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27 Philodendron Pink Princess Care Tips – And Purchasing Guide You Should Know

The Philodendron Pink Princess, also called Blushing Philodendron, is a tropical plant known for its bubblegum pink variegation. This perennial is easy to care for and enjoys humidity.

Every now and then, a plant comes along that truly catches the eye of the masses. For the last few years, the Pink Princess Philodendron has climbed the ranks, becoming one of the most prized (and expensive) plants in the indoor growing space.

But where do you find this plant, and how do you care for it? In this article, we’re diving into everything you need to know about Pink Princess Philodendron, so you can grow it with ease.

What Is Philodendron Pink Princess?

The Philodendron Pink Princess has been called Blushing Philodendron, Pink Princess, the PPP, and Pink Princess Philodendron. As a perennial from the Araceae family, this plant grows well near an east or west-facing window when grown indoors.

If you choose to keep this plant outdoors, this Philodendron will thrive in hardiness zones 9-11. But most growers raise this beauty as a houseplant.

Pink-Princess-Philodendron
Photo Credits from Plant Man

Origin And Family

The Pink Princess Philodendron is part of the Philodendron genus in the Araceae family. It is native to South America’s rainforests. As a tropical houseplant that is easy to care for, it has become a favorite for many indoor growers – often prized for its rarity.

Blushing Philodendron plants have been around for a long time. The late Steve Lucas tried to trace the lineage of the Pink Princess back in the 70s.

He learned that a Florida-based individual claimed to have hybridized this sensational plant from at least seven different parent plants. However, some of the said plants from the breeding program have no genetic capability of hybridizing.

In conclusion, the origin of the Pink Princess remains untraceable, which leads many botanists to believe that its development is a spontaneous but natural mutation.

Pink Princess Philodendron Philodendron For Sale

Are you planning to buy a Philodendron Pink Princess but unsure where to order one? Based on our experience, Etsy ensures purchasing from reputable sellers who grow the plants themselves. They’ll know the best conditions for packing and shipping the plants, and most of the time, they can help you with questions about caring for the plant.

The Philodendron Pink Princess is usually available in the market for $40(for small cuttings to well over $100. The high price has caused nurseries around the world to grow more of these plants, meaning the price is expected to come down in the coming months/years.

A quick note when purchasing the Pink Princess. This plant is often mistaken as the Pink Congo Philodendron, and many sellers are not too forward with the information on how these two plants are different.

A Pink Congo has solid pink leaves, whereas the Pink Princess will always have green leaves with bright pink variegation.

All that said, the PPP has also been known to lose its variegation from time to time, especially if it doesn’t receive proper lighting.

Why Are Pink Princess Philodendrons So Expensive

Plant price, like most things, is caused by a mix of supply and a high demand. The Pink Princess Philodendron exploded in popularity in the last few years, with many growers celebrating its unique and pink variegation (called Chimeric variegation). Coupled with low supply, the PPP plants’ price quickly rose. It’s now easy to find a full-grown plant that costs well over $200.

That said, nurseries are now rapidly producing the Pink Princess, meaning the price will likely drop in the coming years. And as it becomes a more common plant, its popularity will likely fade a bit too.

Philodendron Pink Princess Plant Size

In its maturity, the Philodendron Pink Princess grows about 2-4 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide indoors. Considering this plant’s growth potential, light needs, and high humidity requirements, you can place it near an east or west-facing window.

Philodendron Pink Princess Care Needs

Your Philodendron Pink Princess will grow into a beautiful and majestic houseplant when it’s taken care of. Known for its bubblegum pink variegation, this plant loves humidity and needs relatively moist soil to stay healthy.

It is ideal to water this indoor plant when the top two inches of the soil are dry. Water deeply, allowing it to flow through the pot’s drainage hole. This sought-after plant needs bright indirect light to reach its maximum growing potential in terms of light.

For more specific tips, check out the detailed care guide below.

Care Difficulty

The Pink Princess is often regarded as easy-to-care-for, like most tropical plants. If you wish to grow this stunning plant without issues, make sure you check on the amount of light and well-draining soil.

Pink Princess Philodendron Reverted

The Pink Princess is widely known for reverting and losing its pink variegation altogether. This plant has Chimeric variegation, meaning the variegation is spontaneous and may change in type and appearance – and may disappear altogether. In other words, it’s very possible for new leaves to be green, lacking pink altogether.

While this is anecdotal, I’ve found that putting your PPP under direct LED light helps keep these plants from reverting.

Growth Rate

The Pink Princess Philodendron plant measures 2-4 feet when grown in an indoor environment. The warmth of spring and summer jumpstarts this plant’s growth spurt.

Philodendron species grow at a fast speed, including the Pink Princess. You can expect a new leaf every 3-4 weeks when the plant is placed under direct light.

Potting

In terms of potting material and size, it’s generally advisable to use a medium-sized pot made of terracotta for this plant. The important consideration is for your pot to have at least one drainage hole. Blushing Philodendron does not like sitting in water, and otherwise, it may succumb to root rot.

The Pink Princess is also known to use its aerial roots to climb. Encourage more growth by providing it with a moss pole for climbing support.

Repotting

As your Philodendron Pink Princess develops, you should consider moving it to a larger pot when you see roots pushing through the drainage holes. Because of its fast growth rate, you will need to repot your plant every two years on average.

When repotting, be sure to use a fresh batch of soil for your Pink Princesses so its roots will have more nutrients to absorb.

Soil

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The Pink Princess does best in a standard commercial potting soil. The roots of this plant prefer a relatively moist environment, so make sure you choose components with suitable moisture-retention properties for your soil. Use perlite, orchid bark, and sphagnum peat moss to create your own soil mix.

Root rot and other diseases can be avoided with efficient drainage. Consider adding chunky and gritty materials to your soil to improve aeration.

These are some excellent substrate options for your plant:

pH

Your soil pH should be between 5.0-7.0 (acidic to neutral) for the Pink Princess Philodendron. If you’re concerned about acidity, you may check your soil with a simple pH testing tool available for purchase online.

If you are concerned that the pH level is too high, you can correct it by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

Meanwhile, if the pH level is too low, you can supplement your soil with baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash.

Water

Proper watering is essential for Blushing Philodendron. If you give it too much water, you risk causing diseases such as root rot. If you water too little, your plant’s roots may dry out, especially during warm days. In general, Blushing Philodendron should have a growing medium that is relatively moist.

One important thing to note about the PPP is that it’s a little finicky around tap water. I always recommend that you use distilled water or rainwater for such a rare (and expensive) plant.

There is an easy way to determine if your plant needs to be watered. You can stick a wooden skewer or a pencil into the pot and see if there’s wet, muddy soil still sticking to it. Or, you can just use your finger to feel for moisture. You shouldn’t water until the top two inches or so are dry.

That said, self-watering pots work well for the Pink Princess too.

Also, in terms of potting, a porous pot with drainage holes plus an aerated, chunky soil mix can help get rid of excess moisture.

Light

I have gone back and forth on what to say for this section. Most growers will tell you that you should put your Pink Princess in indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours a day, thereby simulating its natural South American environment.

But from personal experience, I keep my PPP in direct sunlight for eight hours a day (under an LED light). The reason for this is that the pink variegation isn’t able to photosynthesize, meaning that the more pink it has – and mine has quite a bit – the more light it will need.

So far, I haven’t had any trouble with placing this plant directly under a grow light.

You’ll know your Philodendron Pink Princess is getting too much light when its leaves begin turning brown. On the contrary, if this plant doesn’t get enough light, its leaves may lose their variegation – this is very common with the Pink Princess.

The “pinkness” on the leaves of this tropical plant is due to a lack of chlorophyll—the chemical that makes plants’ leaves green. However, some greenness on the leaves is still necessary to allow the plant to photosynthesize. So it’s important to ensure this plant is getting the right amount of light to keep the balance of green and pink in its foliage.

Fertilizer

A water-soluble fertilizer is ideal for the Pink Princess. Philodendron Fertilizer by Aquatic Arts, for example, would work. You should only be fertilizing your PPP about once a month in the spring and summer.

In winter, growth naturally slows down, so you don’t need to fertilize at all.

Propagating Philodendron Pink Princess

You can quickly reproduce your Philodendron Pink Princess with a few different propagation methods. But stem cuttings in water in soil are usually fine for this plant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Directly planting stem cuttings into the soil is the easiest method to propagate a Blushing Philodendron. This plant’s growing season is from the spring to summer, so it’s best to take cuttings during this time.

1. Cut. Remove a section of the stem that has fresh leaves and at least one node. Your cutting will not produce new buds if it lacks a node.

2. Decontaminate. Dip the cutting into cinnamon or rooting powder, if available, to disinfect the wound and promote speedier roots.

3. Place Cuttings. Place the cutting in a clean potting mix. Ascertain that the nodes are buried.

4. Water. Water the soil and keep it moist at all times (but not soggy).

5. Wait For Roots. Place your new plant in a bright, shaded location with plenty of ventilation. Within 2-3 weeks, it should begin to sprout roots.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Follow these methods to grow Pink Princess cuttings in water:

1. Remove Cutting. Take a 4-6 inch portion of your mother plant with visible nodes. Cuttings that are too long may become lanky.

2. Immerse. Allow the clipping to sit in a glass of water to form roots. Remove any leaves that are below the water line to avoid rot.

3. Replenish. Every 3-5 days, refill the glass with clean water. Keep the plant nodes submerged for rapid roots.

4. Transplant. When your cutting’s roots appear, transfer them into a sterile potting mix. Keep your plant moist to aid the roots’ transition into the soil.

Humidity And Aeration

Philodendron Pink Princess is a sought-after perennial that prefers high humidity– often between 60%-70%.

If you see browning edges on your plant’s leaves, consider these options for increasing humidity:

• Huddle your houseplants close to each other to create a humidity bubble.

• Invest in a humidifier.

• Place your pots on top of a tray filled with pebbles and water, and this will create a vapor around your plant.

• Mist your plant, but don’t do it too frequently, or you might invite fungal diseases.

Temperature

Warm temperatures are preferable for your Pink Princess Philodendron plant, but it can thrive in an ideal temperature range of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

They do, however, like constant temperature, so keep them away from open windows and openings that may allow chilly air in during cold seasons. Also, keep them away from vents and other heat sources, which can dry the air.

Toxic

The Pink Princess is somewhat dangerous to dogs, cats, and people. If eaten, the following symptoms can be expected: stomach pain, swelling of the tongue, and difficulty swallowing. Fortunately, in most cases, ingesting this plant is considered non-life-threatening. That said, always call your vet or doctor if a pet or child has eaten part or all of the PPP plant, respectively.

Soil Care Specifics
Botanical Name Philodendron Pink Princess
Common Name Blushing Philodendron, Pink Princess, Pink Princess Philodendron
Plant Family Araceae
Origin South America
Plant Type perennial
Leaf Shape heart-shaped
Leaf Color green and bright pink
Recommended Home Placement near an east or west-facing window
Growth Rate fast
Light bright indirect light
Soil standard commercial potting soil
When To Water Water when the top two inches of the soil are dry.
When To Fertilize once a month during growing season
Preferred pH 5.0-7.0
Humidity Range 60%-70%
Toxic To Pets? Yes – symptoms include stomach pain, swelling of the tongue, and difficulty swallowing
Common Pests & Diseases spider mites, brown tips, fungus gnats, scale insects, root rot, aphids, mealybugs, drooping leaves

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Philodendron Pink Princess is a disease-resistant and pest-resistant plant in most situations. There are, however, some common issues that can affect it. Below we’re discussing some of the common problems, as well as solutions to protect your Philodendron Pink Princess.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are common pests, particularly among Pink Princess Philodendron plants. At first, spider mite damage appears as small, brown, or yellow patches on the leaves of your plant. You might also discover that your plant has slowed or ceased to grow.

To get rid of spider mites, begin by washing off your Pink Princess Philodendron with a sink nozzle, a pressure sprayer, or a garden hose. Additionally, you can spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap, but make sure to cover all surfaces, including the underside of leaves!

Of course, you can also introduce natural predators of spider mites such as ladybugs, lacewings, and Stethorus picipes beetles (dubbed as the “Spider Mite Destroyer”). The fantastic thing about these bugs is that they will feed on spider mites, but they won’t harm your plant!

Fungus Gnats

While adult fungus gnats don’t harm plants, they lay eggs on the soil, which eventually hatch into larvae that will feed on your Blushing Philodendron’s roots.

Because fungus gnats are attracted to wet conditions, you should try to keep your topsoil dry by switching to bottom-watering at the time being, at least until you’ve gotten rid of these pests. To bottom-water your plant, simply put a broad basin of water underneath your pot, and the roots will suck up moisture from below.

While you’re at it, you can also sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth powder on the topsoil to dehydrate any surviving eggs and larvae. DE powder is made from sediments of fossilized algae, and it is entirely harmless to plants and humans but lethal to most insects!

Scale Insects

Scale insects might appear as lumps on the stems or leaves of your Philodendron Pink Princess. These tiny bugs, which come in green, gray, brown, and black colors, usually stay put once they’ve latched onto a plant.

If the infestation isn’t too severe, you can use a teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four cups of water to discourage scale insects from attacking your plant. Take a spray bottle and vigorously spritz the plant.

Neem oil and horticultural oils may not kill the pests but will undoubtedly cause some damage to them. There are numerous insecticide sprays against scales regarded as safe to use indoors.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that will suck the sap of your Pink Princess. Some aphids are crawlers, and some are winged, and they may come in brown, black, red, green, white, and many others.

Look for aphids on the underside of leaves, on shoots that have not unfurled yet, and on delicate areas of the stem. If you find these insects (usually in a cluster), act quickly before spreading them to other houseplants!

First, cover the soil with a plastic bag. Then, give your plant a thorough wash using soap and water, and you can even use a sponge to make sure all surfaces are covered. After washing, isolate your plant in a shaded area with good airflow so its leaves won’t burn from the soap.

If the aphids come back, spray your Pink Princess with neem oil, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol. Remember to dilute these products first.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Pink Princess Philodendron. If you spot these tiny parasites with their white fluff, act promptly. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol will kill mealies on contact, turning them brown or orange in color. A spray of diluted Neem oil also works well as a preventive measure.

Brown Leaf Tips

Browning edges on the leaves of your Blushing Philodendron can be triggered by many factors. Possible causes are:

Lack of humidity.

Excessive exposure to bright light.

Salt and mineral build-up from chemically-treated tap water.

Fertilizer burn.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on your Philodendron Pink Princess are typically an indication that your plant is thirsty. In this case, your plant will usually perk back up once it’s watered. It might also help to increase the humidity.

Be careful! Pest-infested plants can have droopy and curling leaves at first but will eventually develop other signs such as spots, stunted growth, and a general decline in health. Always check on the underside of leaves if you suspect any issues with pests.

Root Rot

Overwatering and poor drainage are the two most common causes of rotting roots. Because root rot is often irreversible and deadly, prevention is important.

Plant your Philodendron in standard commercial potting soil and keep it relatively moist. Water only when the top two inches of the soil are dry.

Similar Plants

Love Blushing Philodendron? Here are some other similar plant options you should try:

Philodendron Pedatum: This is an increasingly popular houseplant known for its lush foliage. It looks fantastic in any home and growing it yourself is very easy.

Philodendron Mayoi: This is a perfect choice for beginners to care for as it is extremely low maintenance. On top of that, it rewards you with spectacular leaves that stand out anywhere.

Philodendron Mamei: Popular as a decorative plant, this Philodendron can bring life to any indoor garden. Great for sprucing up your space, this beauty is a sure must-have.

Philodendron goeldii: Sure to spark joy, this plant is also known as the Fun Bun. It’s a beautiful plant that lures you in with its spiraling stems with rich deep green foliage.

Conclusion

The Philodendron Pink Princess, with its hot pink variegation, is the perfect addition to any plant lover’s collection.

Whether you’re just starting out as an indoor gardener or you’re a long-time hobbyist who’s learning more about this particular plant, we hope you’ve learned some proper care and helpful tips from us to successfully grow this beautiful plant!

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

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