The Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) is a houseplant known for its deep emerald-green leaves contrasted by vibrant, bubblegum-pink variegation. This South American native has surged in popularity due to its unique appearance, making it a sought-after addition for collectors. Finding a specimen with high-quality variegation requires knowing where to look and understanding the factors that influence its price and health.
Locating Purchasing Channels
The search for a Pink Princess Philodendron begins across several distinct retail channels, each offering different benefits regarding price, quality, and convenience. Local nurseries and smaller, independent boutique plant shops are often the best places to find high-quality, well-established specimens. These businesses typically source their plants from specialized growers and can provide expert advice, though prices are generally higher to reflect the curated selection.
Large retail stores, such as home improvement centers or grocery stores, represent another option for purchasing this plant. These outlets offer the advantage of lower prices and higher availability, particularly for smaller plants or tissue-cultured starts. The stock quality can be inconsistent, however, and plant care at these locations may be less specialized, requiring a thorough inspection before purchase.
Online sellers, including specialized aroid nurseries and marketplace platforms like Etsy or eBay, provide the widest selection, often featuring plants with superior or unusual variegation patterns. Purchasing online requires navigating the logistics of shipping a living plant, necessitating the buyer to choose vendors with established reputations for secure packaging and prompt delivery.
Understanding Price and Variegation
The cost of a Pink Princess Philodendron fluctuates dramatically based almost entirely on the amount and stability of its pink variegation. Variegation is caused by a genetic mutation where some cells lack the ability to produce chlorophyll, resulting in the pink coloration. Plants displaying a balanced, half-moon pattern or large, distinct pink patches command the highest prices.
Two primary patterns of variegation influence value: “sectoral” variegation, which appears as large, defined blocks of pink and green, and “splash” or “marbled” variegation, which is a more scattered distribution of pink speckling. A small, unrooted cutting with high-quality variegation may cost a similar amount to a larger, established plant that exhibits minimal pink coloring. The size of the plant also plays a role, with established plants in four- to six-inch pots being more expensive than small starter plugs.
A concern is the potential for the plant to “revert,” meaning the new growth loses the pink color and returns to solid green. This happens because the green, chlorophyll-rich portions photosynthesize more efficiently, eventually out-competing the variegated sections. To maintain value, buyers should look for plants where the pink coloring extends down the petiole and into the main stem. This stem variegation is a strong indicator that future leaves will retain the desired pink color.
Essential Health Checks Before Purchase
Regardless of the purchasing channel, a careful inspection of the plant’s physical health is necessary to prevent introducing pests or diseases into a home collection. The leaves should be the first point of inspection, checking both the top and underside for common houseplant pests. Tiny webbing suggests the presence of spider mites, while cotton-like masses in leaf axils indicate mealybugs.
The soil and root system also offer clues to the plant’s overall well-being. The potting medium should appear loose and well-draining, not compacted or soggy, which can lead to root rot. If possible, gently slide the plant from its pot to examine the roots, which should be firm and white or light tan.
Brown or mushy roots are a clear sign of overwatering and decay. Examining the soil surface for small, flying insects, such as fungus gnats, provides a final check. Choosing a clean, robust specimen minimizes the risk of future issues and ensures the best chance for the plant to thrive in its new environment.