Did you recently come into possession of a beautiful Philodendron Golden Crocodile? Congratulations and welcome to the wonderful world of plant parenthood.
Caring for this type of houseplant may seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry – it’s actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. In this article, I’ll walk you through all the basics so that your beloved Philodendron Golden Crocodile can thrive in its new home with you.
Read on to find out how easy caring for your Philodendron really is!
Contents
Light
I’m loving the trend of having philodendrons in our homes, and the Philodendron Golden Crocodile is one of my favorites! It has a gorgeous variegated pattern on its leaves that really brings life to any room.
But before you get too excited about owning this beauty, it’s important for me to share some care tips so you can enjoy your new plant companion for years to come.
Light requirements are key when it comes to caring for Golden Crocodiles. They love bright indirect light, and will do well if placed near an east facing window or several feet away from a south-facing window. Keep in mind they don’t like direct sunlight, as it will scorch their beautiful foliage!
When setting up your Golden Croc’s spot make sure there isn’t anything blocking the light – no furniture or curtains should be between them and the source of light. If you’re unable to provide appropriate lighting indoors then consider supplementing with grow lights, available at most garden stores.
This way you’ll ensure your plant gets all the light it needs for photosynthesis without risking sunburns! Overall, making sure your Philodendron Golden Crocodile gets enough quality light is essential if you want to keep her healthy and happy!
Humidity
I’m sure you are eager to learn the humidity requirements of your new Philodendron Golden Crocodile! It can be a bit tricky, but with some patience and consistency, you’ll quickly figure it out.
Here are four tips when considering how much moisture is right for this tropical plant:
- Maintain temperatures between 65 and 80°F (18–27°C) during the day and slightly lower at night.
- Mist frequently in order to provide adequate humidity levels as well as keep leaves dust free.
- Use lukewarm water on occasion to gently wash away any salt buildup from hard tap water.
- Keep an eye on the soil surface, if it’s too dry simply add more water until all the excess has drained into the saucer below.
All these guidelines will ensure your Philodendron stays healthy and vibrant for years to come!
Watering
I’m sure you’re excited to care for your new Philodendron Golden Crocodile! This beautiful, tropical plant requires a specific watering schedule and routine in order to stay healthy.
Here’s what you need to know about watering it:
Water your philodendron every 7-10 days or as needed when the top half inch of soil is dry.
When you water, make sure to give it a thorough soak until water starts flowing out of the drainage hole.
The best way to ensure that this happens is by using lukewarm rainwater if possible. If not, regular tap water should be fine too – just let it sit overnight before use so the chlorine can evaporate off.
It’s also important that you don’t overwater your Philodendron Golden Crocodile; only give enough water to keep the top inch or two of soil damp between watering sessions. Too much water will cause root rot and can kill your plant if not treated quickly!
So don’t worry if some intervals are longer than others – with proper love and attention, your philodendron will thrive!
Temperature
I’ve seen golden crocodiles thrive in temperatures that range from around 65-75°F (18-24°C). I tend to keep the temperature within this range, as it promotes strong growth and healthy foliage. If you have your plant somewhere cooler than this, consider moving it to a warmer location or adding a heater if necessary – especially during winter months when temperatures can drop far lower.
Philodendrons like humidity too! You’ll want to try and maintain at least 50% relative humidity around the plant. This is easily achievable by misting its leaves with distilled water every few days or using a humidifier next to it. It’s also beneficial for your golden crocodile if you use pebble trays filled with water placed underneath the pot – just make sure the base of the pot isn’t submerged!
Providing enough light is key for keeping philodendrons happy and healthy. Place yours near an east, or south-facing window so it gets plenty of indirect sunlight each day – but not direct sun, which will burn its leaves. As long as you provide these basic requirements, your golden crocodile should flourish!
Soil
Now that you know the temperature range needed for your Philodendron Golden Crocodile, let’s discuss the soil requirements.
This plant is a tropical species, so it prefers its soil to be warm and moist. You should use a potting mix specifically designed for tropical plants with good drainage capabilities. Look for mixes containing peat moss or coconut coir – these are great at retaining moisture while still allowing excess water to drain out of the pot.
Fertilizer
Taking care of your Philodendron Golden Crocodile can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Fertilizing is an important part of the routine for keeping this tropical plant healthy and happy.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Feed your Philodendron every two weeks during spring and summer with a general-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- During fall and winter reduce feeding to once a month at quarter strength.
- Be sure not to over fertilize as too much nutrients in the soil can cause leaf burn or brown tips on leaves.
Make sure you add some fertilizer into the mix during the growing season (spring- summer). A balanced 10-10-10 formula is best as too much nitrogen can cause rapid growth but weak stems. If possible, try using an organic variety such as fish emulsion or seaweed extract – they contain micronutrients which help promote healthy foliage coloration.
Fertilizer isn’t always necessary but applying once a month during spring and summer with an all-purpose fertilizer diluted by half will help keep your golden crocodile happy and healthy! Just make sure not to over fertilize since too much can burn the leaves and stunt growth.
Monitoring how your plant responds to fertilizer applications is important because it can help indicate how much fertilizer it needs.
Keep these points in mind when fertilizing your philodendron golden crocodile and you’ll be well on your way to having a thriving houseplant that will last for years!
Potting/Repotting
I’m a fan of the Philodendron Golden Crocodile and I can tell you it’s the ideal houseplant. It thrives in bright, indirect light and needs to be watered every 7-10 days depending on its environment. But if you want your plant to stay healthy, potting/repotting is essential.
When repotting this particular Philodendron, use a well draining soil mix that contains perlite or bark chunks for aeration. The recommended container size should be 1′ larger than the root ball as this will give your plant some room to grow. Make sure to water thoroughly after repotting so the roots have plenty of moisture when they start growing again.
Propagation
After you’ve found the perfect new home for your Philodendron Golden Crocodile, it’s time to think about propagation. Propagation is the process of creating a new plant by using cuttings from an existing one. It’s a great way to share plants with friends and family or create more plants out of one!
Here are some tips on how to propagate this particular species:
- Take 3-4 inch long stem cuttings with at least two leaves attached near the top.
- Dip the ends in rooting hormone and then place them into a soil mix that drains well such as perlite and peat moss.
- Make sure that the pot has good drainage holes so extra water can escape easily. Keep it moist but not wet.
- Place your cutting in bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight since it might burn the tender young roots and foliage.
With proper care, your Philodendron Golden Crocodile should take root within a few weeks’ time! You’ll know when it has rooted properly because you will see little white hairs emerging around where you placed the cutting – these are baby roots! You can also tug gently on the stem; if there is resistance, then your cutting has taken root successfully.
Now all you have to do is keep caring for your newly propagated plants just like you would any other houseplant and enjoy their beauty!
Toxicity
I’m sure you’ve noticed the beautiful foliage of your Philodendron Golden Crocodile and are wondering how to care for it. Luckily, this type of Philodendron is relatively easy to take care of as long as you have a few things in mind.
One important factor is its toxicity – while not deadly, all parts of the plant can cause irritation if ingested or touched. It’s best to keep this plant away from especially small children who may be tempted to touch or eat it. If ingested, symptoms such as swelling and itching could occur, so make sure that everyone in your home knows about this risk before having a Philodendron Golden Crocodile around.
Additionally, when handling any part of the plant (including cleaning off dust on the leaves), wear gloves; contact with skin can also lead to an allergic reaction.
Pests And Diseases
Common pests for this plant include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, thrips, whiteflies, scale insects and fungus gnats. Fortunately, these pests can usually be managed with a combination of insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
Diseases affecting the Philodendron Golden Crocodile are typically caused by too much water or incorrect fertilization practices. These diseases may manifest as brown spots on leaves, yellowing foliage or wilting stems.
It’s recommended to use fungicides if you notice any disease symptoms in order to prevent them from spreading further.
Overall, taking proper care of your Philodendron Golden Crocodile will help keep it healthy and free from pests and diseases. Be sure to regularly check for signs of infestations or disease so you can take action quickly when needed!
Philodendron Golden Crocodile vs. Ring Of Fire
When it comes to Philodendron Golden Crocodile and Philodendron Ring of Fire, there are a few key differences and similarities. While they are both Philodendrons, they are actually quite different from one another.
The scientific name of the Philodendron Golden Crocodile is Philodendron pinnatifidum × melinonii while the scientific name of Ring of Fire is Philodendron tortum x Philodendron wendlandii. Since both of these plants are hybrids, they have scientific names in this structure.
The Philodendron Golden Crocodile has big, waxy leaves with yellow variations and can grow up to 3 feet fall. On the other hand, the Philodendron Ring of Fire has variegated green and red leaves with a pink undertone and can only grow 2 feet tall.
Additionally, the Philodendron Golden Crocodile requires more light while the ring of fire requires more humidity.
With the proper care and attention, both plants make a wonderful addition to the home.
Philodendron Golden Saw vs. Golden Crocodile
When it comes to Philodendron Golden Saw vs. Golden Crocodile, there are a few key differences.
Firstly, the foliage of both varieties is very similar; however, their shapes and sizes differ slightly. The leaves on the Golden Saw variety have more jagged edges and longer stems than those of the Golden Crocodile.
Secondly, in terms of care requirements, both types need bright indirect light and moist soil with good drainage but they do like different temperatures – the Golden Saw prefers cooler temperatures while the Golden Crocodile likes higher warmth levels.
Lastly, when it comes to propagation methods, both require division as well as stem cuttings or air layering; however, propagating via seeds is not recommended for either one.
So whether you choose to go with the Philodendron Golden Saw or the Philodendron Golden Crocodile, make sure that you provide your plant with adequate lighting, temperature and moisture levels in order to keep them healthy and beautiful.
Both plants can be grown indoors easily given proper attention and care so don’t hesitate to pick up either one!
Conclusion
The Philodendron Golden Crocodile is a stunning, unique houseplant that can be a great addition to any home. With the proper care and attention given it will thrive in your living space for years to come.
By understanding its light, humidity, watering, temperature and soil requirements as well as being aware of potential pests and diseases you are more likely to have success with this plant.
I hope these tips inspire you to give the Philodendron Golden Crocodile a try!
Where to Buy Philodendron Golden Crocodile
The Philodendron Golden Crocodile is for sale on Etsy. Check it out below to check the prices and to see if it is still in stock!
