Golden Philodendron Care and Growing Guide

The Golden Philodendron‘s striking foliage makes it a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts. Here’s how to grow it easily.

Golden Philodendron produces long, slender stems that can extend and drape gracefully. It is popular for its ability to create cascading foliage, adding a touch of lushness and greenery to any vertical or elevated space. Let’s have a look at how to grow it easily.

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Golden Philodendron Information

The Golden Philodendron, also popular as Philodendron ‘Golden,’ is a cultivar of the Philodendron plant. It is a popular houseplant that stands out for its attractive golden-yellow foliage.

The exact origin of the Golden Philodendron is not widely documented. However, it is believed to be a hybrid or a selected variant of Philodendron scandens, a species native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The cultivar may have been developed through selective breeding or natural mutations.

The Golden Philodendron features heart-shaped leaves that are typically vibrant golden-yellow or chartreuse in color. The foliage is glossy and has a slightly leathery texture.

It is a climbing or trailing plant that can grow up to several feet long if provided with appropriate support or allowed to trail. It can also be trained to grow as a compact bush by regular pruning.

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How to Grow Golden Philodendron?

Propagating Golden Philodendron is really easy through cuttings.

• Select a healthy, mature stem with several nodes (points where leaves emerge).
• Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node.
• Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
• Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone (optional but can aid in rooting).
• Prepare a well-draining propagation medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss or a seed-starting mix.
• Make a small hole in the propagation medium and insert the cutting, ensuring at least one node is buried.
• Water the cutting gently and place it in a warm, brightly lit area, avoiding direct sunlight.
• Maintain consistent moisture by misting the cutting and keeping the soil lightly damp.
• After a few weeks, roots should start forming. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with regular potting soil.

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Requirements to Grow Golden Philodendron

Sunlight

The Golden Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window with filtered or indirect sunlight, away from direct exposure to harsh, intense sunlight.

Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn brown or yellow. If you notice the foliage losing its vibrant golden color or the leaves becoming pale, it might indicate insufficient light, and you may need to move the plant to a brighter location.

Soil

The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix. Use a potting mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and organic matter. These ingredients promote good drainage while retaining some moisture.

Water

Water Golden Philodendron thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain out from the pot, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot.

Temperature

Consistent temperature levels within the preferred range provide the best conditions for healthy growth. Golden Philodendron prefer average to warm room temperatures between 18-34°.

They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but are sensitive to cold drafts. Avoid placing them near windows or doors that might expose them to chilly drafts.

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Golden Philodendron Care

Fertilization

During the growing season (spring and summer), you can fertilize the Golden Philodendron monthly using a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.

Dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging. Applying moderate fertilizer helps provide essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth. Reduce or stop fertilization during winter when the plant’s growth slows down.

Pruning

Pruning the Golden Philodendron helps maintain its shape, control its size, and encourage bushier growth. You can trim back leggy stems or prune them to remove dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves.

Pruning can be done any time of the year, but it is generally best to prune in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Use clean and sterilized pruning shears or scissors to avoid spreading diseases.

Pests and Diseases

The Golden Philodendron is generally resistant to pests but can still be susceptible to some common houseplant pests. Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects. Take action immediately if you notice signs of infestation, such as webbing, small bugs, or sticky residue on the leaves.

To treat the affected areas, you can use insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil solution. Regularly inspect the plant and isolate it if necessary to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants.

Regarding diseases, the Golden Philodendron is relatively resilient. However, overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot and fungal issues.

To prevent these problems, ensure proper watering practices and use well-draining soil. If you notice symptoms such as wilting, yellowing, or softening of the leaves, check the roots for signs of rotting and adjust your watering routine accordingly.

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