Turn your Pink Princess Philodendron into a showstopper! This in-depth guide unveils the secrets to maximizing variegation, promoting growth, and creating a stunning climbing display. Learn how to give your beloved plant the care it deserves.
The Pink Princess Philodendron, with its captivating variegated leaves, splashed with vibrant pinks, has become a coveted addition to any houseplant collection. But keeping this tropical beauty thriving can sometimes feel like a mystery.
This comprehensive guide will unveil the secrets to mastering the art of growing a Pink Princess Philodendron. We’ll deep dive into essential care tips, from providing the perfect light to establishing a proper watering routine, to ensure your Pink Princess flourishes with stunning variegation and lush, cascading vines.
Learn how to grow pink princess philodendron with these simple tips.
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How to Grow the Pink Princess Philodendron
The Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) is a captivating member of the Philodendron family. It boasts heart-shaped leaves adorned with delightful splashes of pink. Each leaf unfurls with a unique pattern of green and pink, making it a true conversation starter and a captivating addition to any indoor space.
Here’s what your pink princess philodendron plant needs to thrive.
Light
The Pink Princess thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It’s a regal plant that enjoys its sunlight filtered – think of it as a sheer curtain drawn between the plant and the sun. Direct sunlight can be too harsh, fading its vibrant colors and leading to scorched leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal, providing the gentle morning light that this philodendron variety loves.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is crucial to prevent water from accumulating around the roots. A mix designed for aroids or a mixture containing peat, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
Humidity
This plant enjoys high humidity levels, similar to its native tropical environment. A humidity level of around 60% is ideal. This can be achieved with a humidifier, pebble tray, or by placing it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom. But you can also bump up the humidity around the plant by grouping it with other indoor plants to create their microclimate.
Watering
Watering your Pink Princess is akin to ruling a delicate kingdom. This philodendron prefers its soil to be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is not good for the Pink Princess as it leads to root rot and other problems. A good rule of thumb is to water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch depending on the humidity and light conditions of your home.
Fertilizing
To keep your Pink Princess in peak condition, fertilize with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every month during the growing season. I like to use a slow-release fertilizer so it is set and forget. In the dormant months of fall and winter, I stop feeding mine altogether in September so it can slow down and go dormant during the winter. This will encourage lush, vibrant growth without overwhelming your plant with excess nutrients, which can be detrimental when it is trying to rest.
Propagating Pink Princess Philodendron
Propagating the Pink Princess Philodendron is a rewarding experience. It allows you to multiply your collection or share it with fellow plant enthusiasts. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to propagation through stem cuttings:
- Select a Healthy Stem: Choose a stem with at least two nodes (the points where leaves attach to the stem) and a few leaves.
- Cut: Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, cut just below a node.
- Root: Place the cutting in water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water weekly.
- Plant: Once roots develop (typically within a few weeks to a month), plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil.
- Grow: Place your new Pink Princess in its ideal light conditions and resume regular care.
My pink princess philodendron is still a bit young to propagate, but I’ll give it a whirl once it matures.
Pink Princess Philodendron FAQ
Why are pink princess philodendrons so expensive?
The Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) is known for its striking variegated leaves that boast beautiful shades of pink, green, and sometimes even white or deep burgundy. Its rarity, combined with a high demand among plant enthusiasts, contributes to its high price. Here are several factors that make the Pink Princess Philodendron so expensive:
- Slow Growth Rate: The Pink Princess Philodendron grows relatively slowly which means it takes longer for growers to produce a plant that is large enough to sell, limiting the supply in the market.
- Variegation is Unpredictable: The variegation in the leaves, which is the main attraction of the Pink Princess, is caused by a genetic mutation. This variegation is highly unpredictable and can vary greatly from one plant to another. Some plants may have almost entirely pink leaves, while others may have more green than pink. The most highly variegated plants are often the most sought after and thus command higher prices.
- Propagation Challenges: Propagation of the Pink Princess Philodendron can be challenging and is not always successful. The process of propagating a plant with the desired level of variegation without losing its distinctive pink coloring requires skill, patience, and sometimes a bit of luck.
- High Demand: There is a significant demand for the Pink Princess Philodendron among plant collectors and enthusiasts, partly due to its unique appearance and status as a “must-have” plant.
- Care Requirements: While not the primary reason for its high cost, the specific care requirements to maintain the variegation and health of the Pink Princess Philodendron contribute to its value. Ensuring the plant receives the right amount of light, water, and nutrients without damaging its delicate variegated leaves can be challenging, adding to its allure and perceived value.
Because each plant is unique, finding one with the perfect balance of pink and green variegation can feel like discovering a rare treasure, making it all the more valuable to enthusiasts.
Is pink princess philodendron hard to care for?
In general, pink princess philodendron is not hard to grow but needs a certain level of care. While it is not the most demanding plant, its specific needs must be met to maintain its health and vibrant variegation.
In addition to the above care requirements, occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage more bushy growth. It’s also necessary to remove any yellowing or damaged leaves. Keep in mind that the variegation of the Pink Princess Philodendron can be influenced by lighting conditions. Too little light can cause the plant to produce more green leaves, while too much light can stress the plant.
Despite these requirements, the Pink Princess Philodendron is relatively forgiving and can bounce back from occasional care mistakes. The key to successfully caring for this plant is to monitor its environment and adjust care routines as needed to keep it healthy and maintain its stunning variegation. With patience and attention to its needs, even beginners can enjoy the beauty of a thriving Pink Princess Philodendron.
Where is the best place to put a pink princess philodendron?
The best place to put a Pink Princess Philodendron is in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight with lots of humidity. An ideal spot would be near a window with a sheer curtain that diffuses the light, preventing direct sunlight from hitting the leaves, which can cause them to scorch and fade in color. North or east-facing windows are typically great choices, as they offer gentle morning sunlight without the intense heat of the afternoon sun.
Placing it in a room that naturally has higher humidity, like a kitchen or bathroom, can be beneficial if those spaces also have suitable light conditions. If the air in your home is dry, especially during winter months, using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can help increase the surrounding humidity. Or you can group it with several other tropical indoor plants to create a more humid microclimate.
Keep your pink princess plant away from drafts like air conditioning or heating vents because sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant.
More About Growing Pink Princess Philodendron
Have you grown a pink princess philodendron before? Do you have any tips you’d like to share? I would love to know more in the comments below.
Thank you so much for following along.
Enjoy a beautiful day! xo
