Philodendron Pink Princess Care
Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess'
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. More light keeps more pink. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 3β5 cm of soil is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Chunky and airy: our Chunky Monkey Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 18β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average to high. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Moderate Climber |
| π Grows to | 60 cm to 1.2 m on a pole. |
The Pink Princess has near-black leaves splashed with bubblegum pink, and every leaf is different. It's a climbing philodendron with easy basic care. The art is in keeping the pink: that comes down to light and a little pruning.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light is key. In low light, the plant makes darker, greener leaves with less pink. Avoid direct hot sun, which burns the pink sections first.
Watering
Water when the top 3β5 cm is dry. Avoid soggy soil. Pink sections have no chlorophyll and brown easily if the plant is stressed by over- or under-watering.
Soil + repotting
A chunky, airy mix like our Chunky Monkey Potting Mix. Repot every 1β2 years in spring.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Give it a moss or coco pole to climb; climbing plants grow bigger leaves.
Keeping the pink (reversion)
If new leaves come out almost solid dark green for several leaves in a row, the plant is "reverting." Cut the stem back to just above the last leaf with good pink variegation; the next growth often comes back pinker. All-pink leaves look stunning but can't photosynthesize, so they usually brown and die. That's normal.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| New leaves all dark green | Low light or reversion | More light; prune back to a well-variegated leaf. |
| Pink sections turning brown | Normal for very pink leaves, or stress | Keep conditions steady; trim if unsightly. |
| Yellow leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let the top few cm dry. |
| Small leaves, leggy stems | Low light or nothing to climb | Brighter spot plus a pole. |
| Brown crispy edges | Dry air | Raise humidity. |
Varieties we carry
Each Pink Princess is one of a kind. Choose by the amount of pink you love. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get more pink?
Bright indirect light, and prune back if it starts reverting to green.
Why are the pink parts turning brown?
Pink areas have no chlorophyll and are fragile. Very pink leaves often brown; it's normal.
Is Pink Princess safe for pets?
No. Philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs.
Does it need a pole?
It's a climber, so a pole helps it grow bigger, more mature leaves.
Pink Princess care kit
- Chunky Monkey Potting Mix: Bark-rich and airy, for climbers and aroids.
- D-Shaped Moss Pole: Fill with sphagnum and keep damp for climbers.
- Moisture Meter Β· $14.99: Tells you when the bottom of the pot is actually dry.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
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