The Golden Crocodile Plant (Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’) offers a captivating presence, making it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. This hybrid cultivar is valued for its unique appearance, adding a vibrant, tropical aesthetic to any interior space.
Identifying the Golden Crocodile Plant
The Golden Crocodile Plant is distinguished by its unique leaf texture. Its large, deeply lobed leaves feature jagged, saw-like edges resembling a crocodile’s scales. These striking leaves display a vibrant mix of golden-yellow, chartreuse, and green hues. New leaves often emerge with a bronze tint before transitioning to their characteristic golden-yellow. This combination of unusual texture and vivid coloration sets it apart.
Golden Crocodile Plant Care
Light
The Golden Crocodile Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it within three feet of an east or west-facing window, where it receives moderate to strong shadow, is ideal. Sufficient bright light helps maintain the plant’s vibrant golden-yellow coloration. Too little light can dull its colors, while direct sunlight can scorch its foliage.
Water
Watering the Golden Crocodile Plant requires a balanced approach to prevent root issues. Allow the top inch or two of the potting mix to dry out completely before watering again. Consistently wet soil can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering frequency, letting the soil dry more thoroughly between applications.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is crucial for the Golden Crocodile Plant’s health. A suitable mix includes peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention, combined with perlite or orchid bark for aeration and drainage. Repotting should occur every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth. Choose a pot one inch larger than the current root ball.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant prefers consistent warm temperatures, ideally ranging between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). Avoid temperatures dropping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as cold can stress the plant. The Golden Crocodile Plant appreciates moderate to high humidity levels, ideally above 50%. To increase humidity, consider grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray, or placing it near a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season in spring and summer, fertilize the Golden Crocodile Plant monthly. Use a balanced, all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to root burn and foliage damage.
Propagating Golden Crocodile Plant
Propagating the Golden Crocodile Plant is commonly done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one node, where roots will emerge. Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a moist, well-draining soil mix. If using water, change it weekly. If using soil, keep it consistently moist. Once roots are at least two to three inches long, the cuttings are ready for potting into individual containers.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves are a common issue for the Golden Crocodile Plant, often a sign of overwatering. If leaves turn yellow, allow the soil to dry out more thoroughly between waterings and ensure adequate drainage. Yellowing can also indicate a light deficiency, so consider moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location.
Browning leaf tips suggest insufficient humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing humidity and maintaining a regular watering schedule can help. Regularly inspect your plant for common houseplant pests to address infestations early.
Is the Golden Crocodile Plant Toxic?
The Golden Crocodile Plant is considered toxic to humans and pets due to calcium oxalate crystals. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Symptoms include swelling and burning sensations. Place the plant out of reach of children and pets. Handling the plant may cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals.