Philodendron Black Cherry Pink Princess: Care & Differences
Explore the distinct characteristics of the Black Cherry Philodendron and the methods required to sustain its deep foliage and stable pink variegation.
The Philodendron Black Cherry Pink Princess is a captivating houseplant and a distinct version of the more common Philodendron Pink Princess. This variety appeals to plant enthusiasts for its unique coloration and appearance. While related to the standard Pink Princess, the Black Cherry possesses its own characteristics and specific care needs for long-term health.
Black Cherry Versus Pink Princess
When comparing the Philodendron Black Cherry to the standard Pink Princess, the most immediate difference is the foliage color. The Black Cherry is distinguished by its deep, dark leaves that are a rich burgundy or so dark they appear almost black. This contrasts with the typical Pink Princess, which has dark green leaves as the base for its variegation.
The nature of the pink variegation also sets the two plants apart. On a Black Cherry, the pink appears as a brighter, more electric or hot pink shade, creating a stark contrast against its near-black leaves. The standard Pink Princess features bubblegum pink variegation against its green leaves, offering a softer visual.
Beyond color, the Black Cherry’s leaves are sometimes noted to be slightly larger and broader than those of a typical Pink Princess. While both are vining plants that benefit from support, the Black Cherry is considered a slower grower, which contributes to its rarity. This slower growth and high demand mean it often carries a higher price tag.
Essential Care Guide
Proper care for the Philodendron Black Cherry begins with providing the right amount of light. This plant thrives in several hours of bright, indirect sunlight. An east-facing window that receives gentle morning sun is an ideal location. Insufficient light can cause the plant to lose its signature dark coloration.
The right soil mixture is fundamental for preventing water-related issues. A well-draining, airy soil mix created for aroids is highly recommended. Key components include orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, which provide aeration and prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged, helping to avoid root rot.
For watering, use the “soak and dry” method, allowing the top couple of inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. It is important to check the soil moisture with your finger rather than watering on a strict schedule to prevent overwatering.
As a tropical plant, the Black Cherry appreciates warm and humid conditions, performing best in temperatures between 65-80°F and with higher humidity. If your home is dry, using a small humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can provide the ambient moisture it needs.
During the growing season of spring and summer, regular feeding supports healthy development. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied every 4-6 weeks. Reduce fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. As a vining species, providing a moss pole or trellis gives the plant support to climb and encourages larger leaves.
Maximizing Color and Variegation
The variegation in a Philodendron Black Cherry is unstable and requires attention to maintain. The intensity and coverage of the pink patches are directly influenced by its environment. Keeping the colors vibrant requires a specific focus on the conditions that encourage these unique patterns.
Light is the most significant factor in influencing variegation. While direct sun will scorch the delicate leaves, providing very bright, indirect light is the way to encourage more pink to appear. A plant that receives inadequate light may start to produce leaves with less pink or revert to a solid dark color.
Strategic pruning is another tool for encouraging variegation. If you notice the plant producing leaves with little to no pink, it might be reverting. To counteract this, you can prune the stem back to the last leaf that showed a good balance of dark and pink coloring.
Common Problems and Solutions
One of the most common issues is the reversion of leaves, where they emerge either all-dark or all-pink. If new leaves are consistently all-dark, it is a sign of insufficient light. The solution is to move the plant to a brighter location and prune the reverted stems back to a leaf with balanced variegation.
All-pink leaves, while beautiful, lack chlorophyll and cannot sustain themselves, so they will eventually perish. The stem should be cut back to a node that has some dark, photosynthesizing leaf tissue to preserve the plant’s health.
Browning on the pink patches of the leaves is another frequent complaint. These pink sections are more delicate than the darker parts of the leaf because they lack chlorophyll. This browning can be caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or exposure to too much direct sunlight. Increasing ambient humidity and ensuring the plant does not receive direct sun can help prevent this.
Leggy growth, characterized by long, stretched-out stems with sparse leaves, is another indicator of inadequate light. The plant is stretching to find a better light source. To fix this, move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect light and prune the leggy stems to encourage fuller, more compact growth.