Philodendron pink princess new leaves are brown

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I have a philodendron pink princess that I bought just over a month ago. It had one all pink leaf that quickly developed a brown spot after I repotted it- I thought it may have just been shock from repotting or sunburn from being exposed to light too quickly since it was mailed to me.

After that, a new leaf emerged but it started turning brown before it uncurled. I've attached a picture of that leaf. I realized that an a/c vent was blowing in the direction of the plant (though it was several feet away) so I moved the vents slightly. I was hoping that would solve the problem but now there's another new leaf emerging that looks like it may also be turning brown on the edge.

I have it in a mixture of potting soil, small orchid bark and pumice- the same soil mix I use with all my tropical plants. It has a drainage hole, I water it when it's dry 1-2 inches down but before it completely dries out and it's near an east facing window but not directly in front of it. I live in DC and don't like to crank the a/c so my place is somewhat humid during the summer.

I've attached a few pictures below. Disregard what looks like bumps in the 3rd picture- I just watered the plant and accidentally sprayed the leaf.

Does anyone have any ideas about what might be happening?

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Comments (3)

Cassandra H
8 years ago
The variegation on these plants are very sensitive to stress. Same with white monsteras. It could honestly be anything. It could be the shipment, it could be root damage from potting or shipment. It could be from the ac. It could be sunburn or lack of humidity . Highly variegated plants need more light because they suck energy out of the plant. I would put it in the window of your eastern window.

Everything that you’re doing sounds correct, except maybe that’s a little too much water. How did the roots look?

The vent could have damaged the leaves, so hopefully now that it’s moved it helps.

You can cut those leaves back and let it start again.

I’m sorry it’s all so ambiguous. I wish I could help more. I give mine south facing light, right in the window. I have mine in similar soil mix and let mine dry out much further and then water thoroughly.
petrushka (7b)
8 years ago
leaf edges can turn brown like that when there is not enough humidity. and then they have a problem unfurling. try misting it ev day or tent it in a large plastic bag temporarily to see if then new leaves will be coming out ok.
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sd2102 (8b PNW)
Original Author
7 years ago
Sorry I never responded- I was dealing with a cross country move and was a bit preoccupied!

I unintentionally neglected the plant for the last 2 months and it started doing much better. I water it less frequently and it does not have any air blowing directly on it. The first leaf that was emerging came out a bit stunted but was not torn up like the others. The next leaf is looking much better and it even has another one coming out.

Since the move I've placed it in a west facing window thinking it would like more light in the winter. I'll see how it goes.

Thanks for the advice!