Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ is a captivating houseplant with striking foliage, adding a tropical flair to any indoor space. This guide provides information to help cultivate a thriving plant by understanding its specific needs.
Understanding Your Green Dragon Philodendron
Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ is known for its distinct, deeply lobed leaves that often resemble a dragon’s head or scales. Its foliage is a vibrant, deep green with a glossy, textured surface.
This tropical plant exhibits a climbing or vining growth habit, potentially reaching 15 feet in its natural environment. It is believed to be a hybrid, possibly involving Philodendron bipennifolium, originating from regions like Peru. Leaves change shape as the plant matures, beginning as arrow-shaped and transforming into lobed forms.
Essential Care for Green Dragon Philodendron
Light
Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window with filtered sunlight is suitable. Direct sun exposure can scorch or bleach leaves. While it tolerates medium light, insufficient light may lead to leggy growth, where stems elongate with fewer leaves.
Watering
Water Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ by allowing the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and allow excess water to drain completely to prevent waterlogging. During colder months, reduce watering frequency.
Soil
A well-draining, loose, and airy potting mix is suitable. A mix containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite provides aeration and drainage while retaining moisture. Adding at least 25% perlite can improve drainage. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, ranging between 4.5 and 6.0.
Temperature and Humidity
This philodendron prefers consistent temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold temperatures and drafts, so keep it away from cold windows or air conditioning vents. As a tropical plant, it appreciates moderate to high humidity, ideally 40% to 60%. To increase humidity, consider misting, using a pebble tray with water, or a humidifier.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ during its active growing season (spring and summer). Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, every two to four weeks, diluted to half strength. Avoid over-fertilizing. During colder months, reduce or cease fertilization as growth naturally slows.
Propagating and Repotting Your Green Dragon
Propagation
Propagate Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ through stem cuttings. Select a cutting with at least one or two leaf nodes. Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in moist soil. In water, roots typically emerge within a few weeks before transplanting to soil. For soil propagation, keep the soil consistently damp, but not soggy, to encourage root development.
Repotting
Repot Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ every two to three years, or when it becomes root-bound. Signs include roots growing from drainage holes, water running straight through the pot, or stunted growth. The best time to repot is during the active growing season (spring to early summer). Choose a new pot one to two inches larger than the current one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Water the plant thoroughly the day before repotting. Gently remove the plant, inspect roots for rot, and loosen any tightly packed roots before placing it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pests and Diseases
Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ can be susceptible to common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Regularly inspecting the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, helps detect infestations early. Signs of pests include sticky residue, tiny webbing, or visible small insects. For treatment, a strong spray of water can dislodge pests, and neem oil or insecticidal soap can control populations. Root rot is a common disease, often caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Proper watering practices and well-draining soil can prevent this issue.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or insufficient light. If the soil is consistently wet, reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage. If light is inadequate, move the plant to a brighter, indirectly lit location. Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with widely spaced leaves, is a sign of insufficient light. Moving the plant closer to a light source or using a grow light can encourage more compact growth. Brown leaf edges or tips suggest low humidity; increasing humidity through misting or a pebble tray can be beneficial.
Important Safety Information
Philodendron ‘Green Dragon’ contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested. Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Contact with the sap can cause irritation, so wear gloves when handling the plant during tasks like repotting or pruning.