In 2021, mature pink princess philodendrons reached prices of $2,000. This shows how popular and rare this beautiful tropical houseplant is. The pink princess philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’) stands out with its deep green leaves and vibrant pink patterns. It’s a dream for many plant lovers.
Now, you can find these plants for less, with mature ones costing a few hundred dollars and smaller ones under $100. To keep this tropical houseplant looking great, proper care is key. Luckily, it’s easy to care for, just like many philodendrons.
Key Takeaways
- The pink princess philodendron is a highly sought-after foliage plant known for its deep green leaves with vibrant pink variegation.
- This rare philodendron cultivar can grow up to 4-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide when mature.
- The pink princess plant originates from South America, specifically Colombia.
- Prices for pink princess philodendrons have dropped significantly, with mature plants now available for a few hundred dollars and smaller plants for under $100.
- Proper care, including providing the right light, water, and soil requirements, is essential for maintaining the plant’s stunning pink variegation.
What is a Pink Princess Philodendron?
Origin and Characteristics
The Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’, also known as the Pink Princess Philodendron or blushing philodendron, comes from the rainforests of Colombia. It’s a tropical aroid plant in the Araceae family and the Philodendron genus. This plant is famous for its pink and green leaves.
The Pink Princess Philodendron grows up to 4-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide. It’s a perennial that can be quite big. Its leaves are heart-shaped and can be 6-9 inches long. They show off a mix of pink, green, and white colors.
Although it became popular in the 1970s, its true origins are a bit of a mystery. Some think it came from a natural mutation, while others believe it was bred on purpose. But its unique look and easy care have made it a favorite among plant lovers.
“The Pink Princess Philodendron is a true showstopper, captivating plant enthusiasts with its vibrant, colorful foliage.”
Light Requirements for pink princess plant
Getting the right light is key for your pink princess philodendron to stay beautiful. These plants love bright, indirect light and need at least 8 hours of it daily. This light brings out their pink and green colors. They can also handle a bit of direct sunlight, which makes their colors even more vibrant.
If your home lacks enough light, consider getting a grow light. Without enough light, the plant’s leaves turn solid green and lose their unique look. Direct sunlight can also burn the leaves, so be careful with the amount of light you give it.
“Bright, indirect light is the key to maintaining the pink princess philodendron’s stunning variegation. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause damage to the leaves.”
For the best growth and color, put your pink princess philodendron in a spot with bright indirect light most of the day. This means partial shade or bright indirect light is perfect. It helps the plant keep its pink and green colors without burning the leaves.
With the right amount of bright indirect light, your pink princess philodendron will stay vibrant and beautiful. This ensures it thrives in your home or garden.
Watering Needs
Getting the watering right is key for your Philodendron Pink Princess to stay healthy and look great. This beautiful plant needs specific watering to avoid problems like dry soil or root rot.
Let the top half of the soil dry out before you water again. This means you should water your Pink Princess once a week in spring and summer. In fall and winter, you can water every 1-2 weeks.
Never let your Pink Princess sit in wet soil, as it can easily get root rot. Overwatering is a bigger problem than underwatering for this plant. If you’re not sure, wait an extra day before watering again.
“The ideal watering schedule for a Philodendron Pink Princess is to allow the top 2-3 centimeters of soil to dry out before watering again.”
Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the pot. Water when the top half of the soil feels dry. This watering schedule helps keep your plant moist but not too wet, preventing soil drying or root rot.
Soil and Potting Mix
The Philodendron Pink Princess loves airy, well-draining soil full of organic matter. It needs a potting mix that has the right balance of nutrients, drainage, and air. This mix helps it grow well.
Ideal Soil Composition
For the Philodendron Pink Princess, mix 65-70% Miracle Gro Indoor Potting Mix or Fox Farm Ocean Forest with 20-25% perlite, and 10% horticultural charcoal. This mix makes sure the soil drains well and has enough organic matter for the plant.
Or, you can make your own mix. Use 40% peat moss/coco choir, 30% orchid bark, 20% perlite, and 10% worm castings. Make sure the soil’s pH is between 5.5 and 6.5. Soil that’s too acidic or alkaline can harm the plant.
“Proper soil preparation is crucial for the long-term health and vibrant growth of the Philodendron Pink Princess.”
When picking or making potting mix for this aroid, think about aeration, drainage, and nutrients. The right soil helps your Pink Princess Philodendron grow well and show off its beautiful pink and green leaves.
Temperature and Humidity
The pink princess philodendron loves warm, humid places. Most homes are perfect for these tough plants. Keeping the ideal temperature and humidity right is key for growth and bright leaves.
A study found the best temperature for the pink princess philodendron is 65 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26 degrees Celsius). If it gets colder than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), the leaves may turn brown and dry. This is because the plant can’t handle the cold household conditions.
This plant also likes a moist environment. Dry air makes the leaves dry and turn brown. To keep the humidity right, mist the plant or use a pebble tray often.
“Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is crucial for the pink princess philodendron to thrive and showcase its stunning foliage.”
By watching the temperature and humidity and adjusting when needed, you can make the best space for your pink princess philodendron. This way, it can grow well and look its best.
Fertilizing
To keep your Pink Princess Philodendron looking great, you need to feed it regularly during its active season. This plant does well with a balanced liquid fertilizer often.
Feeding Schedule
In spring and summer, when the plant is growing best, feed it a balanced liquid fertilizer every month. This helps it grow strong and stay colorful.
When fall comes and the plant rests, stop feeding it. Giving it too much food can harm the plant.
“Proper fertilization is key to keeping your Pink Princess Philodendron healthy and vibrant throughout the year.”
Stick to a regular feeding plan and use a balanced liquid fertilizer. This way, your Pink Princess Philodendron will stay healthy and keep its beautiful pink and green colors.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer)
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to provide the plant with essential nutrients
- Discontinue fertilizing in the dormant period (early fall)
Repotting and Propagation
When to Repot
Your Pink Princess Philodendron will grow out of its pot over time. To keep it healthy, repot it every 1 to 2 years. Pick a pot that’s 2 to 4 inches bigger than the old one for its roots to grow well.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
Propagating the Pink Princess Philodendron with stem cuttings is easy. Choose a healthy stem with 2 to 3 leaves and 2 to 3 nodes at the bottom. Cut just below a node with clean scissors or pruners.
Put the cutting in water in a glass or jar, making sure the nodes are under water. Keep it in bright, indirect light. In 2-3 weeks, roots should start to grow from the cutting.
“Propagation is a cost-effective way to grow your Philodendron collection and share your love of these beautiful plants with others.”
When the roots are strong, move the cutting to a pot with good drainage. Treat it like your mature plant. With proper care, your new plant will be beautiful and add to your indoor garden.
Common Pests and Diseases
The Philodendron Pink Princess faces many common pests and diseases. Keeping an eye on your plant and acting fast is key to its health. Let’s look at some common problems and how to fix them.
Pests to Watch Out For
Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, scale, and fungus gnats are pests that bother the Philodendron Pink Princess. Mealybugs leave a cottony residue, while aphids and spider mites can make leaves look bad and stop them from growing. Scale insects look like small, hard bumps on leaves and stems, and fungus gnats like damp soil.
To fight these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray on the affected spots. Checking your plant often and treating quickly is important to keep pests away.
Common Diseases
- Root Rot: Too much water causes root rot, which makes leaves turn yellow and wilt. It also makes the soil smell bad. Make sure the soil drains well and let it dry out between waterings.
- Rust Spot: This is a fungal disease that makes leaves have brown or black spots. Use fungicides and keep air moving around the plant to fight it.
By watching for pests and diseases and dealing with them fast, you can keep your Philodendron Pink Princess healthy and bright.
“Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective and environmentally sensitive approach to managing pests and diseases. This holistic strategy combines cultural, biological, and targeted chemical controls for comprehensive plant protection.”
Troubleshooting
The Pink Princess Philodendron may face a few common problems. Spotting and fixing these issues early keeps your plant healthy and its variegation vibrant. Let’s look at two big concerns: leaves turning green and getting too long.
Leaves Turning Green
If your Pink Princess Philodendron’s leaves start to turn green, it means it’s not getting enough light. These plants love bright, indirect light. Without enough light, they produce more chlorophyll, making leaves look green.
To fix this, move your plant to a spot with more bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny window or grow light can help bring back its color. Don’t put it in direct sunlight, as it can cause variegation loss and etiolation.
Leggy Growth
Another issue is when the Pink Princess Philodendron gets too long and looks lanky. This happens when it stretches for more light. The spaces between leaves get longer, making the plant look bad.
To stop this, make sure your plant gets enough bright, indirect light. If it’s stretching, try moving it to a brighter spot or use a grow light. Good lighting helps it grow bushy and keeps its variegation looking great.
By fixing these issues and giving your Pink Princess Philodendron the right care, you can enjoy its beautiful leaves for many years.
Buying a Pink Princess Philodendron
If you’re drawn to the pink and green leaves of the Pink Princess Philodendron, you might want one for your plants. But, it’s important to examine the foliage closely and check for any signs of variegation, spots, or brown leaves. These signs help make sure you get a healthy, lively plant.
These beautiful Philodendrons are getting easier to find, and you might see them at your local hardware store or garden center. While online shops have more choices, checking your local stores is handy. Just be sure to carefully inspect the plant’s condition before buying.
What to Look For
- Look for leaves with even, consistent variegation. Stay away from plants with mostly green leaves or uneven patterns.
- Check for any spots or brown leaves, which could be signs of disease or pests.
- Find a plant with a strong root system and sturdy stems.
- Make sure the soil is moist but not too wet, and the leaves are clean and undamaged.
By taking the time to carefully inspect the plant before buying, you can boost your chances of getting a healthy Pink Princess Philodendron. This plant will make your indoor garden beautiful for many years.
“The Pink Princess Philodendron is a true showstopper, with its captivating color contrast and lush, tropical aesthetic. Choosing a healthy specimen is key to ensuring its long-term success in your home.”
Cost and Availability
Looking for the Pink Princess Philodendron? Prices can vary a lot. Once, these plants were rare and cost premium prices upwards of $2,000 for a mature one. But now, things have changed a lot.
Thanks to more mass production, the Pink Princess Philodendron is easier to get for plant lovers. You can now spend $30 to $60 for a young, healthy plant. If you’re watching your budget, you might find cuttings for $5 to $10.
“The Pink Princess Philodendron has become significantly more affordable and widely available in the past couple of years, making it a more attainable option for many plant lovers.”
Even though the price range has dropped, these plants are still in high demand. So, if you want a Pink Princess, act fast before they’re gone. With proper care, these plants can flourish and add color to your home.
Conclusion
The Pink Princess philodendron has won the hearts of plant lovers all over the world. It’s part of the philodendron family and is easy to care for. With the right amount of light, water, soil, and humidity, it will thrive. This guide will help you make sure your Pink Princess Philodendron grows well and adds color to your home.
The Pink Congo plant looks similar to the Pink Princess but is different. It’s important to know the differences and that the pink color is not permanent. As more Pink Princess plants become available, they’re getting easier to find and buy. This makes them a favorite among plant collectors and fans.
Whether you’re experienced in growing philodendrons or new to houseplants, the Pink Princess Philodendron is a great choice. It brings tropical beauty to any home. By following the care tips in this article, you can enjoy its beautiful pink leaves for many years.
