Pink Princess Philodendron Care And Growing Guide
By Mlbrun Team | On 21 April 2024 04:06 AM
The Pink Princess Philodendron is a luxury plant famous for its decorative uses. Native to Colombia, this rare plant is characterized by deep green, heart-shaped leaves with bubblegum pink variegation.
The Pink Princess Philodendron is celebrated for its low-maintenance nature. It is an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. It can grow perfectly healthy by providing consistent moisture and avoiding sudden fluctuations in temperature.
Pink Princess Philodendron Overview
Scientific Name | Philodendron erubescens |
Common Name | Philodendron pink princess |
Family | Araceae |
Plant Type | Perennial |
Size | 4-5 ft. tall |
Soil Type | Loamy, moist and well-draining |
Soil pH | Acidic |
Sun Exposure | Partial |
loom | Spring, summer |
Hardiness Zones | 9a to 11b |
Origin | South America |
Toxic | Toxic to pets |
What Is A Pink Princess Philodendron?
Pink princess philodendron is a type of tropical vining plant belonging to the Araceae family. This beauty typically grows as a climbing vine, reaching lengths of up to several feet when mature. The height can vary depending on its growing conditions, such as the size of its container or the support it's provided for climbing.
The main attraction of this plant lies in its foliage, characterized by a captivating array of pink variegation. Each leaf boasts a distinct pattern, ranging from subtle flecks to bold swathes of pink, which can vary in color from a delicate blush to a deep burgundy. This vivid pink hue against the rich green background gives it a royal allure, hence its name, the 'pink princess.
Pink Princess Philodendron Care
Despite its fancy appearance, caring for this pink princess philodendron is relatively easy. You just need to keep the soil consistently moist but not too wet. So, let the soil dry out a bit between waterings, but don't let it get completely dry. Keep an eye on the moisture levels and adjust how often you water accordingly. Along with this, there are some other things to be considered. Below, we have discussed a few of them.
Light
The pink philodendron thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, preferring light that does not directly shine on its leaves. Exposure to prolonged periods of direct sunlight can result in leaf burn or damage due to excessive heat.
However, if the plant doesn't receive enough light, it can affect the color variation in its leaves, leading to less vibrant pink hues. Sufficient light is important for maintaining vibrant colors. If you don't have enough natural light indoors, you can use artificial grow lights designed for indoor plants.
Soil
Being a tropical plant, this plant thrives in soil that is well-draining yet retains some moisture. It flourishes in a blend of peat moss, perlite, and standard potting soil to provide the ideal growing medium. This combination supports healthy root development while preventing waterlogging, a common issue in tropical environments.
Water
Allow the soil to dry at its depth before watering the plant. Insert your finger about an inch or two into the soil near the base of the plant; if the soil still feels slightly moist, it's best to wait a few more days before watering again.
Always use room-temperature water that is free from chlorine and other chemicals. Using distilled or filtered water is ideal, as it helps prevent the build-up of mineral deposits in the soil and on the leaves.
Temperature
Pink philodendrons thrive in temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) when cultivated indoors. If you choose to grow them outdoors, especially during periods of extreme heat and cold, you may need to provide some protection. This could involve moving the plant to a more sheltered location, such as under a patio awning or near a building.
Humidity
Since it's considered a tropical plant, it naturally thrives in higher-humidity environments. Providing some extra humidity, especially during dry periods or in heated indoor spaces, can benefit the plant. This can be achieved by misting the leaves regularly and placing a tray filled with water and pebbles beneath the plant's pot.
Fertilizer
Pink princess philodendrons benefit from occasional fertilization during their active growing season, which typically spans from spring to early fall. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength and apply it every 4 to 6 weeks.
During the winter months, when the plant's growth slows down, it's recommended to stop fertilizing until the next growing season resumes in spring.
Support
As these philodendrons are vining plants, they can benefit from support as they grow. Supporting them further helps to encourage upward growth and prevents the plant from sprawling excessively. You can use various types of supports, such as stakes, trellises, or moss poles, to help train the plant's vines upward.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
The pink princess philodendron is generally a hardy plant. But like any other houseplant, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are some common pests you might encounter with your philodendron time.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can infest the underside of leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually leaf drop. They produce fine webbing, which is often the first sign of infestation. To solve this issue, regularly inspect your plant for signs of mites. Increase humidity around the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, often hiding in leaf axils or along stems. They leave behind a cottony residue and can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves. If you find any of these pests, you can remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery growth on leaves and stems, caused by fungal organisms that thrive in warm, humid conditions and poor air circulation. To prevent this disease, remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and consider fungicidal treatments.
Propagating Pink Princess Philodendron
There are several methods for propagating a pink princess philodendron, including water propagation, soil propagation, and sphagnum moss propagation. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice for you will depend on your experience and preferences. Here, we will discuss two popular methods: Water propagation and soil propagation.
1. Water Propagation
In this method, the stem cuttings are placed in water to encourage root development. This process allows for the growth of new plants from cuttings without the need for soil, making it a simple and effective way to propagate the plant.
Here's how you do it:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where a leaf or aerial root meets the stem). Make sure the node has a leaf attached or shows signs of potential growth.
- Cut the stem just below a node, leaving a leaf attached (if present) or about 1-2 inches of stem.
- Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone (this is optional)
- Place the stem cutting in the glass or jar, ensuring the node is submerged in water.
- Change the water every 3-5 days to prevent bacteria growth.
- Once the roots reach 1-2 inches long, you can plant the cutting in a pot with a well-draining soil mix.
2. Soil Propagation
In soil propagation, stem cuttings are directly planted into the soil to encourage root growth and the development of new plants. This method utilizes soil as the medium for root formation and provides a simple approach to propagating.
Here's how you do it:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least one node, ensuring that the node has a leaf attached or shows signs of potential growth.
- Cut the stem just below a node, leaving a leaf attached (if present) or about 1-2 inches of stem.
- Fill the pot with your chosen soil mix.
- Make a hole in the soil deep enough to bury the node.
- Place the cutting in the hole, ensuring the node is buried and the stem is upright.
- Gently firm the soil around the stem. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist.
- New growth should appear from the node in a few weeks.
How To Grow Pink Princess Philodendron
Spring is the ideal time for planting your pink princess, although you can plant year-round. Just be aware that growth might be slower during colder months. If you are repotting an existing plant, wait until it's rootbound or if the current pot restricts growth. Repotting during spring is still preferred.
What Will You Need
You will require the following tools and materials while growing a pink princess philodendron.
- pink princess philodendron plant or stem cuttings
- Pot with drainage holes
- High-quality potting mix or well-draining soil
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Fertilizer (optional)
- Support structures such as stakes or moss poles (optional)
Planting Process
Prepare the Pot: Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, leaving some space at the top for the plant.
Select the Plant or Stem Cuttings: You can start with a pink princess philodendron plant from a nursery or use stem cuttings for propagation. If you are using stem cuttings, make sure they have at least one node and a leaf attached.
Planting the Philodendron: For stem cuttings, plant them in the soil with the node below the surface and the leaf above. If planting a potted plant, gently remove it from its container and place it in the center of the new pot, filling the gaps with soil and firming it gently around the base.
Watering: After planting, water the soil thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Pink Princess Philodendrons prefer slightly moist soil, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Provide Support (Optional): Pink princess philodendrons are vining plants and may benefit from support structures like stakes or moss poles to encourage upward growth. Install the support near the plant and gently guide the vines as they grow.
Monitor Growth: Keep an eye on your plant for signs of growth and adjust care as needed. Prune any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance.
Pink Princess Philodendron Types
While there isn't a true species of pink princess philodendron, there are several variations and sub-types within this cultivar that feature unique leaf colors and patterns. Four of the most common types include:
- Sparkle Pink Princess: This variety features heart-shaped leaves with a mix of pink and green variegation, often in the form of stripes or speckles. The amount of pink can vary greatly from plant to plant, with some having mostly green leaves and others having a more balanced mix of colors.
- Marble Variegation Pink Princess: This type has a more marbled appearance, with large patches of pink and green swirling together. The variegation can be quite dramatic, making this a truly eye-catching plant.
- Black Cherry Pink Princess: This type has a darker, richer pink color than the other varieties. The leaves can also have a slight reddish tint, giving them a unique and luxurious appearance.
- White Knight Pink Princess: This is a cross between a Pink Princess and a White Knight Philodendron. It has the same basic leaf shape and variegation as the pink princess but with more white and less green. This gives it a lighter, airier look.
Challenges And Issues With Pink Princess Philodendron
Some common problems with pink princess philodendron include:
Root Rot
Cause: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, which is caused by fungal pathogens in the soil. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and a foul odor emanating from the soil.
Solution: Ensure proper drainage by using free- draining soil and pots with drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering. If root rot has already occurred, trim away affected roots and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Philodendron Getting Leggy
Cause: Over time this philodendron can become leggy due to a lack of light, as the plant will stretch towards the light source in an attempt to get more light.
Solution: Make sure that the plant is placed in a location with bright, indirect light. Additionally, pruning the plant can help to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming too leggy.
Leaves Turning Brown
Cause: One of the most common challenges with pink princess philodendron is that the leaves can turn brown. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to direct sunlight.
Solution: Ensure that the plant is receiving the right amount of water and humidity and that it is not exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Additionally, it is important to check the soil regularly to ensure that it is not too dry or too wet.