How to Grow and Care for a Pink Princess Plant

The Pink Princess Philodendron is a popular houseplant known for its dark green, heart-shaped leaves splashed with vibrant pink. This coloration is a form of variegation, making each leaf unique. As a cultivar of Philodendron erubescens, it is a climbing aroid native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia.

Pink Princess Care Guide

Light Requirements

Proper light is necessary for the health and appearance of a Pink Princess. This plant thrives in several hours of bright, indirect sunlight, such as near an east-facing window or set back from a south or west-facing one. Insufficient light will cause the pink splashes to fade, with new leaves emerging mostly green as the plant conserves energy.

While the plant can tolerate some direct morning sun, intense sunlight is damaging. The pink sections of the leaves lack chlorophyll, making them more susceptible to burning. Scorched spots or browning on the pink areas indicate the plant is receiving too much direct light and should be moved.

Soil and Potting

To prevent root rot, a Pink Princess requires a chunky, airy, and well-draining potting medium. Commercial aroid mixes work well, or you can create your own by blending potting soil with perlite and orchid bark. These amendments create air pockets in the soil, allowing excess water to drain freely.

Always select a container with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape and prevent waterlogged soil. Terracotta pots are a good option, as the porous material helps wick moisture from the soil, further reducing the risk of overwatering. Repot the plant every one to two years, or when you see roots emerging from the drainage holes.

Watering Routine

Use the “soak and dry” method for watering. Water the plant thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes, then allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out before watering again. During the spring and summer growing season, this means watering about once a week.

In the fall and winter, the plant’s growth slows and its water needs decrease, so you may only need to water every two weeks. It is better to underwater than overwater. If you are unsure, wait another day or two before watering.

Temperature and Humidity

The Pink Princess flourishes in warm and humid conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 65 and 80°F (18-27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops by keeping it away from drafty windows, doors, and air conditioning vents.

This plant prefers humidity levels above 50-60%. Low humidity can cause new leaves to have trouble unfurling or develop brown, crispy edges. To increase moisture, you can group it with other plants, place it on a water-filled pebble tray, or use a room humidifier.

Fertilization

During the active growing season, a Pink Princess benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks throughout the spring and summer. This supports the production of new leaves.

Reduce fertilization as growth slows in the fall and winter. Feeding once every six to eight weeks or stopping entirely is sufficient during this dormant period. Over-fertilizing can cause a salt buildup in the soil that may burn the plant’s roots.

Managing Pink Variegation

The pink variegation is caused by an unstable genetic mutation. This means the plant can produce leaves that are reverting to a more stable form, appearing fully green, or in some cases, fully pink. Managing this tendency through strategic pruning is part of maintaining the plant’s desired appearance.

To encourage a balance of pink and green, you must prune the plant. If new growth consistently lacks pink, find the last leaf on the stem that shows balanced variegation. Use clean shears to cut the stem just above that leaf’s node. This encourages a new growth point to activate, which has a higher probability of producing variegated leaves.

All-pink leaves, while beautiful, are not sustainable for the plant. They lack chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis to support themselves. A stem producing only pink leaves should also be pruned back to a node associated with a more balanced leaf to ensure the plant can support itself long-term.

How to Propagate a Pink Princess

You can propagate a Pink Princess using the pieces removed during pruning. Successful propagation requires a node, which is the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots form. A cutting must contain at least one node for new roots to sprout.

Use sterile shears to take a cutting that includes at least one leaf and one or two nodes. One method is to place the cutting in a jar of water, submerging the nodes. Be sure to change the water weekly to keep it fresh.

Another method is to place the cutting in moist sphagnum moss or perlite. Once the roots are at least an inch long, which can take a few weeks, the new plant can be transferred into a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Providing warmth and high humidity will help the new cutting establish itself more quickly.

Common Pink Princess Problems

Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can infest a Pink Princess. Manage them by regularly inspecting the leaves, especially the undersides. Wipe pests off with a cloth dipped in water and a small amount of insecticidal soap.

Leaf discoloration can signal care issues. Yellowing leaves are a sign of overwatering, while brown, crispy edges or spots point to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Adjusting your care routine should resolve these problems.

Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with sparse leaves, results from inadequate light as the plant stretches to find a brighter source. To fix this, move your plant to a location where it will receive more bright, indirect sunlight. This will encourage more compact and fuller growth.