Love plants like I do? Then you’re probably always looking for new and interesting things to add to your indoor jungle. One plant that definitely fits the bill is the Philodendron Pink Princess. With its beautiful leaves that are different shades of green, pink, and white, it’s no surprise that this pretty plant has become popular among plant lovers. This article will talk about how to grow Philodendron Pink Princess in water and guide you through the process of taking care of this one-of-a-kind plant.
The gorgeous pink princess philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’) has become one of the most coveted houseplants in recent years. With its heart-shaped leaves showcasing a stunning combo of dark green, hot pink and creamy white, it’s easy to see why!
If you’re lucky enough to add one of these beauties to your plant collection, you may be wondering if you can grow it in water rather than soil. The good news is, yes you absolutely can! While they thrive planted in potting mix, pink princess philodendrons can also grow beautifully when rooted in water.
In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about growing pink princess philodendrons in water, from propagation to care. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Pink Princess Philodendrons
Before we look specifically at growing these plants in water let’s do a quick overview of pink princess philodendrons for any newcomers.
Pink princess philodendrons are a cultivar of the classic heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum). They originated as a genetic mutation in the Philodendron erubescens plant, which gave them their signature coloration.
These tropical plants are native to Colombia and other parts of South America, where they thrive in humid rainforests. Indoors, they make for great houseplants that add vibrant color to any space.
Some key characteristics of pink princess philodendrons include:
- Heart-shaped leaves with variegated shades of green, dark pink and creamy white
- New leaves emerge with more pink coloration that fades to green as leaves mature
- They can grow up to 4-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide when mature
- Easy to care for as houseplants
- Pet-friendly
Now that we know the basics, let’s look at propagating and growing these beauties in water.
Propagating Pink Princess Philodendrons in Water
One of the best parts of growing pink princess philodendrons in water is how easy they are to propagate this way. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
What You’ll Need
- A healthy stem cutting from a pink princess plant, around 4-6 inches long
- Sharp, clean pruners or scissors
- A glass container or jar, filled with room temperature filtered or distilled water
- Optional: Rooting hormone powder
Steps for Propagation
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Use your pruners or scissors to cut a stem right below a node. Nodes are the bumps on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge.
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Optional: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root growth.
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Remove any leaves from the bottom 2-3 nodes of the cutting. Leave a few leaves at the top.
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Place the cutting in your jar or glass, making sure a couple of nodes are submerged in the water.
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Set the jar in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Top off the water level as needed.
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Change the water every 4-5 days to prevent rot.
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Watch for roots to emerge from the nodes in 3-6 weeks. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, the cutting can be potted in soil.
And that’s it! In no time you’ll have a brand new pink princess to add to your plant family.
Caring for Pink Princess Philodendrons in Water
Once your cutting has successfully rooted and adapted to water life, ongoing care is fairly simple. Here are the keys to keeping your water-grown pink princess thriving:
Location
Pink princesses need bright, indirect light to maintain their signature variegation. An east or west-facing window is ideal. Direct hot sun will scorch their delicate leaves.
Water
Change the water every 7-10 days. Use room temperature filtered or distilled water only. Make sure no leaves are submerged.
Temperature & Humidity
These tropical plants like warm temps between 65-80°F and moderate humidity around 50-60%. Keep away from drafty areas.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks in the spring and summer.
Pruning
Trim off any dead, damaged or yellowing leaves as needed to keep your plant looking its best.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Growing pink princesses in water comes with many benefits, but you may encounter a few issues. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Slow growth
This usually indicates insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot. West or south-facing windows are best.
Leaf drop
If several leaves suddenly drop, the plant is likely stressed. Check that temps, light and water quality are all ideal. Discard old water and replace.
Mushy stems
A sign of rot due to water-logging. Remove the plant from water, trim any mushy stems and allow to dry out for a few days before returning to clean water.
Brown leaf edges
Dry air is usually the culprit. Mist plant regularly or use a pebble tray for added humidity. Ensure water level covers roots.
Leaf variegation fades
Insufficient light causes pink variegation to fade to green. Move to a brighter spot and consider supplementing with a grow light.
With the right care, a pink princess philodendron grown in water can thrive for years. Consistent conditions are key! Avoid temperature extremes and watch water quality closely.
Displaying Pink Princess Philodendrons in Water
One of the best parts of water-growing these showstopper plants is that they make amazing living centerpieces! Here are some fun ways to show off your underwater pink princess:
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Place the glass jar or vase on a decorative plant stand near a window. The roots become part of the display!
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For a bold pop of pink, use a colored glass container like pink or purple.
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Incorporate pebbles or marbles at the bottom of the vase for added interest.
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Use creative vases like teapots or hanging terrariums to highlight the trailing aerial roots.
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Pair with other easy-to-propagate water plants like pothos, philodendron ‘Brazil’ and peace lilies for a mixed water garden.
However you choose to display it, a water-grown pink princess philodendron is sure to become the focal point of any room it inhabits. Enjoy watching those vibrant variegated leaves and showy aerial roots grow!
Is Water or Soil Better for Pink Princess Philodendrons?
Now that we’ve covered caring for pink princesses in water, you may be wondering whether water or soil is ultimately better for these plants. Here’s a quick comparison:
Water
- Simpler care, less prone to overwatering
- Roots grow quicker and healthier
- Fun to watch root growth
- Easier to propagate
- Limited size/growth potential
Soil
- Can reach full mature size
- Less risk of mineral buildup
- Natural growing medium
- Requires more careful watering
- Slightly slower growth
- Repotting required occasionally
Ultimately there’s no definitive “better” option – both water and soil are suitable depending on what you want! Pink princesses will thrive in either.
Water is great for small plants and propagation. Soil lets them fully mature. Try both methods and see which you prefer!
No matter which growing medium you choose, the pink princess philodendron’s stunning tricolored leaves will brighten any space. With the right care, you’ll be able to enjoy your plant’s unique beauty for many years to come.
Rooting the Philodendron Pink Princess in Water
In the container you choose, put the stem cutting. Make sure that at least a few of the nodes are submerged in water. To keep the cutting from falling over, you might need to use a small weight or support to hold it in place.
Now, place your container in a warm spot with indirect light and give it time to develop roots. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnant water and ensure oxygenation. After a few weeks or months, you should start seeing roots forming from the submerged nodes.
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Love plants like I do? Then you’re probably always looking for new and interesting things to add to your indoor jungle. One plant that definitely fits the bill is the Philodendron Pink Princess. With its beautiful leaves that are different shades of green, pink, and white, it’s no surprise that this pretty plant has become popular among plant lovers. This article will talk about how to grow Philodendron Pink Princess in water and guide you through the process of taking care of this one-of-a-kind plant.
How To Propagate a Philodendron Pink Princess | Water & Perlite Propagation
FAQ
Can philodendron grow in water?
How do you root PPP in water?
Do pink princesses like wet soil?
Why is philodendron Pink Princess so expensive?
What kind of soil does a pink princess need?
Perlite, orchid bark, and a standard indoor plant soil mix are best for the pink princess. Aerial roots characterize this philodendron variety, common among aroids and similar plants. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. The plant also has roots that penetrate the ground.
Do Pink Princess plants grow faster?
Like any variegated plant, it will grow slower than it’s non-variegated counterpart because it has less chlorophyll. How big do Pink Princess plants get? Over time, with good conditions and care, they can get several feet tall, but it is very important to provide support with a moss pole, a wooden stake or plank, or similar support.
Do Pink Princess philodendrons grow well?
Pink Princess philodendron plants grow well in pots or in hanging baskets where the trailing vines and pink leaves create a stunning showpiece. There is also a pink Philodendron called the “Pink Congo,” however, this not the true “princess”—you’ll find out why in this article.
Do Pink Princess plants need a lot of light?
Make sure your plant is in the proper lighting to get the best pink variegation you’re looking for. If your Pink Princess begins to lose its color, it needs more sunlight. These plants are not suitable for moderate to low light and need consistent bright indirect light to maintain their color.
Can you grow pink princess from seed?
If you attempt to grow these from seed, they will not produce any pink leaves and you will likely get the all-green species of Philodendron erubescens. Seeds will simply not give you an exact genetic copy of the plant. So spare yourself any frustration and hard earned money and don’t get scammed into buying any Pink Princess seeds.
How do you grow a pink princess plant?
Choose a pot that is 2 to 4 inches larger than your plant’s previous potting container. The pot should have drainage holes (plastic nursery pots or terracotta pots are great options). Ensure that you have plenty of fresh well-draining potting soil for your plant. Gently remove your pink princess from its old pot.