One of the most lovely and elegant houseplants to cultivate is the Philodendron Pink Princess. Pink Princess philodendron plants are an indoor plant that grows well in pots or hanging baskets and bears dark green leaves with brilliant pink variegation. The Pink Congo, a pink Philodendron, is also available, although this isn’t the actual “princess,” as you’ll see in this article.
How to care for Philodendron Pink Princess: Plant in a bright location with indirect light in a pot with moist, well-draining soil to flourish. When the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is dry, water it. Fertilize once a month and trim stems to encourage bushy growth. Keep humidity medium-high and temperature between 60°F and 84°F (16°C – 29°C).
The pink Philodendron erubescens, on the other hand, is very easy to care for despite its exotic appearance. Despite its stunning pink variegation, this plant necessitates a few special care measures, particularly for it. The dark green-burgundy leaves with brilliant pink patches will stay fresh if you follow this care tip.
What is a Philodendron Pink Princess?
The trailing plant Philodendron Pink Princess, or Philodendron erubescens, belongs to the Araceae family of plants. The plant is recognized by huge waxy leaves, in addition to the lovely pink and dark green leaves. These leaves may grow to be 9 inches (22 centimeters) long and 5 inches (12 centimeters) broad.
Chlorophyll is the chemical that gives plants their green color, and it’s missing from the leaves, causing them to be pink. Nevertheless, in order for the plants to photosynthesize, there must be some greenness on the leaves. For growing healthily, chlorophyll helps to generate oxygen and glucose.
These pink beauties adore being indoors since they are all tropical plants. If the weather permits, you may also grow Philodendron Pink Princess in your garden. Select a location for the plant that is bright but shaded. If you live in temperate climates, you may also take your potted plant outside during the summer.
What is a Philodendron Pink Congo?
The Philodendron Pink Congo plant has variegated leaves, whereas the Philodendron Pink Princess plant has variegated leaves. These plants’ pink color is not a result of natural processes. The leaves of the plant are turned pink by using chemicals.
Pink Congo Philodendrons usually revert to green six to twelve months after purchase. If you want to grow a real Pink Princess at home, avoid these inexpensive imitations. This will ensure that you always have a stunning flower with lovely pink and dark green leaves.
How to Care for Philodendron Pink Princess
There is a crucial point to consider before we examine the fundamental care guidelines for your Pink Princess: how to keep the leaves pink?
How to Keep Pink Leaves on Philodendron erubescens
This Philodendron requires a combination of green and pink hues to flourish. Photosynthesis requires the green portions. As a result, your plant will starve and die if too much of the leaves begin to turn pink. It’s no longer a pink princess, is it? Too much green.
If you see that the stems are being trimmed back just above the leaf junction, you may be sure that new leaves are developing pure pink. Your new variegated leaves will emerge from this node. With balanced variegation, you want the final leaf on the stem.
Light Requirements for Growing Philodendron Pink Princess
Bright indirect light is ideal for Phodendron Pink Princess. The best illumination for healthy development and variegation is this kind of light. Filtered light is also a great option, especially if the sun isn’t directly shining on the leaves. In other words, an east- or west-facing room with sunlight for a portion of the day is the optimum location.
If your plant is in a very bright place, like a south-facing room, you’ll need to shade it. Keep the pink plant away from the window, if possible. One way to detect that you’re receiving too much sunlight is by looking at yellowing leaves. Therefore, move the plant to a shaded area if a few leaves have started to yellow.
Naturally, as long as the other leaves look good, a leaf will turn yellow with age. You’ll learn how to rejuvenate a dying Pink Princess Philodendron at the conclusion of the article.
The Best Potting Soil for Philodendron Pink Princess
For Philodendron erubescens, the ideal potting mix should offer enough nutrients, retain moisture, and remain dry. Peat-based soil should be combined with perlite or orchid substrate to create the optimum growing medium. The other components allow water to flow away, while the thick, organic peat is fruitful and retains moisture.
This Philodendron variety has aerial roots, as do many other types of aroids. The air is drawn into these, and it is nutrients and moisture. The roots of Philodendron plants are also subterranean. Therefore, a sphagnum moss or peat-pearlite soil mix can be used to grow your pink plant.
These “princesses,” despite their lack of fussy growing requirements, must grow in moist soil. As a result, proper watering is essential for caring for a pink Philodendron.
How to Water Philodendron Pink Princess
Only water your plant when the top 1″ to 2″ has dried out, as a general rule. Pour water into the pot until it flows out the bottom when you watering. The plant roots get enough nourishment while the pink leaves grow healthy thanks to this watering technique. When the soil is partly dry, water your Philodendron as often as it needs.
When watering a Pink Princess, the most common mistake is to over-water it. Root rot, yellowing leaves, and a wilted appearance are all symptoms of over-watering in plants. Test the moisture content of the potting mix before watering on a set schedule. If there isn’t enough moisture, water the plant. Otherwise, wait until the soil is drier before watering.
There are a few benefits to watering thoroughly rather than shallowly. Roots won’t get enough moisture if you just water plants a little. As a result, your plant may still exhibit indications of overwatering even if you appear to be caring for it. Fungus gnats, which prefer damp conditions, live in the top 1″ to 2″ soil.
You’re just creating an environment for bugs to thrive if you don’t allow the top part of the soil to dry out.
The Best Temperature for Philodendron Pink Princess
In typical room temperatures, Philodendron Pink Princess plants thrive. Between 60°F and 84°F (16°C – 29°C) is the optimum temperature range for healthy growth. Yet, if the temperature stays above 65°F (18°C), it’s even better. If you grow your pink-leaved plant in pots outdoors, follow the temperature guideline.
You should protect Philodendron plants from direct heat or cold drafts, which is one important thing to remember. As a result, during the winter, keep the plant away from heaters. Avoid placing the plant pot near an open window or in air-conditioned streams in the summer. If you feel comfortable at home, “she” will also feel good. Here’s a tip to know if the temperature for your Pink Princess is right.
Philodendron Pink Princess Care: Humidity
Like most tropical houseplants, Pink Princess Philodendron plants need a lot of moisture. These plants are often grown in conditions that are too dry. Misting your plant’s leaves, setting up a humidifying tray, or using a room humidifier will all help to hydrate them. For a Philodendron Pink Princess, here’s how to keep humidity levels optimal:
- Misting the leaves—Spray a light mist over the plant’s leaves from a spray bottle. Every two to three days, mist the leaves lightly. You may need to spray the leaves every day in hot, dry weather.
- Room humidifier—If you have a lot of tropical plants, consider using a humidifier. For your plant to feel comfortable, it should have a humidity level of around 40%.
- Pebble tray humidifier—Placing plants on a humidity tray is one of the simplest ways to increase humidity for them. Place a layer of pebbles on a large tray to make one of these. Fill the tray halfway up with water so that the little pebbles are submerged. Place the pebbles beneath your plant pot.
- Group houseplants together—Your houseplants may be placed closer together as well. Because of their native environment, this proximity results in a natural humid atmosphere.
Fertilizer for Philodendron Pink Princess
To encourage optimal development, houseplants in pots require regular feeding. A balanced liquid fertilizer with micro and macro nutrients is the best type of fertilizer for a Pink Princess. Throughout the growing season, feed your plant every four weeks. When growth slows down in the autumn and winter, stop fertilizing.
A healthy and vigorous plant can benefit from a high-quality fertilizer. Yet, remember that quantity isn’t always superior. In actuality, too much fertilizer may harm your plant’s health. Root burn may be caused by a buildup of mineral salts. Flush the soil every four to five months to prevent fertilizer salts from building up.
All you must do is run water for around two to three minutes through the potting mix. When the top 1 inch of soil has completely dried out, resume normal watering and feeding.
Slow growth and small leaves indicate that your Pink Princess is lacking important nutrients. The leaves might lose some of their luster if they are variegated pink and dark green.
Repotting Philodendron Pink Princess
When they’re young, repot Philodendron erubescens once a year, and then every two years after that. Refreshing the potting soil and encouraging development are two advantages of repotting your plant. The roots have more space to develop in bigger containers. Repotting also prevents the plant from becoming rootbound, which aids with drainage, as a bonus.
Repotting a pink princess is a little tricky. It makes sense to take care of this plant because it is one of the most expensive houseplants you can grow. Repotting a Philodendron Pink Princess using this guide is required:
- To help reduce stress, thoroughly water the plant the day before repotting.
- Get a new pot that is 2.5 cm (1 inch) to 3 cm (1.25 inch) bigger than the previous pot.
- Remove the plant from its container and gently remove all soil from the roots.
- Prune as needed if you notice signs of rot or illness in the roots. White or light tan roots that are flexible, not mushy, should be present.
- Put the plant in the new pot, which has been half-filled with potting soil.
- Make sure the previous container’s Pink Princess is at the same height.
- Potting soil should be used to fill the remaining space.
- To support the plant, gently press around the stems.
- Water thoroughly.
How to Prune Philodendron Pink Princess
Regular pruning is beneficial to a Philodendron Pink Princess. Pruning your plant in the spring or autumn, just before or after the growing season, is the optimum time. Any yellow or dying leaves should be pruned off. Vigorous growth can be encouraged through proper pruning, while leggy stems may be prevented from spoiling the look of the plant.
Make a clean incision just above the node, or where leaves join to the stem, when pruning a Philodendron erubescens. The node will produce new pink and dark green or burgundy leaves. If space in your room is limited, pruning not only encourages new growth but also helps maintain height.
Propagating Philodendron Pink Princess
The propagation of Philodendron Pink Princess is really simple. Get more of these lovely trailing houseplants by growing new plants from stem cuttings. They’re also excellent presents for anybody you know. Stem cuttings are the optimum method to grow these lovely pink Philodendron plants. propagation of your plant is as follows:
- Make sure that there are three or four bright pinkish leaves on the stem and cut a stem just below one of the nodes.
- Place the knife in a water jar.
- Roots should start to emerge after a few weeks.
- Plant the rooted Philodendron cutting in a potting mix-filled container until the roots reach 2″ (5 cm) in length.
Root division is the other way to propagate Philodendron Pink Princess. If you have four or more stems at the roots, you can divide the plant while repotting it. Separate the roots of each new plant so that you get at least two or three stems. Repot as directed above.
Philodendron Pink Princess: Pest and Diseases
The hardy indoor plant Philodendron erubescens is disease- and pest-resistant.
Philodendron Pink Princess pests—Mealybugs or aphids are the most common pests. To identify the symptoms of typical houseplant pests and eliminate them, please read this article.
Philodendron Pink Princess diseases—Watering problems, which cause root rot, are the leading causes of most diseases affecting the plant. When the soil is mostly dry, water only the plant. Too much water or not enough moisture can cause wilting leaves.
Is Philodendron Pink Princess Toxic?
Pets in your home should not be fed Pink Princess Philodendron. Variegated philodendrons are poisonous to cats and dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Calcium oxalate crystals are found in the sap, which may cause irritation to the skin and ingestion.
FAQ About Philodendron Pink Princess
Despite the fact that your pink princess isn’t a demanding houseplant, there are indicators that she’s getting anxious. Some answers to frequently asked queries about plant care may be found here.
Why are the pink leaves turning yellow?
Excessively direct sunlight or watering problems are often indicated by pale leaves. As a result, throughout the day, make sure that your pink Philodendron isn’t in the sun’s rays. It’s a good idea to check the moisture level and watering schedule before making any changes.
Remember that older leaves turn yellow by nature. As a result, there isn’t much to be concerned about if you’ve only got one or two leaves that appear odd.
Why are Philodendron Pink Princess leaves turning brown?
The leaves may turn brown due to over-watering or under-watering. It’s also a good idea to check the pot’s size. You may quickly get moisture issues if the container is too big for the plant.
How can I encourage pink variegation?
To keep a balance of dark green and pink, your Philodendron Pink Princess needs plenty of bright, filtered light. If your plant starts producing mostly green leaves, trim some of the leaves back to just above the final variegated leaf; no one wants a “Green Prince.”