The Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ is a highly sought-after houseplant, celebrated for its stunning foliage. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves are dramatically variegated with vibrant pink. This striking appearance, a result of a natural genetic mutation, makes it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. It grows as a climbing or trailing perennial, trainable on a support or allowed to cascade.
Pink Princess Plant Care
Light
Providing adequate light is important for the ‘Pink Princess’ to maintain its vibrant pink variegation. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking filtered sunlight. Placing it near an east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun followed by bright, indirect light. Insufficient light will cause the pink sections to diminish, potentially reverting to solid green. Too much direct sunlight can scorch delicate leaves, causing the green to fade and the pink to turn almost white.
Soil
The ‘Pink Princess’ requires a well-draining, aerated soil mixture that also retains some moisture. It benefits from a chunky substrate rich in organic matter, which prevents the soil from becoming overly dense and waterlogged. A popular mixture includes one part standard potting soil, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark. This type of mix is essential for preventing root rot. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, typically between 5.5 and 6.5.
Watering
Proper watering is essential for the ‘Pink Princess’, which is susceptible to root rot from overwatering. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This usually means watering once a week during spring and summer, and less frequently in fall and winter. Always check the soil moisture level before watering, as environmental conditions influence drying times. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, but never let the plant sit in standing water. Using filtered water or rainwater can be beneficial, as tap water may contain chemicals or salts that build up in the soil.
Temperature and Humidity
The ‘Pink Princess’ thrives in warm and humid conditions, originating from tropical rainforests. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) or sudden fluctuations, such as near drafts or heating vents. High humidity is beneficial for its lush growth and vibrant variegation, with optimal levels being 50% or higher. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray, or occasionally mist the leaves. Consistent humidity helps prevent leaf edges from turning brown and crispy.
Fertilization
During its active growing season (spring and summer), the ‘Pink Princess’ benefits from regular fertilization. Feed the plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 5-5-5 or 10-10-10 NPK ratio, diluted to half or quarter strength to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization entirely during fall and winter when the plant enters a dormant phase. Always ensure the soil is moist before applying fertilizer to prevent root damage.
Repotting Your Pink Princess Plant
Repotting is necessary when the ‘Pink Princess’ outgrows its container, typically every one to two years for younger plants. Signs include roots emerging from drainage holes, roots circling the soil surface, or slowed growth. The best time to repot is during spring or early summer, as the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Select a new pot only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, carefully loosen the root ball, and remove as much old soil as possible. Add a layer of fresh, well-draining soil mix to the bottom of the new pot, then center the plant and fill around the roots. Water the newly repotted plant thoroughly to help the soil settle.
Propagating Pink Princess Plants
Propagating the ‘Pink Princess’ is an effective way to create new plants. Stem cuttings are the primary method for successful propagation. The best time to take cuttings is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to cut a stem section that includes at least two to three leaves and two to three exposed nodes. Nodes are small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Remove any lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
The cutting can be rooted in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water regularly. Once roots are about one inch long, transfer the cutting to a well-draining potting mix. For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into a moist, well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one node is buried. Maintaining high humidity around new cuttings can help encourage rooting.
Common Issues and Solutions
The ‘Pink Princess’ is resilient, but issues can arise from improper care.
Loss of Pink Variegation
Loss of pink variegation, resulting in predominantly green leaves, is a common concern. This issue stems from insufficient light. The variegated sections of the leaves contain less chlorophyll, requiring more light to maintain their color than green areas. To restore variegation, move the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light. While new growth may show improved pink, entirely green leaves will not regain their variegation.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched stems and sparse leaves, indicates the plant is not receiving enough light. To correct this, relocate the plant to a brighter spot with ample indirect light. Pruning back the leggy sections can encourage bushier, more compact growth. Providing a moss pole or other support for the plant to climb can also promote healthier, more upright growth.
Brown or Yellowing Leaves
Brown or yellowing leaves signal various problems. Brown leaf edges or crispy tips often indicate low humidity or underwatering. Increasing humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray can alleviate this. Brown spots or browning of large pink sections may also result from too much direct sun or root rot from overwatering. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. Yellowing can also be caused by underwatering or nutrient deficiencies. Checking soil moisture and adjusting watering habits is important.
Pest Infestations
The ‘Pink Princess’ can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions and may cause yellow speckling or fine webbing on leaves. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses, while aphids are small, soft-bodied insects often found on the undersides of leaves. Regularly inspecting the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, helps in early detection. For treatment, physically wipe off pests with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Organic treatment methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective, applied thoroughly to affected areas. Isolating infested plants prevents pests from spreading.