9 stunning pink indoor plants that are easy to care

Why are the leaves of my pink indoor plants turning green?

Here are the top 5 things to consider:

Understanding Why Pink Leaves Turn Green:

We’ve all been there: admiring the beautiful pink hues of a Philodendron Pink Princess or a Syngonium Neon Robusta, only to notice those blush tones slowly fading to green. It can be frustrating, especially when we’ve done everything right!

But understanding why pink plants change color is key to keeping their vibrant variegation intact. In our community household in Brooklyn, where we care for hundreds of houseplants, we’ve learned that pink leaves turning green is often a response to the plant’s environment—and thankfully, it’s something we can often correct.

How Pigmentation Works in Plants (Anthocyanins vs. Chlorophyll):

Plant coloration is a delicate balance between anthocyanins, which produce pink, red, and purple tones, and chlorophyll, which gives leaves their green color and fuels photosynthesis. While anthocyanins contribute to a plant’s unique aesthetic, they don’t assist much with energy production. So when a plant feels it’s not getting enough light or nutrients, it prioritizes survival by producing more chlorophyll—often at the expense of its pink hues – Sounds like the right priority, right?

In our experience, some pink plants are more prone to reverting than others. If a plant starts putting out green-dominant leaves, it’s a signal that something in its environment needs adjustment. The good news? By tweaking light, nutrients, and other care factors, we can often restore pink variegation over time.

The Role of Light in Maintaining Pink Coloration:

One of the biggest culprits behind pink leaves turning green is insufficient light. When pink-leaved plants don’t get enough brightness – they compensate by producing more chlorophyll, which leads to greener growth. At the same time, too much direct sunlight can scorch delicate variegation, causing stress that can also impact pigmentation.

We’ve tested different lighting setups in our Brooklyn home, and the key is bright, indirect light. Our Pink Princess Philodendrons thrive under grow lights or near east-facing windows where they get soft morning sun. If a plant starts losing its pink hues, we adjust its placement—sometimes even rotating it slightly can make a difference.

Read also: Our guide to styling pink indoor plants

Common Pink Indoor Plants Prone to Reverting to Green:

Some pink plants are naturally more resistant to reversion, while others need consistent care to maintain their pink hues. Here are a few we’ve worked with that are especially prone to turning green:
Pink Princess Philodendron – Without enough light, it reverts to green. Pruning off green-dominant leaves can help encourage pink growth.
Pink Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant) – Needs bright, indirect light; too much nitrogen can also push it towards greener foliage.
Stromanthe Triostar – Requires both high humidity and strong light to keep its pink, white, and green variegation balanced.
Tradescantia Nanouk – Fast-growing but loses its pink tones in lower light. Regular pruning and bright conditions help.
Aglaonema Pink Dalmatian – More forgiving, but it still fades under dim lighting or when overfed.

If we notice a plant reverting, we don’t panic—we troubleshoot. Adjusting lighting, managing soil and fertilizers best for pink plants, and pruning strategically can often bring pink variegation back. While some plants may never fully regain lost color, keeping conditions optimal prevents further reversion and encourages new growth with the stunning hues we love. Below are more specific recommendations to keep them thriving!

Read also: Common problems and solutions to pink houseplants