Caring for Pink Princess Philodendron: A Collector's Favorite

Indoor gardening is becoming more popular as people want to enjoy nature at home all year. Houseplants can clean the air, lower stress, and boost mental well-being. Pink princess philodendrons can add a calm and welcoming vibe to small spaces.

The pink princess philodendrons, also known as philodendron erubescens or 'pink princess,' is a favorite among plant lovers because it is both beautiful and beneficial. There are many types of tropical pink princess plants, each with unique sizes, shapes, and green shades.

Growcycle provides helpful guides for indoor plants, including the pink princess philodendrons, to help gardeners keep their spaces green. The following article will cover key details about the pink princess philodendron, such as its features, benefits, and care tips.

What Is Pink Princess Philodendron?

The pink princess philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) is a tropical plant known for its pink and green foliage. Here are key botanical details about this plant:

Family and Origin

• Family: Araceae
• Native Region: Central and South America, particularly the tropical rainforests of Colombia.

Growth Habit

• It is a climbing plant (vine) that can grow upwards with the support of a pole or trellis.
• In the wild, it uses aerial roots to climb trees.

Leaves

• Heart-shaped, waxy leaves with a mix of dark green and pink variegation.
• The pink coloration comes from a lack of chlorophyll in certain parts of the leaf.

Stem

• The stem is often reddish or pinkish, complementing the variegation on the leaves.

Flowers

• As a member of the Araceae family, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers on a spadix surrounded by a spathe.
• Flowering is rare indoors and mainly occurs in mature plants.

Botanical Requirements

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while low light reduces pink variegation.
• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, organic-rich soil with good aeration.
• Watering: Needs moderate watering; the soil should stay moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Humidity: High humidity (above 50%) is ideal for optimal growth.

Unique Feature

A genetic mutation causes the pink variegation. The plant requires careful light and care management to maintain its color, as too much green growth might dominate the pink areas.

Characteristics of Pink Princess Philodendron

The pink princess philodendron is famous for its stunning appearance and remarkable features. Here are the main characteristics of this plant:

• It is a slow-growing hybrid philodendron known for its colorful leaves. It grows upright and vines, making it an excellent choice for indoor or outdoor spaces.
• When fully grown, it can reach over 4 feet tall and spread about 2 feet wide, making it a striking addition to any plant collection.
• This plant has heart-shaped leaves that are dark purplish-green with pink patterns. These leaves can flourish up to 8 inches long and 5 inches wide. The pink color varies; it can appear as large spots, small streaks, or even cover an entire leaf.
• It grows slower than other philodendron types. As it grows, it needs support to climb, such as a moss pole or trellis.

• The stems of this plant are usually dark with a reddish or purplish color, which creates a nice contrast with the pink patterns on its leaves. The petioles, which are the stalks connecting the leaves to the stems, are thin and sometimes have a slight pink tint.

Types of Pink Princess Philodendron

Here are some types or variations commonly seen:

Benefits of Growing Pink Princess Philodendron in the Garden

The pink princess philodendron is a favorite plant of homeowners and gardeners. Here are some of the benefits of growing it in the garden:

Improve Aesthetic Appeal

Pink princess philodendrons can brighten up any indoor space. Their unique leaves come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The bright green leaves often have interesting patterns and textures, making them great for creating a fresh and inviting atmosphere in homes and offices.

Purify Air

Pink princess philodendrons can also improve air quality. They ward off harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it feel cleaner and safer to breathe.

Resilience

They are strong and resilient plants. They thrive even when gardeners don't take care of them much. They recover well if anyone forgets to water them or the light isn't perfect. This quality makes philodendrons an excellent choice for busy people. Homeowners can enjoy indoor gardening with these beautiful plants, even with a hectic schedule.

Easy to Care

Caring for Pink princess philodendrons is easy, making them an excellent choice for people who want low-maintenance plants. They can survive in various lighting conditions, including bright, indirect, and low light. They also do not need much water, which makes them an appealing option to place indoors with other plants.

Easy Propagation

Gardeners can easily grow new philodendrons by using stem cuttings. This makes it simple to share plants with others. Just cut a stem and either plant it in the soil or put it in water. After a while, new roots will form, eventually turning into a new plant. All this process requires the right tools and supplies for propagation.

How to Propagate Pink Princess Philodendron?

Propagating a pink princess philodendron is relatively easy and typically done through stem cuttings. Here are a few methods to propagate:

Stem Cutting

• The first step in growing Pink Princess Philodendron is selecting a healthy stem for propagation.
• Look for a segment with bright color, strong leaves, and no signs of damage.
• Use sharp and clean scissors to make a precise cut and avoid infection. Trim just below a node, where the leaf meets the stem, because this is where the roots will grow.
• Remove the lower leaves to prevent rot, and consider using rooting hormone to help the growth process.
• Place the node in water for water propagation and change the water every week. When using soil, soak the cutting in a moist, well-draining mix, ensuring the node is under the soil.

Remember, the cutting needs bright, indirect light and regular moisture to survive during this time. Be patient, as it can take several weeks for roots to grow.

Node Propagation

Nodes are the parts of the plant where growth occurs. Gardeners can find them where leaves start to grow. When taking cuttings, make sure each one has a node.

• Plant the node just under the top of a damp potting mix to propagate in the soil. Nodes need humidity, so a plastic cover or biodegradable film can help create a mini greenhouse.
• Whether propagating in water or soil, keep the node in a warm place with indirect sunlight.
• Gardeners should see roots in a few weeks, but be patient because growth takes time. Look for new development as a sign that it is working.

Soil Propagation

After cutting the stems of the pink princess, plant them directly in a pot with a soil mix instead of putting them in water. Use a mix of half soil and half perlite to help the roots grow and bury the node under the soil.

This method needs more attention. Keep the potting mix damp to encourage rooting. Don’t let it dry out for long periods until the roots form. There is no need to worry about overwatering. Since half of the mix is perlite, it allows for plenty of air and oxygen, making overwatering unlikely. Root rot happens when the roots don’t get enough oxygen.

Adding enough perlite keeps the mix moist for rooting and helps prevent rot. Increasing humidity can also help with soil propagation. Gardeners can loosely cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag, use a humidifier, or place the pot on a damp pebbled tray.

Tips to Care for Pink Princess Philodendron

Caring for a pink princess philodendron ensures it thrives and maintains its stunning pink variegation. Here are essential care tips:

Light

It needs a lot of light to maintain its colorful leaves. However, if it receives direct sunlight, it can become stressed and suffer burns. Therefore, it should be provided with at least six hours of bright, indirect, or filtered light each day.

If the plant doesn’t get enough light, its leaves will turn green. If it gets too much light, the pink color will fade to pale white. If giving the right amount of light indoors is hard, consider using a grow light. The best spots for this plant are near east or west-facing windows. It’s a good sign if the plant can "see" the sky, which means it is likely getting enough light.

Soil

As a member of the aroid family, the pink princess philodendron requires light, well-draining soil rich in organic material. The ideal mix for the pink princess consists of equal parts standard potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.

Water

Watering this plant is important, but don’t let the top layer of soil dry out before watering again. Water the pink princess philodendron well each time. Gardeners or homeowners usually need to water it about once a week in spring and summer and every 1 to 2 weeks in fall and winter.

Ensure the pink princess never sits in waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot. It's easier to overwater the plant than to underwater it. If a gardener is unsure whether it needs water, wait another day before watering.

Temperature and Humidity

The pink princess philodendron is a charming plant that loves warm and humid conditions. While it can adapt to the typical indoor temperatures and humidity levels, giving it extra care will help it thrive even more.

Keep the plant between 65 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26 degrees Celsius). Just be cautious not to let the temperature drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), as it might not be happy in those cooler temperatures.

Fertilizer

During the lovely spring and summer months, pink princess philodendron will grow well with some regular love through monthly feedings of a balanced liquid fertilizer. This little boost helps it grow strong and healthy. Once early fall rolls around and the plant starts to wind down for its dormancy, just remember to take a break from fertilizing. It’s all about giving the plant some well-deserved rest during this quieter time.

Repotting

The pink princess philodendron must be repotted when it has outgrown its current container every 1 to 2 years. If the roots emerge from the drainage holes or encircle the pot's interior, it is time to repot the plant.

Although gardeners can repot it any time throughout the year, the best times are in spring and summer when the plant is in its active growth phase. Additionally, waiting until the plant requires watering before repotting is advisable.

Pruning

Even though this plant loves to grow like a vine, it is easy to give it a bushier look with simple pruning. Just snip the stem between the nodes (those little bumps where leaves grow) to encourage new growth points to pop up. The best time to give the plant a little trim is in the spring, right before it grows again.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Most problems with these tropical plants come from improper watering, humidity, or light. Here are some problems to face while dealing with this plant:

• Leaves Are Not Pink and Losing Variegation: This is probably caused by insufficient light. To encourage vibrant variegation, ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light and steer clear of low-light environments. It is crucial to promptly identify and address this issue, as a completely reverted pink princess philodendron will be unable to regain its variegation.

• Plants get Leggy: Leggy growth means the plant isn't getting enough light, causing the leaves to stretch for more light. Move the plant to a brighter spot to keep new growth from being leggy.

• Brown Leaves: The edges of a pink princess philodendron's leaves turn brown when there is not enough humidity, which causes them to dry out. Once the leaves are damaged, it is difficult to fix them. However, increasing the humidity around the plant can prevent browning from happening.

• Brown Variegation: It occurs when the plant is exposed to bright light. The soft pink spots on the leaves can burn quickly under intense light, creating large brown patches. Low humidity can also cause this issue.

• Pest Infestation: This plant is relatively resistant to diseases or pests. However, gardeners should monitor for infestations of aphids, mealybugs, fungus gnats, spider mites, and scales on the leaves. These pests can be managed organically with insecticidal soap or by removing the affected leaves.

FAQs

Why is pink princess philodendrons so expensive?

Pink princess philodendrons are expensive because many people want them for their beautiful leaves. It is hard to grow them from seeds since their unique colors come from rare mutations. Although they are easy to care for, these reasons make them cost more upfront.

Are philodendron pink princesses hard to care for?

Philodendron pink princesses are easy to care for, even though they look exotic. They grow best in bright, indirect light and need moderate watering and high humidity. Gardeners need to provide consistent care to keep their pink variegation vibrant. This makes them a good choice for plant lovers with houseplant experience.

Is philodendron pink princess rare?

Yes, the philodendron pink princess is rare because it has a unique pink pattern that is hard to grow consistently. It grows slowly, and many collectors want it, which makes it even rarer. As a result, it is a popular and highly desired plant in the houseplant community.

The Bottom Line

Pink princess philodendron plants are a great option for people who love houseplants. Their leaves are easy to care for and add beauty to any room. With the right care, this plant grows well and produces colorful, eye-catching leaves.

Gardeners and homeowners can visit Growcycle to get everything they need to grow philodendron plants. This marketplace provides high-quality gardening supplies and excellent customer service to keep the plants healthy and vibrant easily.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice.

Sources:

1. Thespruce - How to Grow and Care for Pink Princess Philodendron

2. Gardenia - Pink Princess Philodendron

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.