If you’re into houseplants and haven’t yet fallen under the spell of the Pink Princess Philodendron, prepare yourself. This jaw-dropping beauty is every bit as magical as its name suggests, with deep green, heart-shaped leaves splashed in bubblegum-pink variegation that looks like someone painted them by hand.
It’s bold. It’s glamorous. It’s basically the rockstar of the indoor plant world.
But don’t let the fancy looks fool you. The Pink Princess is surprisingly easy to care for, as long as you understand what makes it thrive (and what can make that pretty pink fade). Whether you’re a houseplant newbie or a seasoned indoor jungle curator, this plant brings serious style with just a little bit of love.
I’m here to walk you through every step, from lighting tricks to pruning tips, like a plant-loving friend who wants to see your Pink Princess absolutely flourish.
What Is a Pink Princess Philodendron?
The Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) is a tropical vining plant from the Araceae family, and it’s one of the most sought-after indoor plants for a reason. What makes it so special? It’s all about the variegation — no two leaves are the same.
Each one is a unique work of art, with deep green backgrounds and dreamy swirls or splashes of bubblegum, blush, or hot pink. It’s this genetic mutation that causes the pink variegation — and it’s rare, which makes the plant extra precious.
But this isn’t just a pretty face. This pink variegated houseplant is a relatively easy-going climber that rewards patient growers with stunning foliage and steady, slow-but-sure growth all year round (especially when she’s happy).
Why Is Pink Princess Philodendron So Popular?
Let’s be honest, the Pink Princess Philodendron isn’t just a plant; it’s a social media celebrity. With its dramatic swirls of bubblegum pink and deep green, it’s easy to see why plant lovers across the U.S. are swooning. But its popularity goes beyond likes and shares.
This stunning variegated beauty wins hearts because it’s rare enough to feel like a collector’s gem, yet not impossible to grow at home. The coloring is truly one of a kind. No two leaves are ever the same, and it adds an instant touch of tropical elegance to any space. If you’re looking for a houseplant that feels like living art, this is the one to showcase on your windowsill.
Light Requirements
Here’s the truth: light is what makes the pink pop. To encourage those vibrant shades of variegation, place your Pink Princess where it can soak up plenty of bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or west-facing window usually works best. Avoid harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate pink areas. On the flip side, too little light can cause your plant to lose its signature color and turn mostly green.
Pro tip: Rotate your plant every week or two to keep its growth even and help the pink coloring distribute more beautifully across the leaves.
Watering Tips
Like most philodendrons, the Pink Princess prefers moist but not soggy soil.
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Water when the top 1–2 inches feel dry to the touch.
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In warmer months, this may be once a week; in cooler seasons, every 10–14 days.
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Always use a pot with drainage holes — soggy roots lead to root rot, and root rot is the #1 enemy of Pink Princess fans.
Bonus tip: If the leaves start drooping or curling, it’s often a sign the plant is either too dry or too wet. Check the soil and adjust accordingly.
Soil and Potting Needs
The Pink Princess Philodendron thrives in a light, airy, and well-draining mix. Think of it like creating a soft, fluffy cloud for the roots to rest in.
An ideal potting blend includes peat or coco coir for moisture retention, perlite or pumice for drainage, and orchid bark to add structure and airflow. You can also go with a high-quality aroid mix, or mix your own by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. This combo keeps the roots happy, healthy, and free from rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The Pink Princess is a tropical plant at heart, so it loves warmth and humidity — just not in extremes. Aim to keep the temperature between 65 and 85°F (18 to 29°C), which suits most indoor environments.
Humidity is where you might need to give it a little extra love. This plant thrives when humidity stays at 50 percent or higher. If your indoor air runs dry, especially in winter, try using a humidifier, grouping plants together to boost ambient moisture, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Your Pink Princess will thank you with brighter, healthier growth.
Fertilizing Your Pink Princess
Feed your Pink Princess during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
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Choose a fertilizer that contains micronutrients like calcium and magnesium, which help promote healthy pink variegation.
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Always dilute to half strength — this plant is a slow grower and doesn’t need heavy feeding.
Don’t fertilize during winter dormancy. Let your plant rest.
Pruning and Encouraging Pink Variegation
If your Pink Princess starts pushing out all-green leaves, don’t panic — it happens! You can encourage more pink by:
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Pruning back to a node that previously produced variegated leaves.
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Ensuring the plant is getting plenty of bright, indirect light
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Not overfertilizing — too much nitrogen can favor green growth.
And yes, you can trim off fully green or fully pink leaves. Neither one supports the plant’s health long term — it needs a balance of green (for photosynthesis) and pink (for beauty!).
Prune with clean, sharp scissors and always cut just above a leaf node.
Repotting Tips
You’ll know it’s time to repot when:
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Roots are circling the bottom of the pot
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Water drains too quickly
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Growth slows noticeably (and it’s not winter)
Repot every 1–2 years, ideally in spring. Use a pot one size larger and refresh the soil mix. After repotting, don’t fertilize for 2–4 weeks — let the plant settle in first.
Propagating Pink Princess Philodendron
Propagation is a fun way to expand your collection (or share with friends), but it takes some care.
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Choose a healthy stem with at least one variegated leaf and an aerial root.
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Cut just below a node using sterilized shears.
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Place the cutting in water, LECA, or moist sphagnum moss.
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Keep warm and bright — roots should begin to form in 2–4 weeks.
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Once roots are 2–3 inches long, transplant into soil and treat like a mature plant.
Bonus: watching those pink baby leaves unfurl is one of the best parts of owning this plant!
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
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Brown leaf tips: Likely due to low humidity or over-fertilizing. Increase moisture and flush the soil occasionally.
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Drooping leaves: Usually overwatering or root stress. Let the soil dry out and check for drainage.
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Losing variegation: Move the plant to a brighter spot and prune back to a more variegated section.
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Pests: Watch out for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Wipe leaves regularly and use neem oil or insecticidal soap as needed.
Keep an eye out, and your Pink Princess will stay picture-perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it hard to care for?
Not at all! While it does best with a bit of attention, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance once you dial in light and watering.
Why are Pink Princesses so expensive?
They’re slow growers, and true variegation takes time and luck. Plus, no two are alike — it’s like growing living artwork.
Can I grow it in low light?
Technically yes, but you’ll lose a lot of that beautiful pink. Bright, indirect light is key for healthy variegation and growth.
How big does it get?
Indoors, Pink Princess can reach 2–4 feet tall with the right care. You can prune it to stay compact or let it climb with a moss pole.
Final Thought
The Pink Princess Philodendron isn’t just a plant — it’s a showstopper. With its dramatic colors, artistic leaves, and surprisingly easy care routine, it brings both elegance and personality to any indoor space.
Whether you’re adding it to a growing jungle or spotlighting it as a statement piece, this plant is bound to steal hearts (and maybe a few stares). With a little love, light, and humidity, you’ll be rewarded with new leaves that feel like little surprises every time.
Ready to add some royal flair to your home? Grab your Pink Princess, find her a sunny window, and let the magic begin.
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