The Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’ is a sought-after houseplant, known for its unique foliage and striking appearance. Its deeply lobed, textured leaves, reminiscent of a crocodile’s skin, unfold in vibrant golden-green shades, creating a dramatic visual impact. This plant’s distinctive aesthetics contribute to its rising popularity among enthusiasts.
Caring for Golden Crocodile Philodendron
The Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’ thrives in bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant coloration and robust growth. Place it near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Direct, intense sunlight can lead to leaf scorching, appearing as brown, crispy patches. Insufficient light may cause the plant to become leggy with elongated stems and duller leaf hues.
Watering the ‘Golden Crocodile’ philodendron requires allowing the top two to three inches of soil to dry completely before rewatering. Check this by inserting a finger into the potting mix. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing yellowing leaves and a mushy stem. Prolonged underwatering results in wilting and crispy leaf edges.
An ideal potting mix for the Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’ is well-draining and aerated. A blend containing peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark provides necessary drainage and air circulation around the roots. This substrate helps prevent waterlogging, which can suffocate roots and contribute to fungal issues.
Originating from tropical regions, the Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’ flourishes in high humidity and stable temperatures. It prefers humidity levels above 60% and temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-27°C). To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, a room humidifier, or group it with other moisture-loving plants. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or heat sources that cause rapid temperature fluctuations.
During its growing season, typically spring and summer, the ‘Golden Crocodile’ philodendron benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half or quarter strength, every two to four weeks. This provides nutrients for healthy leaf development and overall plant vigor. During fall and winter, reduce or cease fertilization, as the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating Golden Crocodile Philodendron
Propagating the Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’ is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes and one or two leaves, making a clean cut just below a node using sterilized pruning shears. Remove any leaves from the bottom node to prevent rotting once submerged.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. If using water, place the cutting in a clear container with filtered water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and encourage root development. Once roots are several inches long, typically after a few weeks, transplant the cutting into soil.
For rooting directly in soil, plant the cutting in a small pot filled with a moist, aerated potting mix, ensuring the node is buried. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, and provide bright, indirect light. New leaf growth indicates successful rooting, after which the plant can be cared for as a mature specimen.
Repotting Golden Crocodile Philodendron
Repotting the Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’ is necessary when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots circling drainage holes or emerging from the soil surface. Slowed growth and rapid drying of the potting mix also indicate the need for a larger container. Repotting is typically required every one to two years, depending on the plant’s growth rate.
When repotting, choose a new pot one or two inches larger in diameter than the current one, as excessively large pots can retain too much moisture. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, carefully loosen any circling roots, and place it in the new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often signal an imbalance in watering, either from overwatering (leading to root rot) or underwatering (causing dehydration). Assess soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule, allowing the top layer to dry out between waterings. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause yellowing, suggesting a need for regular fertilization during the growing season.
Brown tips or edges on leaves point to low humidity or insufficient watering. Increasing ambient humidity using a humidifier or pebble tray can help. Ensuring adequate water, particularly during warmer periods, will also prevent leaf desiccation.
Pest infestations (spider mites, mealybugs, or thrips) can affect the ‘Golden Crocodile’ philodendron, appearing as small insects or sticky residue on leaves. Regularly inspect the plant’s foliage, especially undersides, and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, indicates insufficient light; move the plant to a brighter location for more compact growth.
Golden Crocodile Philodendron Toxicity
The Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’, like other Philodendron plants, contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested. These crystals can cause irritation and burning sensations in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Symptoms may include oral pain, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and gastrointestinal upset. Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.