The beautiful Philodendron Pink Princess is the perfect plant for plant lovers who want to add a touch of class to their home. With its unique variegated foliage, this plant is sure to captivate anyone who lays eyes on it. We will talk about everything you need to know to take care of your Philodendron Pink Princess and how important moss poles are to its growth in this complete guide.
The gorgeous Philodendron Pink Princess has taken the plant world by storm With its eye-catching pink and green variegated leaves, it’s easy to see why these tropical beauties are in such high demand If you’re lucky enough to add a Pink Princess to your plant collection, you’ll want to help it thrive and show off its trailing vines and lush foliage.
One of the best ways to do this is by providing a moss pole for support. Moss poles create the perfect climbing structure for your Pink Princess philodendron to latch onto and climb upwards. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully using moss poles for your Pink Princess from setup to care.
Native to the tropical rainforests of Colombia, the Pink Princess goes by the botanical name Philodendron erubescens. It’s a cultivar of the classic heartleaf philodendron that showcases mesmerizing variegated leaves in shades of dark green, hot pink, and creamy white.
The Pink Princess philodendron is a vining aroid that can reach impressive lengths as a climber. Given proper support, it can grow upwards of 4-6 feet tall. Without support, it will happily trail as a hanging plant.
Key Care Needs of the Pink Princess
While relatively easygoing, there are a few key care needs to understand before bringing home your Pink Princess
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Light: Bright, indirect light is essential. Avoid direct sunlight.
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Temperature: Thrives in average room temps of 65-80°F. Doesn’t tolerate cold.
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Water: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Don’t let sit in water.
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Humidity: Prefers average to high humidity. Misting leaves or using a pebble tray can help.
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Soil: Use a well-draining aroid mix or potting soil amended with perlite.
Get these basics right along with proper support, and your Pink Princess will impress you with its vigorous growth and cascading vines.
Why Moss Poles are Perfect for the Pink Princess
In their native tropical habitats, philodendron species use trees and other plants to climb upwards to reach sunlight. They latch onto surfaces using specialized aerial roots.
Moss poles seek to recreate this natural climbing environment indoors. They provide the ideal structure for encouraging your Pink Princess philodendron to grow vertically, allowing the plant to truly thrive.
Here are some of the key benefits of using moss poles with your Pink Princess:
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Promotes upright growth: Allows the vining philodendron to grow tall and imposing rather than trailing along the ground.
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Showcases foliage: Positions the pink and green leaves so they can be best appreciated. Prevents a tangled, unruly look.
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Improves airflow: Creates space between leaves and stems for better air circulation. Reduces risk of disease.
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Stabilizes plant: Provides a sturdy support system for the philodendron to latch onto as it climbs upwards. Prevents toppling.
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Enhances aesthetics: Adds visual interest and a more polished, intentional look to your plant display.
With the right setup and care, your Pink Princess will readily climb its moss pole, rewarding you with a spectacular show of variegated vines and foliage.
Choosing the Right Moss Pole for Your Philodendron
When selecting a moss pole for your Pink Princess, there are a few important factors to consider:
Height
Choose a moss pole that is about 6 inches taller than your plant’s current height. This gives adequate room for upwards growth. Poles range in height from 18 inches up to 5 feet or more.
Diameter
Opt for a moss pole with a diameter or width of 4-6 inches. Narrow poles don’t offer enough surface area. Poles wider than 6 inches take up too much precious real estate in the pot.
Material
Select poles made of natural materials that retain moisture well while resisting rot. Options include bamboo, rattan, coconut fiber, and non-toxic PVC frames wrapped in reindeer moss.
Covering
The best moss pole options feature a wrapping of preserved reindeer moss. This soft, spongy moss retains moisture and gives philodendron aerial roots something easy and natural to cling to.
With so many options available, look for top-quality moss poles marketed specifically for use with aroids and philodendrons to ensure success.
How to Set Up a Moss Pole for Your Pink Princess
Once you’ve selected the ideal moss pole, it’s time to put it to use in your Pink Princess display. Follow these steps for easy setup:
Choose an Appropriately Sized Pot
Select a pot that’s 2-4 inches wider in diameter than your current pot. This allows adequate space for both the moss pole and the philodendron’s root system.
Add Drainage Material and Fresh Potting Mix
Fill the bottom few inches with new, well-draining aroid potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or horticultural charcoal.
Position the Moss Pole
Place the moss pole in the center of the pot. Use plant ties secured to the pot rim to help the pole stand straight and stay put.
Carefully Transplant the Pink Princess
Remove the philodendron from its old pot, gently loosen any rootbound sections, and position its roots around the moss pole before backfilling with potting mix.
Secure the Plant to the Pole
Use soft plant ties or twist ties to gently secure the Pink Princess stem(s) and leaves to the moss pole in a few spots. Don’t tie too tightly.
Water Thoroughly
Water well after transplanting to remove air pockets and moisten the entire root zone. Allow excess water to drain fully.
With this straightforward setup, your Pink Princess will quickly acclimate and begin sending out little aerial roots to adhere itself to its new support system.
Caring for Your Pink Princess on its Moss Pole
With proper care, your Pink Princess will thrive on its moss pole. Follow these tips:
Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Place your Pink Princess near an east or west-facing window where it will receive ample bright, indirect light each day. Slow growth and loss of leaf variegation can occur in low light.
Monitor Soil Moisture
Check soil moisture levels frequently, watering once the top few inches become dry but before the plant shows signs of wilting. The moss pole itself should be kept moist but not soggy.
Increase Humidity
Use a pebble tray, humidifier, or occasional misting to provide average to high humidity. Keep humidity above 50%.
Fertilize Regularly
Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Rinse leaves after to prevent burn.
Prune When Needed
Prune off any dead or damaged growth. To encourage bushiness, pinch or snip back the tips of leggy vines.
Watch for Pests
Check frequently for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. Isolate and treat any infestations promptly.
Train New Growth
As your Pink Princess extends new vines, gently guide them back to the moss pole and secure with additional ties if needed.
With diligent care focused on proper moisture, light, and climbing support, your Pink Princess will flourish on its moss pole.
Troubleshooting Problems with Your Pink Princess & Moss Pole
While ideal when set up properly, issues can sometimes arise when the needs of your Pink Princess aren’t being fully met. Here are some potential problems and solutions:
Leaves Dropping from the Bottom
If older leaves drop from the base of the plant, this is often a sign of inadequate light. Try moving your Pink Princess closer to a light source.
Aerial Roots Failing to Attach
If new aerial roots don’t adhere to the moss pole, the moss may be too dry. Increase moisture by misting the pole daily. Alternatively, the moss pole may be crowded by weeds or algae. Gently clean the pole with diluted neem oil.
Leaves Leaning Away from the Pole
Leaves that stick straight out rather than towards the pole mean your plant needs more directional training. Use more ties to loosely secure wayward stems and guide growth upwards.
Wilting or Curling Leaves
Leaf wilting or curling indicates underwatering. Check soil moisture and water your Pink Princess when the top few inches become dry.
Mold Growth on Pole
If you notice mold, the pole may be staying too wet. Allow it to dry out further between waterings. Disinfect mild cases of mold by scrubbing the pole with diluted bleach (1 part bleach, 9 parts water).
Catching issues early allows you to easily get your
Understanding the Philodendron Pink Princess
Inside gardening, the Philodendron Pink Princess, which is also called Philodendron erubescens, is a very popular and sought-after plant. Because its leaves are a beautiful mix of dark green and pink, it’s no surprise that plant collectors go to great lengths to add this beauty to their collections.
Detailed Instructions for Moss Pole Installation
Follow these step-by-step instructions to install your moss pole:
- Pick a pot that is deep and wide enough to fit both the plant and its moss pole.
- Leave enough room for the moss pole in the pot and fill it with potting soil that drains well.
- Make sure the moss pole is stable and standing up straight before putting it in the middle of the pot.
- Carefully take the Pink Princess out of its pot, being careful not to hurt the roots. If necessary, trim any excessively long or damaged roots.
- Put the plant close to the moss pole and gently pull its stem roots up toward the pole.
- Attach the Pink Princess stems to the moss pole at different points along its length with garden twine or plant ties. If you tie the stems too tightly, they might not grow as much as you want them to.
- Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist. Be careful not to soak the moss pole; you want it to stay damp but not soaked.
Propagating My Philodendron “Pink Princess” & Staking It On A Moss Pole
FAQ
Do pink Princess Philodendrons need moss poles?
Should you stake a pink princess philodendron?
Do pink Princess Philodendrons need support?
Do Pink Princess Philodendron erubescens need a moss pole?
A lot of plant enthusiasts will use a moss pole to help their Pink Princess Philodendrons climb, as it provides good support and also looks nice. You can also train the plants to grow onto a wire mesh support system. This will help keep the Philodendron erubescens looking neat and tidy.
Do you need a moss pole to climb Pink Princess?
You don’t have to use a moss pole or any type of climber assistance if you don’t want to. Without a pole to climb the Pink Princess will grow more compact and have smaller leaves. It will still try to creep somewhat while it looks for a place to climb and you will need to prune it back often.
Can a pink princess grow vertically?
Grow your Pink Princess vertically on a moss pole. The Pink Princess is a climbing vine, true to the philodendron nature. Purchasing a moss pole is a great way to encourage your plant to grow vertically, providing it with a stable structure and source of moisture in the moss. Moss poles are also pretty easy to make with a few supplies.
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.
What is a pink princess plant?
It gets its name from its lush, dark green heart-shaped leaves that are variegated with shades of bright pink. The Pink Princess is a climbing plant, so it’s perfect for adding a touch of greenery to any room. Its botanical name is Philodendron erubescens pink princess and it is a member of the Araceae family.
Does Pink Princess need potting soil?
Pink Princess loves well-draining soil, that’s why it’s best to mix it with amendments like perlite, orchid bark, vermiculite, or other amendments. The store-bought potting soil retains too much water which can lead to root rot. It is beneficial to add amendments because they prevent the soil from becoming soggy.