Philodendron erubescens “pink princess,” a beautiful and highly sought-after philodendron, is at the top of many plant collectors’ wish lists, and for good reason. The pink princess is one of a kind in the plant world. Its heart-shaped, deep green leaves are speckled with bubblegum pink spots.
The pink princess plant is often confused with the pink congo philodendron. The pink princess plant’s variegation is stable because it happens naturally, while the pink congo plant’s variegation is caused by chemicals being injected into the leaves and usually goes back to green a couple of months after being bought.
To make sure your pink princess philodendron keeps its bright pink variegation, you need to learn how to take care of it properly. Luckily, as with many plants in the philodendron genus, its care is pretty straightforward.
The gorgeous pink and green variegated leaves of the Pink Princess Philodendron make it one of the most sought-after indoor plants. However, keeping your Pink Princess healthy and vibrant requires paying close attention to its watering needs. Learning how often to water your Pink Princess Philodendron is crucial to prevent issues like root rot and promote lush growth.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about watering frequency for your Pink Princess, including:
- Understanding the Pink Princess Philodendron’s water needs
- Signs that your plant is thirsty
- How often to water in different seasons
- Common watering mistakes to avoid
- Additional tips for maintaining proper moisture
- Troubleshooting underwatering and overwatering issues
What Are the Water Requirements for Pink Princess Philodendrons?
Pink Princess Philodendrons thrive in humid environments with well-drained soil. As tropical rainforest plants, they prefer consistent moisture but dislike soggy roots.
The key to watering is allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Using your finger to test the soil moisture is the most reliable method. If the topsoil feels dry, it’s time to water.
Pink Princesses are sensitive to overwatering. Their roots will rot if left in wet soil for too long. A moisture meter takes the guesswork out of determining when to water.
Water requirements vary based on factors like sunlight, temperature, humidity, season, and plant size. Observe your plant and adjust as needed. Leaves curling or drooping likely indicate under-watering. Wilting despite moist soil points to overwatering.
How to Tell When Your Pink Princess Philodendron Needs Water
Learning to recognize when your Pink Princess is thirsty will prevent under or overwatering. Here are signs it’s time to water:
- Dry, lightweight soil
- Soil pulls away from the pot edges
- Leaves feeling less firm or droopy
- Leaves curling inward
- Brown leaf tips
- New growth slows down
Trust the finger test over a schedule Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil and water if it’s dry down to your knuckle The moisture meter will also accurately display when water is needed,
Watering Frequency Guidelines for Pink Princess Philodendrons
While water needs vary, here are general guidelines on frequency:
Spring & Summer – Water 1 time per week
Fall & Winter – Water every 10-14 days
In hotter months, Pink Princesses grow quickly and need more frequent watering. In winter, growth slows, so they require less.
Always check soil before watering – environmental factors like sunlight exposure and humidity impact soil drying time. It’s better to wait an extra day or two than risk overwatering.
For larger plants, water more often as they consume moisture faster. Smaller pots also require more frequent watering than bigger ones. Newly repotted plants may need water more regularly as they establish roots.
Common Watering Mistakes
Avoid these common watering errors to keep your Pink Princess thriving:
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Overwatering – The #1 cause of leaf yellowing and root rot. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Underwatering – Leads to curling, brown-tipped leaves. Check soil moisture before watering.
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Inconsistent watering – Causes stress. Stick to a routine, adjusting as needed.
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Watering on a schedule – Base watering on soil dryness, not the calendar.
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Using tap water – Let tap water sit out overnight before using so chlorine can dissipate.
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Limited drainage – Ensure pots have holes and use fast-draining soil mixes.
Tips for Maintaining Proper Moisture
Here are some additional pointers for keeping your Pink Princess hydrated:
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Increase indoor humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray
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Use distilled or filtered water if possible
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Water until it drains from the pot’s bottom
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Do an occasional deep watering by letting the pot soak up water from the base
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Water at room temperature – avoid cold water shock
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Add bark, perlite or gravel to soil mixes to improve drainage
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Group plants to create a beneficial microclimate
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Repot when roots fill pots, as watering needs increase
Troubleshooting Under and Overwatering Issues
If you encounter problems, identify the cause and make adjustments:
Underwatering
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Symptoms: Curled, brown-tipped, or drooping leaves
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Solution: Water thoroughly and increase frequency
Overwatering
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Symptoms: Yellow leaves, leaf drop, rotten roots, mushy stems
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Solutions: Allow soil to dry out, water less frequently, improve drainage
Inconsistent Watering
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Symptoms: Leaf yellowing and dropping
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Solutions: Stick to a routine based on soil dryness
Root Rot
- Symptoms: Foul odor, black roots, whole plant wilting
- Solutions: Remove rotten roots, repot in fresh dry soil, reduce watering frequency
With the right watering approach, your Pink Princess will thrive indoors. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Adjust frequency based on plant size, season, and environment. Avoid overwatering, as it’s the fastest route to an unhealthy Pink Princess. With a little attention, you’ll have a gorgeous, vibrant plant to brighten your indoor space.
Pink Princess Tips for Beginners
- Where to Put It: Your pink princess philodendron should be put somewhere that gets bright, indirect sunlight for several hours a day.
- For best results, only water it when the soil is dry, which should only be once a week in the summer.
- What Kind of Soil: Standard potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark mixed together are best for the pink princess.
Pink Princess Philodendron Care
Native to Columbia, the pink princess philodendron is a tropical aroid in the Araceae family. Despite its high price tag, this colorful plant is actually pretty easy to care for. Still, there are a few important things to remember to get the most out of the leaves’ different colors.
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The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
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The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
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The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Pink Princess Philodendron ~ How to Grow and Care for Your Pink Princess
FAQ
Do pink princess philodendrons like to dry out?
Can pink princess tolerate full sun?
How do you keep pink princess plants pink?
How often should I water my pink plant?
How often should I water my Pink Princess?
An underwatered plant is easier to save than an overwatered one. Spring and summer are the perfect time to water your plants more often than usual. Because plants often enter their growing season at this time, your Pink Princess may need to be watered twice a week or more; make sure to check beforehand!
How often should Philodendron Pink Princess be watered?
Spring and summer are the perfect time to water your plants more often than usual. Because plants often enter their growing season at this time, your Pink Princess may need to be watered twice a week or more; make sure to check beforehand! The fall and winter season are less conducive for philodendron pink princess growth.
How do you care for a pink princess Philodendron?
Too much water may drown your plant, while too little will make it extremely thirsty. To keep your Pink Princess Philodendron happy, you will have to perfect your watering technique. In general, this pink plant enjoys soil that’s moist, but dries out from time to time. Here are a few time-tested methods:
How often should I mist my Pink Princess?
It’s important to mist your Pink Princess plants every couple of days, and you can do this by spraying a gentle mist above the plant’s leaves. You should also try to keep the humidity levels high in the room where your Pink Princess is located.
How do you care for a pink princess plant?
As long as you are consistent with watering, your plant should be just fine and keep its beauty. You may need to adjust your watering habits depending on the climate you live in and how humid your home is. Part of Pink Princess care is using quality potting soil.
Do Pink Princess plants need light?
Grow lights are a great option and will ensure that your Pink Princess Plants get the light it needs to stay healthy. The Pink Princess requires lots of light in order to thrive and develop, as well as have proper variegation. Philodendron Pink Princess plants like moist, but not wet soil.