Philodendron White Knight Care: The Ultimate Guide

Philodendron White Knight is a hybrid variety that produces green leaves with a white variegation and brownish purple stems. 

This climbing Philodendron will make a wonderful addition to any indoor garden as long as you provide it with the proper care and maintenance. 

Unfortunately, because it is so rare, not many people know about the Philodendron White Knight, which is a real shame since it has such a striking appearance. 

Thankfully, as more people become interested in the wonderful world of houseplants, the more common and readily available the Philodendron White Knight will become.

How do you identify a White Knight Philodendron?

This plant can typically be identified by looking at the stem and leaf color. The Philodendron White Knight produces stems with a brownish purple color and the edges of its leaves are white. There are, however, some Philodendron White Knights that have a stem color closer to burgundy than brownish purple.

Can a Philodendron White Knight have pink?

The Philodendron White Knight does not have any pink on it. Its stems are a brownish purple to burgundy color with green and white leaves. If you see pink on the plant, then you have a different Philodendron variety, such as the White Princess.

The purple color of the Philodendron White Knight stems can sometimes appear dark pink in color. This makes identifying the plant much more difficult. 

If you see pink on the leaves, however, you know for a fact that the plant isn’t a Philodendron White Knight.

What is the difference between Philodendron White Knight and White Princess?

The Philodendron White Knight and the Philodendron White Princess may have a similar sounding name, but they are in fact two different plants. The Philodendron White Princess is lighter in color than the Philodendron White Knight, and it produces variegated leaves in hues of pink and white.

Another difference between the two plants is the color of their stems. The Philodendron White Knight has purple to burgundy-colored stems, while the Philodendron White Princess has green stems.

Are Philodendron White Wizard and White Knight the same?

The main difference between Philodendron White Wizard and Philodendron White Knight is their stem color. While both plants are variegated, the White Wizard produces green stems, while the Philodendron White Knight has variegated stems in hues of dark purple.

The fact that both the Philodendron White Wizard and the Philodendron White Knight are variegated hybrid plants means that they both produce variegated leaves and were created by crossing two other Philodendron plants together.

The Philodendron White Knight and White Wizard are also both climbing varieties. However, you can prune the White Wizard to have a bush-like form by trimming the plant back twice a year.

Which is better: Philodendron White Knight or White Wizard?

It’s hard to say whether the Philodendron White Knight or the White Wizard is better, since they both produce stunning, heart-shaped foliage. If you’re looking for a houseplant that stands out a bit more, then the White Knight may win out over the White Wizard. 

This is because the dark stems of the White Knight create an eye-catching contrast against its lighter-colored leaves.

With that said, however, the White Wizard does have larger white patches on its foliage, and it produces larger leaves. It also grows faster than the Philodendron White Knight. These may be attributes that you’re looking for that the White Knight doesn’t provide.

Keep in mind that it is really a personal preference as to which philodendron type is better. The truth is, one plant could be the ideal option for you and your situation, but not for someone else.

That is why it’s best to learn as much as the plant you want to grow before you bring it into your indoor garden.

How to care for a Philodendron White Knight

The best way to care for a Philodendron White Knight is to try and emulate its natural, tropical environment. This involves providing it with bright, indirect light, plenty of warmth and humidity, well-draining soil, good hydration, and seasonal feeding. Occasional pruning and cleaning also help your Philodendron White Knight’ overall well-being.

Philodendron White Knight make great houseplants, and if you have any hesitation about their care, worry no further. These gracious green beauties are low-maintenance and straightforward in terms of their needs, making them perfect for even beginner plant parents.

Bearing in mind that Philodendron White Knight are tropical plants, the best environment you can offer them is one where they’ll have a sunny spot with lots of light, relative humidity, and plenty of moisture.

In good news, most homes are already set up for this with East and South-facing windows and a generalized humidity level of around 50%. To supplement the rest of their care needs, you just need to ensure your Philodendron White Knight stays hydrated, is fed with both good soil and that you occasionally fertilize your philodendron.

In the following sections, we’ll look at Philodendron White Knight care in greater detail to equip you with everything you need to help your houseplants thrive.

How much light does a Philodendron White Knight need?

Philodendron White Knight prefer at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. As their leaves can be vulnerable if they receive too much light, keep an eye out for any signs of sunburn on your Philodendron White Knight’s leaves, such as yellowing leaves or brown spots appearing.

Most (if not all) plants depend on sunlight energy to grow, and Philodendron White Knight are no different. Native to tropical America, they’re accustomed to dappled light from the jungle canopies above them, which you can try to mimic in the home with clever positioning.

In the winter, when it starts to cool down, and there is less indoor sun available, a Philodendron White Knight’s light needs can be augmented with a bit of time spent outdoors on a sheltered patio or balcony. The fresh air will do them good, too.

Find out more: Philodendron Light Needs: The Ultimate Guide

What is the right temperature for Philodendron White Knight?

Your Philodendron White Knight will thrive in temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (23°C to 29°C). While they can survive at lower temperatures than this, don’t let them stay for too long anywhere less than 65°F (18°C) as your plant may not survive.

Clearly some plants, like Philodendron White Knight, like it hot. However, the real kicker is ensuring your Philodendron White Knight are placed in an area with mid-to-high humidity.

What are the best humidity levels for a Philodendron White Knight?

Philodendron White Knight prefer humidity levels of around 65% to 80%. Given that they are native to tropical Central and South America, they thrive in humidity conditions similar to their natural habitat. However, most homes won’t reach these levels, so you may need to boost this for your Philodendron White Knight to thrive.

Houseplants that receive adequate amounts of sunlight daily generally don’t require supplementary humidity, particularly if you consider most homes fall in the 40% to 50% range. However, with their tropical inclinations, Philodendron White Knight can benefit from a little extra care in this regard.

The easiest, in my opinion, is to invest in a small plug-in humidifier. Alternatively, you can rest your Philodendron White Knight on a damp pebble tray, making sure not to let their roots touch the water. 

Alternatively, if you have a whole collection of houseplants, cluster them together so they can benefit from each other’s transpiration processes. It has the added benefit of looking great too!

What soil is best for Philodendron White Knight?

A Philodendron White Knight’s soil mix should be loosely clustered, nutrient-rich, and well-draining. The high nutrient level emulates its natural habitat, where plant material in the rainforest falls onto Philodendron White Knight and nourishes them. Having light and airy potting mix helps to avoid the soil staying too soggy, which can lead to root rot.

While many Philodendron White Knight varieties have aerial roots as well as ground-dwelling (terrestrial) roots, they receive the bulk of their vitamins and minerals from their soil, making it an essential part of their fundamental care.

Buying pre-blended Philodendron White Knight soil from most garden centers is a simple option. Alternatively, you can easily mix your own by combining potting soil with chunky bits of bark (grab some here) and moisture-retentive perlite (get it here). 

If you’re buying your Philodendron White Knight pre-potted, they’ll likely arrive in appropriate soil from the get-go. Even so, you’ll need to replace their soil every 18 to 24 months to prevent a build-up of salts or eliminate any beasties and creatures like pests, fungi, or bacteria, so make sure you’re replanting them in the best soil for philodendrons so they continue to thrive. 

Indeed, this is a good maintenance practice for all houseplants, not just Philodendron White Knight!

How often should you water Philodendron White Knight?

You should water your Philodendron White Knight when the top two inches of its soil has dried out, which you can test by sticking your finger into your plant’s potting mix. In summer, this will be around once per week, but may be less frequent in the cooler months.

It’s always good to have a watering schedule for your plants, but with so many factors (like season and sunlight) at play, I prefer to meet my Philodendron White Knight’s watering needs as required – by waiting for their top inch of soil to dry out before hydrating.

The reason for this is that the leading cause of fatality in Philodendron White Knight is root rot, which they tend to contract from overly soggy soil or from standing in pooled water. As they’re pretty drought-tolerant, it’s best to err on the side of caution and only water philodendrons as they need it rather than strictly once-per-week.

That said, when you do water them, a hearty dose of moisture is great, provided it doesn’t make their soil soggy and heavy, which weighs down on their root systems.

When should I fertilize my Philodendron White Knight?

Philodendron White Knight likes some fertilizer every now and again. In fact, they do their best when they are fed twice a month during their active growing season, which is the spring and summer. However, you shouldn’t fertilize your Philodendron White Knight during its dormant period in the cooler months.

This is because feeding the plant during this time can interfere with its natural growing cycle.

Overall, though, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer is greatly beneficial for Philodendron White Knight, especially at the start of their growing seasons in the spring and summer months.

If you think about it, these jungle-dwellers are used to all the rich, dense nutrients they have access to from the forest floor, which can’t be substituted by typical potting soil. An all-purpose liquid fertilizer at half strength is a good way to replace their natural feeding schedule, providing them with an extra dose of energy for new growth.

Should I prune my Philodendron White Knight?

You should prune your Philodendron White Knight from time to time as part of their regular maintenance, with spring being the best time of the year to do this. Removing dead foliage or browning stems will allow robust leaves and vines to draw in more sunlight and stop your plant from wasting energy. 

Just like humans shower, cut their hair, and clip their nails, Philodendron White Knight can do with occasional grooming, especially when it comes to eradicating old or dying growth. Fortunately, trimming your philodendron really isn’t hard to do.

When it comes to cleaning, remember that each large leaf of your Philodendron White Knight is full of sunlight receptors that are easily blocked by dust or grime. Wiping down your leaves with a damp cloth keeps them clean and free to function at their best.

When should I repot my Philodendron White Knight

The Philodendron White Knight is not a plant that needs to be repotted regularly, with it often only needing to be transplanted every two to three years. With that said, however, you should repot your Philodendron White Knight if you see roots growing out of the drainage holes.

In fact, this plant does well when it is rootbound. That said, when you do transplant a Philodendron White Knight, do so in spring before the plant starts to produce new growth, and select a pot that is about 3 sizes larger than the current pot. 

Alternatively, you can wait until fall to perform the transplant.

Find out more: 7 Simple Steps to Repot Philodendrons (+ When To Do It)

How to propagate a Philodendron White Knight

The easiest way to propagate your Philodendron White Knight is to root it in water. Simply place your cutting into a jar with water in it and place it in a warm sunny spot, and wait. Refresh the water once a week to keep it oxygenated and, in six to eight weeks, new roots will appear. 

At that point, your Philodendron White Knight cutting will be ready for transplantation!

Philodendron White Knight can be propagated from stem cuttings, provided they have a visible node and a leaf or two to draw in moisture from the air. You can either root your cuttings in water first or plant them directly into soil. 

Alternatively, if you only have a small piece of stem, you can try to root them in a nutrient-rich growing medium with concentrated humidity.

That is, a second option is to place your cutting directly into a planter with soil. This is slightly riskier as they require a lot of humidity to make up for the moisture they’d usually draw via roots, but it can be equally effective with proper care. 

If your cutting has no leaves, try laying it on a bed of peat moss and covering the tray or container with plastic to retain humidity. While this method isn’t always effective, it’s worth a try to avoid throwing away any pieces of your precious plants.

Find out more: 10 Easy Steps to Propagate Philodendron Cuttings

Is Philodendron White Knight slow growing?

Yes, the Philodendron White Knight is a slow grower which is likely because of this plant being variegated. Those white, light colored patches on variegated plants do not generate energy. And when a plant gets less energy, it typically grows slower than a plant with a full green leaf.

Despite its slow growth rate, the Philodendron White Knight will produce those iconic heart-shaped leaves that the Philodendron genus is known for. 

Each mature leaf can grow to about 1.5 feet long, while the entire plant can reach heights of almost 10 feet. It will, however, need a supporting pole in order to reach this height.

Is Philodendron White Knight stable?

The Philodendron White Knight is not stable, which means it could potentially lose its variegation and revert to a green leaf. However, this is not extremely common and most people are able to maintain the plant’s variegation as long as they provide the plant with the proper care.

The most common reason why your Philodendron White Knight is reverting has to do with lack of light. 

To help prevent this from occurring, make sure the plant receives about 8 to 10 hours of sunlight a day. If you’re using artificial lighting, expect to provide the White Knight with about 10 to 12 hours of light.

Experts suggest pruning away leaves that appear to lose their variegation to help preserve the plant’s variegation. The theory behind this is that these green, non-variegated leaves grow vigorously and will quickly outgrow its variegated counterparts thanks to their lack of chlorophyll.

Is White Knight Philodendron rare?

The Philodendron White Knight is an extremely rare variety, which may be because the plant isn’t a stable variegation. Its rareness shouldn’t, however, stop houseplant growers from seeking out this plant to add to their collection.

 It does mean, however, that finding this plant for sale can be a bit more difficult, and you may be facing a hefty price tag.

What’s a standard Philodendron White Knight price?

The standard price for a Philodendron White Knight will depend on the size and age of the plant. The larger and more established the plant is, the higher the price tag will be. A small White Knight in a 2-inch pot can cost over $20, while a larger, mature Philodendron White Knight in an 8-inch pot can be over $400.

Where to find a Philodendron White Knight for sale

As a commonly known and well-loved houseplant, Philodendron White Knight are easy to find and can be purchased from most nurseries or garden centers. To buy them online, Etsy is always a good option. Rarer varieties can be bought from online merchants or specialized breeders or traded among collectors.

In the mood for a Philodendron White Knight? You’re in luck. These beauties are freely available on the market and are considered one of the most popular houseplants around. 

Of course, if you’re after rare collector’s items, you may need to double down on your search and rely on specialists. But if you’re simply looking for some of these beauties to adorn your home (which is definitely a good idea!), you can pop out and get one from your local nursery today.

How do you make a Philodendron White Knight bushy?

The best way to make a Philodendron White Knight bushy is to prune it in its growing season, which is spring and summer. Make sure you remove any dead or dying leaves, as this ensures your plant doesn’t spend energy on this foliage and will instead focus on new growth.

Funnily enough, regularly trimming your plant is actually key to maximizing your philodendron’s growth rate.

Regularly turning your plant so that all its angles receive sunlight is another good way to ensure consistent, rounded, and aesthetic growth with a clustered appearance to make your philodendron fuller. 

You can also use a moss pole so that your Philodendron White Knight has space to climb upwards, which is what it would do in its natural environment – aiming upwards towards a source of light.

Are Philodendron White Knight toxic?

Philodendron White Knight are toxic to humans and animals, as they contain sharp calcium oxalate crystals that cause skin irritation through direct contact, or gastrointestinal distress and other potentially dangerous symptoms when ingested. All parts of the plant contain these crystals, which are most prevalent in its sap.

While Philodendron White Knight are indisputably beautiful in the home, it is best to keep them away from curious kids and pets, as skin contact and ingestion can be highly irritating at best and have real health consequences at worst.

These plants’ sticky white sap is full of needle-like calcium crystals. When they make contact with bare skin, they can cause welts or irritating rashes, which, fortunately, can usually be treated with a topical skin ointment.

Be aware: Ingestion of any part of a Philodendron White Knight can cause swelling of the throat tissue, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. In a worst-case scenario, ingestion can cause difficulty breathing, in which case, medical treatment should be sought as a matter of urgency.

While this all sounds very daunting, the good news is that these plants don’t taste good, so there is no real reason (other than curiosity or carelessness) why rogue children or pets would eat them. Even so, prevention is better than cure, so place your plants out of reach if you’re concerned they may get chomped.

Why are my Philodendron White Knight’s leaves turning yellow?

There are a few reasons why Philodendron White Knight leaves turn yellow, but the primary cause is overwatering, with yellowing leaves being an early sign of root rot. Damaged roots cannot transport nutrients, oxygen, and water to a plant’s leaves, which causes cell death, and by default, turns them yellow.

I find watering my plants to be the most cathartic exercise on earth. However, with some trial and error, I’ve learned that my Philodendron White Knight, in particular, doesn’t do well with being over-loved. 

While they’re super hardy, too much hydration can quickly cause root rot in philodendrons – a fungal or bacterial infection that destroys your plant’s root system.

Therefore, if you notice yellowing leaves on your philodendron, run a diagnostic immediately. Is your soil damp or soggy? Allow it to dry out, which may reverse some of the damage. Lots of sun helps. Or if the damage is progressed, try repotting your Philodendron White Knight, removing damaging roots in the process.

A secondary cause of yellowing leaves is chemical burn, which your Philodendron White Knight may contract from over-fertilization. In this case, transplantation is also recommended, followed by a restriction of your feeding practices.

Why is my Philodendron White Knight drooping?

Drooping and wilting in Philodendron White Knight is more often than not related to watering practices. Too little water can cause fatigue which will make your plant look droopy, while too much water (or root rot) can also cause ill health. Generally, when a plant wilts, it is trying to communicate that it’s unwell.

While a drooping Philodendron White Knight is distressing, it’s not usually terribly serious and most likely due to dehydration. This can be solved with a dose of water and sunlight and, of course, more consistent care going forward. In no time, your plant should be back to its old self.

Conversely, if this doesn’t do the trick, your philodendron leaves curling may indicate an underlying issue like root rot, which, ironically, is caused by overwatering. If you suspect this is the case, you may be best off transplanting your Philodendron White Knight into fresh soil and readjusting your watering schedule.

A third cause of drooping is related to light. If a Philodendron White Knight isn’t receiving enough sun, it will tell you by dropping its leaves and wilting. Remember, six to eight hours a day is critical, and if you can’t provide this, mitigate potential drooping with supplementary grow lights.

Related: 10 Causes Of Your Philodendron Not Growing (+ How to Fix It)

Why are there brown spots on my Philodendron White Knight?

Like yellowing and drooping, brown spots on a Philodendron White Knight are a sign of a health ailment. Browning, in particular, is mainly caused by pest infestations or bacterial and fungal infections. The best way to get rid of brown spots is to identify the cause and then treat your plant accordingly.

None of us want to see our Philodendron White Knight suffer, and brown spots usually aren’t a very good sign. If you notice your philodendron leaves turning brown, the first thing you want to do is identify the cause, whether it be pests or soil-related.

In the case of creepy crawlies, you can treat your Philodendron White Knight by washing it down with a horticultural soap, followed by a wipe with neem oil. Remove damaged growth, and give your plant lots of love, water, and light.

On the other hand, bacterial and fungal infections are best treated by getting rid of old soil. I highly recommend transplanting your Philodendron White Knight (preferably in spring or summer), and cutting away any visible root and leaf damage, provided it’s not more than 30% of your plant’s total volume.

Brown spots on philodendrons can also be caused by sunburn, but in this case, they’ll look more like a sheen than a spot, per se. Sunburn can be prevented by keeping your Philodendron White Knight out of direct light.

Why are my Philodendron White Knight’s leaves falling off?

When a Philodendron White Knight’s leaves start to drop, it is more often than not a sign of either overwatering or underwatering. Root rot, a consequence of too much water, can cause leaves to wilt, curl, and fall. Underwatering, conversely, sees them dry and turn crisp before dropping.

White Knights are great communicators and will tell you when there is something in their environment they don’t enjoy. As hardy plants, they don’t have many health issues, so any sudden onset of leaf drop is a cause for immediate concern.

As mentioned, this is usually related to watering practices, with the first sign of an issue being wilting, curling, or dried leaves. You should adapt your hydration timeframes accordingly.

If watering is not the problem, it may be that your White Knight is scorching (you’ll note its leaves start turning pink), in which case you should move it to a shadier spot as soon as possible.