How to Grow Philodendron Pink Princess

Philodendron Pink Princess

Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess'

flower

Philodendron Pink Princess is a stunning climbing houseplant prized for its dark green, heart-shaped leaves with striking pink variegation and petioles. The plant is a cultivar of Philodendron erubescens and thrives as an indoor tropical plant that develops more intense pink coloring with proper light and care. It's a moderate grower that makes an excellent addition to hanging baskets or climbing structures.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Bright, indirect light; 10,000-20,000 lux. Avoid direct harsh sun which can scorch leaves. East or north-facing windows are ideal. More light intensifies pink variegation.

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Water: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Typically every 7-10 days in growing season. Reduce frequency in winter. Ensure pot has drainage holes; avoid waterlogging. Prefer to dry out slightly between waterings rather than stay constantly moist.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: N/A (foliage houseplant)

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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as nursery pot; do not bury stem nodes

Soil

Type: Well-draining, airy potting mix for aroids

pH: 6.0-6.5

Amendments:

Perlite (25-30% of mix) Orchid bark or chunky bark (20-25%) Sphagnum moss (optional, 10-15%) High-quality potting soil (base)

Growth Stages

Young Cutting/Rooted Starter

4-6 weeks

Small plant with 2-4 leaves, minimal pink variegation visible, delicate root system establishing

Keep in humid environment (60%+ humidity). Use well-draining soil. Water carefully to avoid root rot. Provide bright indirect light. Avoid fertilizing until established (4-6 weeks).

Vegetative Growth

3-6 months

Plant develops new leaves regularly, stems lengthen, pink variegation becomes more apparent on newer growth. Climbing vines begin to emerge.

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with diluted balanced houseplant fertilizer (spring-summer). Provide bright indirect light to boost pink coloring. Use moss pole or support stake if desired.

Climbing/Mature Growth

Ongoing (several months to years)

Plant becomes established with vigorous growth, produces multiple stems and climbing aerial roots. Pink variegation is most vibrant on mature leaves.

Prune to encourage bushiness if desired. Provide moss pole, trellis, or hanging support. Continue regular feeding during growing season. Increase humidity with misting or pebble tray. Monitor for pests and adjust light as needed.

Mature/Flowering (Indoor)

Indefinite

Plant reaches full size with many climbing stems. Occasional small cream or greenish flowers may appear indoors (rare). Foliage is lush with deep pink variegation.

Maintain established care routine. Repot every 12-18 months if outgrowing pot. Clean leaves monthly with soft, damp cloth. Propagate from cuttings if desired. Continue regular watering and feeding.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Monstera Pothos Anthurium Alocasia Rhaphidophora tetrasperma Syngonium

Common Pests

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Isolate infested plant. Wipe leaves with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab for heavy infestations.
Increase humidity to 60%+ to discourage. Spray with water mist or neem oil. Apply insecticidal soap weekly if severe. Isolate plant from others.
Remove manually with toothbrush dipped in neem oil. Spray with insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Repeat treatments for 3-4 weeks.
Allow soil surface to dry between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply neem oil drench to soil. Replace top soil layer if necessary.

Uses

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Interior decoration and living wall

Household

Pink Princess is highly valued as an ornamental houseplant for its striking bicolor foliage and vining habit, perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, or moss poles in living rooms and offices. [source]

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Air purification

Household

Like other Philodendrons, Pink Princess removes formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air, contributing to improved air quality in home and office environments. [source]

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Propagation and plant propagation hobby

Craft

Pink Princess is easy to propagate from stem cuttings, making it ideal for plant enthusiasts to create new plants, share with friends, or build a collection of variegated cultivars. [source]

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Non-toxic to most pets with caveats

Wildlife

While generally considered non-toxic, Philodendrons contain calcium oxalates that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by cats, dogs, or other pets, so placement out of reach is still recommended. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not a harvested plant. Propagate by stem cuttings in spring/summer. Cut 4-6 inch sections with at least 2 nodes. Root in water (2-3 weeks) or moist sphagnum moss. Transfer rooted cuttings to potting mix once roots are 1 inch long.

Fun Facts

🌱 The pink variegation on Pink Princess is unstable and can revert to solid green leaves if the plant doesn't receive sufficient light, making bright conditions essential for maintaining its signature coloring.
🌱 Philodendron Pink Princess was relatively unknown until social media popularized it in the 2010s, causing it to become one of the most sought-after and expensive houseplants, with rare heavily-variegated specimens fetching hundreds of dollars.
🌱 The plant develops aerial roots as it matures, which naturally climb and attach to moss poles or other support structures, mimicking its natural epiphytic behavior in tropical rainforests where it grows on trees.

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