The Philodendron Pink Princess (Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’) is not just another houseplant—it’s a statement piece, a living work of art. With its glossy, deep-green, heart-shaped leaves splashed with bubblegum-pink variegation, it has rightfully earned its crown as one of the most sought-after tropical plants. Once sold for thousands of dollars due to its rarity, the Pink Princess is now much more accessible, yet it still carries the same charm and prestige.
But here’s the catch: if you don’t give this beauty the right care, that dreamy pink coloring can fade, and you’ll be left with an ordinary green philodendron. That’s why mastering its care routine is essential. This ultimate 2025 care and styling guide will walk you through everything—light, water, soil, humidity, propagation, styling ideas, troubleshooting common problems, and even how to shop smart if you’re planning to buy one.
Ready to grow your Pink Princess into the queen of your indoor jungle? Let’s dive in!
What Makes the Pink Princess So Special?
The Pink Princess is a tropical aroid from Colombia, part of the Araceae family. What sets it apart is its natural genetic mutation that reduces chlorophyll in parts of the leaves, creating those striking pink sections. Unlike the Philodendron Pink Congo, which gets its pink color from chemicals and eventually reverts to green, the Pink Princess’s variegation is stable and long-lasting—if you give it the right environment.
Quick plant facts:
Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate crystals (toxic to pets and kids)
Botanical Name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’
Common Names: Pink Princess Philodendron, Blushing Philodendron
Family: Araceae
Type: Perennial, climbing aroid
Mature Size: 3–5 feet tall indoors with support
Native Range: Tropical Colombia
Essential Care Requirements
1. Light: The Secret to Bold Pink Variegation
If you want those Instagram-worthy leaves, light is your best friend.
- Best placement: Near an east-facing or north-facing window where it gets several hours of soft, bright light. A south or west window works too, but add a sheer curtain to diffuse harsh rays.
- Avoid: Direct, unfiltered sunlight—it can scorch the delicate pink areas.
- Too little light: Your plant will push out greener leaves to survive, and variegation fades.
- Artificial help: Grow lights are excellent for boosting pink variegation if your home lacks natural light.
Tip: Rotate your plant weekly to ensure all sides get equal light exposure.
2. Watering: Strike the Perfect Balance
Overwatering is the number one killer of Pink Princess Philodendrons.
- When to water: Check the top 2 inches of soil; if dry, water thoroughly.
- Method: Water until liquid drains from the bottom holes. Empty saucers to avoid soggy roots.
- Seasonal changes:
- Spring/Summer: About once a week.
- Fall/Winter: Every 1–2 weeks as growth slows.
Signs of trouble:
- Overwatered: Yellowing leaves, musty-smelling soil, mushy roots.
- Underwatered: Drooping stems, crispy edges, stunted growth.
3. Soil: A Chunky Mix for Happy Roots
As an aroid, the Pink Princess thrives in well-aerated, fast-draining soil that mimics its jungle roots.
DIY soil mix:
- 1 part standard potting soil
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part orchid bark (or chunky coco husk)
Optional: Add sphagnum moss or coco coir for moisture retention.
This airy blend ensures enough oxygen while holding just the right amount of water.
4. Temperature & Humidity: Bring the Tropics Indoors
- Temperature sweet spot: 65–80°F (18–27°C).
- Avoid: Below 55°F (13°C), which stresses the plant.
- Humidity preference: 50% minimum, but 60–70% is ideal.
How to boost humidity:
- Run a cool-mist humidifier nearby.
- Place plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Group plants together to create a microclimate.
Browning leaf edges? That’s your plant begging for more humidity.
5. Fertilization: Fuel for Vibrant Growth
- During growing season (spring/summer): Feed every 4–6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants, diluted to half strength.
- Fall/Winter: Reduce or stop feeding when growth slows.
- Golden rule: Only fertilize moist soil to avoid root burn.
Pro tip: Don’t over-fertilize. Too much can scorch roots and ruin those stunning pink leaves.
Staking & Support: Encourage Climbing for Healthy Growth
The Philodendron Pink Princess is a natural climber. In its native Colombian rainforest, this stunning plant anchors itself to tree trunks and climbs upward to reach brighter light. Indoors, replicating this growth habit with proper support structures not only keeps your Pink Princess healthy but also enhances its dramatic appearance.
Why Provide Support for Your Philodendron Pink Princess?
Giving your plant a climbing aid such as a moss pole, wooden stake, or trellis provides several key benefits:
- Bigger leaves: When trained to climb, the Pink Princess develops larger, more impressive leaves that showcase its pink variegation beautifully.
- Faster growth: Staked plants grow more vigorously since climbing mimics their natural environment.
- Stronger stems: Upright support prevents the stems from bending or snapping under the weight of new leaves.
- Improved display: A climbing Pink Princess looks fuller and more elegant, making it a striking centerpiece in any indoor jungle.
Best Supports for Pink Princess Philodendron
- Moss Poles – A favorite among plant enthusiasts. Moss poles allow aerial roots to attach and draw in extra moisture, promoting robust growth.
- Wooden Stakes – Simple and low-maintenance, great for smaller plants or early training.
- Trellises or Frames – Perfect for creating decorative displays, especially in modern or bohemian interiors.
- Artificial Support Poles – Low-upkeep alternatives to moss poles that still provide vertical stability.
When to Stake a Pink Princess
The earlier, the better! Providing support while your plant is still young prevents:
- Curling or bending stems
- Uneven or leggy growth
- Stress from sudden repositioning later on
Pro Tip: Start staking when your Pink Princess reaches 10–12 inches tall. Train aerial roots gently onto the support, and secure stems with soft plant ties or Velcro strips.
How to Stake Your Philodendron Pink Princess
- Insert the moss pole or stake firmly into the pot near the plant’s base.
- Gently tie the main stem to the support using soft ties (avoid tight knots to prevent damage).
- Mist the moss pole regularly if using one—this keeps it damp, encouraging aerial roots to latch on.
- Adjust ties as the plant grows taller to keep stems upright and supported.
By adding proper staking and climbing support, your Pink Princess Philodendron will reward you with faster growth, vibrant variegation, and lush, show-stopping foliage that elevates your indoor plant collection.
How to Propagate a Pink Princess Philodendron
Propagation is a great way to grow new plants and increase variegation if your Pink Princess is reverting to green.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
Choose a healthy stem cutting with at least 2-3 leaves and 2-3 exposed nodes
Remove the lowest leaves, leaving 2-3 at the top
Let the cutting dry for 12-24 hours to callous over
Place in water or moist sphagnum moss under bright, indirect light
Roots will develop in 2-3 weeks; once they are 2 inches long, transplant into soil
Repotting Your Pink Princess
If your plant outgrows its pot or the soil becomes compacted, repotting is necessary.
Signs it’s time to repot:
Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Slowed growth despite proper care
Soil drying out too quickly
Best repotting practices:
- Use a pot 2 inches larger than the previous one
- Refresh soil to replenish nutrients
- Water thoroughly after repotting to reduce transplant shock
Upgrade your plant care routine! Learn the best timing, pot choices, and soil mixes for stress-free repotting in our detailed guide: When and How to Repot Your Philodendron for Healthier Indoor Growth.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems
- Leaves losing pink: Not enough light → move closer to a bright window.
- Leggy growth: Another light issue → provide more indirect sunlight.
- Brown leaf tips: Low humidity or tap water minerals → switch to filtered water and raise humidity.
- Brown spots on pink: Sunburn from harsh rays.
- Lower leaves dropping: Normal aging if new leaves are forming.
Pests & Diseases
The Pink Princess is fairly resilient but watch for these intruders:
- Spider mites – Webbing and yellow speckles on leaves.
- Mealybugs – White cottony clumps on stems.
- Aphids – Tiny green or black insects on new growth.
- Scale insects – Hard brown bumps on stems.
- Fungus gnats – Swarm around soggy soil.
Treatments: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, or rubbing alcohol swabs. Always isolate infected plants.
Diseases:
Rust spot fungus – Shows as brown patches. Improve airflow and treat with fungicide.
Root rot – Caused by soggy soil. Solution: repot in fresh soil, trim mushy roots.
Is the Pink Princess Philodendron Toxic?
Yes, it is toxic! The Pink Princess contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation if ingested by pets or humans. Keep it away from cats, dogs, and children.
Why Is the Pink Princess Philodendron So Expensive?
High price reasons:
- Slow growth rate makes it difficult to produce in large numbers
- Unstable variegation—not all plants develop pink leaves
- Social media hype has driven up demand
However, thanks to increased cultivation, prices are becoming more accessible!
Styling Your Pink Princess
The Pink Princess doesn’t just sit in a corner—it shines as a statement plant in any room.
- Minimalist modern: Sleek ceramic or concrete pots against neutral walls.
- Boho chic: Macramé hangers and terracotta pots with cascading vines.
- Vintage charm: Antique containers or repurposed bowls for a quirky touch.
Climbing supports like moss poles or trellises not only keep it healthy but add visual drama to your décor.
Advanced Tips for Enthusiasts
- Summer care: More frequent watering and humidity.
- Winter care: Less water, less fertilizer, and protection from dry heating systems.
- Growth expectations: Indoors, expect 3–4 feet tall with 6–8 inch leaves. With perfect care, new leaves can emerge every 4–6 weeks.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron Pink Princess is more than just a plant—it’s a conversation starter, a design element, and a collector’s gem. While it may need a bit more attention than your average pothos, the reward is breathtaking: bold pink-and-green foliage that feels like living art.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner ready to step up your plant game, following this guide will ensure your Pink Princess thrives and keeps turning heads well into 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
1. Why is my Pink Princess losing its pink color?
Because it’s not getting enough bright, indirect light. Move it closer to a window or add a grow light.
2. How often should I water it?
About once a week in summer and every 1–2 weeks in winter. Always check the top 2 inches of soil before watering.
3. What soil works best?
A chunky mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark ensures both drainage and moisture retention.
4. Can I grow it under grow lights only?
Yes! Many plant lovers rely on grow lights to maintain strong pink variegation indoors.
5. Is it safe for cats and dogs?
No, it’s toxic. Keep it out of reach of pets and kids.
6. How can I make it bushier?
Prune leggy stems and propagate cuttings back into the pot for a fuller look.
7. What’s the difference between Pink Princess and Pink Congo?
Pink Princess has natural, stable variegation. Pink Congo is chemically induced and reverts to green.
8. Can I put it outside?
Yes, in summer, but only in shaded or filtered light areas. Never direct harsh sun.
Ready to grow your indoor jungle? The Pink Princess is just the beginning. Discover our handpicked Philodendron plant collection and bring home rare, beautiful varieties.
