The Philodendron ‘Golden Saw’ is known for its distinctive appearance. This cultivar showcases large, deeply serrated leaves that resemble saw teeth, giving the plant its common name. The foliage typically emerges with a light orange hue and gradually transitions into a vibrant golden-yellow or golden-green as it matures, creating a striking display of color and texture. Its unique appearance and manageable care requirements make it a popular houseplant.
Philodendron Golden Saw Care
Philodendron ‘Golden Saw’ prefers bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a window with filtered sunlight is ideal, as direct sun exposure can scorch its leaves. Too little light may lead to leggy growth and a reduction in the vibrancy of its golden coloration.
Consistent moisture is important for this plant, but it should never sit in soggy soil. Water when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensuring the pot has adequate drainage holes prevents waterlogging and helps avoid root rot.
A well-draining, airy, and organic-rich soil mix is best for Philodendron ‘Golden Saw’. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and a small amount of orchid bark or coco coir provides good drainage and aeration, beneficial for root health and moisture retention.
This philodendron prefers warm, humid conditions, typically between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations. To increase humidity, especially in dry indoor environments, mist the leaves, use a humidity tray, or place a humidifier nearby.
During its active growing season in spring and summer, Philodendron ‘Golden Saw’ requires regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month. Reduce or halt fertilization during fall and winter.
Propagating Golden Saw Philodendron
Propagating Philodendron ‘Golden Saw’ is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section 3 to 6 inches long with at least one or two nodes, which are the points where leaves and roots emerge. Make the cut just above a leaf on the stem to ensure new growth.
After taking the cutting, remove any lower leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water. Place the cutting in a clean jar of water with the node fully submerged, or directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Place in bright, indirect sunlight and maintain warm, humid conditions, ideally around 75°F (24°C). Roots typically form within two to three weeks, allowing transplanting to soil if rooted in water.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing leaves can signal either overwatering or underwatering. If older, lower leaves turn yellow, it might indicate overwatering, especially if accompanied by soft, mushy stems or consistently wet soil. Conversely, if newer leaves yellow and the plant appears droopy with dry soil, it could be a sign of underwatering. Adjusting watering frequency based on soil moisture resolves these issues.
Browning leaf tips or edges often result from low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity through misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Ensuring a consistent watering schedule, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings, also mitigates browning.
Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light. Move the Philodendron ‘Golden Saw’ to a brighter location with indirect sunlight to encourage bushier, more compact growth.
Philodendrons may attract common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of these pests, like webbing or sticky residue, allows for early intervention. Treat affected areas with organic pest control methods, such as a diluted insecticidal soap solution or neem oil, to manage infestations.