Do you love exotic plants? If so, you will love Philodendron Golden Dragon! This beautiful plant is a member of the Philodendron family and is native to Central America. It has bright green leaves with golden veins running through them, which gives it its name. Golden Dragon philodendron makes an excellent addition to any home or garden and is very easy to care for.
Appearance
The Philodendron Golden Dragon is an evergreen plant that is known for its broad, glossy leaves. The leaves are lobed, oblong in shape, and have a deep green color. The undersides of the leaves are a light green or yellow color. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. It is a popular houseplant in many parts of the world.
Philodendron Golden Dragon Features
Drought Tolerance
It is drought-resistant and can withstand periods of dryness.
Air Purification
It can help to purify the air in your home and is often used as a houseplant.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much care. You should water it when the top inch of soil is dry.
Toxicity
The Philodendron Golden Dragon is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Try to keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Dormancy
It goes through a period of dormancy in the winter. Keep the plant drier during this time and do not fertilize it.
Philodendron Golden Dragon Care
Philodendron Golden Dragon care involves keeping the plant in a warm, humid environment. It prefers indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light levels. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. This plant is tolerant of most types of soil. Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Reduce fertilization to once a month during the winter months.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Moist, well-drained soil |
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Water | Allow the top of the soil to dry out between watering |
| Fertilizer | Monthly during the growing season |
| Temperature | 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Humidity | 50% or higher |
| Pruning | Cut back leggy growth |
| Repotting | Every two years |
Soil
It grows best in moist, well-drained soil. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of around six. The plant does not like to sit in wet soil, so it is important to make sure that the pot has good drainage holes.
Light
It prefers bright, indirect light. It will tolerate some direct sunlight but too much sun can scorch the leaves. If the leaves start to turn yellow, this is a sign that the plant is getting too much sun.
Watering
Water this plant when the top of the soil starts to feel dry. Do not let the soil get too dry or else the leaves will start to drop off. It is better to underwater this plant than to overwater it.
Fertilizer
It should be fertilized monthly during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. You can either use a liquid fertilizer or a granular fertilizer.
Temperature
This plant prefers temperatures of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature but sudden changes can cause the leaves to drop off. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow this plant indoors near a window where it will get plenty of light.
Humidity
It prefers humidity levels of 50% or higher. If the air in your home is too dry, you can mist the plant daily or use a humidifier.
Pruning
You can prune leggy growth to encourage the plant to produce new growth. Cut back the stems by about half their length. This will also help to keep the plant from becoming too large for its pot.
Repotting
It should be repotted every two years in springtime. Use a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one and add fresh, moist soil. Be careful not to damage the roots when you are repotting this plant.
How to Repot Philodendron Golden Dragon
If you need to repot your Philodendron Golden Dragon, follow these steps:
- Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one.
- Add fresh, moist soil to the pot.
- Carefully remove the plant from its old pot. Be careful not to damage the roots.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill in any empty space with more soil.
- Water the plant well and place it in a bright, indirect light location.
Philodendron Golden Dragon Propagation
To propagate your Philodendron Golden Dragon, you will need to take a cutting from an existing plant. Make sure to choose a healthy cutting with at least two leaves. Once you have your cutting, dip the end into some rooting hormone and then place it into a pot filled with moistened soil. Be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide bright indirect light. In time, your cutting will develop roots and become a new plant!
Symptoms of Overwatering or Underwatering
If you notice your Philodendron Golden Dragon wilting, it’s likely a sign of overwatering. Check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry to the touch. If the leaves are yellowing or drooping, this is also an indication of overwatering. On the other hand, if the leaves are brown and crispy, it’s a sign of underwatering. Make sure to give your plant enough water so that the soil is moist but not soggy. The best way to tell if your plant needs water is to stick your finger in the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
It is a tropical plant, so it does best in humid conditions. If the air in your home is dry, you may need to mist your plant daily or set it on a pebble tray filled with water.
If you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Over or underwatering is one of the most common reasons why plants die, so it’s important to be vigilant. With a little care, your plant will thrive and bring you years of enjoyment.
Common Problems with Philodendron Golden Dragon
One of the most common problems with Philodendron Golden Dragon or Philodendron Golden Dragon Narrow Form is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. If you notice that the roots are starting to rot, it’s important to take corrective action immediately.
The first step is to improve drainage by using a pot with holes in the bottom and adding fresh, moist soil. You should also reduce watering until the plant has recovered. If you don’t take action, root rot can kill your plant.
Another common problem with this plant and other similar plants like Philodendron Barrosoanum is leaf drop. This can be caused by sudden changes in temperature or humidity levels. If you notice that the leaves are starting to drop off, make sure to adjust the temperature and humidity levels accordingly.
Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases are not a big problem with philodendrons in general, and the Golden Dragon is no exception. However, mealybugs can be a problem, particularly if the plant is not getting enough water.
If you see small white bugs on your plant, check the leaves for signs of stress (yellowing or browning) and increase watering accordingly.
Spider mites can also be a problem, although they are less common than mealybugs. These tiny pests suck the sap out of plants, causing them to turn yellow and drop their leaves.
If you think your plant has spider mites, look for webbing on the undersides of the leaves and bring it to your local nursery or garden center for treatment options.
Tips for Caring for Philodendron Golden Dragon indoors
Philodendron Golden Dragon is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplant that adds a touch of the tropics to any indoor space. Here are a few tips for keeping your plant happy and healthy:
- Place your Philodendron Golden Dragon in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight.
- Water your plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Allow the excess water to drain away and never leave your plant sitting in water.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season with half-strength, balanced fertilizer.
- To encourage growth, you can mist your plant with water or provide a humid environment by placing it on a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants.
Philodendron Golden Dragon FAQs
Yes, Philodendron Golden Dragon is quite rare. It’s a beautiful plant that is native to South America and can be found in the rainforests of Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Yes, Philodendron Golden Dragon is a climber. It has aerial roots that reach out for something to cling to as it grows, making it perfect for covering trellises or arbors. The leaves are a beautiful golden yellow with green veins. This plant is easy to care for and makes an excellent addition to any home garden.
Philodendron Lime Fiddle is the botanical name for Philodendron Golden Dragon. So, if you see this plant for sale under either name, you can be sure that it is the same plant.
No, but the Philodendron Golden Dragon and the Philodendron mottled dragon are two beautiful varieties of philodendron. They possess large size bright green foliage mottled with golden hues. They are perfect for adding a splash of color to any room in your home. Both plants are easy to care for and will thrive in medium to bright light conditions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Philodendron Golden Dragon is an impressive plant. It’s definitely one of the more unique philodendrons out there, and it’s sure to make a statement in any home. If you’re looking for something different to add to your collection, this is definitely a plant worth considering. Just be prepared to give it plenty of space to grow!
