Philodendron ‘Birkin Pink’ (‘Pink Bikini’)

Care for self-heading aroid roots and foliage

• Pink growth and light: Plenty of diffuse light supports a compact crown and healthy green tissue. Pink is often clearest on fresh leaves and may soften as they harden.
• Moisture around the roots: Let the surface dry lightly before watering the root ball thoroughly. An airy mix with some moisture retention suits its dense roots.
• Warmth and nutrition: Steady warmth, moderate humidity and moving air benefit new foliage. Use a modest feed while the crown is growing.
• Propagation: Pot on when roots occupy most of the container. Separate a rooted offset or take a section from its compact stem that includes a growth bud; new growth may carry a different balance of pink, cream and green.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Philodendron ‘Birkin Pink’ (‘Pink Bikini’)

• Pink stripes fade or vary: Pink and cream can be strongest on a young leaf, soften as it hardens or change from one leaf to the next. This is normal for the Philodendron ‘Birkin Pink’. Be more cautious if a new pattern also causes distortion or dead areas, or appears on nearby plants.
• Pale areas turn brown: Pink and cream tissue can mark after strong sun, heat, drought, salts or rubbing. Remove the immediate stress and judge recovery from later growth. If the damaged area stays damp or expands into green tissue, move the plant away from others and keep the leaf dry.
• Soft central growth: Quickly spreading, water-soaked tissue, slime, odour or collapse needs immediate separation from other plants. Keep the crown dry, clean tools after contact and avoid propagating affected tissue.
• Pests inside the crown: Examine the youngest rolled leaf, petiole bases and sheaths. Silvery scars with black specks point to thrips, cottony deposits to mealybugs, and fine stippling or webbing to mites. Apply an appropriate treatment inside the crown after identification, then recheck each new leaf.
• Yellow leaves in a wet pot: Check the centre of the root ball, not only the dry-looking surface. Improve drainage if the mix stays saturated and inspect for soft roots or decay around the short stem.

Philodendron ‘Birkin Pink’ (‘Pink Bikini’) is toxic to pets

• Philodendron ‘Birkin Pink’ (‘Pink Bikini’) is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Philodendron: love and tree in Greek

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.”