Philodendron Pink Princess Care: Growing a Rare Beauty

Tropical houseplants are a beautiful addition to any indoor space. They give a beautiful foliage look, making them an excellent choice for indoor gardening. However, many tropical plants with vibrant colors or unique patterns can be difficult to care for because they need constant light and temperature changes. Hence, gardeners who need a beautiful houseplant with a low-maintenance nature can choose the Philodendron Pink Princess plant.

Philodendron Prink Princess is a unique, beautiful plant that produces dark green, heart-shaped leaves and bright pink patches. Although the pink color on the plant can be in bold streaks, small patches, or even on the whole leaves, it adds a unique charm to this plant. The pink and dark green coloring mix makes it a rare houseplant, loved in the plant world. 

It is a popular and easy-to-grow houseplant that provides yearly greenery. Growycles can help growers choose the right techniques for healthy plant growth.

Botany of Philodendron Pink Princess

The Philodendron Pink Princess (Philodendron erubescens) is a tropical plant known for its eye-catching pink and dark green leaves. It is part of the Araceae family, which includes popular houseplants like Monsteras and Anthuriums.

Basic Information

• Scientific Name: Philodendron erubescens
• Common Name: Philodendron Pink Princess
• Family: Araceae
• Genus: Philodendron
• Species: erubescens

Growth Habit: The Philodendron Pink Princess is a climbing, evergreen plant from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It uses its aerial roots to climb trees in its natural habitat but can also grow on the ground.

Leaves:

• Shape: The leaves are broad, elongated, and heart-shaped.
• Color: The leaves have a mix of dark green and pink sections. The pink color comes from a lack of chlorophyll, which is important for photosynthesis.
• Texture: The leaves have a smooth, glossy surface. Under the right conditions, the mature leaves can grow 8 to 10 inches long.

Stems: The stems are strong and have a reddish or burgundy color. Small nodes along the stems produce aerial roots that help the plant climb and absorb moisture.

Flowers: Like other Philodendrons, this plant produces flowers typical of the Araceae family. The flower includes a spathe (a modified leaf) that wraps around a spadix (a fleshy spike with tiny flowers). However, flowering rarely happens indoors because the conditions are not ideal.

Benefits of Growing Philodendron Pink Princess

It is a popular houseplant that offers many benefits, making it a favorite among plant lovers. Here are the main advantages of growing this stunning plant:

• Beautiful Appearance: The Philodendron Pink Princess has eye-catching pink and green leaves that add color and style to any indoor space. Its glossy foliage gives homes, offices, or indoor gardens a modern and elegant look. The plant’s climbing nature allows people to display it creatively on trellises, poles, or hanging planters.
• Purifies the Air: Like other Philodendrons, this plant helps clean the air by removing harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon dioxide. Cleaner air can create a healthier indoor environment and reduce allergens.
• Easy to Care For: The Pink Princess is a low-maintenance plant, ideal for beginners. It grows well with moderate light, basic watering, and a bit of humidity, requiring little effort to keep healthy.
• Boosts Mental Well-Being: Caring for plants, including the Philodendron Pink Princess, can help reduce stress and improve mental relaxation. Watching it grow and thrive gives plant owners a sense of achievement and joy.
• Versatile Growth Options: This plant can grow as a climber with support or as a potted plant, making it suitable for various spaces. When mature, it fits well on shelves or desks and can be used as a decorative maturing tool.
• Increases Humidity: The Philodendron Pink Princess naturally adds moisture to the air around it, which is helpful for respiratory health and skin hydration, especially in dry indoor environments.
• Great Conversation Starter: Its rare pink variegation makes it stand out among other houseplants. Guests or fellow plant lovers often admire its unique beauty, sparking fun conversations.

Types of Pink Princess Philodendron

Here are some common variations or closely related plants often associated with the Pink Princess:

Philodendron Pink Princess Care Guide 

It is a beautiful and unique plant known for its pink and green variegated leaves. Here is a complete care guide of Philodendron Pink Princess to help it thrive:

1. Light Requirements

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Good light helps maintain its pink variegation, which makes it so special.

• Ideal Spot: Place the plant near an east or west-facing window where it can get soft, filtered light.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Too much sun can burn its delicate leaves, causing brown or scorched patches.
• Too Little Light: If the plant doesn’t get enough light, the pink color may fade, and the leaves can turn solid green.
• Tip: If natural light is limited, grow lights are a great option to keep the plant healthy and colorful.

2. Watering

The Pink Princess needs a careful watering routine to thrive. Overwatering and underwatering can both cause problems.

• When to Water: Check the top 1–2 inches of soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
• How to Water: Pour water evenly around the soil until it drains out from the bottom. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from collecting.
• Signs of Overwatering: Leaves turn yellow, and the soil stays soggy for too long. Overwatering can also lead to root rot.
• Signs of Underwatering: Leaves may droop, curl, or feel dry to the touch. The soil will also appear very dry.
• Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant’s roots.

3. Humidity

The Philodendron Pink Princess thrives well in a humid environment, similar to its natural tropical habitat. High humidity keeps its leaves healthy and glossy.

• Ideal Humidity: Aim for humidity levels above 60%.
• Ways to Increase Humidity: Use a humidifier to create consistent moisture. Place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles (ensure the pot doesn’t sit directly in the water). Group plants together to naturally raise humidity levels.
• Misting: Light misting can help temporarily, but it’s not a substitute for high humidity.
• Tip: Bathrooms or kitchens are naturally humid spaces that can benefit the Pink Princess.

4. Soil 

A well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix is essential for the Pink Princess. The right soil prevents overwatering issues like root rot.

• Best Soil Mix: Potting soil (for nutrients), Peat moss or coconut coir (to retain moisture), Perlite or orchid bark (for good drainage and aeration).

• pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0) is ideal.
• Tip: Avoid compacted soil, as the roots need airflow to stay healthy.

5. Temperature

The Pink Princess prefers warm temperatures that mimic tropical climates.

• Ideal Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C).
• Avoid Cold drafts from windows or air conditioners, sudden temperature drops, which can cause stress, and temperatures below 55°F (13°C), which can damage the plant.
• Tip: Keep the plant in a stable environment, away from heaters, radiators, and cold breezes.

6. Fertilizers

Regular feeding helps the plant grow strong and encourages healthy variegation.

• When to Fertilize: Feed once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, like 20-20-20, diluted to half its strength.
• Avoid Overfertilizing: Too much fertilizer can cause root burn and damage the plant.
• Winter Care: Stop fertilizing in fall and winter, as the plant’s growth slows during this time.
• Tip: Organic options, like worm castings or compost, can provide a gentle, slow-release alternative.

7. Pruning

Pruning helps the Pink Princess stay neat, promotes bushy growth, and balances its variegation.

• When to Prune: Trim the plant in spring or summer when it is actively growing.
• How to Prune: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut just above a leaf node (where a leaf grows out from the stem).
• Remove Unwanted Leaves: Prune off damaged, yellow, or completely green leaves. Removing solid green leaves helps the plant redirect energy to variegated growth.
• Tip: Regular pruning also prevents the plant from becoming too leggy.

8. Repotting

Repotting allows the plant to grow larger and refreshes its soil.

• When to Repot: Every 1–2 years or when roots start growing out of the pot’s drainage holes.
• Pot Selection: Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger than the current one, with good drainage holes.
• Steps to Repot:
1. Gently remove the plant from its current pot.
2. Shake off old soil and check the roots for damage. Trim any mushy, rotting roots.
3. Place the plant in the new pot with fresh soil.
4. Water lightly to help the plant settle in.

Quick Tips to Grow Philodendron Pink Princess

• Place in bright, indirect light to maintain pink variegation. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves.
• Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Keep humidity levels above 60%. Use a humidifier pebble tray or group plants together for better moisture.
• Keep the temperature between 65 85°F (18 and 29°C), away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes.
• Use a well-draining, airy potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark for healthy roots.
• Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Do not fertilize in winter.
• Trim damaged or solid green leaves to encourage more pink growth and maintain the plant’s shape.
• Repot every 1–2 years when roots outgrow the pot. Use a slightly larger pot with drainage holes.
• Take stem cuttings with a node and place them in water or soil to grow new plants.
• Regularly check for spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

Propagating Philodendron Pink Princess

The propagation of Philodendron Pink Princess can help maintain the balanced growth of plants. The propagation process is usually done by two different methods, such as 

1. Stem Cutting in Water 
2. Stem Cutting in Soil 

Propagation by Stem Cuttings in Water

• Choose a healthy stem with 2-3 leaves and a few nodes.
• Use a sharp, clean tool to cut the stem below a node, making the cut about 4-6 inches long.
• Next, it is time to remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent rot.
• Now, Place the cutting in a water pot. Gardeners must ensure the node is fully underwater while keeping the leaves above.
• Place the pot in a warm area with maximum indirect light.
• It is better to change the water every few days to keep the cutting fresh and clear.
• Wait for at least 2-4 weeks for the roots to grow. 
• Transfer the cutting into the soil once the roots are a few inches long. 

Propagation by Stem Cuttings in Soil

• Select a healthy stem with 2-3 leaves and a few nodes and cut it to 4-6 inches in length.
• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote faster root growth. (Optional)
• Now, Prepare a pot with soil that drains well, then make a hole in the middle.
• Next, place the cutting into the hole, making sure one node is beneath the surface.
• Water the cutting gently for the soil to settle. 
• In case of extra humidity, make sure to cover the pot with a plastic bag without leaves touching the plastic. 
• It is time to place the pot in a warm spot with indirect light and regularly water it to keep the soil moist.
• Wait a few weeks, then check the roots by gently pulling the cutting.
• If the roots are hard to pull out, it shows they have started growing. 

Common Problems and Solutions of Philodendron Pink Princess

Some common problems that Philodendron princesses can face include harming the plant. Here are a few of them. 

• No Pink Leaves

It mostly happens when the plant does not get enough sunlight, which makes it lose its variegation. It is important to check this soil immediately; otherwise, it can permanently cause the plant to lose variegation. For this, gardeners need to place a plant in bright, indirect sunlight for proper exposure. 

• Leaves Turning Yellow 

Mostly, when the plant is overwatered, it causes its root rot, turning the leaves yellow. However, to solve this, gardeners need to check the soil's moisture level; if the soil is too wet, it is better to wait until it dries out. Further, if repotting is needed, do it as the previous pot may not have the proper drainage process. 

• Leaves Turning Brown 

If the plant is not getting enough humidity, there is a chance that its leaves may turn brown. However, there is no proper solution, as it cannot be reversed. Hence, in the future, gardeners need to mist the leaves regularly or use a humidifier to prevent them from turning brown. 

• Leaf Dropping 

This leaf dropping mostly happens for multiple reasons, such as incorrect watering, temperature fluctuations such as extreme hot temperatures, or improper light. Hence, gardeners need to quickly change the place into bright, indirect light and maintain a stable temperature. It is also important to ensure the required watering instead of overwatering or underwatering. 

FAQs

Why is Philodendron Pink Princess so expensive?

It is rare, has unique pink variegation, and takes longer to propagate, which increases its cost.

Is Philodendron Pink Princess hard to care for?

It is moderately cared for and needs bright light, high humidity, and proper watering. However, it can be sensitive to environmental changes.

Why is my Pink Princess not pink?

The most common reason is insufficient light. To maintain its pink variegation, the plant needs bright, indirect light.

The Bottom Line 

The Philodendron Pink Princess is a special and beautiful tropical plant with dark green and pink leaves. It is perfect for adding charm to any indoor space. Its mix of colors and low water needs make it appealing to gardeners. With the right care, it can grow healthier and fuller leaves. Growcycle provides gardeners with the tools and tips they need to care for tropical houseplants.

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

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.