If you’re looking for a houseplant that truly stands out, the strawberry shake plant is a spectacular choice. The ‘Strawberry Shake’ philodendron is prized for its stunning, variegated leaves that blend shades of pink and green. This rare and sought-after cultivar brings a vibrant, almost painterly splash of color to any indoor space.
Its unique foliage makes it a centerpiece in any collection. Caring for it requires some specific knowledge, but the effort is well worth the stunning display. This guide provides everything you need to know to help your philodendron thrive.
Strawberry Shake Plant
The Strawberry Shake Plant is a specific cultivar of the Philodendron genus, known botanically as *Philodendron erubescens* ‘Strawberry Shake’. It belongs to the Araceae family, sharing lineage with other popular philos like the Pink Princess and White Knight.
Its primary claim to fame is its extraordinary leaf variegation. Each leaf is a unique canvas where creamy white, soft green, and vibrant strawberry-pink hues mingle. No two leaves are ever exactly the same, making each new growth a surprise.
Origin And Background
This plant originated as a spontaneous mutation, likely from a Philodendron erubescens or a related hybrid. Plant cultivators selectively propagated it to stabilize its stunning variegation. It remains a relatively rare find compared to more common houseplants, which adds to its allure and value.
The “shake” in its name evocatively describes the way its colors seem blended together, like a creamy strawberry milkshake. It’s a climbing philodendron, naturally using aerial roots to attach to trees in its native tropical habitats.
Key Identification Features
You can identify a true Strawberry Shake by several distinct characteristics. First, the petioles (leaf stems) are typically a deep red or burgundy color, providing a beautiful contrast to the multicolored leaves.
The leaves themselves are elongated and heart-shaped when mature, with a glossy, almost leathery texture. The variegation pattern is irregular and can range from large blocks of color to fine speckles and marbling. It’s important to note that the amount of pink can vary dramatically from plant to plant and even leaf to leaf on the same plant.
Strawberry Shake vs. Pink Princess Philodendron
Many people confuse the Strawberry Shake with the Pink Princess Philodendron. While both are stunning, there are clear differences. The Pink Princess typically has darker, almost blackish-green leaves with bold, sectoral pink patches.
The Strawberry Shake, in contrast, has a much lighter overall appearance. Its base color is often a creamy white or light green, with pink and green marbling throughout. The colors blend more softly, unlike the high-contrast blocks of the Pink Princess.
Essential Care Guide
Providing the right care is crucial for maintaining the Strawberry Shake’s vibrant variegation and overall health. While it has specific needs, it is not an overly difficult plant to keep happy if you understand its preferences.
Light Requirements
Light is the most critical factor for this plant. Its beautiful pink variegation is directly linked to light exposure. Without enough light, the plant will revert to producing mostly green leaves to maximize chlorophyll for energy production.
Provide bright, indirect light for at least 6-8 hours daily. An east-facing window is ideal. A south or west-facing window can work if the plant is shielded by a sheer curtain to prevent direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves.
- Best: Bright, filtered light from an east window.
- Good: A few feet back from a south or west window.
- Supplement: Use a grow light during darker winter months or in low-light homes.
- Avoid: Direct, harsh sunlight (causes leaf burn) and deep shade (causes reversion).
Watering And Humidity
Like most philodendrons, the Strawberry Shake prefers a consistent moisture level but despises soggy soil. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, which can quickly kill the plant.
Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure excess water can drain freely from the pot’s holes. Reduce watering frequency in the winter when growth slows.
As a tropical plant, it thrives in high humidity. Aim for 60% humidity or higher. You can increase humidity by:
- Using a humidifier placed near the plant.
- Setting the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
- Grouping it with other humidity-loving plants.
Low humidity can lead to crispy brown leaf edges, although the plant can tolerate average home humidity if watering is adjusted.
Soil And Potting
The right soil mix ensures healthy roots by balancing moisture retention and drainage. A standard houseplant potting soil is too dense on its own.
Create a well-aerated, chunky mix. A simple recipe is:
- 2 parts high-quality potting mix
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part orchid bark or coconut coir
This combination allows water to flow through while retaining slight moisture and giving roots plenty of oxygen. Repot your Strawberry Shake every 1-2 years in spring, sizing up only 1-2 inches in pot diameter to prevent excess wet soil.
Temperature And Environment
Keep your plant in a warm environment, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Protect it from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops. Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can cause damage.
It enjoys good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal issues, but avoid placing it in the direct path of strong, drying winds from heaters or fans.
Advanced Care and Maintenance
Beyond the basics, a few advanced techniques will help you cultivate a larger, more vibrant specimen.
Fertilizing For Optimal Growth
Feeding your plant supports its growth and color development. Use a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer (with an equal NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.
Apply this during the active growing season (spring and summer) every 4-6 weeks. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when the plant is resting. Over-fertilizing can lead to salt buildup in the soil and burn the roots, so less is more.
Pruning And Shaping
Pruning serves several purposes. It encourages bushier growth, controls the plant’s size, and allows you to remove any leaves that have reverted to full green. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
To encourage branching, cut just above a leaf node (the small bump on the stem where a leaf attaches). You can propagate the cuttings you remove. Regularly removing all-green leaves directs the plant’s energy to the more colorful, variegated growth.
Support And Training
As a natural climber, your Strawberry Shake will appreciate a support structure. Providing a moss pole, coco coir pole, or even a simple trellis allows it to grow upward, mimicking its natural habit.
Attach the stems gently to the pole using soft plant ties or velcro tape. As the plant climbs, its aerial roots will attach to the moist support, leading to larger and more mature leaf development. A supported plant often shows more vigorous growth.
Propagation Techniques
Propagating a Strawberry Shake allows you to create new plants and share them with fellow enthusiasts. The most reliable method is stem cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
Follow these steps for the best chance of success. The ideal time to propagate is during the warm growing season.
- Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves and several nodes (the brownish rings on the stem).
- Using sterile shears, cut just below a node. Your cutting should be 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the bottom leaves to expose 1-2 nodes.
- Place the cutting in water or a moist propagation medium like sphagnum moss or perlite. Ensure at least one node is submerged or buried.
- Place in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
- Change the water weekly if propagating in water. Keep moss/perlite consistently moist but not soggy.
- Roots should appear in 2-6 weeks. Once they are at least an inch long, pot the cutting in your regular soil mix.
A key note: variegation is not guaranteed in every propagated plant. Cuttings from highly variegated stems have a better chance of producing similarly colorful offspring.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to identify and fix common problems.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves can have several causes. Overwatering is the most common culprit, leading to soggy soil and root suffocation. Check your watering habits and ensure the pot drains well.
Conversely, consistent under-watering can also cause yellowing, usually starting at the lower leaves. Nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen, or natural aging of older leaves can be other factors. Assess your care routine to pinpoint the issue.
Brown Leaf Edges Or Tips
Crispy brown edges are often a sign of low humidity. Increase the moisture in the air around your plant using the methods described earlier. It can also indicate underwatering, where the roots aren’t taking up enough moisture, or a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water or fertilizer.
Using filtered or distilled water for watering can sometimes help if your tap water is very hard. Flush the soil periodically by running water through it for a few minutes to leach out excess salts.
Pest Infestations
Strawberry Shake plants can attract common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scale. Spider mites are particularly fond of philodendrons and thrive in dry conditions.
Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and stems. At the first sign of pests:
- Isolate the affected plant.
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or spray with a strong stream of water (in the shower).
- Treat with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a miticide for spider mites, following product instructions carefully.
Early intervention is key to preventing a major infestation.
Loss Of Variegation (Reversion)
If your plant starts producing solid green leaves, it is reverting. This happens because the green parts of the leaf contain more chlorophyll, which the plant uses for energy. When light is low, the plant prioritizes green growth to survive.
To correct this, immediately increase the light exposure. Prune off the fully reverted stems back to a point where the stem shows variegation. This redirects the plant’s energy to the more colorful parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Strawberry Shake Plant Toxic?
Yes, like all philodendrons, the Strawberry Shake plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It can cause oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset. Keep this plant out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.
How Fast Does The Strawberry Shake Philodendron Grow?
Growth speed depends on conditions. In ideal bright light, warm temperatures, and high humidity with regular feeding, it can be a moderately fast grower, producing several new leaves during the spring and summer. Growth slows or stops in the winter. Providing a moss pole can significantly accelerate vertical growth.
Why Are The New Leaves On My Plant Not Pink?
New leaves often emerge with a more reddish or orange tint and develop their full pink and cream variegation as they harden off over several days or weeks. However, if mature leaves are consistently lacking pink, the plant likely needs more light. Insufficient light is the primary reason for lack of color in variegated plants.
Where Can I Buy A Strawberry Shake Plant?
Due to its rarity, you won’t typically find it at big-box garden centers. Check specialized online plant shops, Etsy sellers, local plant nurseries, or plant swap groups on social media. Be prepared for a higher price point compared to common houseplants, and always buy from reputable sellers to ensure you get a healthy, correctly identified plant.
Can I Put My Strawberry Shake Plant Outside?
You can place it outdoors in the summer if you live in a suitable climate, but you must be cautious. Choose a completely shaded spot protected from direct sun and wind. Acclimate it gradually over a week. Bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F. Monitor closely for pests, which are more common outdoors.