The Golden Crocodile Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’) is a striking houseplant. Its foliage features deeply serrated or toothed edges, giving it a distinctive “crocodile” appearance. New leaves often emerge with a bronze tint, gradually maturing into a vibrant golden-yellow or lime green. Its appealing visual characteristics and straightforward care make it a desirable choice for many plant enthusiasts.
Golden Crocodile Philodendron Care Essentials
Light
Golden Crocodile Philodendrons flourish in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant within a few feet of an east or west-facing window provides suitable illumination. Direct sunlight can scorch the foliage. If natural light is limited, supplementary grow lights can provide necessary intensity for healthy growth.
Watering
Watering the Golden Crocodile Philodendron requires attention to the moisture level of the potting mix. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the plant’s health, while underwatering can cause leaves to yellow or become brittle. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Soil
A well-draining and aerated potting mix is ideal. It should include components that promote drainage and some moisture retention. Ingredients like peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, and orchid bark contribute to a healthy growing medium. This prevents roots from sitting in stagnant water.
Temperature and Humidity
Golden Crocodile Philodendrons prefer warm temperatures, between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C). High humidity levels are appreciated, preferring average to above-average indoor humidity. Methods to increase humidity include misting the leaves, placing a humidifier nearby, or grouping plants together to create a humid environment.
Fertilization
Fertilization supports growth during its active growing season (spring and summer). A balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, is appropriate. Fertilizing once a month during these periods is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to nutrient burn and damage the roots or foliage.
Repotting Your Golden Crocodile Philodendron
Repotting becomes necessary when the plant outgrows its current container, indicated by roots emerging from drainage holes or encircling the root ball. Soil degradation also signals a need for fresh potting mix. Select a new container one to two inches larger in diameter to avoid over-potting.
To repot, gently remove the plant from its old pot and loosen any circling roots. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining soil at the bottom of the new pot, position the plant, and backfill with more soil, ensuring the plant is at the same depth. After repotting, water thoroughly to settle the new soil and reduce transplant shock. Repotting is best done in spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Propagating Golden Crocodile Philodendron
Propagating the Golden Crocodile Philodendron is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one to two nodes, which are small bumps where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean, sharp shears, make a cut just below a node.
These cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist potting mix. For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. For soil propagation, insert the cut end into a well-draining potting mix, making sure the node is buried. Providing warmth and consistent, indirect light will encourage root development, which occurs within a few weeks.
Addressing Common Issues
Yellowing leaves indicate watering imbalances. Overwatering can lead to yellowing due to root rot from soggy soil. Conversely, underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow and become crispy. Adjusting watering frequency based on soil dryness resolves this.
Brown leaf tips or edges can result from insufficient humidity or fertilizer burn. Increasing ambient humidity or flushing the soil to remove excess fertilizer salts alleviates these symptoms. Stunted growth or leggy stems point to inadequate light, as the plant stretches to find more illumination. Moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location promotes more compact and vigorous growth.
Common pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can affect Golden Crocodile Philodendrons. Spider mites thrive in low humidity, while mealybugs can appear in various conditions. Inspecting the plant regularly aids early detection. Treating these pests involves wiping them away with a damp cloth or applying an insecticidal soap solution.