Blushing philodendron care guide
Philodendron erubescens
Also known as: Pink Princess philodendron, Red Emerald philodendron, Red-leaf philodendron
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate; chewing brings mouth pain, swelling, drooling, and vomiting, so keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Blushing philodendron
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; in midsummer it dries fast, but a large pot may still be moist below, so check with a finger.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Generally water a day or two after the soil dries, spacing waterings out as growth stops.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water lightly about three to four days after the soil dries, avoiding cold water.
Light and placement for Blushing philodendron
Bright light through a sheer curtain is about right; the red or pink coloring reverts to green without enough light, while direct sun scorches the leaves.
Overwintering Blushing philodendron
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Overwinter it indoors above about 10°C, away from a cold window and heater blast, and water less to keep it on the dry side.
Fertilizing and repotting Blushing philodendron
Fertilizer
From May to September, slow-release fertilizer about every two months or diluted liquid feed roughly every two weeks; feed variegated forms lightly to keep their markings.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Blushing philodendron
- Too little light erases the pink or red and leaves only green.
- Without a stake it topples, the internodes stretch, and the leaves shrink.
- Winter overwatering rots the roots and the leaves yellow and wilt.
Tips for growing Blushing philodendron
- Fully white leaves cannot photosynthesize; cut back to a point that gives leaves with some green.
- Trained upward on a pole, the leaves grow larger and more colorful.
- Pink Princess plants are costly, so check the roots and new growth before buying.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
