Pink Princess Philodendron care and growing tips

The Pink Princess Philodendron (scientific name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’), also called PPP, is a celebrity among plant enthusiasts. It’s sought after as a houseplant due to its striking coloration. The mix of green and pink shades makes the plant’s variegation rare—and extremely aesthetic.

It’s also relatively easy to grow and care for, so it’s a favorite among both beginners and expert gardeners. As long as you have its light needs, humidity preferences, and watering frequency nailed down, you have nothing to worry about.

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What is a Pink Princess Philodendron?

The Pink Princess Philodendron can be identified through its large, glossy leaves that have unique splashes of pink and green. This variegation is random and some leaves can be completely pink while some just have streaks or patches of the shade.

The PPP’s height can also vary based on its location. Houseplants typically grow from 2-4 feet. However, there are large Pink Princess Philodendrons that reach 5-8 feet outdoors as long as the ideal conditions are met. It’s also a climber and can scale walls, so it requires support structures like moss poles or trellises to guide its growth.

The plant is a native of South American tropical rainforests, particularly in Colombia. Ever since it arrived in the US, its exotic look and straightforward care requirements made it popular among houseplants. And the traction for PPPs just continues to grow. It’s even considered a status symbol among plant collectors already.

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How to care for Pink Princess Philodendron

To grow and maintain a Pink Princess Philodendron properly, there are some crucial factors to consider. Let’s go through each of them one by one.

Light requirements

PPPs thrive best in bright but indirect light. This is because too much sunlight can damage their leaves and even scorch them enough to affect their color. 

Place your Pink Princesses in east or north-facing windows so that they can get enough light without being exposed to the sun too much. You can also place them in spots where the light can be filtered, such as behind a sheer curtain. 

Switch up your plant’s location from time to time. Rotate it as well to make sure that each leaf gets equal light exposure and that it won’t lean towards a specific light source. 

If natural light is hard to come by in your place, you can surround the plant with fluorescent or LED grow lights. However, take note that this isn’t ideal and may not be ideal for maintaining PPPs’ vibrant foliage.

Watering needs

Pink Princess Philodendrons prefer moist soil, but you have to be consistent. You should also be careful to not water the plant too much as this may lead to root rot. A pro tip is to let the top inch of the soil dry out first before watering again. This will ensure that there’s optimal moisture in the soil.

The rule of thumb is to water the plant once a week but feel free to adjust the frequency based on the environment’s weather conditions. You can also use a moisture meter to know the soil moisture level or use your own finger. If the soil is already crumbling or totally dried out, you can water the plant already.

Another important thing to do is to add drainage holes to the Philodendron’s pot. This will help excess water escape and will prevent it from accumulating at the bottom.

Temperature & humidity

Two other significant factors to consider in Pink Princess Philodendron care are temperature and humidity.

The optimal temperature is between 65-75° Fahrenheit (or 18-24° Celsius) during daytime. At night, you just have to ensure that the temperatures will not go below 60° Fahrenheit (or 15° Celsius).

In terms of humidity, Pink Princesses prefer around 60% or higher. So, if you live in an area that’s not particularly humid, you may want to invest in a humidifier. This will maintain adequate humidity levels, especially during dry winter months.

Another hack to increase humidity is to place the plant on a tray that’s filled with water and pebbles. Just make sure that the bottom of the pot won’t touch the water. You can also mist the leaves regularly to mimic a humid environment.

Soil & fertilization

PPPs prefer well-draining soil. So, get a potting mix rich in organic matter. A mix containing peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite would work well. Just make sure that its pH level ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.5).

For the fertilizer, use a balanced liquid variant and dilute it to half-strength. Do this monthly during the growing seasons, which fall in spring and summer. Then, slow down during the fall and winter months (the plant’s dormant season). Just remember to not over-fertilize as well because this can lead to a build-up of salt in the soil that will damage the plant.

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How to propagate Pink Princess Philodendron

There are two common methods for Pink Princess Philodendron propagation: air layering and stem cutting.

Air layering involves wounding the stem and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. You then cover it with plastic until roots develop. This is easier because the mother plant continuously supplies nutrients to the wound until roots are formed.

Stem cutting is the most common method of growing PPPs. You just cut a section of the stem with at least one node and leaf. Then, you root it in water or soil. The success rate is high as long as proper care is taken during the process. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Select a healthy stem. Choose one that has at least one node and a few leaves. Make sure that the stem is free from disease or pests.
2. Make the cut. Use sterilized pruning shears to cut the stem at a 45-degree angle. Make sure to do so just below a node to increase the surface area for rooting.
3. Remove lower leaves. Leave only a few at the top to help the cutting focus on root development.
4. Apply rooting hormone. This is optional, but you can dip the end of the stem that’s been cut into the rooting hormone to encourage faster root growth.
5. Place in water or soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of clean, room-temperature water and ensure that the node is submerged. For soil propagation, plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, fully covering the node.
6. Give basic care. Place the cutting in a warm and humid environment with bright but indirect light. 
7. Monitor and maintain. If you propagate in water, change the water every few days to keep it fresh. If you propagate in soil, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
8. Sit tight and wait for roots to develop. Roots should start to form in a few weeks. Once they’re a few inches long, the cutting is ready for transplantation into a larger pot. Don’t wait too long!

Your success rate is high as long as the process is done to the letter. Also, always sterilize your tools before making cuts to prevent infections. If you can, you can also place the cuttings in a greenhouse or even just a plastic bag covering to retain moisture. Finally, ensure good air circulation to prevent mold and mildew growth on the cuttings.

Once your PPP has successfully grown, make sure to focus on these three areas: light, watering, and feeding. Avoid direct sunlight as it may cause leaf burn, keep the soil moist but not drowning, and start feeding the plant once it has taken root and new growth appears.

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How to prune Pink Princess Philodendron

Now that you know how to care for and grow Pink Princess Philodendrons by yourself, the next thing to figure out is pruning. This helps in maintaining their shape and promoting the growth of new branches. Here’s a guide on how to do so.

When and why to prune

Regular pruning gets rid of dead and yellowing leaves. This, in turn, improves the plant’s overall appearance and health. You can also manage the plant’s size and prevent overgrowth.

For best results, prune your PPP during the growing season. Avoid pruning in its dormant phase because this can stress the plant and slow its recovery.

Pruning techniques

To prune your Pink Princesses properly, follow these steps:

1. Prepare your tools. Use clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors to make precise cuts. This will lessen the risk of damage to the plant. Sterilize and disinfect the tools with rubbing alcohol beforehand to avoid the spread of diseases. 
2. Identify the areas to prune. Look for dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves and stems. Also, focus on leggy or overgrown stems that need trimming.
3. Make the cuts. Look for a leaf node or joint and cut a few centimeters above it to ensure new growth. Remove no more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage. Also, make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle for quicker healing.
4. Dispose of the cuttings. Discard any diseased or infested cuttings properly. This will thwart pests and diseases from spreading to the other plants. You can use the healthy cuttings for propagation.

Care after pruning

After pruning, your Pink Princess Philodendron will need extra TLC. Make sure that it’s placed away from harsh sunlight because it’ll be more vulnerable to stress during this time. 

Here are other things to remember post-pruning:

• Water the plant thoroughly after pruning, but let the top inch of the soil dry out completely before each session. The plant is at a higher risk of waterlogging at this point, so take extra measures to ensure proper drainage.
• Feed the plant with the same water-soluble fertilizer you use about a week after pruning. Afterwards, you can follow your regular fertilization schedule.
• Monitor the PPP closely for any signs of stress or disease like wilting or discoloration. Be prepared to adjust accordingly to water, light, and humidity levels to guarantee a healthy recovery.

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Understanding the cost of Pink Princess Philodendron

The PPP’s unique variegation makes it rare and expensive. Its distinct appearance and popularity among plant enthusiasts also drive high demand that exceeds the available supply. 

The propagation method can also be quite intricate. An experienced gardener will have no problems, but beginners would have to take extra care to succeed. This results in fewer good cuttings in the market.

However, if you’re interested in buying Pink Princess Philodendrons, you can find them on Etsy and other independent plant sellers. Just make sure to check ratings and reviews for authenticity.

There are also local nurseries that let you inspect the plants in person before buying. You can also try looking for botanical gardens and specialty plant shops that have PPPs available. 

To make sure that you’re buying healthy and genuine Pink Princess Philodendrons:

• Check for vibrant, variegated leaves without discoloration or damage.
• Ensure that the plant’s root system is healthy. Avoid ones with soggy or rotting roots.
• Verify the seller’s reputation and ask for references, if possible.
• Look for certification or guarantees from the seller to ensure that the plant is a true PPP.

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Mastering Pink Princess Philodendron care

The Pink Princess Philodendron is a famous and in-demand houseplant known for its pink and green variegated leaves. It requires very specific care and propagation methods, but the experience of growing it is truly rewarding. You can even brag about it to your friends and family!

Just prepare for the high costs and rarity because it can really be hard to get one. But with proper care and love, this stunning plant can be a striking addition to anyone’s indoor or outdoor garden.

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FAQs about Pink Princess Philodendron care