Pink Princess Philodendron- Philodendron erubescens
As part of the Araceae family, the tropical Philodendron Pink Princess boasts splendid large waxy pink and dark green foliage. Despite its high price tag, this colorful plant is actually easy to care for as an indoor plant. While the Pink Princess does produce flowers, the spathes are insignificant compared to its stunning foliage.
General Care
Sunlight:
Thrives in bright, indirect light.
Water:
Allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings, then water well.
Humidity:
Best in warm, humid conditions, although typical household temperature and humidity levels are fine for these hardy plants.
Soil:
Use good quality, airy soil that is high in organic matter.
Common Problems
The Pink Princess Philodendron is susceptible to common houseplant pests and diseases such as mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats, as well as root rot from overwatering.
Symptoms and Causes:
- Brown Spots: Caused by overexposure to harsh, direct light.
- Yellow/Brown Edges: Typically due to a lack of humidity.
Precautions
Leaves can cause a toxic reaction if ingested by pets. While non-toxic to humans, it’s best to keep this plant out of reach of pets.
FUN FACT: The pinkness in the leaves is due to a lack of chlorophyll—the chemical that makes plants' leaves green. However, some greenness on the leaves is necessary for photosynthesis, which helps create oxygen and glucose for healthy growth. Ideally, you need a combination of green and pink colors for this Philodendron to thrive.
