Pink Princess Philodendron Care

Remember the first time you saw a Pink Princess Philodendron? This absolute beauty seemed to be all over social media a couple of years ago, and for good reason — it’s amazing. The Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’ or blushing Philodendron is easier to find these days, but it may still require some searching. Even better, the price has come down, so the Pink Princess is more attainable in every way possible now. Pink Princess Philodendron care is easy, and here’s what you need to know to help your plant flourish.

Royal Connection

The Pink Princess is a self-heading Philodendron with thick stems and an upright growth habit. Most people probably think of Philodendrons as vining plants, and many are, but the Pink Princess is not one of them. The Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’ is an epiphyte that is a member of the Araceae family and native to Columbia.

The Pink Princess has heart-shaped leaves and red stems that fade to burgundy with age. Dark green leaves feature splashes of bubblegum pink. The variegation is random. Half of a leaf may be pink, or there may be a few splotches of color. The variegation is not consistent, the way it is on a Philodendron Birkin. The abstract nature of the pink variegation is part of the charm of this leafy plant, and each leaf is truly unique.

Pink Princess Philodendron Light Needs

Clearly, you want to ensure all of your plants receive proper light, but it is vital to get this right for the Pink Princess because bubblegum pink variegation is on the line. Bright indirect sunlight is necessary for Pink Princess care. This Philodendron can handle some direct light, but no more than a couple of hours. Gradually introduce the plant to direct light if you choose to expose it to intense sunlight to avoid burning the foliage.

The amount of variegation the plant has is determined by the amount of sunlight the plant receives. More sunlight means more variegation. Plants that do not receive enough sunlight can revert to mostly green. The plant will never be completely pink, and some green is needed for photosynthesis. The ideal situation will involve several hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Rotate the plant every so often so each side receives sunlight.

A grow light is an easy way to ensure your plant receives just the right amount of sunlight every day, no matter where windows are in your home or how much sun is shining.

How Often to Water Pink Princess Philodendron

Water the Pink Princess Philodendron when the top few inches of the soil are dry. The leaf tips turn yellow when the plant is overwatered, while the entire leaf will turn yellow when the plant is underwatered. A proper watering technique is necessary to grow a healthy plant, but underwatering is less damaging, so if you’re unsure if it’s time to water, it’s best to wait.

Drench the soil when it is time to water the Pink Princess. Water the plant in a sink or tub at least every other time and rinse the leaves to remove dust.

Soil Requirements

Rich, well-drained soil is best for the Pink Princess. The soil should allow excess water to drain to avoid root rot. Most general potting mixes are a good fit, but amend the mix with perlite or orchid bark to fine-tune it to the Philodendron’s needs.

Temperature for Pink Princess

Warm conditions are best for the Pink Princess, which makes sense because this is a tropical plant. Most homes are a comfortable temperature for the Pink Princess and anything between 65° and 80° F is good.

Moving houseplants to a protected patio space is a great way to decorate an area and give the plants a boost of humidity. Pink Princess Philodendron plants are much easier to find now, but they are still somewhat rare, so be careful before moving your plant outdoors. Wait until the temperature is above 60° F and get it back inside before the temperature drops.

Pink Princess Philodendron Humidity Needs

Despite being a tropical plant, the Pink Princess Philodendron is completely content to live in average humidity. The plant will thrive in increased humidity, but it isn’t necessary to seek out a damp environment. Low humidity is bad news, so increase the moisture if the air is naturally dry. Humidity often drops during the winter, so bringing in a humidifier during the drier months is common.

Fertilizer Tips

Fertilize Pink Princess Philodendron once monthly during the growing season. Don’t fertilize the plant during the winter when it is dormant. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support new growth. Always dilute the fertilizer to prevent fertilizer burn.

Pruning Tips

Philodendrons do not often need pruning, although the occasional dead or yellow leaf can be removed. Older leaves will eventually die, so you will have to remove lower leaves as they fade.

Does Pink Princess Philodendron Bloom?

Yes, the Pink Princess blooms. This plant produces spadix flowers surrounded by a spathe. Competing with the foliage is hard, and the flowers are not showy. It’s rare for Philodendrons grown indoors to bloom, but if your plant does set flowers, it may be worthwhile to pinch them back so that the plant can redirect energy into new leaves.

When to Repot Pink Princess

A happy and healthy Philodendron will outgrow its container and need a larger pot. Young plants will grow quickly and need to be repotted each year. Mature, older plants will need a new container every two to three years. You’ll know it’s time to repot when the roots emerge through the drainage holes in the container or growth slows. Try to time repotting for the spring at the beginning of the growing season.

Pink Princess Philodendron Propagation

Expand your plant collection or create a thoughtful gift through propagation. Propagate Pink Princess Philodendron through cuttings. Self-heading plants, like the Pink Princess, have growth nodes at the base of each stem. The growth nodes are sometimes visible as aerial roots. Each cutting should have several growth nodes, or aerial roots, and a few leaves.

Place the cut end in water. Roots will emerge in a few weeks, and the cutting can be planted in potting mix when the roots are at least one inch long. Keep the soil damp for the first couple of weeks before settling into a watering routine necessary for an established plant.

Soil propagation is also an option for Pink Princess cuttings. Place the cut end in a loose, rich, well-drained potting mix. Keep the mix consistently damp but not soggy for a few weeks. The cutting should have roots after several weeks, and you can scale back and water when the top couple of inches of the soil are dry.

Is Pink Princess Philodendron Pet Safe?

The Pink Princess Philodendron is not pet safe. This leafy beauty contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause discomfort and swelling of the mouth and throat. Eating or even just chewing on any part of the plant can cause excessive drooling, vomiting and may make breathing difficult.

Pink Princess Styling Tips

Most Pink Princess plants available are about six inches tall, making them excellent tabletop plants. Give this beauty a place of honor in a visible spot like a desk so it will get lots of exposure. With proper Pink Princess Philodendron care, mature plants can reach two to four feet tall and wide, making this beauty an excellent floor plant for a sunny corner.