Philodendron Pink Princess Care - All You need to Know to Enjoy this Remarkable Plant

Anna Shpomer·October 30, 2023

Welcome to the world of the Philodendron Pink Princess (also commonly called in online communities PPP), a spectacular houseplant that's taken the plant community by storm.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll go through everything you need to know about this colorful plant.

Wondering why it's so popular or how you can get your hands on one? Curious about the care, light, watering, and common problems this royal plant faces?

You're in the right place! From basic requirements to advanced care tips, this post covers it all.

Discover the Pink Princess's family members, learn about its lighting needs, perfect your watering routine, and unlock the secrets to its vibrant color.

But that's not all!

You'll delve into propagation techniques, tackle pest control, and ensure your plant thrives in the perfect environment.

Ready to become the ultimate caretaker of the Pink Princess Philodendron?

Keep reading! 🌿✨

#1 Philodendron Pink Princess Introduction and Origins

Where Does the Philodendron Pink Princess Come From? 🗺

Meet the Philodendron Pink Princess, or as scientists call it, Philodendron erubescens! This remarkable plant comes from the tropical rainforests of South America. It's not just any plant; it's a rare gem in the big family of green wonders because of its splashy pink and deep green leaves.

Why Is Everyone Crazy About the Pink Princess Philodendron? 💖

Why do people love it? Simple: it's the pink leaves! This pink variegation on its leaves makes each one a special piece of art. Whether you have a leaf with just a blush of pink or one drenched in this royal color, each new leaf is a sweet surprise! 🍭

Fun Fact: The Philodendron Pink Princess deep green with pink leaves are all because of stunning variegation! Specifically, it's a lack of chlorophyll, the green pigment, that lets the light pink to deep fuchsia tones shine through. 💖🌿

Meet the Philodendron Family Members!

👑 The Pink Princess is the tropical aroid and belongs to the Araceae family, a friendly bunch of plants that includes stars like the Monstera Deliciosa and the serene Peace Lily. They're all super loved for their tropical looks and easiness of care. 🏡

There are also many other popular Philodendron genus species, such as Philodendron Birkin, Heartleaf Philodendron, and Philodendron Paraiso Verde. Some of these species are very rare, making them a deserving trophy among many plant collectors.

It's also worth mentioning another Pink Philodendron here. The Philodendron Pink Congo, unlike its relative the Pink Princess, doesn't naturally have pink leaves. Its pink variegation is temporary, resulting from specific chemicals applied by growers for visual appeal. However, these vibrant leaves eventually turn green as the effect wears off, unlike the genuine, lasting variegation of the Pink Princess. This artificial enhancement has sparked debate in the plant world about ethical practices, highlighting the need for buyer awareness and authenticity in the market.

Why You'll Want a Pink Princess Philodendron in Your Home 🏠

Thinking about inviting a Pink Princess into your life? Great idea! She's not too tough to take care of but needs bright, indirect light and enjoys a moist environment. This beauty grows up to 5 feet tall and can make your home feel like a royal garden! But remember, she's a bit fancy. So, she might be more expensive than your average houseplant. But oh, the joy she brings is worth every penny! 💸💕

But if you set your heart on Pink Princesses, then keep reading to learn more about care!

#2 Pink Princess Philodendron Light Requirements 💡

Why Light is Important for Your Pink Princess Philodendron Plant? 🤔

For plants, light isn't just a matter of vision; it's a matter of life. Through photosynthesis, plants use light to create the energy they need for growth. Most plants rely on chlorophyll to absorb light, essential for photosynthesis. However, the Pink Princess Philodendron is a bit different. Its stunning bright pink leaf variegation means it has less chlorophyll in some cells, and it relies more heavily on the green parts of its leaves for energy. This uniqueness requires a careful balance of light conditions. 💡🍃

How Much Light is Needed for the Pink Princess Philodendron Care?

Being tropical plants, the Pink Princess Philodendrons prefer conditions similar to the forest undercanopy. Here's what it means for your care routine:

Bright, Indirect Light: Mimicking the light of its native habitat, Pink Princess prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sun can damage the leaves, while low-light conditions can cause the plant to lose its characteristic pink variegation.
Avoiding Direct Sunlight: The intense midday direct sun can be particularly harmful, causing 'leaf scorch.' 🔥

How Can You Achieve the Best Light at Your Home

Light management can be tricky, but it's simpler when you understand your options. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun’s path affects how much light enters through each part of your home. Here’s how to manage it:

North-facing windows: Offer softer, indirect light. They're usually ideal for Pink Princess throughout the year. 🪟❄️
East or West-facing windows: Provide medium light intensity but can deliver harsher sunlight at times. Monitoring and occasionally using sheer curtains for diffusion is helpful here. 🌅🌇
South-facing windows: Expose indoor plants to the most intense light, requiring you to take measures to diffuse direct sunlight, especially during peak hours. 🔆

Seasonal and Environmental Considerations 🌷🍂

Seasonal Changes: Light intensity and duration shift with seasons. Your plant may need to move closer to windows during darker winter months or slightly away in bright summers.
External Obstructions: Trees, buildings, and other outside features can block light. You’ll need to consider these when placing your plant.

Specific Light Adjustments 🔍👍

Too Strong Light: If your plant is near a window with intense light, use sheer curtains for protection or move it a few feet into the room.
Insufficient Light: In darker spaces, move your plant to a brighter location or consider using artificial grow lights to supplement natural light.

👉 You Might Also Like: Philodendron Light Requirements 💡: A Comprehensive Guide

#3 Pink Princess Philodendron Care - Perfect Watering Routine 💧

Water is crucial, but how much does it really need? Factors like light intensity, temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes play a significant role. Here's your cheat sheet for keeping your Pink Princess healthy and hydrated. 🌱

How Much Water Does Pink Princess Philodendron Plant Need? 📋💧

Light Intensity 💡: More light equals more photosynthesis. If your plant sits in high light, it'll need more water to keep up with its food production.
Temperature 🌡: Just like you, your Pink Princess gets thirstier as the temperature rises. Higher temperatures lead to faster water evaporation from soil and leaves.
Humidity 💦: In higher humidity, your plant feels comfortable, losing less water to the atmosphere and needing less frequent watering.
Seasonal Changes 🌦: Growth spurts in spring and summer increase water demands. In winter, your plant’s growth slows down, and so does its thirst.

Best Watering Practices for Your Pink Princess Philodendron 🏆🌿

Here's how to ensure your plant gets the right amount of drink, without waterlogging its roots:

Moist, Not Soggy: Your Pink Princess likes her soil like a good cake — moist, not dripping wet. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is as nasty as it sounds.
Drainage Is Key: Make sure excess water has a way out. A pot with drainage holes is a must. It prevents water from accumulating at the bottom, which could be harmful to the roots.
The Topsoil Test: Before you water, poke your finger or a bamboo stick into the topsoil. If it's dry 30% of the pot depth down, it's time to water. If it's damp, hold off on the H2O.

Lift and Learn: Master gardeners know a light pot means a thirsty plant. By lifting the pot, you can tell a lot about the water content of the soil based on weight.

Watering Technique 💁‍♀️🚿

How you water also matters! Here’s the royal treatment your Pink Princess deserves:

Even Watering: Water evenly, ensuring the liquid penetrates the soil and doesn’t just run down the sides of the pot.
Room Temperature Water: Shocking roots with ice-cold water is a big no-no. Room temperature is just right for your rainforest royalty.

#4 Pink Princess Philodendrons Care - Soil and Potting 🪴

Ensuring your Pink Princess Philodendron flourishes starts with the fundamentals: the right soil and pot. Here’s your guide to establishing the ideal foundation for your plant's growth. 🌿👑

The Perfect Soil for Pink Princess Philodendron Care:

Aeration is key: Your Pink Princess needs soil that’s light and airy, facilitating the right mix of water and oxygen supply to the roots. AVoid waterlogged soil, as Pink Princesses are prone to the root rot.
pH preference: Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic environment, with pH levels between 6.0 and 6.5, to ensure nutrient availability and absorbtion.
Moisture matters: Opt for soil that maintains a delicate balance, holding sufficient moisture without becoming soggy.

Crafting a DIY Potting Mix:

Crafting your own potting soil allows you to cater to the specific needs of your Pink Princess. Here’s a simple recipe:

30% Coco Coir or Peat: This aids in moisture retention.
30% Orchid Bark: For improved drainage and texture.
30% Pumice or Perlite: Helps prevent soil compaction and improves drainage.
10% Worm Castings: A touch of this provides the necessary nutrients.

Don’t fancy DIY? A store-bought aroid mix serves well as a hassle-free alternative. 🛍️

Choosing the Right Pot 🪴:

A pot suitable for your Pink Princess must have:

Drainage holes: These are crucial to allow excess water to escape, avoiding root issues.
Catch tray for dripping water: Employ a saucer to gather excess water, ensuring the pot doesn’t sit in it, as this could lead to overwatering.
Material considerations:
- Plastic: A practical choice, as it retains water, reducing the frequency of watering sessions.
- Terracotta: Its porous nature allows for moisture evaporation, necessitating more regular watering.
- Ceramic: Offers a balance between the two, with aesthetic appeal.
Right-sizing your pot:
- The ideal pot size should be just slightly larger than the root ball, generally 1-2 inches in diameter, providing ample room for growth without overwhelming the roots.
- Repotting is part of plant parenthood. For mature plants, a new pot every 2-3 years is sufficient, allowing them to thrive without becoming root-bound. Younger plants, experiencing more rapid growth, will benefit from more frequent transitions.

Photo by feey on Unsplash

#5 Pink Princess Philodendron Temperature and Humidity 🌡

Ideal Temperature for Thriving Growth 🌡:

Optimal range: Your Pink Princess Philodendron prefers temperatures between 65-78°F (18-25°C). This range keeps the plant comfortable, just like its natural tropical habitat.
Avoid drafts, AC vents, and heaters: Sudden temperature changes or dry air can stress your plant. Keep it away from drafty windows, air conditioner blasts, or the parching heat from radiators during winter.

Humidity - The Key to a Happy Philodendron 💧:

Humidity level: Aim for a humidity level of 60-75% to recreate the tropical conditions this philodendron loves.
Increasing humidity: If the air in your home is too dry, try these tips:
- Humidifiers: An easy way to control the humidity level, especially in drier climates or seasons.
- Misting: Daily spritz your plant’s leaves with water, but avoid accumulating the moisture and drops on the leaves to prevent mold growth.
- Pebble tray: Place a tray with water and pebbles beneath the plant pot (make sure plant roots don't drink the water from the tray). As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around your plant.
- Grouping plants: Placing plants together creates a microenvironment with higher humidity.

#6 Philodendron Pink Princess Fertilization 🧑‍🔬

Fertilization Schedule for a Flourishing Philodendron 📅:

During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Pink Princess Philodendron every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This routine will support robust growth and vibrant foliage.
In the dormant period (fall and winter), reduce fertilizing to once every 2-3 months since the plant's growth naturally slows down and requires fewer nutrients.

Selecting the Perfect Fertilizer 🧪:

Look for a balanced liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20. This balanced mix ensures your Philodendron gets equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Be cautious: Over-fertilizing can harm your plant, leading to burnt roots and a sickly appearance. It's safer to err on the side of under-fertilizing than giving too much.
Symptoms of over-fertilization include wilted leaves, a salt buildup in the potting mix, and stunted growth. If you notice these, cease fertilizing immediately and flush the soil with clean water to wash away excess fertilizer.

#7 Pink Princess Philodendron Common Problems 🤒

Yellowing Leaves 🟨:

Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients can turn leaves yellow.
Solutions: Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogged soil. Cut back on watering, and consider a balanced fertilizer if nutrient deficiency is suspected.

Brown Leaves and Brown Spots 🟫:

Causes: Low humidity, under-watering, or direct sunlight could be stressing your plant, leading to brown leaves and spots.
Solutions: Increase humidity around your plant, establish a consistent watering routine (without overdoing it), and shift your plant away from direct sunlight.

Brown Leaf Edges 🍂:

Causes: The air may be too dry, or there could be a buildup of minerals in the soil from hard water.
Solutions: Mist your plant regularly or use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. Use filtered water for watering, or leave tap water out overnight before using it.

Stunted Growth 🌱:

Causes: Insufficient light, poor soil nutrients, or being root-bound can restrict growth.
Solutions: Place your plant in bright, indirect light. Feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. If the plant is root-bound, repot it into a slightly larger container.

Mushy Stems 💧:

Causes: This is a classic sign of overwatering or root rot.
Solutions: Reduce your watering schedule, and make sure your pot drains well. If root rot is present, remove the affected areas, treat with a fungicide if necessary, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.

#8 Pink Princess Philodendron Pests Control 🪲

Here are the most common pests that can effect your Pink Philodendron.

Spider Mites 🕷:

Signs: Tiny, almost invisible, these mites cluster on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing or bronzing, and fine webbing.
Solutions: Quarantine, wipe leaves with soapy water or neem oil. Increase humidity, as spider mites thrive in dry conditions. For severe cases, use a miticide. Cut off the affected leaves with severe infestations.

Mealybugs 🐛:

Signs: These pests look like tiny, cottony white blobs, often nestled where the leaf meets the stem. They suck sap, weakening the plant and causing leaves to yellow and drop.
Solutions: Quarantine, remove them using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. For widespread infestations, apply neem oil, or use insecticidal soap. Cut off the affected leaves with severe infestations.

Aphids 🦟:

Signs: Small, soft-bodied insects that may be green, yellow, brown, red, or black. They cluster on new growth, causing it to appear misshapen or stunted, and leave behind a sticky residue called "honeydew."
Solutions: Quarantine, spray the plant with water to dislodge aphids. For more stubborn populations, use soapy water, neem oil, or an insecticidal soap. Cut off the affected leaves with severe infestations.

#9 Pink Princess Philodendron Care - Advanced Tips and Tricks 😎

Pruning and Trimming Your Pink Princess Plant ✂:

Why Prune and Trim: Pruning encourages healthier growth, removes dead or unhealthy leaves, and allows you to manage variegation. Trimming can stimulate more bushy growth, giving your plant a fuller appearance.
Variegation Management: By cutting back on sections with less desired coloration, you encourage variegation and the growth of the pinker, more vibrant leaves.
Bushier Plant: Regular trimming encourages the plant to grow more side shoots, enhancing its bushy appearance.
When and Where to Cut: The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer when the plant is growing more actively. Make your cuts just above a leaf node or before a leaf scar to encourage new growth.
Procedure: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid infection and make clean cuts.

Propagating Pink Princess Philodendron ➗ :

Method: The simplest method is stem cuttings. It involves cutting a section of stem from a mother plant and rooting it to grow a new plant.
Cutting Size: A good cutting is about 5-6 inches long. Ensure it has 2-3 healthy leaves and 1-2 nodes (the tiny bumps on the stem where leaves attach), as this is where new roots will sprout.
Post-Cutting Care:
1. Place the cutting in water in a bright spot but away from direct sunlight. Change the water every few days. Optionally, you can dip roots in a root hormone and/or cover the plant with transparent cover to create the greenhouse effect.
2. Once roots appear, typically in a few weeks, you can plant new plants it in soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
3. Alternatively, you can plant the cutting directly in moist, well-draining potting mix (sphangum moss or vermiculite) and keep it in high humidity until it roots. Again, you can optionally use root hormone and/or cover with a transparent plastic cover for a greenhouse effect.

Final Thoughts

In this comprehensive guide, we've navigated the exciting journey of caring for a Pink Princess Philodendron, from understanding its royal origins to mastering the advanced skills needed to keep it thriving. You've learned about the ideal light, watering routines, and how to combat common issues and pests. We've also unlocked the secrets behind successful pruning, trimming, and propagating to ensure your Pink Princess reigns supreme in its lush, vibrant glory.

Caring for this regal beauty may seem daunting at first, but with the insights and tips you've gained, you're now equipped to cultivate a thriving, healthy plant kingdom. Remember, every plant is unique, and part of the joy comes from understanding and responding to its individual needs.

Got more questions or want to share your own Pink Princess success stories? Feel free to leave a comment below! We love hearing about your experiences and are here to help with any further curiosities.

Happy planting! 🌱💖✨

FAQ ❔

How to Make Pink Princess More Pink?

To encourage more pink on your Pink Princess, ensure it's getting enough light, as variegation often intensifies with adequate, indirect sunlight. However, avoid too much direct sun, which can wash out the pink. Pruning less variegated leaves also stimulates the growth of new, potentially more colorful leaves. It's a delicate balance, so pay attention to your plant's response to its environment. 🌞🌱💗

Are Pink Princess Philodendrons Toxic to Cats 😺?

Yes, Pink Princess Philodendrons are toxic to cats. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, pain, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested by pets. It's crucial to place the plant out of your furry friend's reach and immediately consult a veterinarian if you suspect your cat has nibbled on it. 🚫🐱💚

👉 You Might Also Like: Top 12 Houseplants Safe for Cats (with Pictures) 😻

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