Pink Princess philodendrons are a popular houseplant known for their stunning pink-variegated leaves. However like most plants they don’t enjoy being rootbound and need to be repotted periodically. In this article, we’ll examine why Pink Princess philodendrons dislike being rootbound and how to tell if your plant needs repotting.
What Happens When Pink Princess Philodendrons Get Rootbound
When a Pink Princess philodendron becomes rootbound, the roots have filled up the entire pot and have nowhere else to grow. This leads to several issues:
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Stunted growth and smaller leaves since the roots can’t access enough nutrients and moisture
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Wilting and drooping leaves as the plant struggles to uptake water
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Nutrient deficiencies show up as yellowing leaves.
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Increased risk of pests and diseases since the dense mass of roots has poor airflow.
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The pot may start cracking as the roots expand and put pressure on the container.
Signs Your Pink Princess Needs Repotting
Here are the most common signs that your Pink Princess philodendron is rootbound and needs repotting:
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Slow or stagnant growth. If your plant hasn’t put out new leaves in a while, it could be rootbound.
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Roots visible at the top of the soil or growing out of the drainage holes. This is a sure sign the plant has run out of space underground.
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Wilting between waterings. Rootbound plants can’t uptake water well.
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Leaf yellowing. Lack of nutrients causes chlorosis.
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Drooping leaves. The plant is struggling to support itself without enough roots.
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Crack along the pot’s edges. The mass of roots is applying outward pressure.
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Soil drying out too quickly. Densely packed roots prevent moisture retention.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to repot your Pink Princess into a larger container.
How Often Should You Repot Pink Princess Philodendrons?
On average, Pink Princess philodendrons need repotting every 2-3 years. However, fast-growing younger plants may need repotting as often as every 1-2 years.
The repotting frequency depends on factors like:
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Plant age – Younger plants grow faster and need more frequent repotting.
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Container size – Plants in smaller pots will need repotting more often.
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Growth rate – Fast growers fill up pots quicker.
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Soil quality – Poor quality soil will compact faster.
Monitor your plant for signs of being rootbound and repot accordingly. It’s better to repot a bit too early rather than too late.
How to Repot a Rootbound Pink Princess
Here are the steps for repotting a rootbound Pink Princess philodendron:
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Select a pot 2-4 inches larger than the current size. Go too large and you risk overwatering issues.
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Carefully remove the plant from its old pot. You may need to trim excess roots.
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Lightly loosen up and prune any circling, broken, or crowded roots.
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Partially fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Place the plant in the new pot and fill in around it with more mix.
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Water thoroughly. Let excess drain fully from the bottom.
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Gradually move the plant to brighter light over 7-10 days to reduce transplant shock.
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Resume normal care and fertilizing once new growth appears.
With a roomier container and fresh soil, your Pink Princess will be revitalized and ready for vigorous new growth!
While they can tolerate it in the short-term, Pink Princess philodendrons don’t enjoy being rootbound and will decline over time without repotting. Watch for signs of slow growth, wilting, yellow leaves, and roots escaping the pot as cues to repot. Freeing up the root system every 2-3 years in a slightly larger container will keep your Pink Princess healthy and looking its best!
Steering Clear of Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can cause the beautiful pink variegation on your Philodendron Pink Princess to fade, and even worse, the leaves may become scorched or damaged. To protect your plant from harsh light, move it to a shadier spot, or place it behind
a sheer curtain to filter the sunlight. Remember, bright, indirect light is best for this stunning houseplant.
The Don’ts of Philodendron Pink Princess Care
As mentioned earlier, overwatering can lead to root rot, a potentially fatal condition for your Pink Princess. If you notice that your plants leaves are turning yellow, soft, or mushy, it may be suffering from overwatering. To treat root rot, remove the plant from its pot, trim away any black, mushy roots, and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil. Be sure to adjust your watering habits to prevent the issue from recurring.
How I Grew My Pink Princess HUGE In Just One Year Pink Princess Philodendron Tips
FAQ
When should I repot my pink princess?
Pink princess philodendron should be repotted once every one to two years, when it’s outgrown it’s previous container. If you’re noticing roots coming out the drainage holes, it’s a clear sign to repot. You can technically repot your philodendron any time of the year, but spring and summer are the best times to do so.
Do pink princesses like small pots?
Pot Size Matters
Seedlings: Start with a small pot, about 4 inches in diameter, to ensure even soil moisture and adequate room for initial root development. Juveniles: As your plant grows, transition it to a pot that’s 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Should you stake a pink princess philodendron?
The Pink Princess is naturally inclined to climb vertically. Without a pole or stake to encourage this style of growth, leaves will droop downward and take on a trailing appearance.
How to root pink princess philodendron?
Prepare the Cutting: Remove any leaves that would be submerged when you place the stem in water to prevent rot. Root in Water: Place the cutting in a glass or jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Leave the leaves out of the water. Place the jar in a warm, bright spot with indirect light.