How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Imperial Gold
Learn to maintain the vibrant, color-shifting foliage of the Philodendron Imperial Gold. This guide details proper care for its unique, self-heading growth.
The Philodendron Imperial Gold is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, color-changing foliage. This hybrid grows in a full, bushy shape rather than vining like many of its relatives. Like other philodendrons, the Imperial Gold contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Distinctive Foliage and Growth
The most captivating feature of the Philodendron Imperial Gold is its dynamic foliage. New leaves emerge in a brilliant golden-yellow, chartreuse, or even coppery-red color. As these leaves mature, they undergo a gradual transformation, shifting to lime green and eventually settling into a deep, rich green. This continuous cycle of color change keeps the plant visually interesting.
Unlike many vining philodendrons, the Imperial Gold has a self-heading growth habit. It grows upright from a central base, forming a dense, shrub-like rosette with large, paddle-shaped leaves that can reach 16 inches in length. This makes it a suitable floor plant, reaching a mature size of up to four feet tall and wide indoors.
Imperial Gold Care Guide
Light
Proper lighting is directly linked to the vibrancy of the Imperial Gold’s foliage. It thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain the golden tones of its new leaves. An ideal placement is near an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. While it can tolerate lower light, its leaves may appear duller. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves and cause brown spots.
Soil
Use a well-draining and airy potting medium to prevent root rot, as standard potting soil is often too dense. An aroid-specific mix is recommended, typically consisting of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. This combination provides the right balance of moisture retention and aeration.
Watering
Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Before watering again, wait until the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This method prevents the roots from sitting in soggy soil. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect it from cold drafts and any temperatures that drop below 55°F (13°C). The Imperial Gold also prefers higher humidity levels of 50% or more. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizer
During the spring and summer growing season, feed the plant every four to six weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Reduce feeding in the fall and winter when growth slows. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause leaf burn.
How to Propagate
Propagating a Philodendron Imperial Gold is done through division, as its self-heading nature does not produce stems for cuttings. The best time to propagate is during spring or early summer when repotting to minimize stress. To begin, remove the plant from its pot and clear soil from the base to expose the root ball.
Once the roots are visible, look for smaller offshoots, or “pups,” with their own root systems. Using a clean, sharp knife, separate a pup from the mother plant, ensuring the division has a healthy section of roots. Pot the new division in its own container with a fresh soil mix, keep it lightly moist, and place it in a warm location with indirect light.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can become a problem. These can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspecting the leaves, including their undersides, helps catch infestations early.
Leaf discoloration often points to a specific care issue. If lower leaves turn yellow, it is a sign of overwatering. Brown, crispy edges on the leaves suggest low humidity or not enough water. A lack of vibrancy in the new golden leaves is a result of insufficient light; move the plant to a brighter location to restore its color.