bacterial infections.
Philodendron White Knight Watering Requirements
The Philodendron White Knight is a water-loving species that you should water when the top two inches of soil is dry. This usually occurs every one to two weeks, but it’s essential to inspect the soil and allow it to dry out between watering.
Although these beauties enjoy a good splash of liquid, be sure to use a moderate amount of water when caring for your plant baby. Keep in mind that you may have to adjust the watering frequency depending on the light in the room and season.
For instance, your plant might require a good soak during the warmer seasons. However, you’ll only have to water it once every ten days during the wintertime when growth slows down.
Tip: If you’re looking for more guidance on watering requirements, check out this guide on watering plants at night.
Philodendron White Knight Light Requirements
The White Knight thrives in medium to bright indirect light. These plants love filtered sunlight, while direct light burns their leaves. This occurs because the white parts of their leaves are more delicate and hypersensitive to sunlight.
On the other hand, you should avoid keeping the plant in shaded spaces for prolonged periods. If you place it in an area with low light for a few months, you’ll notice that the white leaves of the Philodendron White Knight reverted to the dark-green color.
It’s best to stick to mild to bright, indirect light to avoid the loss of variegation and slow growth. So, grab a cute plant holder and place your White King near a window for optimal growth.
Temperature
A temperature between 65- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for a happy and healthy Philodendron White Knight. As these tropical plants are indigenous to the rain forests in South America, it flourishes in warmer temperatures.
As the temperature naturally becomes cooler at night, the plant will still get through it. However, it does not do well in frigid weather.
So, be sure to monitor the temperature as it could result in a loss of the white variegation and stunted growth. You can also place your plant in a warmer spot during the colder seasons.
Humidity
The White Knight is a tropical plant that loves humid environments. As such, you should try to maintain a humidity level that is above 70 percent. This is essential as lower humidity levels can lead to slow growth, droopy stems, and discoloration in leaves.
A digital hygrometer is beneficial in checking the humidity level in the room. If you notice that the humidity is low, here are a few simple things you can do:
- Add moisture and increase humidity with a small humidifier.
- You can also increase moisture by lining a tray with pebbles, filling it halfway with water, and placing the pot on top of the pebbles.
- Move the plant to a naturally humid room, such as a bathroom with bright, indirect sunlight.
- Place the plant near other tropical indoor plants, such as a Pothos plant or Alocasia plant. This will help the plants share humidity through transpiration.
Does a Philodendron White Knight Need Fertilizing?
You should fertilize a Philodendron White Knight plant during spring and summer. These plants lack a natural supply of organic matter, and over time they will absorb all the nutrients in the potting soil.
As such, it’s essential to provide them with the necessary nutrients through fertilization.
It’s important to note that these plants should be fertilized sparingly. You can use fertilizer monthly during the growing seasons (spring and summer). It’s best to reduce efforts during the colder seasons, so opt for fertilizing every six to eight weeks in fall and winter.
Remember that over-fertilizing will harm your White Knight and could lead to burnout and a dying plant.
Fertilizer Requirements
If you’re growing your Philodendron White Knight indoors as a houseplant, a balanced liquid fertilizer will work well. You can also use slow-release granular fertilizer, but these can cause burns and discoloration in leaves.
So, it’s best to check if the brand has highlighted that it has tested and promises a no-burn guarantee.
A few beneficial fertilizer ingredients to look out for include phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and nitrogen. Each element helps your plant baby live a happy and healthy life. For instance, potassium aids in promoting a healthy root system, while nitrogen encourages gorgeous foliage growth.
On the other hand, it’s important to avoid products with high content of heavy salts as it can be detrimental and damage the plant roots.
If you want to use organic fertilizer, this works well too. High-quality organic fertilizers are environmentally friendly and feature ingredients that help with the soil structure, like seaweed extract and liquid kelp.
Philodendron White Knight Repotting
Your Philodendron White Knight plant will need repotting when it outgrows its current pot. Common signs that repotting is needed include roots growing through the drainage holes at the base and roots curving upward and growing out from the top of the pot.
These signals indicate that your plant baby is looking for more soil and space to grow. These plants require regular repotting, and the frequency will depend on each individual plant’s growth.
Plant growth is influenced by several factors such as soil, water, temperature, light, and humidity. So, it’s best to keep an eye on your plant and inspect whether the roots are pushing it out of the pot.
Whether you’re growing your plant in a pot or hanging basket, it’s important to repot it to prevent stress and stunted growth. A good time for repotting is during the late spring or early summer months.
How to Repot a Philodendron White Knight
When repotting your Philo White Knight, carefully remove the plant from the current pot and gently place it in a new one. You should add loose, well-drained soil at the base and sides of the pot. Finally, you can water the plant thoroughly.
It’s important to note that you’ll need a larger pot than the current one. The new pot should be around one to three inches wider than the old one.
It’s also essential that the pot has at least one drainage hole. However, more than one is preferred.
Pruning
Pruning your Philodendron White Knight will promote plant health, maintain the plant shape, and keep away pests and insects. You won’t have to prune this stable plant often, but it is essential for optimal growth.
You should prune your plant when you notice that the white variegation on the leaves is reverting or if it is displaying signs of suffering. These include yellowing or browning leaves.
You can also trim the plant if it’s taking up too much space in the area or if it appears long and leggy, as pruning will help to enhance its gorgeous appearance.
The pruning process involves trimming your Philodendron White Knight to promote healthy growth. You’ll want to cut away the plant’s dead or overgrown stems and branches using a pair of pruning scissors.
It’s best to prune around 25 percent or less of the plant and avoid removing large branches. A good time to prune a Philodendron plant is during the fall and spring seasons.
How to Propagate Philodendron White Knight Plants
The Philodendron White Knight plant is propagated through stem cutting. It involves cutting off a healthy stem, putting it in water for new roots to develop, and placing it in a pot with fresh soil for healthy growth once the roots are an inch long.
The process helps generate new plants and is best done from mid-spring to summer. Propagating can be tricky at times as these plants are slow growers.
However, all you’ll need is a clean pair of pruning scissors or shears, a jar of water, fresh potting soil, and a new pot. Here are a few simple steps to follow when propagating your White Knight in water.
Step 1: Prepare a Jar of Water
First, you’ll have to prepare a small jar of filtered water. If you’re using tap water, it’s best to place it aside (uncovered) for 48 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
Step 2: Cut Off a Healthy Stem Using Sterilized Scissors
Before cutting off a stem, you should clean your scissors with a 70 to 100 percent alcohol solution or another disinfectant. It’s essential to use some form of disinfectant rather than just rinsing the scissors with water to prevent placing dirt or bacteria on your plant.
Using the sterilized scissors, cut off an inch below the leaf node of a healthy stem with at least one to three leaves. It’s crucial to ensure that the aerial root is still attached to the node as the new roots will grow through it.
You can then cut off the leaves that will be placed underwater, leaving only one to three leaves.
Step 3: Place the Stem Cutting in the Jar of Water
Next, place the stem cutting into the clean jar of water and ensure that the main leaf is not submerged in the water. On the other hand, the aerial root should be fully inside the water.
Step 4: Position the Jar to Face Indirect and Bright Sunlight
Once the cutting is in the jar, you can move it to a space that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Ideally, this area should have a warm temperature as well.
Step 5: Provide Clean Water and Observe New Root Growth
You should provide the stem cutting with fresh water each week. After around three to five weeks, you’ll notice small root developments.
Step 6: Place the Stem Cutting in a New Pot with Potting Soil
When you see that the roots are more than an inch long, you can place the cutting in a new pot with fresh potting soil for proper, healthy growth. You’ll then water and care for your new plant baby as usual.
Climbing
Climbing refers to when a plant attaches itself to a structure and grows up on it. A good support structure that you can use with a climbing plant includes a bamboo or moss-covered pole. You can also use wood, rattan, and wire for climbing plants.
Does Philodendron White Knight Climb?
A Philodendron White Knight is a climbing plant and can reach a height of around 9.84 feet. You can help your plant grow exceptionally well by supporting it with a bamboo or moss-covered pole.
You can also use a moss-covered tree or wall for support if you’re growing it outdoors.
Foliage and Flowers
The Philodendron White Knight boasts stunning heart-shaped, variegated leaves. Their leaves are dark-green with splashes of white. These striking leaves contrast beautifully with the dark purple, brown, and white-colored stems.
The white variegation certainly adds to the plant’s gorgeous appearance. In addition to the eye-catching foliage, flowers bloom during spring and summer. You’ll see lovely little flowers grow on the spadix that is covered by an expanded spathe.
How Do I Get My Philodendron White Knight to Flower?
The flowers on Philodendron White Knights will bloom naturally during the growing seasons. However, there are a few things that you can do to help the process.
This includes providing the plant with regular watering, sufficient indirect sunlight, and fertilizing the soil. A liquid fertilizer also helps the plant grow larger, so you’ll have more space for those stunning flowers in spring and summer.
Common Problems with Philodendron White Knight Plants
Although caring for a Philodendron White Knight is relatively easy, you may encounter a few problems and physical deformities. Common issues include yellow or brown leaves, insufficient sunlight, pest infestation, and root rot.
Let’s take a closer look at these problems and how to fix them.
Your Philodendron White Knight Has Yellow Leaves
If your White Knight has yellow leaves, it usually indicates that your plant is being overwatered or receiving too much bright, direct sunlight. With an overwatered plant, the excess water will oversaturate the soil and result in a decreased oxygen supply.
When it comes to direct sunlight, the natural leaf variegation is being stripped. Keep in mind that overexposure to direct light also causes leaves to burn. Fortunately, there are ways to help a plant with yellow leaves. Here are a few ways to fix it:
- Snip off the yellow and burnt leaves with sterilized scissors or shears.
- Adjust your watering routine and water only when the soil feels dry.
- Ensure that the plant is in an area with filtered sunlight.
- Replace the potting soil and check for rotten roots. If you notice that the roots are black with a bad smell, you can prune these roots if only a small number. But we’ll look at root rot a bit further in the guide.
- Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Your Philodendron White Knight Has Brown Leaves
Brown leaves on a Philodendron White Knight are often caused by a lack of humidity or an inadequate watering routine. A lack of drainage holes also contributes to the browning of the leaves.
While they usually survive in average household humidity, Philodendrons thrive in higher humidity, and it promotes larger leaves. These tropical plants experience slower growth and brown leaves at lower humidity levels.
If you’re not giving your plant enough water or spacing watering sessions too far apart, it could also cause the leaves to turn brown. On the other hand, providing your plant with excess water can also cause brown leaves.
Here are a few ways that you can help a White Knight with brown leaves:
- Increase the humidity levels with a humidifier or use a tray with water and pebbles.
- Adjust your watering schedule and water the plant thoroughly when the soil is dry.
- Make sure that the water flows out from the drainage holes easily.
Not Enough Sunlight
If a Philodendron White Knight does not receive enough sunlight, it will lose the white variegation, and the leaves will revert to all green. This will occur after around two to three months in low light. Another sign of insufficient sunlight is brown leaves.
Fortunately, you can still fix this problem if there is white variegation on some leaves. You’ll have to place the plant in a space with bright, indirect sunlight.
Additionally, you can cut back your plant using a sterilized pair of scissors or shears. You’ll want to cut until you get to the trunk or stem.
It’s important to make sure that you keep the variegated leaves on the plant. This will help to encourage genetic mutation in the new growth. However, it is not guaranteed that the fresh leaves will have the white variegation, and the plant could go back to being all green.
Keep in mind that this problem is common in plants with mother plants that do not have a strong genetic mutation.
Pests – Spider Mites and Mealybugs
Common pests that attack the White Knight are similar to the other plant varieties, including the Pink Princess and White Wizard Philodendron.
These include:
Spider mites
Aphids
Whiteflies
The pests will suck the plant sap and cause damage to your plant baby. If you suspect that pests are infesting your plant, some signs include brown spots, leaf curling, and discolored patches.
You can use pest control products or neem oil to fix this problem.
Root Rot
Root rot occurs in Philodendron White Knight due to overwatering and waterlogged soil. As the rotted roots cannot absorb the water and nutrients in the soil or fertilizer, the plant will become nutrient deficient.
In addition, the plant won’t receive enough oxygen due to the excess water. When a plant has root rot, the roots are usually brown and soft. Other signs include discolored and wilting leaves.
The White Knights have a high risk of developing root rot similar to other varieties like the White Princess Philodendron. However, you can still save your plant by providing less water and improving drainage.
You should also ensure that the plant is not sitting in water by removing the excess water in the saucer.
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is caused by bacteria and fungus, and it is accelerated by wet leaves and damp conditions. Signs that your Philodendron White Knight has been affected include yellow, brown, or black spots on the leaves.
Fortunately, you can fix this problem in the early stages. Here are a few things that you can do to revive your plant baby:
- Avoid pouring water over the leaves when watering
- Use a container with sufficient drainage holes
- Remove excess water that collects in the saucer
Philodendron White Princess vs White Knight – Key Differences
Wondering ‘what is the difference between the Philodendron White Princess and White Knight’? They differ in the appearance of their stems and leaves. The White Knight has dark purple or reddish-brown stems while the White Princess plant sports green stems.
The Philodendron White Princess has white variegation and sometimes boasts shades of pink similar to the Philodendron Pink Princess. The White Princess also has smaller, narrower leaves than the White Knight.
When comparing the Philodendron White Knight and White Princess, you’ll also find that the Princess is a self-heading plant, whereas the White Knight is a climber.
The Princess is more compact and does not vine as other White Philodendron plants like the White Knight and White Wizard.
Philodendron White Wizard vs White Knight – Key Differences
There are a few differences in the appearance of the White Knight and White Wizard plant. Both are white variegated philodendrons, but the colors of their stem and leaf size differ. The White Wizard features all green stems.
Another distinct finding when looking at the Philodendron White Knight vs. White Wizard is that the White Wizard has larger, glossier leaves. Although their appearance differs, these plants have similar care and maintenance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Philodendron White Knight
Although we’ve looked at the Philodendron White Knight plant as thoroughly as you should water it, there might be a few more questions about these variegated beauties. Here are some answers to other commonly asked questions.
Where Can I Buy a Philodendron White Knight?
You can purchase a Philodendron White Knight online or at specialized nurseries. While you’re unlikely to find these rare plants at every local nursery, these are two of the best options to get your hands on one of these beauties.
Specialized nurseries may have some in stock, but it’s best to call in advance to save time as there might be limited stock or a waitlist. You might also find a White Knight cutting or plant on Etsy.
Is the Philodendron White Knight Rare?
Yes, the Philodendron White Knight is a rare tropical plant species. These variegated plants are native to the rain forests in South America.
Only a small amount of these plants is available each year, and they grow slowly. Philodendron White Knights are sought after by many plant enthusiasts, particularly those in the United States and Europe.
Is the Philodendron White Knight Toxic?
Yes, the Philodendron White Knight is toxic if ingested as it contains high levels of calcium oxalate crystals. These tiny crystals can travel from the mouth to the esophagus and cause intense pain and swelling.
So, it’s best to avoid ingesting the foliage and keep kids and animals away from the plant. If a human or animal accidentally eats it, it’s recommended to see a doctor or vet as soon as possible.
Is the White Knight Philodendron Toxic to Cats?
Yes, the Philodendron White Knight is toxic to cats. Sadly, this is the case for many other varieties of Philodendron too. As such, you should keep these plants away from your feline friends, especially if you have a curious cat that enjoys a good nibble.
Is the White Knight Philodendron Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, the White Knight Philodendron is toxic to dogs. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach from both dogs and cats. An excellent way to do this is using a hanging basket and placing it at a level that your pets cannot reach.
How Fast Does a Philodendron White Knight Grow?
Philodendron White Knights grow slowly, and it takes a long time for them to be fully grown. If you’re propagating the plant, it will take around one to three weeks for the roots to appear.
The variegated leaves also grow slower than other Philodendron species. However, the long wait is certainly worth it as the fully grown foliage will leave you gazing in awe.
How Big Does a Philodendron White Knight Get?
The Philodendron White Knight can grow up to 9.84 feet tall. The variegated leaves can reach a growth length of around 1.5 feet.
Where is a Good Location to Place My White Knight Philodendron?
A good location for a White Knight Philodendron is in a space with bright, indirect light. Ideally, it would be best to position it near an east-facing or west-facing window.
This will allow for sufficient light without scorching the gorgeous leaves. You should avoid placing these plants in entirely shaded areas as it can cause the leaves to revert and stunt the growth.
A Footnote on the White Knight Philodendron Care
The Philodendron White Knight is a striking plant that’s perfect for decorating your home. If you’re a beginner looking for your first plant baby, this easy-going species is a superb option.
Now that you know more about caring for a Philodendron White Knight, you can ensure healthy growth for your variegated beauty.
All they’ll need is sufficient water, bright indirect sunlight, proper soil, high-quality fertilizer, warm temperatures, and a humid environment.
And of course, a little bit of love and extra care will keep them happy. If you’re looking for another tropical plant baby to help keep the environment humid, check out this care guide on the Alocasia Black Velvet plant.