The Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) isn’t just a plant—it’s a statement piece. Once the it-girl of the houseplant world, this blushing beauty is making a major comeback, especially among maximalist and eclectic design lovers who want to add bold, vibrant hues to their space. If you’re looking to join the Pink Princess Club (not to be confused with Pink Pony Club), you’ll need to give this rare and eye-catching plant the royal treatment—proper lighting, the right humidity, and of course, a little extra love.
With the right care, your Pink Princess will flourish, pushing out even more striking pink and red foliage that’s sure to steal the spotlight in any home. Ready to keep your plant throne-worthy? Here’s everything you need to know to help your Pink Princess Philodendron thrive!
Light Requirements: Bright & Indirect for the Best Variegation
One of the most important factors in caring for a Pink Princess is proper lighting. The balance of pink and green variegation in its leaves depends on consistent, bright, indirect light. I keep mine in a southwest-facing window, and it absolutely thrives there, pushing out stunning pink leaves with ease. However, if you don’t have access to that kind of natural sunlight, the Aspect™ Grow Light is a perfect solution—providing the ideal spectrum to keep your Pink Princess growing strong and producing vibrant foliage year-round.
✔️ Best Placement: Near a bright window with filtered light—east or west-facing windows are ideal.
✔️ Avoid Direct Sun: Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little reduces variegation, making the plant revert to more green.
✔️ Grow Light Recommendation: To encourage more pink variegation in your Pink Princess Philodendron, provide bright, indirect light, as it’s the key factor in maximizing color. Maintain consistent care with proper watering, humidity, and balanced fertilization to support healthy growth and vibrant hues. Occasional pruning can also stimulate new growth with more pronounced pink tones. If your home lacks natural light, supplement with a Soltech grow light to keep your Pink Princess thriving year-round!
Watering: Keep It Moist, But Not Soggy
Pink Princess Philodendrons thrive in slightly moist soil, but they don’t like sitting in excess water. I wouldn't either!
✔️ When to Water: Check the top 1-2 inches of soil—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. While a moisture meter isn’t necessary for every plant, it can be a helpful tool if you want extra precision!
✔️ Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot, which is one of the biggest threats to Pink Princess Philodendrons.
✔️ Drainage Matters: Always use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining soil (like a mix of peat, perlite, and orchid bark).
Temperature & Humidity: Tropical Conditions Are Key
Originally cultivated in the 1970s, the Pink Princess Philodendron is a hybrid variety of Philodendron erubescens, which is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. These plants were bred for their unique pink variegation, making them a highly coveted collector’s item. Since Pink Princess Philodendrons thrive in warm, humid environments, they require consistent temperatures and moisture levels to maintain their vibrant coloration. They love warmth and humidity, so recreating their natural rainforest conditions indoors is key to keeping them healthy and thriving.
✔️ Ideal Temperature: Keep them between 65-80°F (18-27°C)—avoid cold drafts.
✔️ Humidity Levels: For optimal growth and vibrant variegation, aim for 50-60% humidity or higher. Many plant experts agree that 55% humidity is ideal for Philodendrons, helping them thrive in conditions similar to their natural habitat.
✔️ Boosting Humidity: Use a humidifier, mist occasionally, or set your plant on a pebble tray with water to maintain proper humidity. Cool mist humidifiers with large water reservoirs are especially effective for keeping indoor plants healthy and hydrated.
Soil & Repotting: Well-Draining Mix for Healthy Roots
Pink Princess Philodendrons prefer light, airy soil that retains some moisture while allowing for proper drainage. Since they are climbing plants, they also benefit from sturdy support to help them grow upright and prevent them from becoming top-heavy. Many plant owners use moss poles, trellises, or stakes to encourage strong, structured growth and prevent their Pink Princess from leaning as it matures.
Image: @philodenrose
✔️ Best Soil Mix: A blend of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and aeration.
✔️ When to Repot: Every 1-2 years or when roots start growing out of the drainage holes.
✔️ Choosing a Pot: Use a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger than the current one to avoid excessive moisture retention.
✔️ Providing Support: Consider adding a moss pole or sturdy stake to help your Pink Princess grow vertically and maintain healthy, structured growth.
Pruning & Encouraging Variegation
If your Pink Princess is producing more green leaves than pink, it may need pruning to encourage variegation.
✔️ Trim Green Leaves: If too many solid green leaves appear, prune them to redirect energy to variegated growth.
✔️ Encourage Bushy Growth: Cut above a node to encourage fuller, more compact growth.
Fertilizing: Feeding for Healthy Growth
To support its lush foliage and variegation, Pink Princess Philodendrons benefit from regular feeding.
✔️ Use a Balanced Fertilizer: A balanced liquid fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) is ideal for maintaining healthy growth and vibrant foliage. There are many great plant fertilizers available, including Happy Happy Houseplant’s Plant Food, which provides essential nutrients to support strong, steady growth.
✔️ How Often? Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring & summer).
✔️ Avoid Over-Fertilizing: Too much fertilizer can cause leaf burn or leggy growth.
Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Image: The Sill
🌱 Leaves Turning Green: Not enough light! Move it to a brighter spot or use a grow light to maintain variegation.
💧 Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage—check the soil moisture and repot if needed.
☀️ Scorched Leaves: Too much direct sunlight—move to filtered light to prevent leaf burn.
🪰 Pests (Spider Mites, Mealybugs): Wipe leaves with neem oil or use an insecticidal soap for infestations.
Final Thoughts: A Rare Beauty Worth the Care
A Pink Princess Philodendron is a show-stopping plant that, with proper care, will reward you with stunning variegated leaves for years to come. By providing bright indirect light, proper watering, humidity, and occasional pruning, you can maintain its gorgeous pink hues and keep it healthy and thriving.
If your space lacks sufficient natural light, using a high-quality grow light can make all the difference. The Aspect™ Pendant Grow Light is perfect for hanging above your Pink Princess, ensuring consistent, full-spectrum lighting that encourages upward growth. For a smaller, versatile option, the Vita™ Grow Bulb can be screwed into any standard fixture, transforming a regular lamp into a plant-friendly light source.
With the right care—and the right lighting—your Pink Princess will continue to grow strong, push out vibrant pink leaves, and remain the centerpiece of your indoor jungle!
