Pink Princess Philodendron: Care Guide

The Pink Princess Philodendron is the latest must-have for plant collectors, thanks to Florida grower Robert McColley. Whatever your interest in house plants, this easy-to-grow Philodendron will capture your attention with its ever-changing, pink and green, marbled leaves. With stunning colors that can’t be found naturally in nature, the Pink Princess was achieved by cross pollination of different philodendrons until the perfect pink, marbled leaves were found.

Pink Princess Philodendron Care

The Pink Princess is an aroid, the common name for plants in the Araceae family. Except for Antarctica, aroids can be found on every continent in the world! However, the Philodendron is native to the tropical rainforests in Ecuador and Columbia, making it an excellent house plant, along with its close cousin the Peace Lily.

Temperature

The Pink Princess grows best in Zones 9b-11 and indoors and prefers temperatures ranging between 65-80℉, as well as plenty of humidity. It’s best grown as a house plant and can spend summers on a covered patio with bright but not direct sunlight and temperatures that stay above 60℉.

Light

It might take a few tries to find the perfect location in your house, so don’t worry if you get it wrong the first time. Have patience and make small adjustments until you and your plant are happy.

• Find a north or east-facing window that gets around 8 hours of indirect sunlight a day. The light should be bright enough for you to read a book without a lamp but not directly shining in the room.
• If you have a south-facing window, just pull the container further into the room out of the direct sunlight. Curtains or blinds can also help diffuse the sunlight.
• A sign of too little sunlight is leaves dropping. Too much sunlight will cause scorching or bleaching on the leaves.
• If you’re struggling to find the ideal spot, you can use a sunlight meter, or use existing plants in your home as your guide. The Pink Princess will have similar light needs to a monstera and will need more light than a snake plant.

Soil

The best soil mix is one that holds moisture yet drains well. Avoid any standing water. It will include perlite, peat, and bark. Try this organic planting mix, which contains beneficial ingredients like sea kelp. The Pink Princess also prefers a more acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-5.6. You can test your soil using a soil pH meter.

Humidity

Being a tropical plant, humidity is crucial for the Pink Princess. Using a humidifier is probably the best way to create humidity in your home. The next best option is to make a pebble tray. Add pebbles in a shallow, water-filled tray and place the plant on top of the pebbles, above the water. As the water evaporates around the plant, it increases humidity. It also keeps the leaves from getting crispy. Misting a plant actually does little to add humidity. Plants that need humidity need it consistently, not occasional misting. In fact, the leftover drops of water will actually encourage pests and diseases.

Repotting

When you first get your Pink Princess, you don’t want to repot it for at least a month. Give the plant some time to get acclimated. If and when you’re wanting to repot, reduce transplant stress by watering it well the previous day. Be sure to choose a container with drainage holes and only go up 2” in pot size to help your plant acclimate more easily.

Watering

Pink Princess Philodendrons come from a family of plants prone to root rot. So, they like to dry out between waterings, with the soil about 75% dry or dry 1-2” down. There isn’t a set schedule for watering, and it's always better to check the soil first. You can include a moisture meter to the routine to eliminate any guesswork. Generally, you can expect to water about every 7-10 days. And if possible, use filtered water or tap water that’s been sitting about 24 hours. Thoroughly saturate the soil, enough to flush through the drainage holes.

You can also try bottom watering, which provides excellent, consistent results. This is when you place your plant in a bowl of water and allow the plant to soak in water, from the bottom up. It encourages the roots to grow down, instead of circling near the top, and it lets you control how much water reaches the top of the soil, so fungus gnats can be better controlled. If your plant is in a decorative container, make sure that all excess water has drained before bottom watering.

Fertilizing

The Pink Princess likes to be fertilized during its growing season. It’s a variegated plant, so it has less chlorophyll, which could slow its growth and need for fertilizing. But once established, it’s considered a fast grower. About once a month, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 15-15-15) diluted to quarter strength. Aroid roots burn easily, so be sure to follow fertilizer label instructions closely, and don’t fertilize in the winter when the plant is dormant.

Flowering

The flower of the Pink Princess is called an inflorescence, which is made up of a spadix (reproductive parts) and the spath (modified leaf that surrounds the spadix). Pink Princess Philodendrons bloom in the spring and early summer with a dark rose spath. Although it’s possible, don’t expect it to flower as an indoor plant.

How to Keep Pink Princess Philodendron Variegation Bright

The Pink Princess Philodendron is loved for its pink and green variegation, but those stunning pink sections need the right care to stay vibrant. Since the pink parts of each variegated leaf have less chlorophyll than the green parts, the plant depends on enough light, proper watering, and steady indoor conditions to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

For the best Pink Princess care, place your Pink Princess in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause the plant to lose pink variegation or produce mostly green new leaves. Too much direct sunlight, however, can scorch the leaves, especially the more delicate pink variegated leaves.

A good goal is balance: give your plant enough light to support beautiful pink variegation, but protect it from harsh afternoon sun.

Why Pink Princess Leaves Lose Their Pink Variegation

Pink Princess Philodendrons can lose variegation for a few reasons. Sometimes, new growth comes in mostly green because the plant is not receiving enough light. Other times, a plant may begin to revert, which means it starts producing leaves with little to no pink.

Common reasons for fading or missing pink variegation include:

1. Low light conditions: Not enough light can lead to more green foliage.
2. Too much direct sunlight: Harsh sun can scorch the leaves and damage the pink parts.
3. Natural variation: Each new leaf can variegate differently, even with proper care.
4. Reverted growth: Mostly green stems may continue producing mostly green leaves.
5. Stress: Improper watering, low humidity levels, or poor soil moisture can affect new leaves.

Some leaves may have bubblegum pink splashes, while others may show softer blush tones or mostly green growth. That variation is part of what makes this houseplant so unique.

Best Light Conditions For Pink And Green Variegation

Pink Princess Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light. Indoors, an east-facing window or a spot near a bright filtered window can work well. If the plant is near a strong south- or west-facing window, install a sheer curtain to soften the light and protect the foliage.

Good light tips for stronger variegation:

• Place the plant where it receives bright, indirect light for much of the day.
• Avoid intense direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Rotate the pot every few weeks so all sides receive even light.
• Watch new growth to see if the plant is producing enough pink.
• Move the plant closer to the light if the leaves are becoming mostly green.

If your home is naturally dim, a grow light may help support healthy growth during fall and winter when daylight is lower.

When To Prune Reverted Or Low-Variegation Growth

If your Philodendron Pink Princess starts producing mostly green leaves, pruning can help redirect energy toward better-variegated growth. Use clean pruning shears and cut just above a node on a stem that still has some pink variegation. A node is the small bump where new roots, leaves, or stems can grow.

Pruning may be helpful when:

• New leaves are consistently all green.
• The plant is becoming leggy.
• Older foliage is damaged or faded.
• You want to encourage fuller growth.
• One stem has reverted while another still has vibrant pink variegation.

Avoid removing every green leaf, though. The green parts help the plant photosynthesize and stay strong. A balanced Pink Princess has both pink and green variegation, giving it the energy it needs to keep growing indoors.

How to Propagate and Prune a Pink Princess Philodendron

Learning how to propagate and prune a Pink Princess Philodendron can help you shape the plant, refresh leggy growth, and create a new plant from a healthy cutting. The process is simple once you know where to cut and what each stem needs to root successfully.

The most important part of propagation is the node. Without a node, a cutting may keep its leaves for a while, but it will not grow into a new plant. For proper care, always choose a healthy stem with at least one node and one leaf.

Propagation is best done during the growing season, usually in spring and summer, when the plant is actively producing new growth.

How To Take A Pink Princess Cutting

Before you cut, look for a healthy stem with good color and at least one visible node. If possible, choose a section with pink and green variegation so the new plant has a better chance of producing pretty pink foliage.

To take a cutting:

1. Use clean, sharp pruning shears.
2. Choose a healthy stem with at least one node.
3. Cut just below the node.
4. Remove any lower leaves that may sit in water or soil.
5. Keep at least one healthy leaf on the cutting.
6. Let the cutting rest briefly before placing it in water or a well-draining potting mix.

Avoid taking cuttings from weak, yellowing, or pest-damaged growth. A strong cutting gives the propagation process a better start.

Water Propagation vs. Soil Propagation

You can propagate a Pink Princess Philodendron in water or soil. Both methods can work, so the best choice depends on what you prefer.

Water propagation lets you watch the roots develop. Place the cutting in a clean jar with the node underwater and the leaf above the waterline. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh. Once the roots are a few inches long, move the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil.

Soil propagation lets the cutting adjust to a potting mix from the start. Place the node into a moist, well-draining soil mix and keep the soil lightly damp while roots form. A blend with potting soil, orchid bark, and other airy ingredients can help provide drainage and reduce the risk of root rot.

Helpful propagation tips:

• Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light.
• Avoid direct sunlight while roots are forming.
• Keep humidity levels steady.
• Do not let the soil fully dry while the cutting is rooting.
• Move a rooted water cutting to a pot before the roots become too long and fragile.

How Pruning Encourages Fuller, Healthier Growth

Pruning helps shape the plant and encourages fuller growth. If your Pink Princess is growing tall and sparse, trimming the stem above a node can encourage new growth from lower points on the plant.

A Pink Princess Philodendron also benefits from regular care during spring and summer. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season, support climbing stems with a moss pole, and always check the soil moisture before watering.

Pruning can help:

• Encourage fuller foliage
• Remove damaged leaves
• Control size indoors
• Reduce leggy growth
• Manage reverted stems
• Support healthier new leaves

Keep in mind that Philodendron erubescens contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be irritating if ingested. Keep cuttings and pruned leaves away from pets and children, and wash your hands after handling the plant.

Philodendron Growing Tips

The Pink Princess is versatile. You can grow it as a vining plant that climbs up a support or as a bushy container plant. Whichever you choose, the Pink Princess will fit in seamlessly. To grow as a taller, vining plant, add a stake or a tall support inside the pot to help it climb. You can wind your Philodendron around the base, and it will climb up from there. If you want a bushy plant instead, keep taking cuttings or make multiple cuts from a long stem. When they have all put out roots, you can plant them all in the same pot. Be sure to choose a pot that is no more than 2” larger than the current pot.

Use a Moss Pole to Support Climbing Growth

Pink Princess Philodendrons are climbing plants, so they benefit from support as they grow. A moss pole gives the stems something to attach to, helping the plant grow upright instead of trailing or leaning.

Using a moss pole can help your plant:

• Stay more compact indoors
• Support larger foliage
• Grow in a more natural shape
• Keep stems from bending or breaking
• Encourage a fuller, more polished look

Place the moss pole in the pot near the main stem, then gently secure the plant with soft plant ties. Avoid tying too tightly, since the stems need room to grow. As new growth develops, guide it toward the pole.

Feed During Spring and Summer for Healthy Foliage

A Pink Princess Philodendron benefits from regular feeding during the growing season. In spring and summer, use a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Fertilizer helps encourage new leaves, stronger stems, and better overall plant health. However, too much fertilizer can stress the roots, so follow the product label and avoid feeding heavily. During fall and winter, reduce or pause fertilizing because the plant naturally grows more slowly.

Simple feeding tips:

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer.
• Apply only when the soil is already lightly moist.
• Avoid fertilizing a stressed or newly repotted plant right away.
• Reduce feeding during fall and winter.
• Flush the soil occasionally if fertilizer salts build up.

With steady care, your Pink Princess can keep producing fresh foliage and beautiful pink variegation.

Keep Pink Princess Philodendron Away From Pets and Children

Pink Princess Philodendron, or Philodendron erubescens, contains calcium oxalate crystals. These can be irritating if the plant is chewed or ingested, so it is best to keep it away from pets and young children.

Place your Pink Princess on a high shelf, plant stand, or other safe indoor spot where curious pets and kids cannot reach the leaves or stems. If you prune the plant or take cuttings, dispose of trimmed pieces safely and wash your hands afterward.

This simple step helps you enjoy the plant’s gorgeous pink foliage while keeping your home safer for everyone.

Troubleshooting

Predominant diseases to watch for are root rot and fungal issues due to overwatering. Wet, cool conditions encourage infection and disease development. Avoid overwatering your plant by feeling the soil before you water. The soil should feel 75% dry.

Healthy roots will be firm and yellow-white in color. Unhealthy roots or ones that are affected by root rot will be brown-black, squishy and shriveled. To fix root rot, rinse off all the soil, trim off the bad roots and repot with fresh soil in a sanitized container.

Common Pests Like Spider Mites

Pink Princess Philodendrons can sometimes attract common pests like spider mites, especially when humidity levels are low or the plant is stressed. You may notice fine webbing, speckled leaves, sticky residue, or tiny moving insects on the undersides of the foliage.

To manage pests:

1. Isolate the plant from other houseplants.
2. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth.
3. Rinse the foliage if the plant is small enough to move.
4. Treat with insecticidal soap as directed.
5. Repeat treatment as needed until pests are gone.

Check your plant regularly, especially around new growth and leaf undersides. Catching pests early makes them much easier to control.

Yellow Leaves, Brown Tips, and Fading Variegation

Yellow leaves, brown tips, and fading variegation are common signs that your Pink Princess needs a care adjustment. The good news is that these symptoms usually point to simple fixes.

Here’s what each issue may mean:

• Yellow leaves: Often caused by improper watering, poor drainage, or soil staying wet too long.
• Brown tips: Can happen when humidity is too low, the plant dries out too much, or fertilizer salts build up.
• Fading variegation: Usually means the plant needs more bright, indirect light.
• Scorched leaves: Often caused by direct sunlight that is too strong.
• Drooping foliage: May be from underwatering, overwatering, or stress after repotting.

If your plant is losing its pink variegation, move it to a brighter spot with filtered light. If the leaves are yellowing and the soil is wet, let the soil dry before watering again and make sure the pot has drainage holes.

What to Do If Your Pink Princess Stops Growing

If your Pink Princess stops growing, don’t panic. Many indoor plants slow down during fall and winter, when light levels are lower. However, if growth stops during spring or summer, the plant may need better light, warmer temperatures, fresh soil, or a more consistent care routine.

Try these steps:

1. Move the plant to brighter indirect light.
2. Check that the pot has drainage holes.
3. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
4. Increase humidity if the air is very dry.
5. Feed lightly during the growing season.
6. Check for pests like spider mites.
7. Repot if the plant is rootbound.

With proper care, your Pink Princess Philodendron can return to steady growth and continue producing new leaves with beautiful pink and green variegation.

Similar plants to try

Once you master the care of the Pink Princess, you’ll want to grow your collection! Try out any of these house plants, which share similar care needs with the Pink Princess.

• Chinese Evergreen
• Dieffenbachia
• Philodendron
• Monstera

For more house plant help, take our House Plant Care 101 course—a 6-part series created by our Plant Experts that covers everything from location and light to water, soil and more.