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The price that can be charged for an object is subject to its perceived value (a rock vs. a gemstone), rarety (a gem vs. a diamond), and unique function. Prices for the Pink Princess vary and depend on the plant’s health, size, and variegation qualities.
What is Variegation?
A leaf or flower with two or more colors in a clear alternating pattern is called variegated. In some instances, meristem mutations that result in an organism with a mix of genetically distinct tissues might induce variegation.
Other sources of variegation include:
- Pattern variegation
- Transposons
- Pathogen infection
Variegation is usually an inherited trait and can be fixed (should you wish to do so) by selection and seed propagation. Pink Princess Philodendron, for instance, would lose its variegation if planted from seed or propagated from root cuttings.
The mutation is preserved by cloning (folial or stem propagation).
Symmetrical Variegation
Symmetrical variegation, found in Tradescantia or Alocasia, variegation isn’t chimera. The pattern is due to different cells in a tissue expressing color genes.
Transposon Variegation
A transposon is a movable genetic element called jumping genes randomly moving about the chromosome, creating genetic mosaics. Transposons can cause spectacular variegation in flowers and leaves.
Unlike chimeras, transposon variegation is inherited from seed.
Pathogen Variegation
Variegation can also occur when a plant is infected with a virus that creates color differences. Sometimes, they cause a variegated leaf or flower color and are perpetuated during propagation.
Tulips are variegated via a viral infection, which caused the plant’s popularity to go viral.
Pink Princess Philodendron Variegation
Our princess’ variegation was achieved by an unpatented tissue culture process using Philodendron Erubescens parent material. New plants are still cultivated using tissue cultures, allowing nurseries to propagate thousands of plants from a small sample.
The process sounds easier than it is, which is why Pink Princess Philodendron is so expensive.
Variegation and Light Needs
Young Philodendron plants grow towards the darkest space on the horizon as evolution has taught them that the dark shape represents a tree.
They know they can climb the tree to reach greater heights (and better light).
Young Philodendrons, known as “shingle plants,” have smaller leaves without lobes. Philodendron leaves only split when they become older and are exposed to more light.
You can boost variegation by exposing younger plants to brighter light but guarding against sun damage.
Remember that the plant has lost some of its photosynthesizing ability due to the loss of chlorophyll.
Most aroids need plenty of dappled light, especially for maintaining variegation. Plants like the Pink Princess Philodendrons are medium-light plants that need 15 watts per square foot.
In the Northern Hemisphere, medium bright light (100 – 500 FC) indoors will be provided by the sun entering an east or west-facing window.
The sun entering south-facing or west-facing windows will provide high indoor light (500 – 1000 FC).
Photoperiodism
Most plants require a period of darkness to develop correctly, and the absence of light triggers some plants to flower and bear fruit.
Monstera should have at least 8 hours of night darkness, including a lack of artificial light.
Pink Princess Philodendron Care
Below is an overview of Pink Princess Philodendron’s care
| Other names: | Blushing Philodendron |
| Soil: | Use a humus rich, well-draining soil – see the detailed guide below |
| Watering: | Avoid scheduled watering rather being informed by the dryness of the soil – see the guide below |
| Light: | Bright indirect light or semi-shadow |
| Temperature: | Night: 54 to 68⁰ F (12 to 20⁰ C) Day: 68 to 85 ⁰F (20 to 30 ⁰C) |
| Humidity: | Philodendron thrives in high humidity but requires adequate air circulation. |
| Propagation: | Propagate by cuttings or division, ideally when temperatures are between 70 to 75 °F (~21 to 24 °C). Full details below |
| Pruning: | Prune to improve a compact plant |
| Fertilizer: | Use organic, slow-release fertilizer in spring. |
| Repotting: | Repotting is generally required every two years. Best done in spring, summer, or early fall. Let root density inform repotting schedules. |
| Pests: | Mealybugs, scale, and aphids. Sprinkle them off with a little water. |
| Toxicity: | All Philodendrons are poisonous if ingested, and the sap can irritate the skin. To keep your pets or children safe, place the plant on a high shelf out of their reach. |
You can read more on caring for your valuable Pink Princess Philodendron here.
In Closing
As we’ve seen, the Pink Princess Philodendron is an ingenious, beautiful plant that, in my opinion, is worth every bit you may spend on it.
They are rare and will give you a real sense of accomplishment as it grows to vining height.
The tree care essentials are light management, limited watering, and occasion repotting using well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
