The Philodendron Black Cherry Pink Princess is a highly coveted ornamental houseplant that has captured the attention of plant collectors worldwide. This tropical hybrid is distinguished by a dramatic color profile, blending deep, saturated foliage with vibrant splashes of pink. Its striking appearance and relatively slow growth rate contribute to its status as a sought-after specimen.
Defining the Cultivar’s Unique Traits
The ‘Black Cherry’ designation refers to the deep, nearly black or dark burgundy coloration of the plant’s mature leaves. New foliage often emerges with a reddish tint, which gradually hardens off and darkens to the characteristic saturated hue. This dark base color sets it apart from the more common green-leafed Philodendron Pink Princess variety.
The “Pink Princess” component signifies the plant’s defining feature: sectors of bright, bubblegum-pink variegation. This coloration is a result of a genetic mutation where certain cells lack the ability to produce chlorophyll, creating the pink patches. The variegation pattern is genetically unstable, meaning it is not guaranteed to appear consistently on every new leaf. Growers must provide precise environmental conditions to encourage the desired high level of pink coloration, as inadequate care can cause the plant to revert to solid green foliage.
Optimal Environmental Conditions
Providing the correct lighting is the most influential factor in maintaining the plant’s distinctive coloration. The plant requires bright, indirect light, such as that provided by an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window. Insufficient light encourages the plant to produce more chlorophyll, resulting in new leaves that are primarily green, a process known as reversion. Direct sunlight must be avoided completely, as the delicate pink variegated areas are highly susceptible to scorching and developing brown patches.
As a tropical species, this Philodendron thrives in consistently warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). Temperature fluctuations or exposure to cold drafts below 60°F can stress the plant and impede healthy growth. Maintaining high ambient humidity is necessary, with levels of 60% or higher being optimal to mimic its native environment.
High humidity helps prevent the leaf edges from turning brown and crispy, a common issue in dry indoor air. Using a dedicated room humidifier is the most effective way to provide the continuous, high moisture levels this plant needs. Placing the plant near other foliage or on a pebble tray containing water can offer a small increase in local humidity.
Soil, Watering, and Feeding Regimens
The ‘Black Cherry Pink Princess’ requires a highly porous and well-draining substrate to ensure proper root health. A specialized aroid mix is preferred, typically composed of standard potting soil mixed with amendments such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. This composition mimics the organic, airy medium the plant would encounter naturally, allowing for adequate aeration and preventing the soil from becoming compacted.
A proper watering schedule involves allowing the top one to two inches of the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Philodendrons are highly susceptible to root rot if they are left sitting in overly saturated soil. When watering, thoroughly saturate the mix until water flows freely from the drainage holes, ensuring the entire root ball is moistened.
During the active growing season, from spring through early fall, the plant benefits from regular but moderate fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, should be applied every four to six weeks. Since the plant is variegated, over-fertilization is a risk that can easily lead to root burn. Fertilization should be withheld entirely during the dormant winter months when growth naturally slows down.
Propagation Techniques and Safety
The most reliable method for propagating the Philodendron Black Cherry Pink Princess is by taking stem cuttings. A successful cutting must include at least one node, which is the joint on the stem where the leaves and aerial roots emerge. Using a clean, sterilized blade to make a cut just below a node reduces the risk of introducing pathogens.
The cutting can be placed in water, moist sphagnum moss, or a well-draining soil mix to encourage root development. Ensuring the node is in contact with the rooting medium is important, as new roots sprout from this site. Maintaining high humidity and warm temperatures around the cutting will hasten the rooting process.
A mandatory safety consideration for this plant is its inherent toxicity, a trait shared by all species in the Philodendron genus. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals within its tissues. If ingested by humans or pets, these microscopic crystals can cause immediate and intense irritation. The plant should be kept safely out of reach of children and household animals.