With its showy pink-splashed leaves, the Pink Princess philodendron has become one of the most popular houseplants in recent years. This vining plant is not only beautiful, but also easy to grow when given the proper care. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to successfully grow a happy, healthy Pink Princess philodendron.
With the help of this comprehensive care guide, you’ll understand exactly what makes your Pink Princess philodendron tick. Implement our tips and suggestions for lighting, soil, water and humidity needs, and you’ll have a showstopping plant that thrives for many years to come.
What You Should Know About the Pink Princess Philodendron?
The Pink Princess philodendron has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its brightly-colored pink-splotched leaves and vining growth habit that allows it to beautifully trail. But before bringing one of these scene-stealing plants home, there are some key facts you should know about properly caring for them.
For starters, the Pink Princess is what’s known as a chimera plant in scientific terms. This means that while genetically identical, some of the plant’s cells have experienced genetic mutations that cause them to lose their green pigment and instead produce vibrant pinks and reds.
It is this instability in the plant’s cells that allows sections of leaves to display sharply contrasting pigments all on one vigorous vine. And when new leaves unfurl, you never quite know what ratio of pink to green each will display, which adds to this plant’s high visual appeal.
However, the vibrant pink hues also come with additional light requirements you need to provide for your philodendron. Bright indirect light is essential for encouraging the brightest colorations, as plants with insufficient light exposure will revert to mostly green leaves over time. Getting these light levels right will also prevent leaf burn.
The Pink Princess prefers soil that is slightly more moist than what most philodendron thrive in. Allowing the soil to completely dry out can cause leaf browning. Tending to soil moisture is especially important if you live in a dry environment. Finding the proper watering cadence where soil drains well but doesn’t turn dusty dry is vital.
As long as you keep these slightly particular needs for ample bright light and regularly moist soil in mind, the Pink Princess makes a fabulous houseplant known for its almost whimsical appeal. Give your plant what it craves, and its trailing vines will reward you with unforgettable, colorful displays for many years to come.
Planting and Growing Pink Princess Philodendron
The Pink Princess philodendron may have particular needs, but it is relatively easy to grow when its requirements are met. By following best practices for planting and growth, you can have a healthy, vibrant specimen. Key aspects to focus on include:
- Choosing the right potting mix. When selecting a potting mix, the Pink Princess needs good drainage and aeration, but also moisture retention. Choose an indoor plant potting mix with plenty of perlite and peat moss balanced with coconut coir or bark for drainage. You can add additional perlite or orchid bark if you find mixing difficult. Stay away from heavy soil blends.
- Picking the proper pot or planter. Pink Princess philodendrons have expansive root systems and vine widely as they mature. Select a pot that is wider rather than deeper, and size up the container as the plant grows. At minimum, choose a pot with drainage holes and space for development. Decorative planters work well if paired with a nursery pot nested inside.
- Providing the best light conditions. Getting lighting right is crucial to encourage vivid leaf variegation in Pink Princesses. Bright, indirect light keeps leaves colorful, prevents scorching, and supports growth. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Supplement with a grow light if natural light is insufficient, especially in winter. Rotate the pot to prevent uneven leaf coloring.
- Mastering watering needs. Pink Princesses like consistently moist yet well-draining soil. Water when the top few inches become dry, taking care not to oversaturate. The frequency depends on light, humidity, pot size, and other factors. Pay attention to soil moisture rather than a schedule. Allow water to fully permeate the soil, discarding excess drainage. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

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How to Care for Pink Princess Philodendron?
Caring properly for your Pink Princess philodendron is vital to keeping it healthy and vibrant. This means providing the ideal growing conditions and nutrients to allow it to thrive. Key aspects of care include dialing in the right temperature range, light exposure, and soil environment.
Ideal Temperature Range
The Pink Princess philodendron prefers warm indoor temperatures between 65-80°F during active growth periods. Cooler temps below 60°F can disrupt growth and cause leaf drop.
During winter, when light levels and growth naturally decline, temperatures down to 60°F are tolerated. Use an indoor thermometer to monitor conditions. Move plants away from drafty windows or add a heat source like a grow light to maintain warmer temps year-round.
Ideally, keep the Pink Princess where daytime ambient room temperatures range between 70-78°F and overnight lows do not drop below 65°F. The plant struggles if exposed to sustained temps much cooler than 60°F because its growth dramatically slows.
While a few nights in the high 50s won’t kill the plant, prolonged cold under 60°F leads to leaf damage or loss. During the winter, situate the philodendron in the warmest spot in your home.
Light Requirements
Getting adequate brightly diffused light is crucial for the Pink Princess. Low light causes poor variegation and mostly green leaves over time as pink pigments fade. Place in an east or west-facing window where the philodendron gets 4–6 hours of direct morning or evening light.
Bright shade suits the plant well during peak light hours. Supplement with grow lights in darker months. Never expose to direct hot midday light, which burns delicate foliage.
Aim to situate your Pink Princess where it receives at least 4 hours of gentle morning or late afternoon direct sun from an eastern or western window. This brighter light encourages excellent coloration.
For the rest of the day, it should rest in bright indirect light. If you don’t have an ideal window location, install a full spectrum grow light directly above the plant, set to 12–14 hours per day during the growing season. Rotate the pot regularly, so all sides get even light exposure as these vines grow.

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Soil Needs
The Pink Princess thrives in an indoor potting mix that retains some moisture but also drains well. Aim for a blend containing peat moss, perlite, bark or charcoal, and coconut coir. Soil should be light and fluffy, not dense or waterlogged. Maintain moisture in the top few inches without saturating the entire pot. Add new potting mix annually or repot every 2 years as old soil loses nutrients.
Purchase a high quality indoor potting mix containing Canadian sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and either coconut coir or finely shredded pine bark. You can add extra perlite if you find the regular mix stays too wet. Look for a mix that holds some moisture to support healthy roots but also has lots of pore space for drainage and aeration.
Annually top dress containers with new potting mix, mixing the old and new together. Then repot plants into fresh mix every second year before old soil loses its beneficial properties.
Humidity Preferences
The Pink Princess appreciates average home humidity levels between 40-50% percent. Use a hygrometer to track humidity, and make adjustments as needed. Group plants together to benefit from transpiration. Add a humidifier nearby or place pots on pebble trays topped with water. Avoid humidity levels below 40% that encourage leaf browning at the margins.
Monitor ambient humidity around your Pink Princess using an indoor hygrometer. Try to maintain 40-50% relative humidity if possible. In most homes during the winter that run drier, you may need to intervene by misting plants daily, placing several potted plants together, so their transpiration adds humidity, setting pots atop pebble trays filled with water, or running a room humidifier to prevent humidity dropping substantially below 40 percent for prolonged periods.
When to Repot
Repot young Pink Princess philodendrons annually in early spring as their root systems expand rapidly. Move mature plants into a roomier container every 2–3 years when roots have filled out existing pots. Stick with a wide, shallow container and only go 1 size up to avoid shock. New potting mix provides an added nutrient boost.
As a quick growing philodendron variety, the Pink Princess needs repotting into progressively larger wide, shallow planters to accommodate expanding root structures. Annually, shift young plants up to pot size each spring, using new aerated potting mix to refresh nutrients. Mature Pink Princesses should get fresh mix and moved into the next sized pot every 2–3 years to fuel continued healthy growth. Take care not to overwhelm rootballs with oversized containers.
Watering Frequency
Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly until excess drains from holes. Mature plants may need more frequent watering than young specimens. Assess soil moisture with your finger vs. a strict regimen. Reduce watering slightly in winter during dormancy.
The Pink Princess prefers consistently moist soil during the growing season, though take care not to create soggy conditions. Check soil moisture with your finger, watering plants thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry to the touch.
After initially moistening dry soil, allow excess water to freely drain from the drainage holes. Younger plants may need rewatering weekly, while mature specimens require water every 5–6 days on average. Reduction watering frequency slightly in winter.
Fertilization
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks from spring through fall. Suspend fertilizing in winter, when light and growth decrease. Never apply dry granular fertilizer, which can burn roots or become dangerously concentrated in moisture pockets.
The Pink Princess benefits from fertilizer applications during the active growing season to look its best. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer mixed at half the normal concentration every 2 weeks from early spring until early fall, when light levels dim. Any quality liquid fertilizer which covers macro and micronutrients makes a good choice.
Growth Patterns
The Pink Princess shows vining tendencies starting as a young plant. Provide trellises and supports as its climbing stems lengthen. Growth explodes in early spring, slows through summer, and really takes off again in fall before a complete winter dormancy period where leaves may yellow and drop.
Youthful Pink Princess philodendron plants start out bushy, supported by upright stems. But soon enough — generally reaching 2 feet tall — their vining climbing habit becomes apparent and requires supports. This fast-growing plant is most vigorous in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and daylight hours increase or decrease rapidly to trigger quick growth spurts.
Toxicity Concerns
Like many philodendrons, the Pink Princess contains insoluble calcium oxalates that irritate skin, mouths, and digestive tracts. Keep away from children and pets, wearing gloves during pruning. Seek medical help if plant materials are ingested.
While utterly gorgeous and easy to grow, the Pink Princess philodendron does contain naturally occurring calcium oxalate crystals. The insoluble nature of these crystals irritates and causes swelling in skin, mucous membranes, and digestive tracts when contacted or consumed. Always wear gloves when handling and keep plants out of reach from children and pets.
Flowering Habits
Rarely achievable indoors, the Pink Princess may bloom given perfect conditions, producing a floral spike wrapped in a pinkish red spathe. However, most gardeners grow this variety for its fabulous foliage rather than small calla lily-like blooms.
Though some keen indoor gardeners have coaxed a bloom spike from mature Pink Princess philodendron specimens, flowering generally proves exceptionally rare on indoor plants. And frankly, the fabulous variegated foliage steals the show! Should the perfect storm of optimal light, humidity, temperatures, nutrients and maturity align, you may witness slender floral spikes emerge, wrapped in pinkish red bracts.

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How to Propagate Pink Princess Philodendron?
Propagating more Pink Princess philodendron plants from cuttings is an easy, cost-effective way to increase your collection as well as share these gorgeous variegated plants with friends and family. Follow key steps for success:
- Selecting the best nodes for propagation. Choose healthy stems with a few leaves intact, making cuts right below nodes where aerial roots emerge. Mature tip cuttings and middle stem sections work well. Avoid taking divisions from the main stem or plant base.
- Preparing fresh cuttings. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to take 6 inch long tip or stem cuttings. Trim just below nodes where roots will sprout. Retain two or three leaves trimmed in half to reduce transpiration stress on new plants. Dip cuts in rooting hormone.
- Rooting pink princess cuttings. Place prepped cuttings in a glass of clean water, keeping one leaf node submerged and changing water weekly. Once plentiful roots show in 2–4 weeks, move to 4” nursery pots with indoor potting mix to finish.
- Potting up successfully rooted plants. Shift established, water rooted cuttings in small containers using an aerated indoor planting mix amended with extra perlite. Initially situate freshly potted plants in bright indirect light. Gradually introduce gentle direct light exposure once acclimated to avoid burning delicate new leaves.
- Caring for newly potted plants. Keep freshly potted cuttings evenly moist and grow under diffused light. Mist leaves daily while the plant establishes over 8 weeks before treating more like a mature specimen. Avoid direct sun, which scorches tender new growth needing time to toughen up.
- Troubleshooting propagation issues. If cuttings fail to root well or new leaves quickly yellow and drop, infectious pathogens like bacteria or fungi may be to blame. Sterilize tools between cuts, and consider applying a gentle fungicide once planted. Propagating healthier mother plants prevents passing diseases present to offspring.
- Pruning tricky vines. Prune back wayward vines on newly potted cuttings once established to encourage bushy, full plants and concentrate growth. Constantly trimming long vines signals the philodendron to split and fill out more pleasingly.
- Repotting maturing propagated plants. As propagated specimens grow over one year with crowded roots and declining soil nutrition, shift into slightly larger containers with fresh indoor potting mix to fuel steady growth. Choosing pots too large risks saturating roots, leading to rot issues.

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How to Repot Pink Princess Philodendron?
Repotting your Pink Princess philodendron every couple years provides fresh growing medium and space for expanding root systems. Follow these key steps when it’s time to size up your plant’s container:
- Selecting the ideal new container. Choose a pot one or two inches wider than the current size, sticking with broad, shallow pots with ample drainage holes that work best for Philodendron vines. Ensure the container has enough space to support future root expansion as plants grow.
- Preparing fresh indoor potting mix. Moisten new indoor potting mix beforehand so it is evenly damp but not soggy wet. Combine regular mix with added perlite for about 30% of total content to ensure exceptional aeration and drainage capacity suited to Philodendrons.
- Carefully removing from old pot. Gently massage the sides of the root ball to loosen clinging roots and ease removal. Slowly slide or tip from container, cradling soil to keep the root ball intact during the transfer process into its new, roomy home.
- Replanting at proper soil depth. Situate the Philodendron at the same level in the upgraded container as it stood in its former pot. Roots should rest just below the soil surface without burying the upper part of the stem. Surround with fresh, nutrient-rich indoor potting mix to energize growth.
- Providing initial post-repot care. Water newly potted plants and let excess liquid drain fully to settle the mixture. Shelter from direct light for several days while adjusting. Mist leaves if dry or curled while establishing adapted roots. Resume normal care once fully acclimated.
- Securing unstable vining stems. As vines lengthen post-repotting and heavier leaves weigh down once-upright stems, add plant supports and gently tie main stems in place until regaining normal upright structure several weeks later.
- Boosting nutrition after repotting. Begin applying balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength soon after repotting to provide key nutrients like nitrogen that aid recovery from the stress and root disturbance that replanting causes.
- Monitoring moisture levels closely. Test moisture more frequently once establishing roots in their new container. Water thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry, especially with freshly enriched soil that drains well and requires close attention.

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Helpful Tips for Growing Philodendron
Follow these key tips and tricks for getting the most spectacular results growing any philodendron variety with proper care tailored to their tropical origins:
- Mixing your own well-draining soil blend. Create an ideal potting mix by combining 2 parts peat moss, 2 parts perlite, and 1 part compost or coconut coir to balance moisture retention with good drainage and aeration that philodendron roots need.
- Choosing shallow, wide pots. Select broad containers no deeper than 6 inches to match how philodendron natively grow across forest floors rather than downward. Drainage holes prove vital to prevent soggy soil.
- Pruning tricky vines properly. Pinch back excessively long vining stems just above a node to encourage bushier growth habit rather than leggy plants. Sterilize sharp pruners between each cut with isopropyl alcohol to prevent spreading disease.
- Cleaning leaves gently. Use a soft microfiber cloth dipped in tepid water to wipe philodendron leaves when dusty or coated with sticky kitchen residues that can block their pores. Avoid chemical cleaners which damage delicate foliage.
- Supporting expanding growth habits. Set up moss poles, trellises secured with soft ties, or coconut coir totems near emerging aerial roots, so philodendrons can securely climb vertically as magnificent showstoppers without toppling over from increasing size.
- Boosting humidity levels. Philodendrons thrive best at 60% humidity or higher. Set pots atop pebble trays filled with water, mist often, or use humidifiers to keep their tropical nature satisfied indoors.
- Feeding regularly during growth. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during active growing seasons of spring through summer to fuel fast growth and vibrant foliage colors. Reduce feeding over cooler winter months.
- Placing near bright light sources. Situate philodendron pots in east, west or lightly filtered south facing windows to soak up the bright diffused light they love without risk of direct midday sun burning leaves adapted for jungle floors.
Common Issues When Growing Pink Princess Philodendron
Growing pink princess philodendrons (Philodendron erubescens) is rewarding but raising the popular houseplant does come with some common issues. Being aware of potential problems allows growers to take preventative and corrective action to keep plants healthy.
Some typical concerns include:
- Loss of pink variegation on leaves. The pink variegation is sensitive to light levels. Insufficient light causes new leaves to emerge completely green. Move to a brighter spot with several hours of indirect or dappled sunlight daily. The pink should return in new growth over time.
- Leggy growth habit. Leggy philodendrons are stretching for light. Give brighter filtered light conditions, prune leggy stems back to a node, or provide a moss pole for climbing support. New compact growth will emerge.
- Brown leaf tips. Dry air and inconsistent watering cause brown, crispy leaf tips. Mist regularly to boost humidity. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow water to fully drain after watering.
- Variegation turning brown. Too much light can burn sensitive variegated areas. Move back from direct sun. The amount of allowable light depends on local conditions. Adjust accordingly if variegation browns.
- Wilting leaves. Both over and underwatering can cause leaves to wilt. Stick a finger in the soil to gauge moisture before watering. Water thoroughly only when the top inch is dry. Improve drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Small, misshapen leaves. Inadequate nutrients and cramped roots lead to stunted leaf size. Repot every 2 years in an aerated soil mix amended with slow-release fertilizer. Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growth.
- Bacterial leaf spotting. Prevent bacterial infection by providing good airflow. Remove affected leaves promptly. Treat remaining plants quickly with copper fungicide sprays as needed until infection is controlled and eliminated.
- Yellowing leaves. Chlorotic yellowing indicates a micronutrient deficiency. Leaves can yellow from too much or too little watering as well. Check soil moisture and drainage before applying supplements. Apply a complete micronutrient supplement according to label instructions to restore deep green leaf color.

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FAQ.
Why are pink princess philodendrons more expensive than other varieties?
Pink princess philodendrons are more expensive because the desirable pink variegation is unstable and more challenging to produce commercially compared to plain green varieties. The pink coloration is prized by plant collectors.
Why might a pink princess philodendron start losing its pink variegation and turn green?
The pink variegation can fade or disappear if light levels drop too low. The vibrant pink requires bright, indirect light. Insufficient light causes all-green leaves to grow. Move to a brighter location, so new leaves regain variegation.
Is the pink princess philodendron toxic to pets?
Yes, pink princess philodendrons are mildly toxic to pets if leaves or stems are chewed or ingested. The calcium oxalate crystals and insoluble raphides they contain can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep out of reach.
How much sunlight does a pink princess philodendron require?
Pink princess philodendrons need bright, indirect light for around 4 hours daily. Low light reduces variegation. Direct hot sun burns the leaves. Ideal conditions are dappled or filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain.
What fertilizer ratio is best for a pink princess philodendron?
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio close to 20-20-20 monthly while actively growing. This provides key macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that promote lush foliage and pink variegation.
What type of potting mix is optimal for a pink princess philodendron?
An aerated, loose potting mix amended with perlite, bark chips, or pumice provides the quick drainage these tropical plants require. Soilless mixes for orchids or epiphytic plants work well.
What is the maximum size a pink princess philodendron can reach?
Given proper supportive conditions, a mature pink princess philodendron can reach heights of 3-6 feet indoors. Growth rate and size depend partly on if allowed to vine or trained up supportive trellises.
Is the pink congo philodendron the same plant as the pink princess variety?
No, pink congo is a different, though related cultivar and is actually a type of anthurium, not philodendron. It has light pink leaves, while the princess has showy pink variegated markings.
What pests’ problems I can run into when caring for Pink Princess?
Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Check leaf undersides routinely and use appropriate organic sprays if populations are found early before severe damage occurs.
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