The pink princess philodendron is a highly coveted and stunning plant that captures the attention of plant enthusiasts. Its distinct features include leaves shaped like a heart in deep green colour adorned with powder pink variegation, making it truly one-of-a-kind in the plant kingdom.
It is important to note that the pink princess can sometimes be mistaken for the Philodendron pink congo, but their variegation differs in nature. The pink princess’s variegation is stable and occurs naturally. In contrast, the pink congo’s variegation results from injected chemicals that often fade back to green within a few months of purchase.
To ensure your pink princess philodendron maintains its vibrant pink variegation, it is crucial to understand and implement proper care practices. Fortunately, caring for this plant is relatively straightforward, much like other plants in the philodendron genus.
Pink Princess Philodendron Care
The pink princess philodendron, originating from Columbia, is a tropical aroid from the Araceae family. Despite its high price, this plant is surprisingly low-maintenance. However, following a few essential care tips is important to fully appreciate its vibrant variegation. While the pink princess does produce flowers, they are relatively insignificant compared to the plant’s striking foliage, and it is rare for them to bloom indoors.
Light
The amount of light your pink princess philodendron receives is crucial in determining the extent of its variegation. Select a spot with several hours of bright, indirect light, which is the most critical factor. Indoors, the pink princess can also stand few hours of direct light, which may enhance its variegation. If you lack a well-lit area in your home, it is advisable to invest in a grow light specifically designed for plants. Inadequate light exposure can cause the plant’s leaves to revert to green rapidly, losing its stunning variegation.
Soil
Being an aroid plant, the pink princess philodendron thrives in well-draining soil with good aeration and rich in organic matter. A recommended soil mix for optimal growth comprises equal parts of standard potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This blend balances moisture retention and drainage, promoting a healthy environment for the pink princess philodendron.
Water
To maintain optimal moisture levels for your pink princess philodendron, allowing the top layer of the soil to dry out before watering it thoroughly is essential. It’s important to avoid waterlogged conditions as the plant is prone to root rot. It’s easier to overwater the pink princess than to underwater it, so if you’re uncertain about its watering needs, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and wait for another day before watering.
Humidity and Temperature Levels
The pink princess philodendron thrives in warm and humid conditions but also adapts to typical household humidity levels and temperatures. Maintaining temperatures between (18 to 26 degrees Celsius) for optimal growth is recommended. Avoid subjecting the plant to temperatures below (15 degrees Celsius), as it may negatively impact its health.
Fertilizer
To support the growth of your pink princess philodendron during its active season (summer and spring), it is beneficial to provide monthly feedings of liquid fertilizer. However, as the plant enters its dormant period in early fall, it is recommended to discontinue fertilization. This allows the plant to slow down its growth naturally and prepares it for rest.
Propagating Philodendron pink princess plant
Like many philodendrons, the pink princess philodendron can be propagated effortlessly through stem cuttings. This method allows you to create new plants to share with others and promotes a fuller growth habit and encourages variegation, particularly if the existing leaves have begun to revert. Follow these simple steps to propagate pink princess philodendron using stem cuttings:
- Select a healthy stem: Choose a mature stem with several leaves and nodes. Ensure that it is free from any signs of disease or damage.
- Prepare the cutting: Using a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node, which is the point where a leaf or aerial root emerges from the stem.
- Remove lower leaves: Trim off the lower leaves, leaving a few leaves at the top intact. This will help the cutting allocate its energy towards root development.
- Optional: Apply rooting hormone: You may dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder or gel to promote faster root growth. This step is not mandatory but can enhance success rates.
- Plant the cutting: Fill a small container with well-draining soil or a propagation mix. Create a hole in the soil using your finger or a pencil and gently put the stem cutting into it. Firmly press the soil around the cutting to ensure stability.
- Provide appropriate conditions: Place the container in a warm, humid environment with indirect light. Maintain soil moisture by lightly misting the cutting and watering when the top inch of soil becomes slightly dry.
- Monitor and wait for roots: Over the following weeks, monitor the cutting for signs of new growth. Roots should develop within a few weeks to a couple of months.
- Transplanting: Once the cutting has established a healthy root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot with regular soil and cared for as an adult plant.
By following these steps, you can easily propagate your pink princess philodendron and enjoy the benefits of sharing, bushier growth, and potentially enhanced variegation in your plants.
Plant Diseases and Pest Control
The philodendron pink princess plant, like many houseplants, can be vulnerable to various pests and diseases. The common pests affecting this plant are mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and fungus gnats. It’s important to be vigilant for signs of infestation and take appropriate measures to control and eliminate these pests.
In addition to pests, the pink princess philodendron is also prone to certain diseases. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a condition that affects the plant’s roots and can cause wilting and decay. Another common disease is rust spot, caused by a fungal infection and can result in discoloured leaf spots.
Regularly inspecting your pink princess philodendron and promptly addressing any pest or disease issues will help ensure the plant’s health and vitality. Implementing proper care practices, such as providing adequate light and avoiding overwatering, can also prevent these problems from arising in the first place.
FAQs
- Why are pink princess philodendron so expensive?
These tropical plants with beautiful leaves have become incredibly popular, causing growers to struggle to meet the high demand. These plants are expensive because they cannot be easily grown from seeds due to their unique colour patterns due to changes in their genes. As a result, prices for pink princess plants have gone up significantly, even though they are actually quite easy to take care of.
- Why is my philodendron pink princess plant getting leggy?
If you notice that your plant’s stems are growing long and thin, it is not getting enough light. This causes the leaves to stretch out in search of more light. To fix this, change your plant to a brighter spot. This will help prevent future growth from becoming leggy and keep your plant healthy.
