My clinical skills regarding houseplants had a bit to suffer in my encounters with Philodendron Pink Princess. Third time’s a charm, right?

First one I had was a rescue and I knowledgeable wrote how to chop and prop – sadly, I lost that one, rotten in a jar with moss. Second one was a clipping that didn’t even had it’s chance in dirt.

A few weeks ago I went to my favourite garden center – South Downs Nurseries – to get some compost and clear pots. On my way out ? I stumbled upon a full tray with the cutest lil pots of princesses, labelled Philodendron Scandens. Since the price was lower than expected, I took this as a sign from the goddess Flora to take one home, hopefully not to her demise.

Anyway, I left the royalty alone for a while, to accommodate to the new environment. I guess the tiny pot or the new home didn’t agree with her pinkness. Nothing bad happened, but it looked sad to me and I decided to repot.

I used a 9 cm clear nursery pot and my aroid soil mix: peat-free compost, nutrient-rich, multipurpose John Innes base for essential plant food; orchid bark: large, airy pieces promote airflow and drainage, crucial for aroid roots; coir chips: sustainable coconut husk chunks help retain moisture without becoming waterlogged; perlite: volcanic rock that enhances drainage and prevents compaction and biochar: improves soil structure, boosts nutrient absorption, and supports beneficial microbial activity.

Now that my Pink Princess has been repotted, the waiting game begins, with a bit of added houseplant care and a chance for me to keep an eye on the roots with the clear pot, I really hope this one will thrive. I’m optimistic that this specially mixed soil and a bigger home will lead to a happier, healthier plant.