The gorgeous Philodendron Pink Princess, also known as Philodendron erubescens or ‘pink princess’ is frequently at the top of most plant collectors’ wish lists, and for good reason.
The pink princess is a rare plant with deep green, heart-shaped leaves with bubblegum pink variegation. The variegation of the pink princess is comparable to that of the Philodendron pink congo.
However, the variegation of the pink princess is more permanent because it is caused by natural processes, whereas the variegation of the pink congo is caused by chemicals that are injected into the leaves and typically reverts to green a few months after the plant has been purchased.
Learning how to properly care for your pink princess philodendron is the key to maintaining its bright pink variegation. Fortunately, it is easy to care for, as are many other plants in the philodendron genus.
However, the plant is somewhat picky about certain conditions and is not ideal for a home full of pets that are curious and possibly hungry since it can be toxic to pets. Despite these issues, the Pink Princess is a remarkable plant that will add a beautiful pop of color to your home.
Botanical Name: Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’
Common Name: Philodendron pink princess, blushing philodendron
Family: Araceae
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Zones: 9a – 11b (USDA)
Sun Exposure: Medium to bright indirect light
Soil Type: Loamy, well-draining
Soil pH: 5.5-6.5 (Slightly acidic)
Height: 2 to 4 ft tall
Bloom Time: Spring, summer
Flower Color: Green, white
Native Area: Central and South America
Photo Credit: Dreamstime.
Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Caring for Pink Princess Philodendron
- Even though Pink Princess Philodendron can cost a lot, it’s relatively easy to maintain.
- The amount of light it receives is what determines the level of variegation this stunning plant will have. Make sure it receives bright, indirect light throughout the day.
- Water thoroughly then allow the top 1 inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Feed the plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer throughout its growing season (spring to summer).
Pink Princess Philodendron Care
The pink princess philodendron is a tropical aroid belonging to the Araceae family and is native to Columbia.
This colorful plant may cost a pretty penny, but it requires little maintenance for its stunning appearance. However, there are a few important considerations to make to guarantee that you’re getting the best leaf variegation possible.
Even though the pink princess has the ability to produce flowers, the spathes on the plant are relatively insignificant in comparison to the foliage, and it is uncommon for the plant to flower when grown indoors.
Light
The primary factor in determining the level of variegation in your pink princess philodendron is the amount of light it receives. Locate a spot that receives a significant amount of bright, indirect light throughout the day.
The pink princess philodendron, when grown indoors, can also withstand a few hours of direct light, which may support in increasing its variegation.
If there isn’t a place in your home that gets enough light, you should buy a grow light for this plant. The pink princess’s leaves will quickly turn back to green and lose their stunning variegation if they don’t get enough light.
Soil
The pink princess philodendron prefers a soil that is loose, well-draining, and rich in organic matter because it is an aroid.
For optimal results, the pink princess should be grown in a medium that contains one part standard potting soil, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark.
Water
Between waterings, let the soil’s top half dry out, and then water the plant thoroughly. Pink princesses are prone to root rot, so make sure they’re never sitting in waterlogged soil.
It is much easier to overwater your pink princess philodendron than to not water it enough, so if you aren’t sure if it needs water, wait another day to be safe.
Temperature and Humidity
The pink princess philodendron does best in warm, humid conditions, but the average temperature and humidity in a home is fine for these hardy plants.
Temperatures between 65 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 26 degrees Celsius) are ideal for your plant, and temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit should be avoided (15 degrees Celsius).
Fertilizer
It is important to provide the pink princess philodendron with consistent monthly feedings of a balanced liquid fertilizer throughout its growing season, which occurs during the spring and summer months.
Your plant’s dormant period begins in early fall, so you should stop fertilizing it at that time.
Pruning
Even though the Pink Princess Philodendron tends to grow as a vine, it is easy to make it bushier by pruning it.
By cutting the stem between nodes, you can promote new growth points. The best time to prune is in the spring, just before new growth begins.
Photo Credit: Dreamstime.
How to Plant and Grow Pink Princess Philodendron
How to Propagate Pink Princess Philodendron
The pink princess, like most philodendrons, can be propagated by stem cuttings. Propagation results in bushier plants and can promote variegation especially if the leaves on your plant have started to revert. Plus it’s always great to grow a new plant to give to a friend.
In just a few simple steps, you can propagate your pink princess philodendron by stem cuttings.
First, determine where you will cut the plant’s stem. Your cutting should have two to three leaves and two to three exposed nodes at its base. Then, using sterilized, sharp pruning shears or scissors, cut the stem and separate your cuttings.
Take off the leaves at the bottom of your cutting, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. The cut edge needs to callous over, so put it aside for 12 to 24 hours.
When the cutting edge is calloused, place it in water and put it somewhere with bright, indirect light. Make sure that the exposed cutting nodes are always submerged in water. In about two to three weeks, you should see new roots coming out of the cutting.
The cutting can be replanted in the soil once the roots reach a minimum length of 1 inch. Make sure to use potting soil that drains well, and water thoroughly.
How to Repot Pink Princess Philodendron
When it’s young, the Pink Princess Philodendron can grow quickly. On average, it gets a new leaf every month and needs to be repotted once a year. Repotting every two to three years is fine for older plants.
When selecting an initial pot, make sure to leave enough space for the roots to grow. Find a pot that is 2 inches wider and 2 inches taller than the root ball.
Look for a pot with enough drainage holes. And if you can’t find a pot with adequate drainage drainage holes that suits your interior decor, you can use a plastic container with drainage and then place the plant in a larger decorative pot.
To reduce stress, water the plant thoroughly before repotting. Every time you repot, you should move up to a bigger pot that’s roughly 2 inches larger all round).
If your plant is getting too big to handle or you don’t want such a big plant, you can divide it and repot each section separately.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Pink Princess Philodendron
Few diseases or pests will harm your Pink Princess Philodendron. Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, fungus gnats, spider mites, and scale that may infest the leaves. These pests can be controlled organically by making your own insecticide soap or simply cutting off the affected leaves.
Root rot, which is caused by overwatering, and rust spot, which is caused by a fungal infection, are both common diseases that can affect this stunning plant.
There is one thing to watch out for, though: wilting leaves. These are common when the conditions aren’t quite right.
If you catch it early enough, you should be able to keep your Pink Princess healthy by adjusting your watering since the most common cause is overwatering, or by adjusting the amount of sunlight, and/or increasing humidity levels.
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