What kind of light does it need?

Bright, indirect light is ideal; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.

Does it need high humidity?

Yes, it thrives in high humidity, so misting or using a humidifier is beneficial.

What's the best soil mix?

A well-draining potting mix, like one for aroids or peat-based mixes, works well.

Yes, pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushier growth.

Plant guide

Pink Princess Philodendron.

Philodendron erubescens

Pronounced fill-oh-DEN-dron eh-ROO-bess-ens

Also known as Blushing Philodendron, Philodendron, red-leaf philodendron

Philodendron erubescens — Photo by Anders Hastings (CC BY) via gbif

The Pink Princess Philodendron is a stunning tropical vine known for its dark green leaves dramatically splashed with vibrant pink variegation. It's a relatively easy-care plant that adds a pop of color and a touch of the exotic to any indoor space. This cultivar is highly sought after by plant enthusiasts for its unique and eye-catching appearance.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Vining Aroid
Light: Bright, indirect light
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: Vining, can reach 10+ feet indoors
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely flowers indoors

Care

Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This plant appreciates higher humidity and will thrive with regular feeding during the growing season. Watch for brown, crispy edges which can indicate too much direct sun or low humidity.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting it sit in water.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 30 days during spring and summer.
Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain shape and size, typically once a year. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves.
Repotting: Repot every 1 to 2 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot one size larger.
Soil: Well-draining potting mix, e.g., peat-based with perlite
Soil pH: 4.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 16 to 24°C
Humidity: 60 to 80%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, can live for many years with proper care.
Deer and rabbits: low

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water drains through the pot very quickly.
Plant appears stunted or growth has significantly slowed.
The soil surface is covered with roots.

Safety

People: Philodendron species contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, swelling, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
Pets: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep out of reach of children as ingestion can cause irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Contact allergens: Sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause respiratory irritation in some people.
Edibility: This plant is not intended for human consumption.

How to identify it

Dark green leaves with bright pink splotches
Vining growth habit
Heart-shaped leaves
New leaves emerge with more pink
Velvety texture on some varieties

Height: 0.3 to 3m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: dark green, pink, evergreen

Common problems

Spider mites — Tiny pests that create fine webbing and cause stippling on leaves.
Mealybugs — Small, white, cottony insects that feed on plant sap.
Root rot — Caused by overwatering, leading to yellowing leaves and mushy roots.
Leaf yellowing — Can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies.

Growing it

Propagation: stem cuttings
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Overwintering: Indoors, maintain consistent temperatures above 60°F (15°C) and provide adequate indirect light. Reduce watering slightly but do not let the soil dry out completely. Avoid placing near cold windows or heat vents.
In containers: Grows very well in pots, especially when provided with a moss pole or trellis for climbing. A 6-8 inch pot is a good starting point for a young plant.

Stem Cuttings

Take a stem cutting at least 4-6 inches long, ensuring it has at least one node.
Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top few.
You can either place the cutting in water or moist potting mix.
If in water, change the water every few days until roots form (usually 2-4 weeks).
Once roots are established, plant in a pot with well-draining soil.

Air Layering

Choose a healthy stem and make a small incision just below a node.
Insert a small piece of moist sphagnum moss into the incision and wrap it with plastic wrap.
Once roots have formed within the moss (visible through the plastic), cut the stem below the new roots.
Pot the rooted section in well-draining soil.

Group Philodendrons with other tropical plants that enjoy high humidity and indirect light for a cohesive display.

Grows well with

Pothos — Pothos shares similar light and watering needs, making them easy to group together.
ZZ Plant — ZZ plants tolerate lower light and infrequent watering, offering a contrast in texture and care needs.
Orchids — Many orchids appreciate the high humidity and indirect light that Philodendrons thrive in.
Ferns — Ferns often require similar high humidity and moist conditions, creating a lush, jungle-like display.

Keep away from

Direct Sunlight — Can cause severe leaf scorch and damage the plant's foliage.
Overwatering — Leads to root rot, a common and often fatal issue for Philodendrons.
Cold Drafts — Can shock the plant, causing leaf drop and stunted growth.

Similar species

Philodendron hederaceum — Similar vining habit and care requirements, but typically has smaller, heart-shaped leaves without the reddish new growth.
Monstera deliciosa — Also a climbing aroid with large, fenestrated leaves, but Monstera has a distinct leaf shape and growth pattern.
Scindapsus pictus — Has a similar vining growth and can be mistaken for Philodendron, but Scindapsus leaves are typically thicker and have silvery markings.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Central America (Costa Rica, Panama)
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, Philodendron erubescens is an epiphyte or hemi-epiphyte, using its aerial roots to climb trees and access sunlight in the forest canopy.

Uses: Ornamental houseplant, Air purification

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Soil reaction: 6/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Salinity: 2/9
Light: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

What kind of light does it need?: Bright, indirect light is ideal; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.
Does it need high humidity?: Yes, it thrives in high humidity, so misting or using a humidifier is beneficial.
What's the best soil mix?: A well-draining potting mix, like one for aroids or peat-based mixes, works well.
Can it be pruned?: Yes, pruning helps maintain shape and encourages bushier growth.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Philodendron' comes from Greek words 'philo' (love) and 'dendron' (tree), meaning 'tree lover,' referring to its climbing habit. The species name 'erubescens' is Latin for 'blushing,' describing the reddish hue of its new growth.

Good to know

It's a climbing aroid native to the rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama.
New leaves emerge a striking reddish-bronze color.
It can produce a spathe and spadix inflorescence, though rarely indoors.
Its aerial roots help it climb trees in its natural habitat.

Is your pink princess philodendron looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.