Philodendron erubescens ‘Gold’ is a captivating houseplant admired for its striking foliage and graceful climbing habit. This cultivar’s new leaves emerge in brilliant gold, bronze, or coppery tones, unfurling with a luminous, metallic sheen. As these leaves mature, their vibrant initial hues gradually transition to a rich, deep green, creating a dynamic color display. The specific coloration of the petioles, which are the stalks connecting the leaf blade to the stem, often complements the new leaf color, showing reddish or purplish tones.
Understanding Philodendron Erubescens Gold
This philodendron exhibits a vigorous vining and climbing growth habit, producing aerial roots along its stems that can attach to surfaces for support. Its leaves are typically heart-shaped or elongated, growing quite large under optimal conditions. The combination of its changing leaf colors, robust growth, and climbing nature contributes to its unique aesthetic appeal. Unlike some philodendrons that remain compact, Philodendron erubescens ‘Gold’ naturally seeks to climb, making it an excellent candidate for moss poles or other climbing structures.
Caring for Your Philodendron Erubescens Gold
Light Needs
Philodendron erubescens ‘Gold’ thrives in bright, indirect light conditions, which are essential for maintaining its vibrant leaf coloration and promoting healthy growth. Placing the plant a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, or directly in an east or north-facing window, typically provides suitable illumination. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, leading to faded colors or brown spots. Conversely, insufficient light can result in leggy growth, smaller leaves, and a less pronounced golden hue in new foliage.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is fundamental for the health of Philodendron erubescens ‘Gold’, and it is important to allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Checking the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the potting mix provides an accurate assessment of its hydration needs. Overwatering can lead to root rot, characterized by yellowing leaves and a soft, mushy stem base, while underwatering may cause the leaves to droop and the edges to crisp. When watering, thoroughly drench the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball receives moisture.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining and airy potting mix is crucial for Philodendron erubescens ‘Gold’ to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. An ideal mix often includes components such as orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir, providing both drainage and moisture retention. A common ratio might involve equal parts of these components, supplemented with a small amount of high-quality potting soil. This type of substrate allows for adequate air circulation around the roots, mimicking its natural epiphytic or hemi-epiphytic growth habit.
Temperature and Humidity
This philodendron prefers average indoor temperatures ranging from 65-80°F (18-27°C) and should be protected from sudden temperature fluctuations or cold drafts. It also benefits significantly from high humidity, ideally above 60%, to prevent brown leaf tips and promote lush growth. In drier indoor environments, increasing humidity can be achieved through various methods, such as placing the plant near a humidifier or setting its pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Grouping plants together can also create a localized microclimate with higher humidity.
Fertilizing Schedule
During its active growing season, typically spring and summer, Philodendron erubescens ‘Gold’ benefits from regular fertilization to support its robust growth. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. Reducing or discontinuing fertilization during the fall and winter months is advisable, as the plant’s growth naturally slows down during this period. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, potentially causing root burn and leaf discoloration.
Propagating Philodendron Erubescens Gold
Propagating Philodendron erubescens ‘Gold’ is a straightforward process, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section that has at least two to three nodes, which are the small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Make a clean cut just below a node using a sharp, sterilized knife or pruning shears, ensuring the cutting is several inches long. Remove any leaves from the bottom node to expose it.
The cuttings can be rooted in either water or a moist, well-draining substrate like sphagnum moss or a light potting mix. If rooting in water, place the cutting in a clear container with clean water, ensuring the node is submerged, and change the water every few days. For soil rooting, plant the cutting directly into the moist substrate, keeping it consistently damp. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, and once they are several inches long, the new plant can be potted into its permanent home.
Common Challenges
Common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs can sometimes infest the foliage, appearing as tiny webs or cottony masses. These can be managed by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or applying an insecticidal soap.