Philodendron Calkins Gold is a popular houseplant, known for its unique foliage and relatively easy care. Its distinctive golden hues can brighten any indoor space.
Understanding Philodendron Calkins Gold
Philodendron Calkins Gold features foliage that transforms as it matures. New leaves emerge in golden-yellow to chartreuse, gradually shifting to green, creating a dynamic, multi-toned appearance. Leaves are elongated, lance-shaped, or arrow-shaped, often mottled with green patterns. While some philodendrons vine, ‘Calkins Gold’ maintains a compact, bushy appearance, though it can slowly climb with support like a moss pole. This hybrid is also known as ‘Goldiana’ or ‘Golden Spear’.
Caring for Philodendron Calkins Gold
Light Needs
Philodendron Calkins Gold thrives in bright, indirect light, which maintains its golden hues. Insufficient light leads to slower growth, smaller leaves, and color fading. Avoid direct sunlight, as intense rays can scorch leaves. If natural light is limited, use supplemental LED grow lights for 8-10 hours daily.
Watering Practices
Water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil feel dry. Overwatering causes root rot, as the plant does not tolerate soggy soil. Underwatering can cause leaves to wilt or turn yellow and brown at the tips. Water thoroughly with room temperature water, ensuring excess drains from the pot.
Ideal Soil Mix
Use a well-draining, loose, and nutrient-rich potting mix. A suitable mix includes organic matter like coco coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves. Incorporate amendments such as perlite, orchid bark, or leca to enhance drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.0 and 6.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron Calkins Gold prefers warm temperatures, between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) stunt growth. While it tolerates average household humidity, it benefits from levels above 50%. Increase humidity by misting, using a humidifier, or placing the pot on a pebble tray.
Fertilizing
Fertilize during the active growing season, from spring through summer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to ¼ or ½ strength, every 2-8 weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization during cooler winter months or when growth slows. Always moisten the soil before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Propagating Philodendron Calkins Gold
Propagate Philodendron Calkins Gold using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section with at least one or two nodes, where leaves and aerial roots emerge, and make a clean cut below a node with sterilized pruning shears. Cuttings can root in water or a moist, well-draining soil mix. For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear container with clean water, submerging at least one node, and change water weekly to prevent bacterial growth. For soil propagation, insert the cut end into potting mix, ensuring the node is covered, and maintain consistent moisture, warmth, and indirect light to encourage root development.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves on Philodendron Calkins Gold signal overwatering, especially with soft, mushy stems. Yellowing leaves with crispy brown tips and wilting indicate underwatering; adjust your watering schedule to allow the topsoil to dry between waterings. Stunted growth or leggy stems with smaller leaves point to insufficient light; move the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light to improve vigor and leaf development. Brown leaf tips or crispy edges suggest low humidity; increase ambient moisture through misting or humidifiers. Pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs affect the plant; regularly inspect leaves, especially undersides, and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil at early stages.