The Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ (PPP) is highly sought after for the dramatic, splashy pink variegation across its deep green foliage. This popular aroid, originating from Colombia, is often propagated by hobbyists who seek to expand their collection or share cuttings. The good news for many enthusiasts is that the Pink Princess readily develops new roots when submerged in water. However, establishing a cutting in water is different from sustaining its long-term growth without soil, which transitions the process into a more involved hydroponic system requiring specific management.
Water Propagation: Steps for Rooting Cuttings
Successfully starting a new Pink Princess plant requires selecting a stem cutting that contains at least one node. The node is where the aerial roots and new leaf shoots emerge, initiating root growth. Ensure the cutting has one or two healthy leaves remaining to perform photosynthesis and supply the necessary energy reserves.
A clear glass vessel is often preferred for propagation, as it allows for easy observation of root development and monitoring of water clarity. While standard tap water is generally acceptable, using filtered or distilled water can minimize the buildup of chlorine and mineral salts. The water level should be consistently maintained so that the node is fully submerged, but the petiole and leaf blade remain above the surface to prevent rot.
The cutting relies entirely on stored starches and sugars within the stem and leaves to fuel the initial growth of new roots, meaning no external nutrients are immediately needed. This phase typically takes between two to four weeks before small, white root nubs become visible. Once these roots are approximately one to two inches long, the cutting is ready to be either transplanted to soil or moved into a dedicated system for sustained water culture.
Sustaining Growth: Long-Term Hydroponic Care
Transitioning from simple water rooting to permanent, soilless growth requires a fundamental shift in care. Water alone lacks the necessary macro and micronutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that a growing plant requires. To support long-term growth, the Pink Princess needs a specialized liquid hydroponic fertilizer solution added to the water.
This fertilizer must be highly diluted, often at a quarter to half of the concentration recommended for standard soil applications, to prevent root burn. The frequency of nutrient application is tied directly to the water change schedule, which should occur every seven to ten days. Regular water changes replenish oxygen, remove metabolic waste products, and manage the concentration of mineral salts.
Preventing root rot requires ensuring adequate oxygenation around the roots. The water must be refreshed frequently to introduce dissolved oxygen, which the roots require for respiration. Stagnant water quickly becomes oxygen-depleted, creating an anaerobic condition where pathogens thrive and the roots begin to decay.
The vessel size must accommodate the growing root mass, and the roots should not be allowed to become overly crowded. Maintaining consistent water temperature, ideally between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–24°C), supports efficient nutrient uptake and metabolism. By consistently managing the nutrient balance, oxygen levels, and water quality, the Pink Princess can thrive indefinitely in a hydroponic setup.
Variegation Stability and Light Requirements
The striking pink color of the Pink Princess is due to a genetic mutation that prevents chlorophyll production in those specific cell lines. Since the pink portions cannot produce energy, the plant must rely entirely on the green, chlorophyll-containing sections of the leaves for all its metabolic needs. Light intensity plays a direct role in maintaining the proportion and vibrancy of the pink variegation.
If the light levels are insufficient, the plant will prioritize the production of green, chlorophyll-rich tissue to maximize energy capture, known as reversion. This adaptation results in new leaves emerging with less pink or becoming entirely green. To encourage the stable, desirable pink coloring, the Pink Princess requires bright, indirect light for many hours per day.
The high light levels required to maintain the variegation are particularly important in a soilless system. Placing the plant a few feet from a south- or west-facing window, or under a dedicated grow light, helps ensure the pink color remains prominent. Adequate light ensures the green sections can produce enough energy to support the aesthetically valuable pink sections.