Philodendron Golden Dragon is a beautiful tropical species that belongs to the family of Araceae plants. It appears as a large green plant mottled with attractive golden hues. They are also used in indoor settings as ornamental plants, and this significantly increased its demand in the market. They are beautiful, and also much loved by plant enthusiasts because it’s easy to take care of them in indoor environments.
Philodendron Golden Dragon requires moist soil enriched with organic matter as gives it the best environment to bloom, and a pole as support might help it grow taller. Extreme winters affect their growth, so they must be transported to a warmer environment. It doesn’t require frequent watering or feeding.
Water Requirements
Since this plant is grown in moist soil conditions, it must be watered regularly, especially when it is growing. However, once it has grown, it does not need frequent irrigation. It only needs water when the substrate gets dry. It can be analyzed by touching the top 3 centimeters, and if it is dry, the plant is watered.
Soil Requirements
Richly hydrated and organic soil is required for the growth of Golden Dragon Philodendron. It can be potted in any sort of bucket or moderately sized container. The soil should be well-draining like an aroid mix that usually contains coir, pine bark, medium perlite, activated charcoal, worm castings, and sphagnum moss. The pH of soil must be between the values 4.5 – 6.0 (slightly acidic). The plant should be specially kept away from very wet, very dry, or sandy soils.
Sunlight Requirements
These plants grow well in 70-85% sunlight. They require bright light for their growth. Nonetheless, it must not hit them directly as direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant’s leaves. They are low light tolerant, hence, prefer growing this species in shady areas or well-lit rooms where sunlight reaches indirectly. Such arrangements will help it grow better and boost the health of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
These plants live under moderate temperatures only. The summer season of colder areas is best for the growth of these plants, although direct exposure to heat or scorching environments must be avoided. The frost has adverse effects on this plant. So, in extremely frosty northern regions or cold climates, this plant must be taken inside in the warmer environment to prevent it from illnesses and death. The ideal temperature varies according to the part of the day, but an optimum range is 65-78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Humidity Requirements
This plant is very lenient when it comes to humidity. It appreciates the high humidity levels in the air and grows well in the conditions of high moisture. For this purpose, air humidifiers might be installed inside the homes to make the indoor environment more friendly for the plant. If the air humidity level becomes low, it is quite tolerant of such an environment and will not complain, so this factor does not do any serious harm to the plant. However, drought-like, overly-dry conditions must be prevented. The plant can be kept happy by misting at regular intervals. Just make sure that the moisture does not linger on the surface of the plant because it attracts the pests and ultimately, various diseases.
Fertilizer
The fertilizer must be given to the plant thrice annually, and the general-purpose fertilizer works well in this regard. It might be fed with balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients. Fertilizer must be used 6 inches away from the base. If not done right, the plant grows very slowly, and it might not even grow as tall as it should. Low quality and cheap fertilizers must not be used for these plants as the heavy salts in such fertilizers will damage the roots, and it will ultimately lead to the death of the plant.
Re-potting
If the plant is to be transferred to a bigger or different pot for any reason, it must be done in the early spring when the plant is coming out of the dormancy phase. The reason behind is that it develops new roots during that period.
Grooming and Pruning
Care must be taken that the dried up dead leaves should be cut from their particular branches without damaging the stem or branches of other leaves. Cutting down of the branches of fresh leaves will dry up the leaves too and stunt the growth of fresh new growth.
Philodendron Golden Dragon requires moist soil enriched with organic matter as gives it the best environment to bloom, and a pole as support might help it grow taller. Extreme winters affect their growth, so they must be transported to a warmer environment. It doesn’t require frequent watering or feeding.
Water Requirements
Since this plant is grown in moist soil conditions, it must be watered regularly, especially when it is growing. However, once it has grown, it does not need frequent irrigation. It only needs water when the substrate gets dry. It can be analyzed by touching the top 3 centimeters, and if it is dry, the plant is watered.
Soil Requirements
Richly hydrated and organic soil is required for the growth of Golden Dragon Philodendron. It can be potted in any sort of bucket or moderately sized container. The soil should be well-draining like an aroid mix that usually contains coir, pine bark, medium perlite, activated charcoal, worm castings, and sphagnum moss. The pH of soil must be between the values 4.5 – 6.0 (slightly acidic). The plant should be specially kept away from very wet, very dry, or sandy soils.
Sunlight Requirements
These plants grow well in 70-85% sunlight. They require bright light for their growth. Nonetheless, it must not hit them directly as direct sunlight can cause damage to this plant’s leaves. They are low light tolerant, hence, prefer growing this species in shady areas or well-lit rooms where sunlight reaches indirectly. Such arrangements will help it grow better and boost the health of this plant.
Temperature Requirements
These plants live under moderate temperatures only. The summer season of colder areas is best for the growth of these plants, although direct exposure to heat or scorching environments must be avoided. The frost has adverse effects on this plant. So, in extremely frosty northern regions or cold climates, this plant must be taken inside in the warmer environment to prevent it from illnesses and death. The ideal temperature varies according to the part of the day, but an optimum range is 65-78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Humidity Requirements
This plant is very lenient when it comes to humidity. It appreciates the high humidity levels in the air and grows well in the conditions of high moisture. For this purpose, air humidifiers might be installed inside the homes to make the indoor environment more friendly for the plant. If the air humidity level becomes low, it is quite tolerant of such an environment and will not complain, so this factor does not do any serious harm to the plant. However, drought-like, overly-dry conditions must be prevented. The plant can be kept happy by misting at regular intervals. Just make sure that the moisture does not linger on the surface of the plant because it attracts the pests and ultimately, various diseases.
Fertilizer
The fertilizer must be given to the plant thrice annually, and the general-purpose fertilizer works well in this regard. It might be fed with balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients. Fertilizer must be used 6 inches away from the base. If not done right, the plant grows very slowly, and it might not even grow as tall as it should. Low quality and cheap fertilizers must not be used for these plants as the heavy salts in such fertilizers will damage the roots, and it will ultimately lead to the death of the plant.
Re-potting
If the plant is to be transferred to a bigger or different pot for any reason, it must be done in the early spring when the plant is coming out of the dormancy phase. The reason behind is that it develops new roots during that period.
Grooming and Pruning
Care must be taken that the dried up dead leaves should be cut from their particular branches without damaging the stem or branches of other leaves. Cutting down of the branches of fresh leaves will dry up the leaves too and stunt the growth of fresh new growth.
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