How Do You Grow A Pink Princess Philodendron

Philodendron Pink Princess a hybrid with Philodendron erubescens (fil-oh-DEN-dron er-yoo-BESS-kens) in the bloodline. It is a climbing, trailing member of the plant family Araceae. Erubescens hails from South and Central America.

Generally, these tropical perennials make excellent houseplants.

Philodendron Pink Princess leaf up closePin
Close Up of Variegated Philodendron Pink Princess

The plants’ genus name, Philodendron, comes from the Greek and means tree loving as these plants in nature typically climb trees in the wild. 

The specific epithet, erubescens, means turns red or blushes. This describes the pink spots and coloration of the plants’ leaves and flowers.

You’ll find other erubescens hybrids sold under several common names:

  • Imperial Red Philodendron
  • Red Leaf Philodendron
  • Red Emerald Philodendron

The Philodendron Pink Princess is a unique Philodendron variety and become somewhat of an online sensation among plant collectors.

Buyer Beware! Do not confuse “Philodendron Pink Princess” with another philodendron commonly sold under the name, “Pink Congo.” 

The Pink Princess Philodendron is prized for its naturally occurring pink variegation and olive green foliage. Pink Congo displays pink foliage which is unnaturally produced and will not last.

Pink Princess Philodendron Care

Pink Princess Plant Size & Growth

The philodendron plant in the wild can be a very aggressive climber, reaching heights of 60’ feet and may revert entirely to epiphytic growth. When kept as a houseplant, it is unlikely to climb or trail farther than 12′ feet.

The foliage is the main calling card for the Pink Princess Philodendron. This vining plant produces large, waxy green and pink leaves that can grow to be 9” inches long and 5” inches wide.

The underside of the leaves may be bronze or copper-colored. The upper sides of the Pink Princess Philodendron are sometimes dark green splotched with pink and sometimes mixed pink and green.

variegation of the pink princessPin
variegation of the pink princess leaves | Logees Youtube

This combination is what tells you that you have a genuine Pink Princess.

Philodendrons with entirely pink leaves are often sold as “Pink Congo.” This pink effect is caused by chemical injection, and the plant will outgrow it in a few months leaving you with a plain green philodendron.

Flowering & Fragrance

Philodendrons are aroids. This means that they reproduce through an inflorescence called a spathe. Most people think of this structure as a flower, but it isn’t. It is actually a specially modified leaf protecting the plants spadix.

If you explore this structure with a magnifying glass, you will find that there are very tiny flowers on the spadix in the center of the spathe. These will transition into seeds if pollinated.

Light Conditions & Temperature

Like all philodendrons, Pink Princess likes bright indirect sunlight or filtered light. An east-facing or west-facing window is a good choice, just be sure that direct sunlight does not fall upon the leaves.

If kept in a south-facing room, be sure to keep the Pink Philodendron well away from the window so it receives bright indirect light but not the harsh direct rays of the sun.

Plants receiving too much sunlight will develop yellow leaves. If this happens, move your plant to a location where it does not receive too much sunlight.

These tropical perennials like a consistent temperature between 60° and 84° degrees Farhenheit. Protect your plant from hot or cold drafts. Don’t place it near a heater or radiator or in a location where it will receive cold air from an air conditioner.

Watering & Feeding The Philodendron Pink Princess

When the top inch of soil feels dry, give your Pink Princess a thorough watering. Pour water through the substrate until it runs out the drainage holes in the bottom. This way, you will know that all of the roots are getting plenty of water without standing in water.

As with most tropical plants, Pink Princess loves high humidity. It’s a good idea to mist your plant daily, set it on a pebble tray with a bit of water and/or keep a humidifier running nearby. If using a humidifier, aim for 40% humidity.

TIP: Keeping houseplants in a group, close together is a natural way to increase humidity.

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Fertilize once a month with a balanced diluted liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season (springtime through early autumn). Do not fertilize at all during the winter.

Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause a buildup of mineral salts in the soil. The fertilizer salts will burn the plants’ roots and stunted growth.

Soil Potting Mix & Transplanting

Remember these plants can become entirely epiphytic in the wild, so they will do well with a soilless mixture. Also give them something to climb on like a coco coir totem.

12" Coir Moss Totem Pole Plants Climbing Stake
  • The pole is made of pure natural coir moss fiber
  • The sturdy sharpened wood stick allows for inserting the pole into the soil easily, providing strong support for the plant extension. The rope wrapping the pole holds the coir moss firmly for long-last use.


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Philodendron Pink Princess enjoys a rich, moist, breathable, lightweight, well draining substrate. The best growing medium should be sphagnum moss or peat moss based with a high percentage of orchid substrate and/or perlite.

Repot your philodendron annually when it is young and small. When it matures and grows larger, you can get away with repotting every two years.

These plants do not like to be root bound, they appreciate a significantly larger pot at the time of repotting. The new pot should be 1″ – 2″ inches larger than the current pot.

Before repotting, water the plant thoroughly and then give it a day to rest before its transfer. This will help reduce the chance of stress.

When repotting, remove your plant from its container gently and carefully clean the roots of all the old soil. Inspect the roots and prune away any that seem to be damaged or diseased. Healthy philodendron roots should be flexible and light-colored, not dark and mushy.

Fill the new pot half way with fresh potting soil and carefully position the plant. Fill in around the plant with fresh potting mix and press it down gently to firm the plant in place.

Give your plant a thorough watering.

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watering pink princess plant | Logees YouTube

Grooming & Maintenance

Regular pruning will control the plants rambling growth and encourage a bushy growth habit. The best time for pruning is in the spring and/or in the fall.

Trim away any dead, damaged or yellowing leaves. Be sure to use a sharp cutting implement and make clean cuts at the point where the leaves connect with the stems.

If you see new leaves are growing in pure pink rather than variegated green and pink, prune the plant back to the point at which leaves are growing variegated.

How To Propagate Pink Princess Philodendron

Like all Philodendron, Pink Princess is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Trim off the stem just below a node where leaves grow. Be sure that each cutting has three or four healthy, nicely variegated leaves.

Place your cuttings in a jar or vase of water. Replace the water every 2-3 days. You should see new roots appearing within a couple of weeks.

When the roots are a couple of inches long, you can plant the cutting in its own pot with an appropriate substrate and begin treating it as a mature plant.

You can also propagate philodendrons through root division.

When repotting, if your plant has several stems growing from the root ball, you can simply divide the root ball in half and plant the resulting two plants in two pots instead of one.

Pink Princess Philodendron Pests or Diseases

Be careful of overwatering, and never allow the soil to remain soggy for an extended period of time. Excessive watering will cause yellowing leaves and root rot.

If the top 1″ or 2″ inches of soil stays too wet, fungus gnats can also become a problem.

Weakened, over watered plants are also susceptible to common houseplant pests such as aphids and mealybugs.

Is The Philodendron Pink Princess Considered Toxic or Poisonous?

The sap of philodendrons contains calcium oxalate crystals.

This substance is quite toxic and can cause severe skin irritation on contact and gastric distress if ingested.

Is The Pink Princess Plant Considered Invasive?

No type of philodendron is listed as invasive; however, keep in mind that this plant propagates easily and it is erbescens parent is a vigorous grower in its native habitat.

The Philodendron Pink Princess does not have the same aggressive tendencies as other Philodendrons. Most plants with variegation are not as vigorous grows .

Suggested Uses For Pink Princess Philodendron

In most climates, Philodendron Pink Princess is simply grown as a very attractive houseplant. If you live in a tropical setting, it can be a very exotic and colorful addition to your garden.

In a temperate climate, your plant may enjoy a spring and summer vacation under a tree outdoors, but be sure to bring it in before temperatures drop in the autumn.

Learn More About The Pink Princess Plant

The Philodendron Pink Princess Guide written by Georgia Laurette details the History, Care Tips, Anatomy, and More… a wonderful resource. 

For more visit: https://www.georgialaurette.com/shop/pppguide

Check out our Philodendron Pink Princess Question and Answer article.

Where Can You Purchase Pink Princess?

The Pink Princess is a hot property in the indoor plant world. Finding one can be a challenge. 

One of the largest growers of Pink Princess Philodendron is Gabriella Plants. Gabriella is also an excellent online source for unusual plants. Visit Gabriella Plants online.

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