In the realm of houseplants, the Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens’ Pink Princess’) stands out as a captivating specimen with a rich history. Originating from Central and South America, this plant’s journey unfolds with mystery, drawing enthusiasts into its alluring narrative. In this exploration, we’ll trace the Pink Princess’s origins, delve into its intriguing varieties, and demystify the secrets to its successful care. Join us on this concise journey through the captivating world of the Pink Princess Philodendron.
About the Pink Princess Philodendron
Origin
Although Philodendron erubescens originates from Central and South America, the exact genesis of Philodendron’ Pink Princess’ is uncertain. One hypothesis posits that Pink Princess emerged as a spontaneous mutation within the Philodendron erubescens species. Alternatively, there is speculation that Pink Princess might have been a product of R.H. McColley’s comprehensive breeding efforts at Bamboo Nursery in Apopka, Florida, during the 1960s and 1970s. This nursery was renowned for its specialization in hybridizing Philodendrons, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the elusive origins of the captivating Philodendron ‘Pink Princess.’
Nevertheless, many of the Philodendrons included in the grower’s hybridization efforts lacked the genetic capacity for crossbreeding with each other. To clarify, the Philodendron crosses in ‘Pink Princess’ were deemed botanically impossible. Therefore, the logical deduction is that the individual who stumbled upon the Pink Princess Philodendron either asserted a fictitious lineage or the hybridization transpired through a spontaneous yet natural mutation.
Subsequently, as the Pink Princess Philodendron gained recognition, the rights to its cultivation were sold to a tissue culture company, leading to mass production of the plant.
Description
What immediately captivates enthusiasts about the Pink Princess Philodendron is its charming name. Even in Latin, it carries a delightful touch: Philodendron erubescens, where “erubescens” translates to “blushing” Philodendron.
The allure of the Pink Princess lies in its unique pink pigmentation, a phenomenon known as variegation. Variegation occurs when certain areas of the leaf lack chlorophyll. The rarity of finding a plant in nature with black leaves adds to the Pink Princess’s exceptional nature. It stands out as a black or nearly black Philodendron adorned with striking hot pink variegation, making it a sought-after and distinctive botanical specimen in recent years.
| Botanical Name | Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’ |
| Common Name | Philodendron pink princess, blushing philodendron |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 4-5 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Partial |
| Soil Type | Loamy, moist but well-draining |
| Soil pH | Acidic |
| Bloom Time | Spring, summer |
| Flower Color | Green, white |
| Hardiness Zones | 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b |
| Native Area | South America |
Pink Princess Philodendron varieties
The mesmerizing variegation displayed by the Pink Princess has spurred a significant surge in demand for this houseplant, prompting growers to engage in breeding endeavors to produce novel cultivars with captivating patterns and colors.
Recognizing that the Pink Princess Philodendron naturally exhibits variations in its pink and white patterns is crucial. Occasionally, these variations are incorrectly attributed with false cultivar names and marketed at a premium under the guise of being “rare” cultivars. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and attentiveness when making a purchase, ensuring that one is well-informed about the plant’s specific characteristics to avoid potential market misrepresentations.
Pink Princess Sparkle
The Pink Princess Philodendron, in its common variegation form often referred to as ‘Sparkle,’ is characterized by substantial patches of pink intermingled with its green leaves. Occasionally, the plant produces striking “half moons,” where half of the leaf is pink while the other half remains green. Although this display is visually captivating, it poses potential risks for the plant if it reverts to producing entirely green leaves, thereby losing its distinctive variegation or exclusively producing pink leaves lacking chlorophyll.
It’s worth noting that some sources market this particular variant of Pink Princess as ‘Sparkle.’ However, it’s essential to be aware that ‘Sparkle’ is an unregistered cultivar name, and caution should be exercised when using such designations, as they may not accurately represent the plant’s genetic makeup or origin.
Pink Princess Marble
Pink Princess exhibits another captivating variegation known as marble variegation, a phenomenon frequently observed in various variegated plants, including Marble Queen Pothos, Monstera Thai Constellation, and Monstera Albo.
In the context of Pink Princess, marble variegation imparts a distinctive appearance to the leaves, characterized by a speckled pattern featuring random splashes of pink and white. This type of variegation adds to the allure of Pink Princess, contributing to the plant’s aesthetic diversity and making it a sought-after choice among enthusiasts who appreciate the intricate beauty of marbled foliage.
Pink Princess Black Cherry
The ‘Black Cherry’ variant is an unregistered cultivar distinguished by its striking red variegation against a backdrop of black leaves. Notably, ‘Black Cherry’ leaves seem to have a thicker texture than the original Pink Princess. Enthusiasts who own ‘Black Cherry’ assert that the vibrant red and black coloring persists consistently as the plant matures.
However, it’s essential to exercise caution when seeking to acquire one, as there is no guarantee that this type of variegation can be sustained over the long term. The stability of the red and black coloring may be subject to environmental factors, growth conditions, and other variables, making it essential for potential buyers to be aware of the potential variability in maintaining this unique coloration.
Philodendron Pink Anderson or White Anderson
This recently introduced, unregistered cultivar originates from Indonesia, and while detailed information is limited, it is believed to be a hybrid of Philodendron “Pink Princess” and Philodendron “White Knight”. Characterized by burgundy petioles, leaf shape, and color patterns reminiscent of the Pink Princess, this cultivar exhibits a unique variegation pattern.
Initially, the variegation appears pink, but as the leaves mature, the color transitions to a distinctive white hue. Although specific details about this cultivar are scarce, its intriguing blend of characteristics derived from its parent plants makes it a subject of interest for enthusiasts seeking novel and distinctive variations within the Philodendron family.
Pink Princess Philodendron Care
Light
Ensuring an adequate supply of light is crucial in determining the extent of variegation in your Pink Princess Philodendron. Opt for a location that enjoys several hours of bright, indirect light. Indoors, this plant can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, which might enhance its variegation. Investing in a grow light for the Pink Princess is advisable if your home lacks a well-lit spot. Inadequate light exposure can lead to the rapid reversion of the leaves to green, resulting in the loss of its striking variegation. Thus, providing sufficient light is pivotal for maintaining the vibrant and appealing aesthetic of the Pink Princess Philodendron.
Soil
Being an aroid plant, the Pink Princess Philodendron thrives in airy and well-draining soil, with a high content of organic matter. An optimal soil mix for this plant consists of equal parts standard potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
This combination not only ensures proper aeration and drainage but also provides the necessary organic components to support the Pink Princess’s growth. Maintaining the right soil conditions is fundamental in promoting the health and vitality of this unique philodendron variety.
Water
To maintain optimal soil moisture for your Pink Princess Philodendron, allow the top half of the soil to dry out between watering sessions before providing a thorough watering. Typically, this translates to watering the plant approximately once a week during the spring and summer and adjusting to a schedule once every 1 to 2 weeks in the fall and winter.
Preventing your Pink Princess from sitting in waterlogged soil is imperative, as excessive moisture can make the plant susceptible to root rot. Given that overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering with this species, exercise caution when determining the need for watering. If uncertain, it is advisable to err on caution and wait for another day before watering. This approach helps maintain the appropriate moisture balance for the Pink Princess Philodendron, ensuring its well-being and longevity.
Temperature and Humidity
The Pink Princess Philodendron thrives in warm and humid conditions. Still, it is adaptable to typical household temperature and humidity levels. Ideally, maintain your plant in an environment with temperatures between 65 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 26 degrees Celsius). Avoid subjecting it to temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) to ensure optimal growth and well-being. Providing these temperature parameters creates a suitable habitat for the Pink Princess Philodendron, promoting its resilience and overall health.
Fertilizer
Throughout its growing season in spring and summer, the Pink Princess Philodendron benefits from regular monthly feedings with a balanced liquid fertilizer. As the plant transitions into its dormant period in early fall, it is advisable to discontinue fertilization. This seasonal approach to feeding ensures that the Pink Princess receives the necessary nutrients during its active growth phases, promoting robust development. However, recognizing and respecting the plant’s dormancy period by refraining from fertilizing in the fall allows it to undergo a natural rest, preparing for the subsequent growing season.
Pruning
While the Pink Princess Philodendron naturally exhibits vining tendencies, you can quickly cultivate a bushier appearance through proper pruning techniques. To encourage new growth points, consider cutting the stem in between nodes, with nodes being the small bumps where each leaf meets the stem or vine. The optimal time for pruning is in the spring, just before the plant initiates new growth.
Additionally, pruning can be employed to maintain a balanced variegation pattern. For instance, if you observe that the top leaves of your plant are uniformly green or pink, but you prefer a more speckled pattern, identify the most evenly variegated leaf and cut right above its node. Pruning above the chosen leaf prompts the new growth to mirror the pigment pattern of the leaf immediately below it. This technique allows you to shape and customize the appearance of your Pink Princess Philodendron to achieve the desired variegation pattern and overall aesthetic.
Repotting Pink Princess Philodendron
The Pink Princess Philodendron requires repotting once it has outgrown its current container, typically every 1 to 2 years. Indications such as roots emerging from the drainage holes or encircling the pot’s interior indicate that your plant is due for repotting.
While it’s technically possible to repot a Pink Princess Philodendron at any time of the year, the optimal periods are spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. It is advisable to wait until the plant is due for watering before repotting. This ensures you can thoroughly water the plant after repotting, helping it settle securely into its new container. Below are a few simple steps to repot your Pink Princess Philodendron.
How to Repot a Pink Princess Philodendron
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to repot your Pink Princess Philodendron:
- Select a pot that is 2 to 4 inches larger than the plant’s previous container, ensuring that it has drainage holes (consider options like plastic nursery pots or terracotta pots).
- Ensure you have an ample supply of fresh, well-draining potting soil ready for repotting.
- Gently remove your Pink Princess from its old pot, being careful not to damage the roots.
- Loosen the root ball to eliminate as much old soil as possible, promoting a smooth transition to the new potting mix.
- Place your plant in the new pot, holding it in position with one hand while you fill the pot with fresh soil using the other hand.
- Water the newly repotted plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot’s drainage holes. This step helps settle the soil and hydrate the plant.
- Return the repotted Pink Princess to its original location and resume a regular watering schedule, ensuring the plant receives the care it needs to thrive in its new environment.
Propagating Pink Princess Philodendron
Propagating the Pink Princess Philodendron through stem cuttings is a straightforward process, offering not only the opportunity to share a new plant with others but also promoting bushier growth and potentially enhancing variegation, mainly if the existing leaves show signs of reversion. Follow these comprehensive steps to propagate your Pink Princess Philodendron successfully:
- Select the Cutting: Choose a cutting with 2 to 3 leaves and 2 to 3 exposed nodes at the bottom. Nodes are the small bumps on the stem where leaves emerge.
- Make the Cut: Utilize sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors to make a clean cut, separating the chosen cutting from the main plant.
- Remove Bottom Leaves: Trim away the bottom leaves of the cutting, leaving only 2 to 3 leaves at the top.
- Allow Callousing: Set the cutting aside for 12 to 24 hours to permit the cut edge to callous over.
- Place in Water: Once calloused, place the cutting in water, submerging the exposed nodes. Position the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
- Root Development: Within 2 to 3 weeks, you should observe the emergence of new roots from the cutting. Ensure that the exposed nodes remain submerged in water throughout this period.
- Transfer to Soil: Once the roots reach a length of at least 1 inch, the cutting can be transferred back to the soil. Use a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly to support the transition.
Following these steps, you can successfully propagate your Pink Princess Philodendron, creating new plants and fostering a lush and vibrant display in your indoor garden.
Method of using cuttings for Pink Princess Philodendron propagation
To initiate successful propagation, carefully examine your Pink Princess Philodendron to identify optimal areas of growth characterized by abundant variegation. Cut a stem approximately 1/4 inch below the node, selecting multiple stems to enhance the likelihood of successful propagation. Each cutting should feature a couple of healthy leaves exhibiting pink coloring.
Submerge each stem in water, ensuring the node is immersed while the leaves dangle freely. Place the cuttings in a warm location with ample sunlight exposure.
After about a month, you should observe the formation of root systems. At approximately five weeks old, the roots should become self-supporting.
Once the roots have grown to about 2 inches in length, you can pot the cuttings using an aroid soil mix. After an additional three weeks, the roots should be well-established in the soil mixture, signifying successful propagation. This step-by-step process ensures the development of strong, rooted cuttings that can be transferred to soil for continued growth as independent Pink Princess Philodendron plants.
Method of dividing Philodendron Pink Princess for propagation
Initiate the process by thoroughly watering your Pink Princess Philodendron. With care, lift the entire root ball out of the pot, and delicately remove the surrounding soil to reveal the root system.
Examine the roots closely to identify baby plants with well-developed stems and root systems. Typically, you should find around four stems connected to the root. These individual stems, each with their own root system, can be gently separated and repotted individually to encourage independent growth. This method allows you to propagate new Pink Princess Philodendron plants from the existing root structure, expanding your collection and promoting healthy, self-sustained growth for each separated plant.
Pink Princess Philodendron seeds
Suppose you encounter challenges with the propagation of Pink Princess Philodendron and find yourself tempted by offers from growers selling Pink Princess Philodendron seeds. In that case, it’s essential to exercise caution and refrain from making such purchases.
While the seeds may germinate into new plants, it’s crucial to understand that they won’t develop into true Pink Princess Philodendrons. Instead, the resulting plants are likely leafy green varieties, lacking the distinctive variegation that characterizes the Pink Princess. Investing in these seeds may not be worthwhile, as the variegation in Pink Princess Philodendron is an unstable mutation that occurs randomly. A consistent and reliably variegated plant can only be reliably propagated through cuttings taken from a well-established mother plant, ensuring the desired traits and characteristics are preserved.
Typical Insects & Plant Diseases
The Pink Princess Philodendron, like many houseplants, is vulnerable to various pests and diseases that can affect its health. Among the common pests that may infest this plant are mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and fungus gnats. Additionally, the Pink Princess Philodendron is susceptible to certain diseases, with root rot being a common issue associated with overwatering. Another potential problem is rust spot, which arises from a fungal infection. Regular monitoring and prompt intervention are essential to maintain the health and vitality of the Pink Princess Philodendron, as addressing these issues promptly can prevent their escalation and ensure the continued well-being of the plant.
Common Issues With Pink Princess Philodendron
With appropriate care, Pink Princess Philodendrons can generally thrive without significant issues. Common challenges associated with these tropical plants typically stem from factors such as improper watering, humidity levels, or inadequate exposure to light. Ensuring that these critical environmental factors are well-managed contributes significantly to the overall health and resilience of the Pink Princess Philodendron, mitigating the likelihood of common problems and fostering optimal growth conditions. Regular attention to these aspects of care helps maintain the plant’s well-being and minimizes potential issues that may arise.
Leaves lack pink color and are losing variegation
The observed loss of variegation in your Pink Princess Philodendron is likely attributed to insufficient light exposure. To address this issue, ensure your plant receives ample bright, indirect light, avoiding prolonged periods of low light conditions. Detecting and rectifying this problem early is crucial because once a Pink Princess Philodendron has fully reverted, it cannot regain its variegation. Therefore, proactive measures, such as adjusting the lighting conditions promptly, are essential to preserve the distinctive and vibrant appearance of the plant’s variegated leaves.
Leggy Plants
When you observe leggy growth in your plant, it indicates that it is not receiving sufficient light. This phenomenon occurs as the leaves elongate in an attempt to reach for more light. It is recommended that your plant be relocated to a brighter location to address this issue. Providing more adequate light conditions prevents new growth from becoming leggy, promoting a more compact and robust appearance for your Pink Princess Philodendron.
Brown Edges on Leaves
Browning edges on the leaves of a Pink Princess Philodendron typically signify insufficient humidity, leading to the dehydration of the leaves. Regrettably, once this damage has occurred, no method exists to reverse it.
However, to prevent further browning, enhancing the humidity levels around the plant is advisable. Implementing measures to increase humidity, such as misting, using a humidifier, or placing a tray of water near the plant, can create a more favorable environment for the Pink Princess Philodendron, minimizing the risk of future leaf edge browning.
Leaf Variegation is Turning Brown
Discovering brown spots on the exquisite pink variegation of your plant can be disheartening. Unfortunately, this occurrence is often associated with exposure to overly harsh lighting conditions. The delicate pink spots on the leaves are susceptible to burning when subjected to intense light, developing prominent brown spots. It’s worth noting that insufficient humidity, as mentioned earlier, can also contribute to this issue. To address this concern, it is crucial to ensure that the plant is shielded from excessive and direct sunlight and simultaneously maintain an appropriate level of humidity to safeguard the delicate variegation of your Pink Princess Philodendron.
Buying a Pink Princess Philodendron
Why Are Pink Princess Philodendrons So Expensive?
The surge in popularity of these tropical plants is attributable to their captivating foliage. This phenomenon has presented challenges for growers in meeting the escalating demand. The cost of Pink Princess Philodendrons is notably elevated, primarily because they are challenging to propagate from seed, given that their variegation arises from a genetic mutation. Consequently, the market reflects high prices despite the fact that Pink Princess Philodendrons are, in reality, relatively straightforward to care for. The combination of their striking appearance and the difficulty in propagation has contributed to the plant’s allure, driving demand and affecting their market value.
Key Considerations When Purchasing a Pink Princess Philodendron
To guarantee the acquisition of a healthy and extensively variegated Pink Princess Philodendron, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect both the foliage and stems before making a purchase. Pay careful attention to the consistency of variegation throughout the plant, examining not only the leaves but also the petioles for variegation. Given the susceptibility of these Philodendrons to fungal rust spot diseases, it is advisable to scrutinize the leaves for the presence of small brown spots, ensuring that the plant you choose is not infected. This meticulous examination process is essential for securing a robust and aesthetically pleasing Pink Princess Philodendron for your collection.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Pink Princess Philodendron stands as a testament to the marvels of nature within the realm of houseplants. From its mysterious origins in Central and South America to the vibrant varieties that have captivated plant enthusiasts worldwide, this botanical gem exudes a timeless charm. As caretakers navigate the delicate balance of care, unlocking its health and vibrancy secrets, the Pink Princess Philodendron transcends being a mere plant; it becomes a living work of art. Its unique foliage, adorned with shades of pink and green, tells a story of resilience and beauty. In the hands of those who appreciate its allure, the Pink Princess Philodendron transforms any space into a haven of natural elegance, embodying the enchantment that plants bring to our homes.