The Pink Princess Philodendron is a stunning plant known for its vibrant pink and green variegated leaves. Its rare, striking beauty has made it a favorite among plant lovers seeking to add a touch of the tropics to their homes. This guide will cover all you need to know about caring for, propagating, and maintaining your Pink Princess Philodendron. It will help it thrive in your indoor garden. From light and water needs to dealing with pests, we have you covered!
What Makes Pink Princess Philodendron Special?
The Pink Princess Philodendron is both beautiful and rare. Hence, it is a favorite amongst indoor gardeners. See why it’s so special:
- Attractive Looks: First of all, its leaves are very beautiful. A variety of plants show splashes of pink. This plant attracts much attention. Hence, it can enhance the ambiance of any room, working like a natural piece of art. Also, the mix of colors gives a vibrant look. It suits many decor styles.
- Rare but Totally Worthwhile: Additionally, the Pink Princess enjoys immense popularity. Its unique appearance and rarity make it a very desirable item. Its limited availability makes it even more attractive. Hence, it is very trendy for indoor plants. Owning one is a matter of honor among plant lovers.
Grow and Care Your Pink Princess Philodendron
Pink Princess Philodendron is a tropical plant from Colombia. Even though it’s expensive, it’s fairly easy to care for. To make sure the plant’s beautiful colors stand out, here are a few things you should know:
- Light: Pink Princess requires very bright, indirect light to maintain its beautiful colors. It can withstand a few hours of direct sunlight. This can help keep its variegation (color pattern) strong. If you don’t have enough natural light in your home, consider using grow lights. Without enough light, the leaves can turn green and lose their vibrant colors.
- Soil: This plant likes light, well-drained soil. A good mix is one part regular potting soil, one part perlite (for air), and one part orchid bark.
- Water: Water your Pink Princess when the top half of the soil looks dry. In the hot months (spring and summer), water once a week. In the cooler months (fall and winter), water every 1-2 weeks. Do not leave the plant standing in water, as this can cause root rot. It’s better to wait a little longer than to overwater it.
- Temperature and Humidity: Pink Princess Philodendron prefers warm, humid conditions. But regular indoor temperature and humidity work fine. Keep it between 65°F and 79°F (18°C – 26°C), and don’t let it get any cooler than 60°F (15°C).
- Fertilizer: In the spring and summer, feed your plant a balanced liquid fertilizer every month. Stop feeding it in early fall, when it enters a dormant state.
With proper care your Pink Princess Philodendron will thrive. It will maintain its bright colors!
Pink Princess Philodendron Problems and How to Fix Them
Pink Princess philodendron care can pose some challenges, but fixing them quickly can help your plant thrive. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Yellow leaves
- Reason: Overwatering, low light, aging or nutrient deficiencies.
- Solution: Check the soil moisture. Water only when the soil is approximately 50% dry. Place the plant in bright, indirect light. It’s normal for older leaves to turn yellow as the plant grows.
Brown Leaves, Tips Or Edges
- Reason: Less watering, less moisture, too much direct sunlight or burning of manure.
- Solution: Check soil moisture and light conditions. Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray or using a humidifier. If you have recently fertilized, dilute the fertilizer next time. Cut off damaged leaves.
Curled Leaves
- Reason: Dry soil or air, temperature stress or pests.
- Solution: If the soil is dry, water the plant. Mist regularly, use a humidifier or set up a pebble tray to increase humidity. Check for pests and address them if found.
Drooping Of Leaves
- Reason: Under-watering, over-watering, change in environment, pests or need for a larger pot.
- Solution: Check the soil moisture and water accordingly. Make sure the environment is stable and pest-free. If the roots are shriveled, replant them in a larger pot.
Note: Pink Princess naturally likes to climb. Without support such as poles or stakes, its leaves may bend and fall over. This is normal and not a sign of a problem!
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Pink Princess Philodendron may face pests and diseases. Here’s how to identify them:
Pests
- Spider mites: Tiny insects that leave fine webbing and cause leaves to turn yellow or mottled.
- Mealybugs: White, cotton-like insects found on the undersides or joints of leaves, producing curling and sticky residue.
- Aphids: Tiny insects (green, black, pink or brown) that gather on the undersides of leaves.
- Scale insects: Oval-shaped bumps on stems and leaves, making them sticky.
- Fungus gnats: Tiny flies buzzing around the soil; larvae live in moist soil.
Diseases
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering. Roots feel soft and smell musty.
- Rust spots: Fungal spots that damage leaves.
Regular checkups and proper care can help keep your plant healthy!
How to Propagate Pink Princess Philodendron
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to propagate your Pink Princess Philodendron:
- Cut the stem
- Take a healthy stem at least 6 inches long that has a few leaves.
- Use clean scissors or pruning shears to cut just below a leaf node (where the leaf joins the stem).
- Root the Cutting in Water
- Remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting.
- Place the cutting in a container of distilled or filtered water, ensuring 1-2 nodes are under water.
- Place the container in a warm location with indirect sunlight and change the water every few days.
- Roots will be visible within a few weeks!
- Plant in soil
- When the roots are about 1 inch long, put the cutting in a pot with drainage holes.
- Fill the pot with well drained soil.
- Make a small hole, place the cutting in it, cover the roots with soil and press gently to secure it.
Where to Buy a Philodendron Pink Princess?
Looking for a Pink Princess Philodendron can be a bit of a challenge; however, give these sources a shot:
- Local nurseries: First, drop by plant shops that focus on exotic plants to find some healthy options.
- Online marketplaces: Additionally, order from reputable sellers to steer clear of sickly plants.
Buying Tips: Go for those bright, sturdy leaves that don’t have brown tips or pest problems.
Conclusion
In summary, a Pink Princess Philodendron needs some care. But, it’s worth it in the end. With the right conditions, you’ll see its gorgeous pink leaves. They’ll make your home look very stylish. So, don’t hesitate to try it. This unique plant may become a favorite in your indoor garden!
FAQ
Why Are Pink Princess Philodendrons So Expensive?
Pink Princess Philodendrons are very popular because of their beautiful leaves, but due to their unique diversity they are difficult to grow from seed, leading to their high prices.
How Much Do They Cost?
In 2021, a mature Pink Princess Philodendron can cost more than $2,000, while single-leaf cuttings sell for hundreds of dollars online. Today, they are much more affordable. You can find small plants for less than $100, and cuttings can only cost $5 to $10. The price has gone down because these plants are now being produced in larger quantities.
What to Look for When Buying a Pink Princess Philodendron
When purchasing Pink Princess Philodendron, check for uniform color and variety of leaves and stems. Also look at the petiole (stem) for a uniform color. Also, check for small brown spots on the leaves, as these may be a sign of fungal rust. This will help ensure that you get a healthy plant.
- Is the Pink Princess Philodendron toxic to pets?
Yes, the Pink Princess Philodendron is toxic to pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious cats and dogs to avoid any health issues.
