The ‘Princess Pinky’ plant, formally known as Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’, is a highly sought-after houseplant. It features dark green, heart-shaped leaves with vibrant, bubblegum-pink variegation.
Caring for Your Princess Pinky
Light Requirements
The Pink Princess Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light, essential for maintaining its distinctive variegation. Place the plant near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves and fade the pink coloration, while insufficient light leads to a loss of variegation.
Watering Needs
The ‘Pink Princess’ prefers its soil to dry out partially between waterings. Check the top 1-2 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering often causes root rot, so ensure adequate drainage. It tolerates slight underwatering better than overwatering.
Soil Mix
A well-draining, aerated potting mix rich in organic matter benefits the Pink Princess Philodendron. A common blend includes standard potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This mix ensures good airflow around roots and prevents waterlogging. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH, ideally between 5.5 and 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants flourish in warm, humid conditions. Ideal temperatures range between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C), as prolonged cold can damage the plant. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray with water, a room humidifier, or group plants together.
Feeding Your Plant
During its active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize the Pink Princess Philodendron regularly. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month or every 4-6 weeks. Ensure the soil is damp before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Common Problems and Solutions
Losing Pink Variegation
Loss of vibrant pink variegation, resulting in more green leaves, is often due to insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location to encourage pink coloration. Pruning stems that have reverted to solid green can also promote new growth with desirable variegation.
Browning or Yellowing Leaves
Brown or yellowing leaves indicate various issues. Crispy, brown edges often point to underwatering or low humidity. Yellowing leaves, especially with mushy stems, signal overwatering or poor drainage. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing. Adjust watering, improve humidity, and ensure proper drainage to resolve these issues.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched-out stems with sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light. The plant is reaching for a light source. Relocate it to a brighter spot with ample indirect light. Pruning leggy stems encourages bushier, more compact growth by stimulating new side shoots.
Pests
The Pink Princess Philodendron is susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips. Regularly inspect leaves, especially undersides, for early detection. If pests are identified, treat with methods like wiping leaves with a damp cloth, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Isolate affected plants to prevent spreading.
Propagating New Princess Pinkies
Propagate Pink Princess Philodendrons through stem cuttings. Use sharp, sterilized shears to cut a healthy stem section with at least one node and a few leaves. The node is where roots and new growth emerge.
Cuttings can root in water or a well-draining soil mix. For water propagation, submerge the node, changing water every few days. If rooting in soil, plant the cutting with the node buried, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
Provide warmth, high humidity, and bright, indirect light for root development. Once roots are well-established (around one inch long), transplant water-rooted cuttings into soil.