How to Grow Anthurium 'White Princess'

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Anthurium 'White Princess'

Anthurium clarinervium × andreanum 'White Princess'

flower

Anthurium 'White Princess' is a striking hybrid houseplant prized for its deep green, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive white or silvery veining that creates a dramatic contrast. This tropical plant produces small white spadix flowers with white spathes, though it is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage. It is a compact, slow-growing plant that adds sophisticated elegance to indoor spaces.

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Example Anthurium 'White Princess' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Anthurium 'White Princess'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Anthurium 'White Princess' blooms

    Mid-to-late summer

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Anthurium 'White Princess' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; 10,000-20,000 lux; keep away from direct sun which can scorch leaves
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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top 1 inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in winter. Prefers high humidity (60-80%); mist regularly or use a humidifier
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Spacing: inches
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Days to maturity:
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Planting depth:

Soil

Type: Well-draining, airy orchid bark or aroid mix with peat moss and perlite
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
Orchid bark Peat moss or coco coir Perlite Charcoal for aeration

Growth Stages

1

Propagation/Establishment

4-8 weeks

Rooted cutting or young plant with minimal leaf development; establishing root system in new pot

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; maintain warm temperatures (70-85°F); provide bright indirect light; avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks

2

Vegetative Growth

6-12 months

Plant develops new leaves with characteristic white veining; leaves unfurl from the center; compact growth pattern

Maintain bright indirect light and humidity above 60%; water when top inch of soil dries; rotate plant weekly for even growth; fertilize monthly with diluted balanced houseplant fertilizer (NPK 1:1:1 or 2:1:2)

3

Maturity

Ongoing

Plant reaches full size with multiple stems; foliage is dense with prominent white veining throughout; occasional white spathe flowers appear

Continue consistent bright indirect light and humidity; maintain watering schedule; fertilize every 2-3 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); prune any dead or yellowing leaves

4

Flowering

4-8 weeks per flower

Small white spadix flowers with white spathes emerge from leaf axils; flowers last several weeks

Maintain temperature 70-85°F and humidity above 60%; keep soil moist; provide bright indirect light; flowers indicate healthy plant conditions

5

Decline/Rest

3-4 months (winter)

During winter or dormancy period, growth slows and fewer new leaves emerge; plant may drop older leaves

Reduce watering frequency slightly but do not let soil dry out completely; reduce fertilizing or stop entirely; maintain minimum 65°F temperature; continue providing bright indirect light

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring dry conditions Cacti Succulents

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity to 70%+; spray leaves with water; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe; isolate affected plant

  • Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with neem oil every 7-10 days; isolate plant to prevent spread

  • Remove manually with soft brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil; treat every 2 weeks until clear

  • Increase humidity; use sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly

Uses

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Indoor Air Purification

Household

Anthurium plants are recognized by NASA for their ability to remove toxins like ammonia, xylene, and formaldehyde from indoor air. They help improve indoor air quality while adding aesthetic appeal to living spaces. [source]

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Tropical Interior Design

Craft

The striking white-veined foliage makes 'White Princess' a premium specimen plant for modern, minimalist, or tropical-themed interior decorating. It serves as a focal point in tabletops, shelves, or plant collections. [source]

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Humidity-Loving Terrarium Plant

Wildlife

Can be used in closed or semi-closed terrariums to create miniature tropical ecosystems. The plant thrives in the high humidity environment and adds ornamental value to terrarium displays. [source]

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Traditional Ethnobotanical Use

Medicinal

Anthurium species have been used in traditional Central and South American herbal medicine for anti-inflammatory properties, though scientific evidence is limited. Modern use is primarily ornamental. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Anthurium 'White Princess' is an ornamental foliage plant, not harvested for consumption. Remove dead or yellowing leaves by cutting at the base of the petiole with clean scissors. Propagate by cutting stems with 2-3 leaves and aerial roots; root in water or moist sphagnum moss for 4-8 weeks before potting.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The 'White Princess' designation refers to both its regal white veining and hybrid origin, combining traits from two distinct Anthurium species (clarinervium and andreanum)
  • 🌱 Anthurium 'White Princess' is toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause mouth irritation and difficulty swallowing, so keep out of reach of pets
  • 🌱 The plant's distinctive white veining can fade if lighting is insufficient, making bright indirect light essential for maintaining the plant's signature appearance

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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