How to Care for a Golden Goddess Philodendron
The Golden goddess philodendron is a vine-type plant that is native to Asia. it can be grown outdoors in the United States in climate-compatible zones. It blooms in the summer with green and white blossoms when grown outdoors. This plant seldom blooms indoors. It grows to a size of 6 feet tall indoors. This lovely house plant is not difficult to grow and care for, but there are a few tricks to helping it to remain healthy and to thrive. If you have a golden goddess philodendron here is everything you need to know about its care.
The basics of the Golden goddess philodendron plant
There are a few things to know about the Golden goddess philodendron plant before you start. It’s essential to know the height and width it will achieve, the best type of soil, the kind of pots, how to water, feed, and the right amount of sunlight. These are all basics of survival for every type of plant, but not all plants are alike and some have different care needs. The Golden goddess can be grown indoors or outdoors, but it is most popular as a house plant. It can reach a height of six feet or higher when allowed to climb on a pole or trellis. The average width of this plant is four inches. You can start with a small pot when the plant is still young, but as it grows, you will need to repot it in the appropriate soil and container size. Two Peas in a Condo advises that the Golden goddess philodendron is a member of the Araceae family. It’s a perennial plant that does well as a window plant to get the necessary amount of sunlight.
Can you plant the Golden goddess philodendron outdoors?
If you live in the United States, there are a few zones that are compatible with the climate needs of the Golden goddess philodendron. It can thrive outdoors if you live in a hardiness zone between 9 to 11. All other zones are unsuitable for this Asian plant. It requires an outdoor climate with high humidity to thrive. You can grow it indoors in any climate successfully.
Soil and container requirements
The Golden goddess philodendron does best in commercial potting soil that is infused with orchid bark, coco coir, or small bits of wood fiber mixed in with the soil. You should choose a medium-sized pot that has holes in the bottom to ensure proper drainage. The water must be allowed to drain away from the roots to avoid stagnation and the development of root rot. The pH level of the soil should range from 5.0 to 7.0 which is neutral to acidic. It’s not usually an issue when using commercial potting soil if you repot every few years. You can purchase a pH testing kit from your local garden center.
When does the Golden goddess philodendron need repotting?
The Golden goddess philodendron grows rapidly when properly cared for. It may start as a tiny plant and become a large attractive vine that can be used for amazing home decor. You’ll know when the plant has outgrown its container when its roots begin to fill the bottom of the pot. You should repot this plant before the roots start to grow out of the bottom of the pot to keep it strong and healthy. The average time for repotting the Golden goddess philodendron is between two to three years.
Other care needs
Costa Farms explains that the Golden goddess requires indirect light that is bright to medium in intensity. It does well when placed in a sunny window that gets a few hours of morning or afternoon sun, but it’s best when the light is slightly filtered or diffused. This plant requires moderate humidity so if you live in a dry climate, consider setting up a small humidifier to keep the relative humidity above average. Water the plant when the first few inches of soil at the top feel dry to the touch. It’s best to allow it to dry out to this degree, but don’t allow it to dry past this point. Avoid overwatering this plant to lessen the chance of root rot.
Does the Golden goddess philodendron need fertilizer?
Yes. The best time to fertilize this plant is during the spring and again in summer. It’s not a finicky plant, so it’s okay to buy a commercial houseplant formula. Follow the directions on the label and avoid overfertilization. Once or twice per year is recommended.
Common problems with the Golden goddess
The Spruce informs us that the most common problems with the Golden goddess philodendron plant are pests, brown leaves, and droopy leaves. The most common pests that afflict the plant are spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats. If you see signs of cobwebs, white spots, or sticky residue on the plants, you can solve the problem by spraying an insecticide on the plants or spraying a light mist of rubbing alcohol on the foliage. If the leaves begin to turn brown or dry, your plant is not getting enough water. You should increase the humidity in the room and water more frequently. If the leaves droop, it is also a sign that the plant is too dry. It could also mean that the roots are starting to ball up at the base. It may need to be repotted into a larger container.
Final thoughts
The Golden goddess philodendron is a plant that is easy to raise if you know the basics of its care. It does require moderate humidity, which is a requirement that sets it apart from many of the common houseplants. It is a rare plant, but horticulturalists propagate them for sale on the commercial market. It’s not hard to find them at local plant retail stores. Follow the recommendations we’ve provided for a strong and healthy plant that will beautify your home for years.