So the new leaf just released from the other stem and looks pretty 'dead'. Should I be worried? Will my plant be able to produce another leaf in the future?
Never seen this before.

Thanks in advance.

When new leaves emerge in a damaged condition that is a pretty reliable indicator that there is a problem with the roots. That could be under or over watering or physical damage that occurred during repotting. If not corrected, then healthy future growth is unlikely.

How is your plant potted? Are those stones on the surface? What is your watering routine?

WillC said:When new leaves emerge in a damaged condition that is a pretty reliable indicator that there is a problem with the roots. That could be under or over watering or physical damage that occurred during repotting. If not corrected, then healthy future growth is unlikely.

How is your plant potted? Are those stones on the surface? What is your watering routine?

It's a thin layer of pumice. I water it approximately every 5-6 days, once the top one and one and a half inch of the soil feels dry. After I repotted it in a soil mix with improved drainage properties it started to develop this leaf - the first new leaf since I got the plant five months ago. I have been dealing with fungus gnats for a while now (one of the reasons I repotted it). The former owner of the plant had it positioned so it got exposed to too much sunlight.

Maybe it has been stressed for a long time and is finally starting to settle hence the development of a new albeit damaged leaf?

The presence of fungus gnats is a pretty good indication that the soil was staying too moist. The repotting into a pot that is larger than necessary has made overwatering more likely. In addition, some of the roots may have been damaged during repotting. The pumice on the surface serves no purpose so I suggest you remove it. Allow the soil to dry deeper into the pot before watering lightly.

WillC said:The presence of fungus gnats is a pretty good indication that the soil was stying too moist. The repotting into a pot that is larger than necessary has made overwatering more likely. In addition, some of the roots may have been damaged during repotting. The pumice on the surface serves no purpose so I suggest you remove it. Allow the soil to dry deeper into the pot before watering lightly.

Thanks for your response. I will try that. Regarding the pumice, do you think it causes any harm? If so, I will remove it. I just think it gives a nice look.

Will will give you the best advice. Till then, I will throw in my thoughts. For me, pumcise is a detriment because it blocks your view of the soil, so you lose an important bit of information as to how dry the plant is getting. It can cause the soil to compact, and that's gives even more problems for water getting thru to the roots well.

Instead of having the pumice on top, it would actually be better mixed into the soil, to lighten the soil more.

lauriebasler said:Will will give you the best advice. Till then, I will throw in my thoughts. For me, pumcise is a detriment because it blocks your view of the soil, so you lose an important bit of information as to how dry the plant is getting. It can cause the soil to compact, and that's gives even more problems for water getting thru to the roots well.

I definitely see your point. Thank you.

Gina1960 said:Instead of having the pumice on top, it would actually be better mixed into the soil, to lighten the soil more.

Would you mix the pumice into the soil directly or remove the plant and then mix it all together before potting it again (to get a more even soil mix)?

I would do what WIllC advised you to do, let it dry out. And don't test that from the top, test that from the bottom by feeling the drainage holes or sticking a toothpick up the drainage holes, like you would test a cake.

But that is where Will and I kind of part ways...

Even though you say you repotted it 5 months ago, into a mix with 'better drainage properties' it seems like maybe you have not hit upon the mix that is going to fly with your growing conditions and watering practices.

I am not shy about reporting plants when I think they need a change. Its not the sin to me that it seems to be to other people.

I don't grow this plant, this is the self heading triplet 'cousin' to Philodendron White Knight and Philodendron White Wizard. I grow White Wizard. But its just a self heading Philodendron like Moonlight, McColley's Finale, Autumn, Prince of Orange etc. And behaves the same way.

They all like well draining soil and bright light.

If I received the plant you are showing in your pics now from someone, I would pretty much immediately unpot it and while not REMOVING all the soil from the riot system I would gently shake off enough to look at the roots and see if they are still viable. I'd trim off any that are clearly dead, and repot the plant into a container that is as small as it will fit all the roots into, in a mix that I use for all aroids: mostly orchid bark, perlite, coir husk or LECA (aliflor) and a little bit of peat. I'd set it int he brightest place I had that was not in full sun, water it judiciously and give it a chance to recover.

Recovery does;t happen overnight, it takes a period of weeks, and at this time of year when its cooler outside and days are shorter and the available light is weaker, it could be a challenge. But I think it would recover. It takes patience.

Just to be clear, I am not opposed to repotting when it is necessary and when it is done properly. Those with experience and understanding can successfully repot. However, for those with less experience, innocent but very damaging mistakes are often made. There are dozens of examples of that happening on this site. That is why I counsel caution about repotting for those who lack a full understanding of what is involved in repotting.

Setzthree said:

Is that the actual leaf dried out... or is that a cataphyll?
Can't see clear.....

Looks like a cataphyll

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to post this update. My white princess is thriving now! Removed the layer of pumice as suggested and placed it below growing light because of the darker period up here in Sweden. Three new leaves and more is coming. See below!

Beautiful!