So, you’ve heard about the Pink Princess Philodendron and want to know more about this famous plant?
Let me help!
Pink Princess is a type of philodendron, which is a big family of plants known for being tough, sturdy, and mostly easy to care for.
This particular variety, Pink Princess, is a true extravaganza with dark green leaves that have bright, pink blobs on them.
Pink plant is not something you see every day, which is why plant lovers are going a bit crazy for it!
In this guide, I invite you to take a stroll through the Pink Princess world.
We’ll cover where it comes from, how and why plant lovers went nuts for it, how to care for it, and how to make more of these princesses with propagation.
Let’s get started!
The Origins Of Pink Princess Philodendron
Alright, let’s talk about where the Pink Princess Philodendron comes from and what makes it so special.
The philodendron plants originally hail from the rainforests of South America.
There, they are chilling in the warm, humid environment, hanging out with all sorts of other cool plants.
They’re green, lush and big.
They are living the best jungle life.
And here, like a true gem, grows our beautiful Pink Princess Philo…
Stop!
We must stop right here.
The Pink Princess Philodendron does not grow in nature by itself.
You can’t just find it in the jungle like you find other common philodendrons.
Pink Princess is a plant hybrid, which means that this particular, pink variety is man-made.
That does not mean the plant isn’t “real” or dyed with some coloring.
The plant is fully natural.
The color comes from a specific mutation that botanists discovered and used to develop this unique-looking philodendron variety.
And guess what – no two plants look exactly the same.
Some leaves might have a little pink, others might have a lot, and cultivating a Pink Princess with truly bright and contrasting pink splashes is not easy.
The Pink Princess Craze
This plant has become extremely popular in the last few years, and there are several reasons why.
First, those pink spots on the leaves are pretty rare in the plant world, making it stand out.
People love having something unique, and the Pink Princess definitely fits the bill.
Another big reason for the craze is social media.
When people started sharing pictures of their Pink Princess plants online, everyone wanted one.
The more pictures people saw, the more they wanted to add this cool, pink-spotted plant to their collection.
Social media is also the reason why Pink Princess is sometimes called the “PPP plant” – it was simply faster and easier to write its name in abbreviation on social media.
All of this popularity comes with a price – literally!
The Pink Princess can be quite expensive because of its massive popularity, rarity, and difficulty multiplying.
Some plants sell for a lot of money, especially the ones with a lot of pink on their leaves.
This has made the Pink Princess not just a plant but a bit of a status symbol in the plant community.
Of course, eventually, nurseries worldwide will grow enough of these plants to push the price down.
So, if you want to own a PPP plant, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, I would recommend waiting a little bit.
You should find it at a better price soon.
How To Care For Pink Princess Philodendron
Okay, let’s discuss how to care for this spectacular houseplant so it thrives in your home and you both enjoy each other’s company.
Light Requirements
The Pink Princess Philodendron likes bright, indirect light.
Too much direct sunlight will burn its leaves, while too little light can make the pink colors fade and become nearly unnoticeable.
A spot near a window with a sheer curtain is ideal.
Best Soil For PPP plants
Using a well-draining potting mix to grow your PPP plant is super important.
I highly recommend making your own potting mix using a purchased aroid mix, as well as some perlite and leca (ceramsite) pebbles for extra drainage.
This makes a well-draining, well-ventilating potting medium that helps prevent root rot and encourages healthy root growth.
Watering
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so less is more.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes—otherwise, overwatering and root rot is just a matter of time.
Temperature
Pink Princess plants adore warmer temperatures, between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
Keep it away from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Humidity Requirements
Basically, anything resembling the philodendrons’ natural habitat will suit this plant too.
This is why Pink Princess, just like most rainforest plants, loves humidity.
If your home is dry, you can increase humidity by regularly misting the leaves, placing a humidifier nearby, or setting the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
Fertilizing
Feed your Pink Princess with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season (spring and summer).
In fall and winter, reduce feeding to every other month.
Pruning and Cleaning
Trim any dead or yellowing leaves to keep your Pink Princess healthy.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust and help them absorb more light.
Repotting
Repot your Pink Princess every couple of years or when its roots start outgrowing its pot.
After repotting, skip fertilizing for a month or two because any new potting mix already has enough new nutrients.
Repotting is also a good time to check the roots for rot.
Common Challenges with Pink Princess Philodendron
Just like any other houseplant, growing a PPP plant can come with some issues.
If that happens, do not get discouraged!
Most of these issues can be resolved with a few changes or care.
Yellowing Leaves
If you see yellow leaves, your Pink Princess might be getting too much water or not enough light.
Check the soil before watering (the top should be fully dry), and make sure it’s in a bright spot without direct sun.
Brown Spots
Brown spots on leaves can be a sign of too much direct sunlight or over-fertilization.
Move your plant to a slightly shadier spot and cut back on feeding.
Slow Growth
If you are not seeing much growth, your Princess could need more light or fertilizer.
Pushing new leaves requires a lot of energy!
Check if the corner it’s sitting in is not too dark, and feed regularly during the growing season (early spring to fall).
Common Pests
Like many houseplants, this type of philodendron is not invincible and can get pests like spider mites or mealybugs.
It’s important to check all of your plants regularly to catch any possible infestations early.
If you have noticed bugs on any of your plants, immediately quarantine this plant by placing it far away from other plants.
Then, start treating.
If you see mealybugs, wipe them off with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol or use an insecticidal soap.
Repeat every week or every time you see new bugs.
For spider mites, I recommend insecticidal soap made of potassium salts.
Make sure your solution is not too strong – otherwise, it can damage your plant.
Spray your plant once a week until you see no spider mites at all.
You can also try ladybugs – yes!
Ladybugs are a natural enemy to spider mites and can take care of them quite quickly… By feasting on them.
Fading Pink Color
If the pink on the leaves is fading, it is most likely because your PPP plant is not getting enough light.
Move it to a spot with more bright, indirect sunlight to help bring the color back.
Droopy Leaves
This usually means it needs water, or it was overwatered.
Check the soil, and if it’s dry, give it a drink.
If the soil is wet, has clearly been moist for some time, looks soggy, or shows signs of fungus, skip watering until it dries out and check the plant for root rot.
Remove (cut) any rotten roots with clean, sterilized shears.
Remember, it’s better to under-water than over-water, and it’s a rule that fits any plant you grow.
Propagating Pink Princess Philodendron
Propagating your PPP plant is a great way to create new plants simply from the cuttings of your existing one!
You can gift PPP babies to friends and family, or even sell them online if you’d like.
Here’s how to do it.
1. Choose a Stem
Look for a healthy stem with at least two leaves and a visible node (a little bump on the stem where leaves grow).
The node is essential because new growth comes from here.
The leaves are also important because your cutting needs to get sun energy through them.
2. Cut the Stem
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem just below the node.
Make sure your cutting is about 4-6 inches (~10-15 cm) long.
3. Root Your Cutting
There are two ways to sprout new roots from your PPP cutting – using water or soil.
a) Rooting In Water
Place your stem cutting in a jar of water, making sure the node is submerged, but the leaves are not.
Put the jar in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight.
Change the water every few days.
New roots should start forming in about 2-4 weeks.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can plant the cutting in soil.
b) Rooting In Soil
You can also root your Princess cutting directly in the soil.
To do that, plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining soil, making sure the node is buried.
Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright spot.
The soil method can feel slower because you can’t see the roots growing, but it creates less shock when transplanting since the roots develop directly in their permanent medium.
4. Care for Your New Plant
Whether you’ve rooted in water or soil, once your new plant is established, care for it just like you would care for a mature Pink Princess Philodendron.
Remember, the new plant will need a bit of time to adjust and start growing vigorously.
Propagation is most successful in the warmer months, spring through early fall, when the plant is actively growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Pink Princess Philodendron not as pink as I expected?
Again, the amount of pink on the leaves can vary a lot from one plant to another.
It mostly depends on genetics and the amount of light it gets.
Bright, indirect light can help bring out the pink, but remember that each plant is unique, and some princesses are simply not as bold as others.
Just like with humans, it’s okay.
Can the Pink Princess Philodendron grow in low light?
PPP plant prefers bright, indirect light.
While it can survive in lower light, you won’t see as much of the vibrant pink variegation.
Too little light can also make the plant leggy.
Is the Pink Princess Philodendron toxic?
Yes, like many Philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Keep it out of reach of curious pets and kids.
How fast does the Pink Princess Philodendron grow?
It’s not the fastest grower, but it can grow steadily with proper care (good light, regular watering, and feeding).
How big does a Pink Princess Philodendron get?
Indoors, it can reach about 2 feet (60 cm) in height and spread.
Its growth can be influenced by the size of the pot, the light, and how much you prune it.
Can I put my Pink Princess Philodendron outside?
It can go outside in warm, humid conditions in partial shade.
But, it’s primarily an indoor plant and sensitive to cold, so definitely bring it inside if temperatures drop.
Conclusion: Growing a Gorgeous Pink Princess Philodendron
Taking care of a Pink Princess Philodendron is an interesting challenge with beautiful rewards.
This plant not only looks good in your home but also makes you feel proud as you see it grow and flourish with your care.
Its care might seem a bit tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll see that the PPP plant is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, just like other philodendrons.
I hope you will give this extravagant princess a place in your home.
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