Pink Princess philodendron

'Pink Princess' is a cultivar of the blushing philodendron, Philodendron erubescens, a climbing species native to Colombia. NC State describes the cultivar as upright and vining, with heart-shaped, dark purplish-green leaves marked with pink variegation.

The species has glossy leaves, deep green above with a reddish or copper underside, carried on purplish-red leaf stalks about as long as the blade. Leaf shape and colour vary from plant to plant (NC State). Other cultivars of the same species include 'Red Emerald' and 'White Princess'; see Red Emerald philodendron care.

NC State says Philodendron erubescens prefers partial shade and that direct sunlight should be avoided. The RHS gives similar advice for philodendrons in general: bright but indirect light, out of direct summer sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Too little light makes philodendrons leggy, with fewer and smaller leaves (RHS), so a bright room with filtered window light suits it better than a dim corner. For darker rooms, see grow lights for indoor plants.

NC State lists moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter for this species. Use a free-draining potting mix in a pot with drainage holes.

Indoors it can climb a moss pole or trellis, or spread outward and need more room (NC State). The RHS advises repotting philodendrons in spring once roots are densely packed, into a pot only a few centimetres wider than the root ball, because an oversized pot stays wet and can lead to root rot.

Check the mix before you water instead of following a calendar. The RHS advises waiting until the top of the compost has dried out, and Iowa State Extension suggests watering when the mix feels dry about an inch down. If it still feels wet, wait and check again in a day or two.

Water at the base until the excess drains, then empty the saucer. NC State notes that overwatering can cause root rot, and that keeping water off the leaves helps prevent leaf spot. Clemson Extension's aim for philodendrons is soil that is evenly moist but never soggy.

NC State says Philodendron erubescens prefers warm temperatures between 65 and 85°F and high humidity, and should be protected from cold drafts. Philodendrons generally can adapt to average home humidity, and in very dry air NC State's genus page suggests a humidifier or a tray of pebbles filled with water.

The RHS advises keeping philodendrons above 59°F (15°C) and away from hot radiators.

Feed only while the plant is actively growing. The RHS suggests a general houseplant fertiliser during the growing season, roughly spring to early autumn, and Iowa State Extension notes that most houseplants rest in the short days of winter and need less fertilizer then. Follow the product label rate.

Clemson Extension notes that too much fertilizer can make philodendron leaf tips curl and brown, and freshly repotted plants usually need little or no fertilizer for the first few months (Iowa State).

NC State lists stem cuttings for Philodendron erubescens. The RHS says climbing philodendrons root readily from stem cuttings taken from spring to late summer: cut a piece about 4 inches (10 cm) long just below a leaf joint (node), strip off the lower leaves, and root it in water before potting it into a free-draining mix. Wear gloves when cutting, as the sap can irritate skin (RHS).

A climbing plant. In its native rainforests the species can reach 60 feet, but NC State says that indoors it typically grows about 3 feet tall and 16 inches wide.

Climbing philodendrons are best given support such as a moss pole, which they root into if it is kept moist (RHS). Overlong stems can be cut back in spring, just after a leaf node (RHS). Flowers, a white spadix inside a deep red spathe, are rare indoors (NC State).

• Yellowing leaves with a wet mix: overwatering can cause root rot (NC State), which the RHS says can yellow leaves. Check the mix and drainage, and let the top dry before watering again.
• Leggy stems and small leaves: too little light (RHS). Move it to brighter, indirect light.
• Spots on leaves: the species is susceptible to leaf spot diseases (NC State). Water at the base and keep the foliage dry.
• Curled, brown tips: possibly too much fertilizer (Clemson). Review your feeding against the label. See why philodendron leaves curl.
• Specks, webbing or sticky residue: check for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and scale insects (NC State).