The Philodendron Pink Princess has gained immense popularity due to its beautiful pink variegated leaves. This houseplant can be quite difficult to come by and can reach pretty steep prices. Fortunately, caring for a Pink Princess is much easier than obtaining one. If you are looking to learn how to care for your Philodendron Pink Princess, continue reading this care guide.
For other plant care guides, check here.
| Name | Philodendron Pink Princess |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Water | One to two times a week when the soil appears dry |
| Soil | Well-draining aroid potting mix |
| Temperature | Room temperature (65 to 75 °F or 18 to 24 °C) |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans |
Philodendron Pink Princess Care:
While caring for a Philodendron Pink Princess may seem daunting because of this plant’s expensive price tag, its care is quite similar to other philodendron varieties.
Philodendron Pink Princess Growth
This Philodendron is a relatively quick grower, and providing it with high humidity, warm temperatures and bright, indirect sunlight will further promote growth. In its native environment, this Philodendron grows in a climbing manner and clings to trees for support as it grows up.
Philodendron’s growing season is during the spring to summer months. During this time, they require more water and fertilizer. In the fall and winter, the plant will slow down, and may look stunted- this is a normal part of the growing process.
This Philodendron can reach a height of two feet, with leaves five inches long with proper care.
Related article: Philodendron Gloriosum Care
Why is the Philodendron Pink Princess so expensive?
Unlike many other houseplants, you can not grow a Philodendron Pink Princess by seed- they need to be grown in a lab, from tissue culture. However, there is no way to guarantee that a leaf will turn out pink once it grows. A good majority of plants remain green, making them unsellable. This increases the price for the plants that do end up turning pink. It is important to ensure you are buying your houseplant from a reputable seller.
Furthermore, the pink leaves are less resilient than their green counterparts because they do not contain chlorophyll. This makes them more likely to die off, so do not get discouraged if you notice pink leaf drop.
Philodendron Pink Princess Light Needs
Like other Philodendrons, the pink princess prefers bright, indirect light. For the Pink Princess especially, light is important to bring out the pink variegated patterns. Too much sunlight (over five hours) may burn the pink portions of the plant while too little sunlight (fewer than two hours) will result in primarily brown-green leaves.
East facing windows provide bright light for this Philodendron for a few hours without burning the leaves. You can also cover the window with a sheer curtain or keep the plant a few feet away from the window soften the sunlight. If your plant is not producing enough pink leaves, you need to slowly increase its light source, or you can supplement with a grow light.
Rotate your Philodendron every few days so each side receives enough sunlight and grows evenly. Clean the leaves every few weeks to keep them clean so the plant is able to absorb enough light.
Philodendron Pink Princess Watering
One of the trickiest aspects of Philodendron Pink Princess care is watering. It is key to remember Philodendron prefer to have moist, but not soaking wet soil. Philodendron should be watered one to two times a week. Every few days, stick a finger in the soil- if it feels dry you can give your plant a drink. If it is still moist, hold off for a few more days.
How often you will need to water will depend on many factors such as humidity, temperature and light. Plants also require more water during their growing season from spring to summer.
When it is time to water, pour right at the soil on the base of the plant until it feels damp. Avoid over watering. If water droplets land on the leaves, wipe them off with a tissue so they do not damage the foliage.
Over watering leads to root rot and is a common cause of plant death, so it is important to check that the soil is dry before watering. If you find the soil staying wet for long periods of time, add more perlite or pumice to the mix to improve drainage. Terracotta pots with drainage holes are a good choice for a container because they allow the extra water to evaporate.
If your plant is not being watered properly, you will notice changes in its leaves, such as:
- Black, mushy roots
- Yellow/brown leaves
- Leaf drop
If this is the case, pay special attention to when you are watering and the sunlight your plant is receiving. If the soil feels quite wet, take a break from watering for a few days. On the other hand, if it has been a while since you last watered your plant and the soil feels quite dry, give the plant a good drink.
Philodendron Pink Princess Soil
Philodendron thrive with a moist but well-draining, fertile potting soil. An aroid houseplant potting soil mixed with perlite, pumice or orchid bark will keep your Philodendron happy. The perlite helps the excess water drain out while the orchid bark creates air pockets in the soil so the roots can breathe.
Philodendron Pink Princess Pot
Choose a pot with a drainage hole at the bottom so that extra water is able to drain, which prevents root rot. A pot that is about two inches wider than the plant’s root ball promotes growth without being too large.
Repotting Philodendron Pink Princess
Philodendron should be repotted once every 1 to 2 years. When you notice your plant has become root bound and the new growth has stalled, it is time to move up to a larger pot. Choose a pot that is one to two inches larger than the current one.
It is best to repot during the spring time. Gently remove the plant and clean the soil off its roots. Prune any rotten or damaged roots. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil and secure the plant in place.
If your plant is bushy, you can divide it into several smaller plants when re-potting if you prefer multiple, smaller plants.
Philodendron Pink Princess Fertilizer
Fertilize your Pink Princess with a 1/2 strength fertilizer every 2 weeks during the spring and summer (avoid fertilizing during the fall to winter months).
Fertilizing too often or with a high-strength fertilizer causes salt build-up and damages the roots. You may notice white crust on the soil or pot and leaf damage. If this occurs, do not fertilize for a few months and flush the plant with a large volume of water to remove the salts from the soil.
Small leaves and stunted growth may be due to a lack of nutrients. Consider fertilizing if you have not done so in a while.
Philodendron Pink Princess Propagation
The best time to propagate your Philodendron Pink Princess would be during the spring or summer.
- With a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears take a cutting that is three to six inches long and has at least 2 nodes (nodes will be the small bumps in the stem).
- Cut the stem at the joint that meets the main crown. Pull the leaves off two leaf nodes that are on the bottom so they are bare.
- Water the mother plant after cutting to minimize stress on the plant.
- Let the cutting callous for a few hours.
- Place the cutting in a vase or jar of water. The bare leaf nodes should sit in the water. Leave the cutting in there for several weeks, replacing the water every few days.
- Keep the cutting in a warm room with indirect sunlight. After about a week, you will see roots starting to sprout.
- Once the roots have grown 3 to 5 inches long, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil and care for it as normal.
Philodendron Pink Princess Humidity and Temperature
Like other Philodendron, the Pink Princess thrives in warm, humid weather. Keep the plant in temperatures from 65 to 75 °F (18 to 24 °C). Avoid placing the plant in temperatures lower than this because it damages the leaves.
High humidity encourages growth. If the air is especially dry consider placing a humidifier nearby, or fill a tray with pebbles and water and keep the plant pot in there (making sure the water is not high enough to be in direct contact with the pot). As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
Avoid keeping this houseplant next to any drafty windows as the cold air damages the plant. Also do not keep the plant next to an air-conditioning vent or heater because those dry up the surrounding air.
Philodendron Pink Princess Toxicity
Like other aroids, the Pink Princess is poisonous to pets and its sap causes irritation if it is ingested. Keep this plant away from dogs, cats and humans. Wear gloves when handling to avoid skin irritation.
Related article: Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ Care Guide
Philodendron Pink Princess Infestation
Philodendron are susceptible to common pests, especially mealy bugs, spider mites and aphids.
If your Philodendron Pink Princess has an infestation, you may notice: sticky black or white substance developing on the leaves, discolored leaves, leaf drop, or distorted leaves.
Be sure to examine under leaves and at the stem-leaf joints because pests often hide there. Quarantine the plant so they do not spread and check neighboring houseplants as well. Prune any damaged leaves. Wash your plant in the sink under a strong stream of water with an insecticidal soap. Then spray the plant with 70% rubbing alcohol or diluted neem oil. Dab any visible insects with a q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Continue to spray the plant once every few days until all signs of the infestation are gone, which may take a few weeks so be patient.
Related article: Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia Maculata) Care and Propagation
Common Philodendron Pink Princess Problems
How do I make my Philodendron Pink Princess pinker?
The pink color can be enhanced by providing the plant with more sunlight. Slowly increase the light your plant receives over a few days to avoid burning it. Light will enhance the variegated patterns.
However, it is important to note that an entirely pink leaf is not healthy for your plant because it lacks chlorophyll pigment- this means this part of the leaf cannot absorb light and produce nutrients for the plant. If your plant’s leaf was mostly pink, it would die quickly, so it is important to have a balance between pink and green.
Why are the leaves of my Philodendron turning brown?
This may be due to too much sunlight, low humidity, or improper watering (too much or too little).
Why are the leaves of my Philodendron turning yellow?
This may be due to natural aging as the leaf dies, over watering, or too much sunlight.
Root rot on Philodendron
Root rot occurs when the Philodendron has been consistently over watered and the roots “drown” from the extra water.
Signs of root rot include:
- Brown spots on leaves
- Mushy, translucent leaves
- Black, limp stems
- Dropping leaves
Remove the plant from its soil and clean the soil off its roots. Remove any rotten roots (they are black and slimy) and prune the damaged leaves. If the rot has progressed into the stem, cut off the stem until you have clean tissue without any signs of rot.
Allow this cutting to dry out for several days then plant in fresh, well-draining soil. Wait a week after potting to water the plant. Decrease your watering frequency to prevent rot again and plant in a well-draining soil mix.
Read this for more information about fixing root rot.
In summary for Phildendron Pink Princess care…
While obtaining a Philodendron Pink Princess may be difficult, its care is much easier. With high humidity, warm climates, and proper watering, this plant will reward you with beautiful pink leaves and is sure to make a statement anywhere.
Have any more questions about Philodendron Pink Princess care? Let me know in the comments below!
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