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Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess' (Pink Princess Philodendron)
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© Cliff from Arlington, Virginia, USA, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Houseplants

Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess'

Pink Princess Philodendron

Araceae
Garden selection; species native to Colombia and Costa Rica

At a Glance

TypeVine
HabitClimbing
FoliageEvergreen
Height24-48 inches (60-120 cm) indoors
Width12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

10 - 12
Zone 10Zone 11Zone 12
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess' (PPP) is a sought-after collector's houseplant, growing 24-48 inches (60-120 cm) indoors on a moss pole. Dark green to near-black leaves with bubblegum pink variegated sectors give the cultivar its identifying pink-on-near-black contrast, a color combination uncommon in the plant world. The species name 'erubescens' means 'blushing red', referencing the red tones in the stems and new growth. The variegation is unstable (chimeral). The plant can revert to all-green (no pink) or produce all-pink leaves (which cannot photosynthesize and will die). Managing variegation requires pruning: when the plant produces consecutive all-green leaves, growers cut back to the last well-variegated node. Bright indirect light is essential; low light encourages green reversion. Tissue-culture production has made PPP more affordable (formerly $100+ per cutting), but well-variegated specimens still command higher prices than typical philodendrons. Climbing philodendron; a moss pole is provided. Toxic.

Native Range

The species Philodendron erubescens is native to Colombia and Costa Rica. 'Pink Princess' is a variegated selection.

Suggested Uses

Used as a sought-after collector's houseplant. The pink-and-black contrast. Variegation management required. The 'PPP' of the houseplant world.

How to Identify

Identified by dark green to near-black leaves with bubblegum pink variegated sectors, the recognizable pink-and-black philodendron. The pink-on-black contrast is uncommon in houseplants. Unstable variegation can revert. All-pink leaves cannot survive. The 'PPP' of collectors.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green
black
pink

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Rare indoors. The pink-and-black variegated foliage is the year-round display.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Red spadix with dark spathe (rare indoors)

Foliage Description

Dark green to near-black with bubblegum pink variegated sectors

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Requires 5-7 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Sited in bright indirect light, essential to maintain pink variegation. A moss pole is provided for climbing. Pruned back to a variegated node if reverting to all-green. All-pink leaves will die. Toxic.

Pruning

Pruned to a well-variegated node if producing all-green or all-pink leaves. Moss pole support.

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 5 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in dogs and cats if leaves are chewed.