A pink princess with vibrant pink and green leaves can make your home a little piece of tropical paradise. As this beautiful plant needs too much attention and care, it is a favorite of most philodendron collectors.
To keep your beloved pink princess happy and maintain its growth you need to go through this post thoroughly. So, before exploring each growth stage of this wonderful plant you need to follow the care tips shared here.
Philodendron Pink Princess Growth Stages
Here is detailed information regarding the 4 growth stages of a pink princess. Follow them to make plants happy and healthy for a long.
Stage 1: Sprouting
It is the initial stage of your pink princess. Here, are the signs that the plant is starting a new chapter.
New Growth
Tiny nodules or bumps along the stem or near the base of the plant indicate that your pink princess is about to sprout. This also indicates the beginning of new leaves and you will notice your plant to be putting on a little extra growth sprout.
Sprouting Conditions
A perfect spot is necessary for that healthy sprout. So, keep the philodendron in bright, indirect light, and the soil should be moist. A good watering routine will give your plant the best chance at a healthy sprout.
Nurture the New Sprout
Avoid moving the plant around too much, whenever you notice that little leaf starts to peek out. Also, make sure the soil is moist and not completely dry. With a little nurturing and by avoiding stress your sprout will be a full-fledged leaf soon.
Stage 2: Early Growing Years
It is a stage where your beloved pink princess starts showing off her personality just like a teenage girl.
You Can Expect
At this stage, your favorite plant will produce more leaves that may not be as pink as you requested. During this stage, the leaves are often deeper green and larger than the initial stage. However, do not worry as the vibrant pink color will come with time.
Care Tips
At this stage, you need to provide the plant with sufficient bright, indirect light. Proper watering should also be done after checking the moisture level of the soil.
Your plant may need some support as it grows. You will notice it starting trail or climb. Provide a trellis or a moss pole for the support that is needed. To encourage new growth and make your pink princess look bushier you can pinch off the tips of the stems.
Stage 3: The Pink Princess is Matured
At this stage, your pink princess is all grown up and is an adult.
Look Mature
Pink and green leaves will be noticed by now. Larger leaves with beautiful variegation will surely boost your mood. You will also notice developed aerial roots that will help the plant climb.
Care
The care routine remains almost the same as it was in stage 2. However, besides providing indirect, bright light and the needed water you should feed your plant with a balanced fertilizer at this stage, especially during the growing months.
Prune your pink princess from time to time to remove brown or yellow leaves and also to encourage new growth.
Stage 4: Propagation
Propagating a pink princess can be the best way to expand its family. Here are the simple ways to create new plants from the existing ones.
A philodendron pink princess can be propagated in 2 popular ways. They are air layering and stem cutting. However, stem cutting is the most common and popular way of propagation, especially for beginners. So, let’s dive in.
Stem Cutting
The cutting method is simpler than air layering. First, you need to choose a healthy stem with at least 2 nodes for stem-cutting propagation. Cut the stem about 4 to 6 inches long just below a node using clean pruning tools. Now take off the lower leaves and leave a few at the top.
Let the cut end callus over to prevent root rot for 1 to 2 days. Now, plant the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining and aerated potting mix. Use a little water and place the cutting in any humid and warm area with sufficient indirect, bright light.
Rooting may take a few weeks. Transplant your pink princess into a larger pot once, the cutting has developed roots. Do, not get disappointed if it does not work the first time. With a little practice, you can be a pro in propagating.
Problems and Solutions
Even with utmost care and attention your pink princess may come up with different problems. Do not get worried as the solution to the problems is shared below.
- Under watering and low humidity can make the tips of the leaves brown. So, use a humidifier and increase watering frequency.
- Overwatering can cause the yellowing of leaves. Water the plant only after checking the moisture level of the soil.
- Your beloved philodendron can lose its pink variegation due to insufficient light. So, move it to a spot with enough indirect, bright light.
- Pests like aphids, mealy bugs, and spider mites can affect the houseplant. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Root rot can be caused due to overwatering and waterlogging. So, always use well-draining, aerated soil, repot your plant in fresh soil and reduce watering.
Wrapping Up
Growing a pink princess from that tiny sprout is something like growing a baby. I bet you will not be able to hold down your joy when you see that mature plant after giving your maximum care and dedication to grow it.
Regular checking out for common issues and treating them immediately can avoid major problems and make your pink princess a stunning addition to your home.
