So you are very much into the beauty of Philodendron Pink Princess, and why not?
This is the only plant in the world that has a unique bubblegum pink color on its dark green leaves. But do you know this beauty comes at a cost?
Philodendron Pink Princess plants require consistent bright indirect light for several hours daily or else.
That beautiful color will irreversibly fade away. And you don’t want that. Right?
Therefore, I have a guide where I will go in-depth on how to care for this diva of majestic seductress.
It covers the basics like water, solid, humidity, temperature, and light needs. But I won’t stop here. This guide will also provide you with hands-on tips on pruning or propagation for the best growth.
On top of that, you will also learn common issues like diseases and pests, and how to resolve them. So why don’t you stick just for 5 minutes? Let’s learn more.
Philodendron Pink Princess Care Quick Summary
Philodendron care is generally easy with moderate light and regular watering. The Pink Princess follows the same basics. If you just need quick facts before diving deep, start here:
- Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid hot direct sun.
- Water: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; don’t keep it constantly soggy.
- Humidity: Prefers 60–80% for best pink expression.
- Temperature: 18–27°C (65–80°F).
- Soil: Fast-draining aroid mix (peat or coco coir + perlite + orchid bark).
- Growth Habit: Climbing vine; responds well to a moss pole or trellis.
Philodendron Pink Princess: At a Glance
Let’s take a closer look at the traits that give this tropical beauty its royal reputation.
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Feature |
Details |
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Botanical Name |
Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ |
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Family |
Araceae |
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Origin |
Colombia (tropical rainforests) |
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Plant Type |
Climbing, evergreen perennial |
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Mature Size |
Up to 2-4 feet indoors |
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Leaf Shape |
Heart-shaped with pink and green marbled variegation |
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Growth Rate |
Moderate; speeds up with stable warmth and humidity |
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Lifespan |
Long-lived perennial with continuous new growth |
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Air Purifying |
Yes, filters common VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene |
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Fertilizer |
Balanced NPK, every 4–6 weeks in growing season |
Plant Care Guide
How Much Light Does a Philodendron Pink Princess Need?
The Pink Princess Philodendron grows well in bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours daily. Place it near an east or west window where it gets gentle morning or late afternoon sun.
- During winter, move it closer to a bright window or use a grow light for 8 - 10 hours a day to offset shorter days.
- In summer, shift it slightly back from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn.
Remember, the right amount of light keeps your plant growing strong while preserving its pink color instead of dulling or burning it.
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Pro Help: For healthy growth, it’s important to choose the ideal spot for your plants that balances light and protection throughout the day. |
What if My Apartment Doesn’t Get Direct Light?
If your home doesn’t get much sunlight, use a full-spectrum LED grow light. Aim for 10,000–20,000 lux to mimic bright indirect light. Use a light meter to keep track of light.
If you prefer plants that naturally do well in dimmer spots, check out our guide on the top 10 low-light indoor plants available.
How Often Should I Water My Pink Princess Philodendron?
You should water your Pink Princess Philodendron about once a week, or whenever the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
This plant prefers soil that stays slightly moist but not soggy. Let the top layer dry out before watering again.
- During warm and bright months, water once per week.
- In cooler seasons or lower light, you can stretch it to every 2–3 weeks.
Humidity Balance for Your Pink Princess Philodendron
This plant likes a humidity range of 60 - 80% to mimic its native rainforest environment. The humidity bare minimum is 50% as below this range, you may notice crispy leaf edges and a retarded growth.
You can opt for a humidifier to maintain the range. However, a direct mist may cause spots if water sits too long. Use a moisture meter to keep a check on humidity levels.
What Is the Best Soil and Fertilizer for a Pink Princess Philodendron?
The ideal soil is light and airy. I recommend using a mix of peat or coco coir with chunky components (perlite, orchid bark, pumice).
To create an ideal soil mix for your Pink Princess, combine the following ingredients:
- 30% peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention).
- 30% orchid bark or chunky wood chips (for air space and drainage).
- 30% perlite or pumice (to keep soil open and well-draining).
- 10% compost or worm castings (to supply gentle nutrients).
Type of Fertilizer that Works Best for Pink Princess Philodendron
A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio, applied about once a month, works best for your Pink Princess.
Best Practices to Fertilize Your Pink Princess Philodendron
When applying fertilizer, follow these best practices:
- Prevent Root Shock: Always water your Pink Princess before feeding to ensure the nutrients are absorbed safely and evenly.
- Avoid Over-fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and damage the plant.
- Adjust for Slower Growth: Reduce or skip fertilizing in fall and winter, when the plant naturally slows down.
- Alternative Option: A slow-release fertilizer formulated for tropical plants can also work well, which provides steady nutrients over time (e.g., 3-month formula).
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Now that your plant is flourishing, it’s time to fine-tune the details that turn good growth into exceptional results.
Repotting Your Pink Princess Philodendron
Fresh soil and a slightly larger pot every 1–2 years help your Pink Princess stay healthy. The best time to repot is in spring.
Make sure you’re using an appropriately sized container, as choosing the right pot size can make a big difference in root health and overall growth.
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Signs your plant needs repotting include roots growing out of drainage holes, soil that dries out unusually fast, or slowed growth. |
Step-by-Step Guide on Repotting Pink Princess Philodendron
When repotting your plant, follow these steps:
Step 1. Gently remove the plant from its current pot and trim any dead or damaged roots.
Step 4. Water lightly after repotting and let the plant settle before resuming regular care.
Pruning Your Pink Princess Philodendron
Pruning isn’t mandatory, but it’s a powerful way to shape your plant and encourage fuller, bushier growth.
How to Prune Pink Princess Philodendron:
Step 1. Choose clean and sharp shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Step 2. After that, remove any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves to maintain plant health.
Step 3. Subsequently, trim long, leggy stems back to a leaf node (the small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge) to stimulate new side shoots and promote a denser structure.
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Pro tip: The best time to prune is in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. After pruning, you’ll often see new shoots emerge. |
How to Propagate Your Pink Princess Philodendron?
The Pink Princess is easy to propagate by stem cutting. Here’s a quick guide on how to propagate Philodendron Pink Princess:
Step 1. Choose a stem cutting that already has some pink variegation on the node, since color isn’t guaranteed in new growth.
Step 2. Then, cut just below a node by using sterilized scissors or a knife. Remove any lower leaves. You need to be a pro at houseplant cuttings to avoid any damage to the neighboring parts.
Step 3. After that, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring a node is submerged. Keep it in bright, indirect light.
Step 4. Change the water every few days. Roots should appear in 2–4 weeks. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, pot it up in soil.
How to Fix Common Philodendron Pink Princess Problems?
Even with the best care, the Pink Princess can show some problems. Here’s how to diagnose and fix the most common ones.
1. Loss of Pink Color
If the leaves are losing their pink variegation, the likely cause is not enough light. Move your plant to a brighter spot with indirect sunlight. Keep in mind, a leaf that has turned completely green won’t turn pink again. Trim it off so the plant can focus on producing new, variegated leaves.
2. Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves usually mean too much water, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Make sure the pot drains well and adjust your watering so the soil isn’t constantly soggy. If the soil is old or depleted, give the plant a light feeding. Removing yellow leaves also keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages new growth.
3. Leggy or Sparse Growth
If your Pink Princess looks stretched or sparse, it’s usually getting too little light. Move it to a brighter spot with indirect sun. You can also prune long, leggy stems back to a leaf node. This encourages the plant to produce fuller growth.
4. Brown Leaf Tips or Spots
Brown, crispy edges on your Pink Princess usually point to low humidity or mineral buildup in the water. Raise the humidity around the plant and use filtered/distilled water to prevent brown leaf tips. In winter, you have to be more considerate and learn the best growth tips to keep plants alive, like reducing water frequency, etc.
5. Pests Infestations
The plant can attract common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, or scale, which cause fine webbing, cottony clumps, or sticky residue on the leaves.
Infestation Management
- Isolate the plant and wipe the leaves with rubbing alcohol, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of mealybugs and aphids.
- Maintain higher humidity to help deter spider mites.
- Check new plants before introducing them to your collection to help prevent early infestations.
Pink Princess Care tips?
by inphilodendron
Conclusion
In a nutshell, your Philodendron Pink Princess will do best with bright, indirect light, evenly moist soil, and a warm, humid environment around 60-80°F.
Keep these in check, and its pink variegation will stay clear without much extra effort.
Looking to bring one home? Browse high-quality Pink Princess Philodendrons at MyGreenScape, and begin your own growing journey today.
FAQs
Do I need a moss pole or support for Pink Princess?
No, it’s not necessary. Pink Princess is naturally a climber/trailer. You can let it trail from a shelf or pot, or you can provide a moss pole or stake to climb if you want an upright, vigorous vine.
Is the Philodendron Pink Princess Pet-Friendly?
The plant is considered moderately toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. A curious pet nibbling the leaves can have a serious reaction. Therefore, treat this plant as unsafe for pets. If you’re looking for safer alternatives, explore our guide on indoor pet-friendly plants.
Why is the Philodendron Pink Princess so expensive?
It’s pricey because true variegation is unpredictable. Each plant grows unique pink patterns that can’t be cloned perfectly.
Should I fertilize my Pink Princess in winter?
No. In winter, feed sparingly (maybe once or twice at half-strength) or not at all, since the plant’s growth slows and it won’t use much nutrients.
How fast does Philodendron Pink Princess grow?
Pink Princess is considered a slow to moderate grower. It can reach 3–4 feet tall (with support) over several years. Growth rates vary with light, temperature, and care.