Philodendron Golden Dragon

The Philodendron Golden Dragon is a popular houseplant known for its uniquely shaped oversized leaves which sport vibrant greens and speckled variegation. In our ultimate guide we cover where to purchase, lime fiddle characteristics and care, propagation, and resources for further learning.

Light

Philodendron Golden Dragon plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing her in direct sunlight, as this can burn her leaves. Philodendron Lime Fiddles can also tolerate medium light conditions, but will not grow as well.

Water

Use a finger to probe the top inch of soil and water your Golden Dragon when she feels dry to the touch. Soak throughly, let water run through drainage holes in the pot. Do not overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling in the pot. Make sure to use a planter with drainage holes, which can be nested inside of a decorative planter if desired.

Soil

Golden Dragons love a rich, well draining soil with chunky bits to help oxygenate the roots. A mixture of 1/3 orchid bark, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 compost works well. Our Philodendron Friday Potting Mix is suitable for most aroids and augments these ratios with additional ingredients like charcoal and worm castings to help supply added nutrients.

Fertilize

Fertilize your Philodendron Golden Dragon plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Humidity

Philodendron Lime Fiddles prefer moderately high humidity (around 60% in their native habitat). To increase humidity, you can place a humidifier nearby, group the plant with other plants or utilize an greenhouse cabinet or other high humidity space.

Repotting

Repot your Golden Dragon plant every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. Transfer to a pot with drainage holes thats an inch or two larger. Consider adding a sphagnum moss pole when repotting to help support larger plants (check out our sphagnum moss pole howto for details)

Propagation

Philodendron Golden Dragons propagate via node cuttings. Select an area with a few nodes and remove it from the mother with clean scissors. Trim excess leaves and root in water or sphagnum moss. Our guide to philodendron propagation details the process.

Pruning

Trim any yellow or brown leaves off your Philodendron Lime Fiddle as they appear. You can prune the plant to control its size and shape. You can also trim your Golden Dragon to encourage balanced variegation. If you get 2-3 completely variegated or completely green leaves in a row trim back to the last partially variegated leaf for more balance. Fully variegated leaves are a drain on the plants resources, while fully green leaves have likely reverted.

Zone

Philodendron Golden Dragon can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11.