Black Cherry Pink Princess Philodendron: Unlocking Its Deepest Colors

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever seen a houseplant that stops you in your tracks? One with leaves so dark they’re almost black, splashed with the most vibrant, electric pink? If that sounds like a plant collector’s dream, then let me introduce you to your new obsession.

This isn’t your average Pink Princess. The black cherry pink princess philodendron takes that iconic variegation to a new, dramatic level, creating a stunning contrast that feels like living art. It’s a true showstopper.

Imagine this masterpiece thriving in your home, unfurling new leaves that are a surprise every time. With the right care, you can encourage that breathtaking contrast between deep burgundy and brilliant pink, becoming the envy of every plant parent you know.

Don’t worry—while it looks like a high-maintenance diva, it’s more forgiving than you think! Ready to learn the secrets? This complete black cherry pink princess philodendron guide will walk you through everything you need to know to grow your own spectacular specimen.

What Makes the Black Cherry Pink Princess Philodendron So Special?

At first glance, you might mistake it for its famous cousin, the standard Pink Princess Philodendron. But look closer, and the differences become beautifully apparent. Both are cultivars of Philodendron erubescens, a climbing aroid native to Colombia, but the ‘Black Cherry’ is a specially selected variety prized for its unique coloration.

The key difference lies in the base color of the leaves. While a standard Pink Princess has leaves that are a deep green, the Black Cherry boasts foliage that is a much darker, richer shade of burgundy-black. This incredibly dark canvas makes the splashes of pink variegation pop with an intensity you won’t find anywhere else.

Beyond its stunning looks, there are other benefits of black cherry pink princess philodendron ownership. Like other philodendrons, it’s an excellent air purifier, helping to filter common household toxins from the air. It brings a piece of the lush, tropical rainforest right into your living space, boosting moods and creating a calming atmosphere.

The Ultimate Black Cherry Pink Princess Philodendron Care Guide

Ready to get your hands dirty? Learning how to black cherry pink princess philodendron care works is all about mastering a few key fundamentals. Once you nail these, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, vibrant plant that grows more beautiful with each new leaf.

Light: The Secret to Vibrant Color

This is the most crucial element for maintaining that gorgeous variegation. Your Black Cherry needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Think of a spot a few feet back from an east-facing window or near a south-facing window that’s filtered by a sheer curtain.

Too little light, and the dark leaves will become dull and the pink variegation may fade or disappear entirely—a process called reversion. On the other hand, direct, harsh sunlight will scorch its beautiful leaves, leaving behind brown, crispy patches. Finding that perfect balance is key!

Watering: The ‘Less is More’ Approach

Overwatering is the number one enemy of most houseplants, and this philodendron is no exception. It’s highly susceptible to root rot if its feet stay wet for too long. The golden rule is to allow the top 2-3 inches of the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

The easiest way to check is to simply stick your finger into the soil. If it feels moist, wait a few more days. When it’s time to water, give it a thorough soak until water runs freely from the drainage hole. Then, be sure to dump out any excess water from the saucer. Never let your plant sit in a puddle!

READ MORE  Philodendron Scandens Yellow Leaves: A Gardener'S 5-Step Rescue Plan

Soil: Building the Perfect Foundation

Like other aroids, the Black Cherry Pink Princess needs a chunky, airy, and well-draining soil mix. Standard potting soil is far too dense and will hold too much moisture. You need a mix that allows the roots to breathe.

You can buy a pre-made aroid mix or easily create your own. Here is one of my favorite recipes:

  • 1 part high-quality indoor potting mix
  • 1 part orchid bark
  • 1 part perlite
  • A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional, helps with soil health)

This mixture provides structure, aeration, and just the right amount of moisture retention without becoming waterlogged. This is one of the most important black cherry pink princess philodendron tips for long-term health.

Humidity & Temperature: Creating a Tropical Oasis

Remember, these are rainforest plants! They crave warmth and humidity. Your Black Cherry will be happiest in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid placing it near cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents.

It will also thank you for a boost in humidity, ideally above 60%. While it can tolerate average household humidity, you’ll see healthier growth and prevent crispy leaf edges with a little extra moisture in the air. You can achieve this by:

  1. Grouping it with other plants.
  2. Placing it on a pebble tray with water.
  3. Running a small humidifier nearby.

Fertilizing: Fuel for Fabulous Foliage

To support its growth and vibrant colors, feed your philodendron during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for houseplants. It’s a black cherry pink princess philodendron best practice to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.

Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with your regular watering. Cut back on feeding entirely during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

How to Propagate Your Black Cherry Pink Princess Philodendron

One of the great joys of owning these plants is making more of them! Propagation is surprisingly simple and a great way to share with friends or create a backup plant. The key is to get a “node” in your cutting.

A node is the small bump on the stem where a leaf and an aerial root grow from. This is where new roots will sprout.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Find a good cutting: Select a healthy vine with at least one leaf and one or two nodes.
  2. Make the cut: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem about half an inch below a node.
  3. Choose your medium: You can root your cutting in water, sphagnum moss, or perlite. Water is fantastic for beginners because you can watch the roots grow!
  4. Wait patiently: Place the cutting in its medium in a spot with bright, indirect light. If using water, change it every few days. Roots should begin to form in a few weeks.
  5. Pot it up: Once the new roots are 2-3 inches long, you can carefully transfer your new plant into a small pot with your aroid soil mix.

Pruning for a Fuller Plant and Better Variegation

Don’t be afraid to give your plant a haircut! Pruning is essential for maintaining a full, bushy shape and preventing it from becoming leggy. It also serves another important purpose: encouraging variegation.

If you notice your plant is putting out leaves that are fully reverted (all dark with no pink), you can prune the stem back to the last leaf that showed good variegation. This can sometimes stimulate the growth point to produce more colorful leaves. Make your cut just above a node.

The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer when the plant is in its active growth phase. And remember, every piece you prune is a potential new plant!

Common Problems with Black Cherry Pink Princess Philodendron (And How to Fix Them!)

Even the most experienced gardener runs into issues. Here are some of the most common problems with black cherry pink princess philodendron and how to troubleshoot them.

Why is my pink variegation fading or turning brown?

This is almost always a light issue. If the pink is fading, your plant likely needs more bright, indirect light. If the pink patches are turning brown and crispy, it might be getting too much direct sun. Brown patches on pink areas can also be a sign of low humidity, as the pink tissue is more delicate.

READ MORE  Philodendron Brasil Toxic To Cats – Your Complete Guide To A Safe

Help! My leaves are turning yellow.

Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, are a classic sign of overwatering. Your soil is staying wet for too long, suffocating the roots. Check your watering routine and make sure the soil is drying out properly. Allow the plant to dry out more before watering again.

What are these brown, crispy spots on the leaves?

Crispy brown spots or edges are typically caused by one of two things: low humidity or sunburn. Assess your plant’s location. Is it getting hit by direct sunbeams? Is it near a dry heat source? Try moving it or boosting the humidity around it.

Pests to Watch Out For

Like most houseplants, your philodendron can be susceptible to common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Inspect your plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. If you spot any pests, isolate the plant immediately and treat it with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Philodendron Care

Being a green thumb can also mean being green for the planet. Adopting a sustainable black cherry pink princess philodendron care routine is easy and rewarding.

Consider using peat-free soil alternatives like coco coir to protect precious peat bog ecosystems. You can also collect rainwater for your plants—it’s free of the chlorine and minerals often found in tap water. For pest control, always start with the most eco-friendly black cherry pink princess philodendron options, like wiping pests off with a cloth or using natural predators before reaching for harsh chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Black Cherry Pink Princess Philodendron

Is the Black Cherry Pink Princess different from a regular Pink Princess?

Yes! While they are closely related, the Black Cherry variety is distinguished by its much darker, almost black-burgundy leaves. This provides a more dramatic and striking contrast with the pink variegation compared to the standard green-leafed Pink Princess.

How can I get more pink on my Black Cherry Pink Princess?

The amount of pink is a combination of genetics and care. The best thing you can do is provide optimal conditions, especially plenty of bright, indirect light. Light is the main driver of variegation. Sometimes, pruning back a less-variegated stem can also encourage more colorful growth to emerge.

Is this plant toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately. Like all philodendrons, the Black Cherry Pink Princess contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They can cause oral irritation, swelling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and children.

Your Journey to a Stunning Plant Awaits

The Black Cherry Pink Princess Philodendron is more than just a houseplant; it’s a statement. It’s a piece of living art that brings drama, color, and a touch of the exotic to any room. While its rare beauty might seem intimidating, you now have all the tools and knowledge you need to help it flourish.

Remember the fundamentals: bright indirect light, a chunky soil mix, and a careful watering hand. Pay attention to what your plant is telling you, and don’t be afraid to prune and propagate.

You’ve got this! Go forth and grow your own breathtaking Black Cherry Pink Princess. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts