Pink Princess Philodendron

Basic Information

Common Name: Pink Princess Philodendron
Scientific Name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’
Native Habitat: Colombia

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) is a cultivar of *Philodendron erubescens*, a species native to the rainforests of Colombia. While the exact origin story of the ‘Pink Princess’ cultivar is somewhat shrouded in mystery, it’s widely believed to have emerged from a horticultural nursery in the United States, possibly in Florida, during the 1970s. It’s important to note that, unlike many other philodendrons with a documented discovery by botanists in the wild, the Pink Princess was developed through selective breeding programs focused on enhancing specific desirable traits within *Philodendron erubescens*.

The ‘Pink Princess’ gets its name from the striking pink variegation that appears on its dark green, almost black, leaves. This unique coloration is the result of the plant’s chlorophyll production being unevenly distributed, leading to the pink hues. The initial excitement around the plant stemmed from its distinct appearance, setting it apart from other commonly available philodendrons.

The precise individual or nursery responsible for isolating and propagating the ‘Pink Princess’ remains largely unknown. It’s likely the result of careful observation and controlled pollination to enhance the pink variegation in *Philodendron erubescens*. This process would have involved repeatedly selecting plants with the most vibrant and stable pink coloration, gradually refining the cultivar over several generations.

Once introduced to the market, the Pink Princess Philodendron quickly gained popularity amongst plant enthusiasts. Its relatively easy care requirements, coupled with its visually stunning foliage, contributed to its widespread appeal. The dramatic contrast between the dark leaves and the bubblegum-pink variegation made it a highly sought-after houseplant.

The initial rarity of the Pink Princess also played a significant role in its desirability. As propagation techniques were refined and more plants became available, the price has fluctuated, but a healthy, well-variegated specimen continues to command a premium. However, It’s important to distinguish the true ‘Pink Princess’ from other philodendrons that may exhibit similar pink tones, such as the Philodendron ‘Pink Congo,’ which achieves its pink coloration through chemical induction rather than natural variegation and is known to revert to green over time.

Today, the Pink Princess Philodendron remains a popular choice for both experienced and novice plant owners. Its vibrant foliage, coupled with its relatively manageable care requirements, has solidified its place as a beloved member of the philodendron family. The plant’s journey from a potential accidental seedling to a widely cultivated and admired houseplant highlights the role of selective breeding in creating unique and captivating varieties.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Pink Princess Philodendrons, like other members of the *Philodendron* genus, are adapted to thrive in the dappled light conditions of the rainforest understory. Their dark green leaves are efficient at capturing the limited sunlight that filters through the canopy. The pink variegation, while visually striking, is actually a result of a lack of chlorophyll in those areas. This adaptation can be somewhat of a trade-off, as the pink parts of the leaf are less efficient at photosynthesis. To compensate, the plant prioritizes light capture in the green portions of the leaf. As a hemiepiphyte, it uses aerial roots to climb up trees to seek more sunlight. These roots also help the plant absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Its tolerance for relatively low light conditions (compared to direct sun-loving plants) makes it a popular houseplant.

Propagation Methods

The Pink Princess Philodendron is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This involves taking a section of the stem with at least one node (where leaves emerge) and placing it in water or directly into a well-draining potting mix. Rooting hormone can be used to encourage root development. Air layering is another viable propagation method. This involves wounding a section of the stem, wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss, and covering it with plastic wrap to create a humid environment. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut below the rooted section and planted. Division is less common but can be done when repotting a mature plant. This involves carefully separating the root ball into smaller sections, each with its own set of leaves and roots.

Toxicology

The Pink Princess Philodendron, like most philodendrons, contains calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are needle-shaped and can cause significant irritation if ingested or if the sap comes into contact with skin. If ingested by humans or pets, symptoms can include intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, drooling, and vomiting. Skin contact can cause redness, itching, and a burning sensation. It’s crucial to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets who are likely to chew on it. If ingestion occurs, rinse the mouth with water and contact a poison control center or veterinarian immediately. While rarely life-threatening, the symptoms can be very uncomfortable.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Spider mites
• Mealybugs
• Aphids

Diseases:

• Root rot (due to overwatering)
• Bacterial leaf spot
• Fungal leaf spot

Other:

• Leaf yellowing (overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency)
• Browning tips (low humidity, inconsistent watering)
• Reversion (loss of pink variegation; can be caused by insufficient light, nutrient deficiencies, or genetic instability)

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

The Pink Princess Philodendron is considered relatively rare due to several factors. While propagation is straightforward, maintaining stable and vibrant pink variegation can be challenging. Plants with highly pronounced and consistent pink coloration are more desirable and thus more difficult to find. Genetic instability can sometimes lead to reversion, where the plant loses its pink variegation and reverts to an all-green form. High demand from collectors also contributes to its relative scarcity. While now easier to find than in its early days, a truly spectacular specimen remains highly sought-after.

Value:

Several factors influence the market value of a Pink Princess Philodendron. The size and maturity of the plant play a role, with larger, more established plants commanding higher prices. The quality and stability of the variegation are paramount. Plants with bold, evenly distributed pink variegation are more valuable than those with minimal or unstable pink coloration. The current collector trends and overall market demand also influence prices. Well-established plants from reputable nurseries or collectors may also command a premium. A plant that has reverted to green will have little to no value.