Golden Goddess Philodendron Care

You can’t help but take notice of the bright yellowish-green foliage of the Golden Goddess Philodendron. This houseplant is easy to maintain and stunning to admire. The bold monochromatic foliage stands out from the regular green hues of most houseplants, creating an understated and yet showy appearance. Like most Philodendendrons, the Golden Goddess is easy to grow, and here’s what you need to know about Golden Goddess Philodendron care.

Get to Know the Goddess

The Golden Goddess is a member of the Araceae family, and this cultivar hails from tropical rainforests of Thailand. Like most Philodendrons, the Golden Goddess naturally grows as an epiphyte, climbing trees to soak up the most sunlight.

The Golden Goddess is a fast-growing houseplant; vines can reach up to 6 feet long when grown indoors. The leaves are long and narrow when compared to most other Phildodendron cultivars. The common name refers to the vibrant leaf color, and this plant is also known as Malay Gold or lemon-lime Philodendron.

The Golden Goddess isn’t a rare houseplant but isn’t as easy to find as a Heartleaf. A big box or grocery store probably won’t have any Golden Goddesses, but a plant shop will likely offer this cultivar.

Golden Goddess Philodendron Light Requirements

Plenty of sunlight is needed for this plant to set new growth and maintain its vivid foliage color. Give the Golden Goddess bright, indirect sunlight. Close by a west- or east-facing window or set back from a south-facing window is a good location. Direct sunlight will scorch foliage, so be on the lookout for dark black or brown spots and move the plant if burns appear.

Give the pot a quarter turn every couple weeks so the stems grow evenly. Plants grown in medium or low light will look faded or washed out, and the growth will become leggy or straggly. Leggy plants have extended spaces between the foliage, making the leaves less dense and full. Increase the amount of sunlight the plant receives if you notice bland foliage or leggy stems.

How Often to Water Philodendrons

The Golden Goddess prefers damp but never soggy soil. Wait until the top couple of inches of potting mix dry out before giving the plant water. Drench the soil when watering the plant and allow excess water to drain through the container. Empty the cover pot or saucer of standing water to prevent the soil from reabsorbing the moisture.

Consistent overwatering will kill the plant, so always check the soil before watering and check the plant for signs of too much moisture. Yellow leaf tips alert to too much water, while an entire leaf turning yellow indicates insufficient water. A healthy Golden Goddess Philodendron naturally has yellow-tinged leaves, but yellow without a mix of green indicates a problem. The foliage may curl or wither when the plant is underwatered.

Improper watering is stressful to the plant, but underwatering is slightly less harmful, so when in doubt, wait to water.

Best Soil for Philodendrons

Philodendrons climb in nature, so their roots are particular about soil. The ideal soil for the Golden Goddess will be rich, lightweight, and promote drainage. High organic content or a potting mix amended with slow-release fertilizer supports growth. Well-draining soil retains some moisture but allows excess to flow through the holes in the container so the roots are not stuck in standing water. Most general potting mixes are a good choice.

Temperature for Golden Goddess

The Golden Goddess is a tropical plant, so it likes to be warm, and most homes are plenty warm for this leafy beauty. Temperatures between 65° and 75° F are comfortable for the Golden Goddess. Anything under 55° F can be devastating or fatal, so if you move your plant to an outdoor space in the summer, be mindful of the temperature.

Golden Goddess Philodendron Humidity Needs

The Golden Goddess is content with average humidity, and increased humidity isn’t likely to be an issue. Low humidity can be trouble, so increase the dampness in the air if your home has dry air, particularly during the winter. The edges of the leaves will dry out and turn brown and crispy when the plant is suffering from low humidity.

Golden Goddess Fertilizer Basics

This is a fast-growing Philodendron, but routine feedings will help the plant push out lots of new leaves and reach its full potential. Feed the Golden Goddess Philodendron monthly using a balanced fertilizer. Water-soluble fertilizers are a good choice that can be combined with a regular watering session and protect the roots.

Does Golden Goddess Philodendron Bloom?

Philodendrons, like the Golden Goddess, can bloom, but it’s a rare occurrence for houseplants. The conditions inside of a home support the plant, but it needs near-perfect conditions to bloom.

Philodendron Pruning Tips

Trim dead or damaged leaves as they appear to keep the plant healthy and looking good. Prune uneven stems to encourage more growth and create a full plant, or just trim lengthy stems to ensure the plant fits your space. Always use clean, sharp shears to trim a plant and hold onto the offcuts to propagate.

When to Repot the Golden Goddess

The Golden Goddess Philodendron is a fast grower, so it may need a new pot as often as each year. Inspect the plant for signs that it’s ready for a new, larger container. Time repotting to the spring, when possible, so the plant can start the growing season with room to spread.

Golden Goddess Philodendron Propagation Tips

Use those pieces removed during pruning to create more Golden Goddess plants. Stem cuttings need a couple of nodes or aerial roots and at least two leaves. Place the cut end and nodes in water, potting mix, or sphagnum moss. Keep the potting mix or moss damp but not soggy.

Place the cutting in a warm spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Roots should grow in a few weeks. Cuttings in water or moss can be transplanted into a potting mix when the roots measure a couple of inches long.

Is Golden Goddess Philodendron Pet Safe?

Philodendrons are toxic to people and animals, including cats and dogs. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause discomfort and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat if consumed. Calcium oxalate crystal poisoning symptoms include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

Golden Goddess Philodendron Styling Tips

While the chartreuse foliage makes a big visual impact, the Golden Goddess can use your help with plant styling. This plant is a skilled climber, so give it a trellis or moss pole, and it will get to work creating a vertical foliage display. Suspend the plant using a macrame hanger and allow the stems to dangle, creating a wall of greenery.