One of the most stunning and coveted houseplants, the Philodendron Pink Princess is a beautiful addition to your home. If you have this gem in your collection, we’re here to show you how to keep that vibrant pink variegation and provide the best Philodendron Pink Princess care.
The pink and green variegated leaves of the Pink Princess Philodendron are what make it so unique. With large heart-shaped glossy leaves that reach for the sun and stunning bright pink splashy markings, the Pink Princess is unlike any other Philodendron. Plus, no two plants are alike, so your Pink Princess is genuinely one of a kind.
Philodendron Pink Princess Origin
This remarkable Philodendron variety was developed by a grower in Florida in the 1970s. It was grown for decades without much notice, and then it was featured on several popular social media channels and went viral. Pink Princess rose to stardom in a matter of months, becoming the most popular plant of 2020 in the blink of an eye.
There is another Philodendron that is often sold as an imitation. Be aware that the Pink Congo Philodendron has solid pink leaves, which are chemically enhanced to be that color. The pink leaves revert to all green within 6-12 months, so while it’s a nice Philodendron, the Pink Congo is not an equal substitution for the pricey Princess.
Philodendron Pink Princess Care
The pink leaves don’t have any chlorophyll, which means they don’t absorb the necessary light to grow. The leaves must be variegated, with both pink and green markings to thrive. If you have a mostly or all pink leaf, it will eventually die and fall off. The key to dynamic variegated coloring is keeping the Pink Princess Philodendron in bright, indirect light.
Light
Bright, indirect sunlight is essential. If you have a good location near an east or west-facing window, this is perfect. Never put this plant in direct light as that will cause the leaves to burn. If you don’t have a spot with enough light, you’ll need grow lights to supplement.
Soil
Well-draining, loose soil is vital to the Pink Princess’s health. A high-quality houseplant potting mix with added perlite and sphagnum moss is the best. The added perlite increases drainage, and the sphagnum moss helps the soil retain moisture, both of which are essential for this Philodendron to thrive.
Water
The Pink Princess Philodendron is a little particular when it comes to watering, but it isn’t complicated. Simply, you want to pay close attention to your plant’s needs and water accordingly. The Pink Princess only needs to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. You shouldn’t let the soil completely dry out, but you also want to be careful not to overwater it. Always check the dryness of the soil before watering, and you’ll be fine! In most cases, the Princess will require watering a couple of times a week.
Temperature
The ideal room temperature for the Pink Princess Philodendron is 65F-85F during the day and 60F. During the winter, be sure to protect the sensitive tropical plants from cold drafts or direct heat. In the summer, keep your Princess away from air conditioning.
Humidity
Since Philodendrons are a tropical plant, they like lots of humidity. When the weather is hot and dry, you can spray the leaves with a water mister to increase humidity. A quick and easy way to increase the humidity level for your plant is to create a humidity tray. Fill a metal baking sheet with pebbles, then fill it with a few inches of water. Place your Pink Princess on top of the pebbles; as the water evaporates, it adds humidity to the air. Add more water as necessary to keep your Princess happy and thriving.
Fertilizer
A monthly application of high-quality, organic houseplant fertilizer during the growing season is all the Pink Princess needs. Only fertilize while it is actively growing during the spring and summer. Don’t add any fertilizer in the winter; this is so the Princess can rest.
How to Propagate the Philodendron Pink Princess
It’s actually relatively easy to propagate the Philodendron Pink Princess, but as mentioned previously, it’s difficult to know for sure if you will get another well-variegated plant baby. However, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try, especially when these houseplants are so expensive!
Stem Cuttings (the easiest method)
- Find a healthy stem with three or four nicely variegated leaves on it.
- Cut the stem just below one of the nodes (where the leaf meets the stem).
- Put the stem cutting in a jar of water.
- In 2-3 weeks, roots will start growing.
- When the roots are at least 2ā, plant the baby in a pot with potting soil.
Root Division
This method of propagation is done when you’re repotting the Pink Princess.
- When you remove the plant from its pot, inspect the stems for strong, healthy specimens.
- Only divide the plant if you have at least four healthy stems.
- Gently separate the roots, so each new plant has at least 2-3 stems each.
- Plant in a container with potting soil
Repotting
Pink Princess Philodendrons need repotting every one to two years. A lot depends on the pot you have it in now. If you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or see they are heavily coiled inside the container, it’s time to repot. The best time to repot is in the spring or summer. Choose a new pot that is one size larger, and make sure it has good drainage.
Pruning
Pruning is done to control the shape and size of the plant, but with the Pink Princess, it is also necessary to encourage new variegated leaves to sprout. If you have lots of overly pink or overly green leaves growing, prune the Pink Princess back to just above a well-variegated leaf. This improves the chances that any new growth will also be finely variegated.
Use clean, sharp shears or scissors to prune the Princess. Always cut above the node, where the leaves meet on the stem. Inspect the plant regularly, and remove any dead or dying leaves.
Plant Toxicity
Sadly, all Philodendron are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.
Common Issues + How to Fix Them
It’s awful to see your Princess struggling, but don’t fret. Most issues are easily fixed with some simple adjustments to watering, light, or temperature.
Why are the leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves usually occur because of overwatering or when the plant is getting too much direct sunlight. Make sure the plant isn’t in direct sun, and reevaluate the watering schedule. Don’t forget always to check that the top inch of soil is dry before watering. Older leaves turn yellow naturally, so don’t worry if it’s just a few aging.
Why are the leaf edges turning brown?
Brown leaves are a sign the Princess is drying out and needs more humidity. Move the plant to a more humid location or set up a humidity tray.
Why are the leaves dropping?
Dropping leaves are a sign of a stressed-out plant. Revisit the watering and light conditions of your plant, and make sure there are no cold or hot drafts affecting it.
Common Pests & Diseases
Aphids & Mealybugs ā Spray the leaves with soapy water every other day until the aphids or mealybugs are gone. Use this recipe: 1 liter of water + 1 tsp of non-toxic liquid dish soap. This remedy kills the bugs instantly, but it won’t prevent others from showing up. Check plants regularly.
Root rot ā This is a common problem with houseplants, especially Philodendrons. Root rot happens when plants are overwatered, or there isn’t sufficient drainage. Only use pots with drainage holes at the bottom, be mindful of how much water the Princess receives, and never let the roots sit in water.
Pink Princess Philodendron FAQs
How often should I water my Philodendron Pink Princess?
When the top 1″ of soil is dry, usually 1-2 times per week. Always check the soil first before watering!
How do I make my Pink Princess Philodendron pink?
Plants that receive plenty of bright, indirect light will have better variegation. If the leaves aren’t receiving enough light, they will revert to green.
How big do Pink Princess Philodendrons get?
This is a vining Philodendron, so it will grow quite tall if given the opportunity. You can also prune it to remain smaller and bushier.
Why are Pink Philodendron Princess plants so expensive?
This is an expensive houseplant because the unique variegation is challenging to replicate. Even when the mother plant has pink variegation, the babies don’t always carry it. This means many of the babies growers propagate aren’t salable as Pink Princess and end up being discarded. If you are still in the market for this unique houseplant, make sure you buy it from a reputable grower and that it has pink leaves already. This is the only way to be entirely sure you are getting a real Pink Princess Philodendron.
Can you propagate the Pink Princess?
Yes, but there is no guarantee you will get one with pink variegated leaves. Growers mainly use tissue culture propagation techniques to increase the possibility of variegation.
Why is my Pink Princess plant not pink?
It may not be a real Princess, or it is not getting enough bright, indirect light. It is completely normal for the plant to produce all-green leaves along with variegated ones.
Do Pink Princess Philodendrons revert?
Not exactly. The amount of pink varies by plant; no two are the same. The plant will grow all-green leaves, but it should also produce pink variegated leaves. If it isn’t getting enough light, it will not produce pink at all.
How can I make my Philodendron Pink Princess grow faster?
Be attentive, and make sure your Princess receives the proper amounts of light, water, and humidity.
