How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Calkins Gold

The Philodendron Calkins Gold, also known as ‘Golden Goddess’, is a popular houseplant recognized for its striking coloration. This fast-growing tropical is a vining philodendron, allowing it to be displayed in hanging baskets or trained to climb a support. Its most prominent feature is the vibrant, chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage. New leaves emerge a brilliant yellow and transition to lime-green as they age, and its adaptable nature makes it a favorite for indoor gardeners.

Philodendron Calkins Gold Care

Proper lighting is a primary factor in maintaining the plant’s golden hue. This philodendron thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. While it can tolerate lower light, its growth may slow, and the leaves will likely lose their vibrant color, reverting to green. Placing the plant in direct, intense sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch and develop brown patches.

A well-draining and airy potting mix is recommended to support healthy root development and prevent waterlogged soil. This substrate, typical for aroids, allows for both moisture retention and adequate oxygen flow to the roots. You can purchase a commercial aroid mix or create your own by combining potting soil with amendments like perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss.

This tropical plant prefers its soil to be kept evenly moist but not saturated. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, then allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out before watering again. You can check the moisture level by inserting a finger into the soil. This practice ensures the roots receive enough water without sitting in soggy conditions that can lead to root rot.

The Philodendron Calkins Gold appreciates a warm and humid environment. It grows best in temperatures between 65 and 80°F and should be protected from temperatures below 55°F, which can cause damage. While household humidity is often sufficient, the plant benefits from levels above 50%. You can increase humidity by grouping it with other plants, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby.

During the spring and summer growing seasons, support the plant with regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every two to three weeks. As growth slows in the fall and winter, reduce or stop fertilizer applications completely to allow the plant a rest period.

Propagating Philodendron Calkins Gold

Propagating this philodendron is done through stem cuttings. For successful propagation, ensure each cutting includes at least one node, which is the small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean shears, make a cut just below a node, leaving one to three leaves on the cutting.

Cuttings can be rooted in either water or soil. To root in water, place the cutting in a jar, ensuring the node is submerged and the leaves are above the water. Change the water every few days. For soil propagation, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot with a moist, well-draining mix.

Roots should form within a few weeks. If rooting in water, wait until the new roots are at least an inch long before transferring the cutting to soil. For both methods, place the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light to encourage root development. Propagating during the spring or summer growing season yields the best results.

Repotting and Pruning

Your Philodendron Calkins Gold will require repotting to accommodate its growth. Signs it is time for a new pot include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, or the plant becoming top-heavy. When repotting, select a new pot that is only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one to prevent excessive soil moisture.

Pruning helps manage the plant’s size and shape. Trim back longer vines to encourage a fuller, bushier appearance. You can also prune at any time to remove yellowing or dead leaves, which promotes healthy new growth. The cuttings from pruning can be used for propagation.

Common Problems and Solutions

A common issue is the reversion of leaves from yellow to green, which is a direct result of insufficient light. To restore the golden hue, move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight. While existing green leaves will not change back, new growth should emerge with the proper color.

Brown, crispy leaf edges point to a moisture issue, either in the air or soil. Common causes are low humidity or inconsistent watering where the soil dries out completely for extended periods. To resolve this, increase ambient humidity and maintain a more consistent watering schedule.

This philodendron is susceptible to common pests like spider mites and aphids, which thrive in warm, dry conditions. Manage them with early intervention by regularly inspecting the leaves, especially the undersides. If pests are found, they can be treated by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.