Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ | Ultimate Grow & Care Guide

Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ is one of the most exciting cultivar of Philodendron erubescens. It’s known as the perfect indoor plant if you’re looking for something with a little extra flare.

This blushing plant thrives in medium light and warms indoors, so it’s the perfect companion for your desk, shelf, bedroom or bathroom.

From growing conditions, care and cultivation, our growing guide will give you all the insight you need to grow a striking Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’. 

What is Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’? 

Philodendrons are an incredibly popular houseplant across the globe. Part of the Araceae family, these tropical South American plants are best-known for their gorgeous evergreen leaves which offer homeowners an exotic aesthetic. 

There are over 23 types of Philodendron cultivars, of which many have variegated and multi-coloured leaves. The Philodendron Brasil, for instance, has an exciting blend of yellow and green. However, the Philodendron erubescens is one of the only which boasts beautifully pink, luminescent leaves. 

Naturally thriving under the canopy of larger trees, philodendrons thrive in dappled sunlight and warm, humid environments – making them the perfect choice for indoors. Still, it’s essential to know exactly how to take care of these plants to guarantee success.

How to Grow Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’

Whether growing indoors or in a shaded area of your garden, your philodendron will have certain needs that are essential to be fulfilled. You’ll need to pay special attention to the level of light, condition of the soil and just the right level of humidity to ensure the best results. 

Ideal Conditions for Pink Princess Philodendron

Right Soil 

When it comes to soil, most philodendron cultivars enjoy a loose well-draining soil mixture that’s filled with plenty of organic matter and nutrients. 

For the pink princess plant, you’ll want to find a potting mixture that drains quickly, while retaining a little bit of moisture. These plants can’t tolerate water-laden soils, but shrivel up when roots dry out completely. 

You can of course choose a pre-made potting mixture suited to philodendrons or pothos. However, most gardeners prefer creating their own soil mixture.

Consider a soil mixture which is largely peat moss, with elements of orchid bark, perlite and worm castings. This will ensure the soil is rich with nutrients while chunky enough to drain freely. (Get to know more about peat moss here.)

Light Requirements

These plants thrive when they get a good level of bright indirect light. Securing the right level of light can sometimes be the biggest challenge. The wrong amount of light can deteriorate plant health and leave foliage looking a little drab and sad. 

While some philodendron plants can adapt to little to no light, this variegated variety definitely needs a little extra. Still, too much direct sunlight will cause the leaves to scorch. 

Somewhere near an East, West or North-facing window is ideal, or anywhere that gets gentler morning light. Avoid the afternoon at all costs. 

Temperature and Humidity

Most indoor environments are ideal for these plants. They thrive in temperatures between 55-95°F, so almost any location in your home will do the trick. Avoid keeping your plants in areas that experience strong gusts of wind or drafts. 

When it comes to humidity, these plants definitely need a little extra nudge from time to time. The most straightforward strategy is to keep your pot on a pebble tray, this will help to keep the soil partly wet when the top layer of soil dries out. 

You can also consider regularly misting your plants or popping them next to a humidifier once per week. Misting will also help to keep leaves free from dust and dirt.

Planting Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’

Before getting to plant your new companion, you’ll need to prepare to give your plant every chance of thriving. Pick out a pot that offers good drainage, through sufficient drainage holes.

Terra cotta pots are always a great choice for moisture-loving plants as the porous material provides plants with just the right level of breathability, without leaving the soil waterlogged. 

The pot should be a few inches larger than the previous pot, which will allow the roots to expand and encourage new growth. 

Here’s what you need to do:

• Prepare the pot with a small layer of rocks or pebbles at the base. Fill a small layer of potting soil, ensuring to leave it loose. 
• Gently remove the plant from its original pot and tousle the roots loose to remove most of the old soil. 
• Place the root ball into the new pot and back fill the remaining soil. 
• Do your best to keep the top of the root ball at the same height as the previous pot. 
• Water well for the first few days after planting. 

Pink Princess Philodendron Propagation

One of the many benefits of this fantastic feature plant is that it’s pretty easy to propagate. This should be done in Spring, when replanting or when new shoots begin to mature. Propagation can be done by means of division or from a cutting. 

While propagated plants can be rooted in soil, as with many other plants. However, one of the best ways to get your plants to root is by placing them in water. 

When working with these plants it’s always a good idea to use a pair of gloves. To some, the sap of the Philodendron erubescens can be toxic which can cause mild skin irritation. 

Propagating Using Taking Cuttings

• Prepare a sharp, sterilized blade, glass of water and gloves. 
• Take a look at the stems of your plant, picking ones that are healthy and actively growing. 
• Once you’ve made your pick, make a cutting around 6-inches in length. 
• Place the cut stem into a glass of freshwater. Most of the stem should be immersed in water, where the leaf should be above the water. 
• Keep your cutting in a warm, semi-shaded location to root. 
• Plants should develop within 4 to 5 weeks.

Dividing Pink Princess Philodendron

• At the time of replanting, plants can be divided into 2 or 3 parts. 
• Once plants have been removed from their pot, tousle the roots loose. 
• Use a sharp, sterilized blade to cut the root ball into pieces, taking care not to damage the roots. 
• Re-plant the divided pieces in their own pots and keep them in a warm, semi-shaded spot to root. 
• Keep cuttings moist without over-watering. 

Pink Princess Philodendron Care Tips

Once plants are established, they’re largely self-sufficient. However, it’s important to keep up with water and fertilizing to make sure your plants get the moisture and nutrients they need to keep up their bright and bold foliage. 

Watering Pink Princess Plant

Your ultimate with your watering schedule is to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Note this does not mean drenching your plants throughout the summer. 

You’ll need to let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again. Ways in which you can check your soil include the simple finger check or the more sophisticated soil moisture meter. Either one works pretty well. 

Now, these plants are overly picky but in certain areas, tap water can be problematic. Tap water that is treated with fluoride, chlorine or salts can damage your plants’ root system and cause leaves to curl.

Consider using rainwater or distilled water for the best results. If you don’t have any handy, leave tap water in an open container overnight before watering your plants with it. 

Fertilizing Pink Princess Philodendron

Plants should be fertilized regularly throughout the Spring and early Fall. You can fertilize plants as often as every 4 to 6 weeks during this period, then cut back completely in the winter. 

A balanced, 10-10-10 fertilizer will give you the best results. Avoid using a fertilizer with an overly high nitrogen content as this can affect the level of variegation with pink princess plant. 

Pruning Needs

Philodendrons aren’t known to need a lot of pruning, especially as leaves live for a long amount of time. Still, semi-regular pruning at the end of winter can encourage new growth and reduce the risk of leggy growth. 

Cut back any damaged or diseased leaves as soon as you notice them, leaving healthy and happy leaves to thrive. Be sure to use a pair of gloves and a sterilized blade or secateurs. (Don't miss our review on the best secateurs available for 2023.) 

Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ Pests and Diseases

This is a fuss-free plant, so unless your plant care is lacking, you really won’t have too much hassle when growing your Philodendron pink princess. Still, common pests, overwatering or lack of moisture can cause concern for your plants. 

• Drooping or Discolored Leaves. Drooping leaves are a sign that your plants are either getting too much or too little water.
  
  Check your soil immediately, if it feels dry – increase watering. If it’s soaked, let your plants dry out before watering again. 
• Browning Leaves. From time to time, your brilliant pink and green leaves can begin to brown at the edges. This is an indicator that something about the humidity is wrong.
  
  Consider misting more regularly or keeping your pebble tray filled with more water. 
• Pests. Although it’s uncommon, if your other indoor plants are struggling with a spider mite infestation, your pink princess plant may fall victim too.
  
  Keep a careful eye on your foliage and treat leaves with insecticidal oil should you notice an issue.

If you love philodendrons so much then don't miss growing these varieties below:

• Philodendron xanadu
• Philodendron ‘Moonlight’

Start Making a Statement – Grow Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’

The Philodendron erubescens really is a remarkable and spectacular plant. Although it has a princess in the name, it really doesn’t need a royal amount of care. 

Keep your plant in the right spot, with dappled light and a good level of warmth. Keep up with its moisture needs and you’ll have a fantastic, thriving Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ in your home.