This is the plant that started my obsession with aroids and collecting plants; I mean who wouldn’t want a plant with hot pink leaves?! The philodendron pink princess was first created in the early 2000’s, but quickly gained popularity among plant collectors in 2020 when the world was quarantined due to COVID. The philodendron pink princess is known for its unique and attractive foliage that features dark green leaves with bright pink variegation. During the peak of COVID, pink princess philodendrons would cost anywhere from $150 to $750, depending on the size of the plant. Now, they are easily accessible and you can find a nice pink princess between $25-$50.
Pink Princess Philodendron plant care requirements are as follows:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is best for the Pink Princess. Avoid direct sun, which will burn the leaves. East morning sun is also okay, but avoid any direct sun in the middle of the day.
- Water: Water your plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. You can check this using your finger or a bamboo stick. If dirt sticks to your finger or the stick, then the plant is not ready for water yet. This will help to avoid over-watering, which leads to root-rot. Additionally, a well-draining soil mix will help prevent water from accumulating in the pot and causing rot. A well draining soil mix usually consists of soil, perlite, and orchid bark.
- Humidity: The pink princess, like most philodendrons prefers higher humidity. I live in south Florida where the humidity is very high and they really thrive. You can keep your plant in ambient conditions, however many times leaves may get stuck when trying to unfurl. If this happens, increase your humidity by using a humidifier or grouping plants together.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize the pink princess during every watering during growing season and reduce frequency when growth slows down, usually in winter. You can check out my recommended fertilizers here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Hello_happy_plants
- Pest Prevention: Keep and eye out for pests such as thrips and spider mites, as they are the most common pests I see on my pink princess philodendron. If I find pests I usually spray my plants down with a homemade pest control (a mix of dawn dishsoap, 70% isopropyl alcohol, and water). I also use Bonide systemic granules sometimes. You can find the link to my favorite pest controls here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Hello_happy_plants
Overall, the pink princess philodendron is a relatively easy plant to care for, and its unique foliage makes it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts, and why its one of my favorites. I absolutely recommend adding a pink princess to your collection if you don’t have one yet.