The Gold Violin Philodendron (Philodendron bipennifolium ‘Aurea’) captivates plant enthusiasts with its unique and vibrant foliage. This striking houseplant is highly sought after for its distinctive appearance, adding tropical elegance and a burst of bright color to any indoor setting.
Gold Violin Philodendron Characteristics
The Gold Violin Philodendron is known for its distinctive physical attributes. Its leaves have a unique shape, often likened to a violin or fiddleleaf, with wide lobes tapering to a point. New foliage emerges bright golden-yellow, gradually deepening to chartreuse or lime green as it matures.
The plant exhibits a vining and climbing growth habit, making it suitable for vertical displays. Mature leaves can reach up to two feet, especially with a support structure like a moss pole. It offers a lush presence, whether cascading from a hanging planter or trained to climb.
Essential Care for Gold Violin Philodendron
Light Requirements
The Gold Violin Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant within three feet of an unobstructed east or west-facing window is ideal, providing ample brightness without harsh direct sun. While it tolerates medium or lower light, insufficient light may cause new foliage to appear greener and slow growth. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch leaves.
Watering Practices
Allow the top one to two inches of potting mix to dry out completely between waterings. This prevents root rot from overly saturated soil. While the plant prefers consistently moist soil, it tolerates being slightly dry better than waterlogged. When watering, thoroughly drench the soil and allow any excess water to drain freely from the pot.
Soil Mix
A well-draining, airy, and rich potting mix is suitable. Components such as perlite, orchid bark, coco coir, or peat moss create ideal texture for root health, allowing aeration while retaining adequate moisture. A slightly acidic pH, typically between 5.0 and 6.0, is also beneficial.
Temperature and Humidity
The Gold Violin Philodendron prefers warm temperatures, ideally 70-85°F (21-29°C). It benefits from moderate to high humidity for healthy growth and proper leaf unfurling. To increase humidity, consider grouping plants, using a pebble tray, or employing a humidifier. Dry air can cause new leaves to emerge deformed or lead to browning leaf tips.
Fertilizing
Fertilize the Gold Violin Philodendron during its active growing season (spring and summer) to promote vigorous growth. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer applied monthly or every few weeks at half strength is recommended. Consistent feeding supports lush foliage. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to chemical buildup in the soil and potentially damage the roots.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning helps maintain the Gold Violin Philodendron’s shape, control its size, and remove any yellowing, damaged, or dead leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to make cuts just above a leaf node. Providing a support structure like a moss pole or totem encourages larger, more mature leaf development and upright growth. Regularly wiping dust from the leaves also keeps them clean.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves often indicate watering issues. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing leaves to turn yellow and become mushy. Conversely, underwatering also results in yellowing, sometimes accompanied by drooping or crispy edges. Assessing soil moisture and adjusting watering frequency corrects this.
Browning leaf tips or edges often signal low humidity or underwatering. Stunted growth or smaller, lighter green leaves may suggest insufficient light or a nutrient deficiency, requiring lighting or fertilization adjustments.
Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Spider mites appear as tiny red dots with fine webbing, while mealybugs are small, cottony masses. Aphids are small, varied in color, and leave a sticky residue. Regularly inspecting leaves and treating infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil manages these issues.
Propagating Gold Violin Philodendron
Propagating the Gold Violin Philodendron is done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with several leaves and nodes, where leaves and roots emerge. Make a clean cut just below a node, ensuring at least one node is present on the cutting. Remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting to prevent rotting once submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist potting mix. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the nodes are submerged, and position it in bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days. Roots typically form within weeks.
Once roots are at least an inch long, transplant the cutting into a well-draining soil mix. If rooting directly in soil, plant the cutting with the nodes buried in the moist potting mix. Maintaining consistent moisture and providing bright, indirect light encourages rooting and new growth.