Philodendron Pink Princess Care: The Rare Plant with Pink Variegation

Philodendron Pink Princess (PPP) is one of the most sought-after houseplants. The leaves are deep green, almost black, with hot pink variegation that ranges from subtle splashes to half-pink leaves. It is dramatic, unique, and expensive.

Pink Princess is also finicky. The pink variegation is unstable and can revert to solid green or even solid pink (which means the leaf cannot photosynthesize). Keeping the variegation balanced requires the right light, careful pruning, and a bit of luck.

If you are willing to invest time and money, Pink Princess is worth it.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, indirect light (critical for pink variegation)
  • Water: When top 2 inches of soil are dry
  • Humidity: 50 to 70 percent (moderate to high)
  • Growth habit: Climbing (benefits from moss pole)
  • Biggest challenge: Maintaining stable variegation

Light

Light is everything for Pink Princess. Too little light and the pink fades. Too much direct sun and the leaves burn.

Best light:

  • East-facing window
  • A few feet back from a south or west window
  • Bright, indirect light for at least 6 hours per day

Signs of too little light:

  • Pink fades to white or cream
  • New leaves are mostly green
  • Leggy growth

Signs of too much light:

  • Leaves turn brown or crispy
  • Pink areas fade

Watering

Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Pink Princess does not tolerate overwatering.

How to water:

  1. Stick your finger into the soil
  2. If the top 2 inches are dry, water thoroughly until it drains
  3. Empty the saucer

Typical schedule:

  • Spring and summer: Every 5 to 7 days
  • Fall and winter: Every 10 to 14 days

Humidity

Pink Princess prefers moderate to high humidity.

Ideal humidity: 50 to 70 percent.

How to increase humidity:

  • Use a humidifier
  • Group with other plants
  • Place on a pebble tray with water

Signs of low humidity:

  • Brown, crispy leaf edges
  • Smaller new leaves

Soil and Pot

Use well-draining, airy soil.

Best soil:

  • 40% potting soil
  • 30% orchid bark
  • 20% perlite
  • 10% peat moss or coco coir

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Not too large (repot when root-bound)

Support Structure

Pink Princess is a climbing philodendron. It grows better with vertical support.

Best support options:

  • Moss pole (coco coir or sphagnum moss)
  • Wooden plank wrapped in moss

Gently tie the stem to the pole and keep the moss moist.

Temperature

Pink Princess is tropical.

  • Temperature: 65 to 80 F
  • Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 60 F

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

  • Fertilize every 4 weeks in spring and summer
  • Use balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength)
  • Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

Pruning and Managing Variegation

This is where Pink Princess gets tricky. The variegation is unstable and can revert to solid green or solid pink.

Solid green leaves (reverted):

  • Prune immediately. Green leaves grow faster and will take over the plant.
  • Cut back to a node with balanced variegation.

Solid pink leaves:

  • These leaves cannot photosynthesize (no chlorophyll).
  • They will eventually die. You can leave them or prune them.
  • If too many leaves are solid pink, the plant cannot sustain itself.

Half-moon leaves (half pink, half green):

  • These are stunning but the plant cannot survive if all leaves are half-moons.
  • Prune some half-moon leaves to encourage balanced variegation.

Propagating Philodendron Pink Princess

Pink Princess is expensive, so many people propagate to grow their collection.

How to propagate:

  1. Cut below a node with at least one leaf
  2. Choose a cutting with balanced variegation (green and pink)
  3. Root in water or sphagnum moss
  4. Wait 4 to 8 weeks for roots
  5. Transplant to soil when roots are 2 to 3 inches long

Warning: Variegation is not guaranteed in propagation. Some cuttings may produce mostly green growth.

Common Problems

Pink fading to white or cream

Not enough light. Move to a brighter spot.

New leaves are mostly green

Not enough light or natural reversion. Prune back to a balanced node.

Yellow leaves

Overwatering or poor drainage. Let soil dry slightly between waterings.

Brown leaf edges

Low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and water more consistently.

Pests

Pink Princess can attract spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Inspect leaves weekly and wipe them down regularly.

Why Pink Princess Is So Expensive

Philodendron Pink Princess is a cultivar (not a naturally occurring species). The pink variegation is a genetic mutation that is unstable and difficult to maintain.

Plants are propagated from cuttings, and growers must carefully select cuttings with stable variegation. This slow, selective process keeps supply low and prices high.

Prices have dropped in recent years as more growers produce Pink Princess, but it is still one of the more expensive houseplants.

What To Do Next

  • If you love rare philodendrons, try Philodendron White Princess (white variegation) or Philodendron melanochrysum
  • If Pink Princess is too expensive, try Philodendron Brasil (yellow variegation, much easier)
  • If your Pink Princess is reverting, prune back to a node with balanced variegation and move to brighter light
philodendronrarevariegatedintermediateexpensive