Philodendron Golden Dragon Highlights
| Family | Araceae |
| Light | Bright, Indirect |
| Water | Once per week |
| Temperature | 65-80 degrees F |
| Mature Size | 2-3 Feet |
| Soil Type | Well-Draining, Rich |
| Toxicity | Toxic to people/animals |
| Native Area | Central/South America |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Summary from Customer Reviews
I’ve looked through a bunch of different reviews for the philodendron golden dragon to get the thoughts of real customers on caring for the plant. I looked through all the reviews, and put together a summary based on my findings:
Based on the reviews, almost everyone who purchased the philodendron dragon plant would recommend it for other plant lovers. Everyone loved the variegated leaves and were really impressed with the quality and health of the plant. Several people had new leaves emerging from their plants within weeks, which they were really excited about.
However, some customers mentioned minor issues with the plants’ leaves being damaged during shipping, which may be a potential drawback to consider if you’re trying to have one shipped to you rather than picking it up in person. Overall, customers have had a great experience with the philodendron golden dragon.
Most people agreed that they are relatively easy to care for, making it a good choice if you’re new to plant ownership or if you’re looking for a low-maintenance addition to their collection.
Philodendron Golden Dragon Care
Light
If you’re thinking about adopting a philodendron golden dragon, you’ll want to find a spot in your home that provides bright, indirect light. If you’re not sure if your plant is getting the right amount of light, just take a peek at its leaves. If they start to look pale or bleached, it’s getting too much light. If they’re dark and dusty, it’s not getting enough light. But if they’re vibrant and healthy-looking, you’re doing great!
I know that sometimes life gets a little crazy, and you might not be able to give your philodendron golden dragon the perfect light situation all the time. That’s okay! These plants are pretty forgiving, and they can adapt to lower light conditions if needed. Just make sure to avoid putting them in direct sunlight, as that can be a little too intense for their delicate leaves. And if you notice that your plant is looking a little sad, try moving it to a brighter spot to see if that helps perk it up. Remember, a little bit of trial and error is all part of the fun of plant parenthood.
Water
Philodendron golden dragon plants don’t want to be drowning in a sea of H2O, but they don’t want to be parched either. The trick is to give it a nice, steady stream of water once a week. Fill up a watering can with room temperature water and pour it evenly over the soil until it starts to drain out the bottom. This will give your plant the moisture it needs without overwhelming it. And don’t forget to check the soil between waterings to make sure it’s not too wet or too dry. It’s all about finding that perfect balance.
If you’re not sure how much water your philodendron golden dragon needs, don’t worry! These plants are pretty resilient, and they can handle a little bit of neglect. Just make sure to avoid overwatering, as that can lead to root rot and other unpleasant problems. And if you notice that your plant’s leaves are starting to droop, it might be time to give it a drink.
Soil
When it comes to soil, philodendron golden dragon plants have some pretty high standards. They want a mix that’s fluffy, but not too loose. Rich, but not too heavy. All you need is a soil mix that’s well-draining, with plenty of organic matter to keep your plant happy. You can create your own soil mix by combining peat moss, perlite, and/or vermiculite to achieve that ideal balance.
You can also buy a pre-made mix that’s specifically designed for tropical plants like the philodendron golden dragon. Just make sure to avoid heavy soils that can become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. And if you notice that your plant’s growth is slowing down or its leaves are starting to yellow, it might be time to refresh the soil.
Temperature
Philodendron golden dragon plants might look like exotic jungle creatures, but they’re actually pretty chill when it comes to temperature. They don’t want to be stuck in a sauna, but they don’t want to feel like they’re trapped in an igloo either. So, if you want to keep your philodendron golden dragon happy, you’ll want to make sure it’s in a spot where the temperature stays between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Philodendron golden dragon plants are pretty adaptable, and they can handle a range of temperatures as long as they’re not extreme. Just make sure to avoid exposing your plant to sudden temperature changes, as this can stress it out and cause damage to its leaves.
Fertilizer
Philodendron golden dragon plants should have a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can find this type of fertilizer at any garden center or online shop. And if you really want to go the extra mile, you can even give your plant a little bit of fertilizer every month during the growing season.
It’s important to not go overboard with the fertilizer. Too much of a good thing can lead to burnt leaves, stunted growth, and other problems. That’s why we recommend following the instructions on the fertilizer package and not going overboard.
Propagating
To propagate your philodendron golden dragon, all you need is a healthy stem cutting and a little bit of rooting hormone. First, find a stem that’s at least 4-6 inches long and has a few leaves on it. Then, use a sharp knife or scissors to make a clean cut just below a node (a little bump on the stem where the leaves grow). Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone and then plant it in a pot filled with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. In a few weeks, you should start to see new roots forming.
Another way is to gently remove your plant from its pot and carefully separate the roots into two or more sections. Each section should have its own stem and leaves. Then, replant each section in its own pot with fresh soil and water it thoroughly.
Pruning
Pruning the golden dragon is important to maintain the plant’s shape, encourage new growth, and prevent overcrowding. The best time to prune is in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The first step is to remove any dead or damaged leaves using a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. You’ll want to trim any yellow or brown leaves.
If you want to control the size or shape of your golden dragon, you can also prune the stems. It’s best to cut back to just above a leaf node or aerial root to encourage new growth. This will also prevent the plant from becoming too leggy or top-heavy.
Potting
First things first, make sure you choose a pot that’s the right size for your plant. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger than the current pot your plant is in. Next, fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of gravel or small rocks to improve drainage. Then, add some fresh potting soil to the pot, making sure to leave enough room for the roots.
Gently remove your philodendron golden dragon from its current pot and carefully loosen any tangled roots. Place your plant in the new pot and fill in any gaps with more soil. Give your plant a good drink of water and then you’re good to go.
Common problems
Overwatering: Philodendron golden dragon plants are susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to root rot, yellowing leaves, and wilting. To avoid overwatering, make sure the soil is well-draining and only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Pests: Common pests that can affect philodendron golden dragon plants include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Look for signs such as webbing, white cottony masses, or small bumps on the leaves or stem. To treat, use a natural or chemical insecticide and isolate the plant from others to prevent spread.
Underwatering: While overwatering can be a problem, underwatering can also cause issues for philodendron golden dragon plants. Symptoms include dry, crispy leaves and a general lack of growth. To fix, water the plant thoroughly and consider adding a humidity tray or misting the leaves regularly.
Lack of light: Philodendron golden dragon plants need adequate light to thrive. If they are not getting enough light, the leaves may turn yellow or drop off, and the plant may become leggy or stunted. To fix, move the plant to a brighter location or provide additional artificial light, such as a grow light. However, be careful not to expose the plant to direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Nutrient deficiencies: If the leaves of philodendron golden dragon plants are pale or discolored, it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. A lack of nitrogen can cause yellowing of the leaves, while a lack of iron can lead to brown, crispy edges. Fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer or add nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
FAQS
Is the Philodendron Golden Dragon plant rare?
Philodendron golden dragon is a relatively rare plant that can be harder to find than other philodendron varieties, but it’s not considered a super rare plant.
How tall does the Philodendron Golden Dragon get?
Philodendron golden dragons can grow up to 2-3 feet tall when mature, making it a great choice for medium-sized indoor spaces.
Is the Philodendron Golden Dragon a climbing plant?
Philodendron golden dragons are not a climbing plant by nature, but it can benefit from some support or a moss pole as it grows to keep its foliage upright and looking its best.
Is the Philodendron Golden Dragon variegated?
Yes, philodendron golden dragons are a variegated plant, which means it has leaves with different shades of green and yellow, adding visual interest to any space.
Is the Philodendron Golden Dragon expensive?
While the price of philodendron golden dragons can vary depending on where you buy it and its size, it’s generally considered to be an affordable plant option.
Fun facts
- Philodendron golden dragons are a hybrid plant that was developed by crossing two other Philodendron species: Philodendron hastatum and Philodendron erubescens.
- Philodendron golden dragons are not only a beautiful houseplant but also a great air purifier. It can help remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces.
- In its natural habitat, philodendron golden dragons can grow to be quite large, with leaves up to 3 feet long. However, when grown as a houseplant, it typically stays much smaller and more manageable, making it an ideal choice for small spaces.
