The Philodendron Pink Princess is one of the most coveted houseplants among collectors and enthusiasts. Known for its stunning pink and green variegated leaves, this plant is not only a showstopper but also relatively easy to care for. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, here's everything you need to know to keep your Philodendron Pink Princess thriving in your home.
The Philodendron Pink Princess thrives in bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, its variegation will become less pronounced, and growth may slow down. Ideally, place it near a window with filtered light, but avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch its delicate leaves. If you're growing it in a room with lower light, you might notice that the plant becomes more green and less pink, but it will still survive.
Watering is a crucial part of caring for the Philodendron Pink Princess. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure the soil is well-draining and the pot has drainage holes. When you water, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil, but never let the plant sit in water. During the growing season (spring and summer), the plant may need more frequent watering, while in the dormant months (fall and winter), reduce watering to avoid waterlogging.
The Philodendron Pink Princess enjoys warm temperatures between 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). It’s best to avoid placing it in areas with drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, such as near air conditioning or heating vents. This plant also thrives in higher humidity. To keep it happy, aim for humidity levels of 50% or higher. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves, placing the plant on a humidity tray, or using a humidifier.
For optimal growth, plant your Philodendron Pink Princess in well-draining, peat-based soil. A good mix for houseplants or aroids works well, as it allows for proper moisture retention without becoming waterlogged. To keep your plant healthy, fertilize it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer. In fall and winter, reduce fertilization as the plant enters its dormant phase.
To maintain the beauty and shape of your Philodendron Pink Princess, you can prune it occasionally. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut back any leggy stems or dead leaves. Pruning will also encourage new growth and help keep the plant compact and bushy. If you notice that some of the pink variegation has faded, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough light, and pruning back some of the green areas can help encourage more pink growth.
Philodendrons generally don’t need to be repotted frequently, but you may need to do so every 1-2 years or when the plant outgrows its pot. Choose a pot that’s 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Be sure to use fresh, well-draining soil to ensure the plant’s roots have room to grow.
Unfortunately, the Philodendron Pink Princess is not pet-safe. Like many other types of Philodendron, it contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to pets if ingested. If you have pets in your home, it's best to place the plant out of reach or in a location where they can’t access it.
One of the most exciting things about the Philodendron Pink Princess is its ability to be propagated. If you want to grow more of these beautiful plants, you can propagate it through stem cuttings. To do this, take a cutting that includes at least one node (the small bump on the stem where leaves grow) and place it in water or soil. If propagating in water, change the water every few days, and once the roots are about 2-3 inches long, transfer the cutting to a pot with soil. You can also propagate by placing the cutting directly in moist, well-draining soil.