Complete Care Guide: Philodendron Golden Goddess

Complete Care Guide: Philodendron Golden Goddess

Hey there! Remember that this site is still under construction -- so you'll notice a number of underlined phrases that aren't links yet! Don't worry, I'm working on them -- check my social media for regular updates!

In this article, you'll find…

Plant Info
Care Guide

Lighting
Watering
Humidity
Soil Needs

Types
Propagating
Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions

Plant Info

The Philodendron Golden Goddess is a lovely, quick-growing, upright philodendron whose leaves are a lovely bright chartreuse (or yellow-green). Unlike some plants, they stay that same bright colour as they mature! This is a natural mutation of a species of philodendron that's native to the rainforests of Thailand and Indonesia, so while like many houseplants, direct sunlight can burn its leaves, it thrives with bright light and high humidity. A south-facing window with a sheer curtain would be perfect! This plant does have calcium oxalate crystals, or raphides, so it could hurt any too-curious pets. 

Take a look at this care guide as an infographic!

Care Guide

As a tropical houseplant, Philodendron Golden Goddess needs to stay inside for most of us, and will never quite reach its fullest potential. But that's okay -- the brightly-coloured leaves will brighten up any room!

Lighting

Because it's normally a plant that grows in the rainforest, climbing up trees in their search for the sun, Philodendron Golden Goddess needs bright, indirect light. In the Northern hemisphere, sitting it by an east-facing window, or a south-facing window with a sheer curtain, would be ideal. Remember that, because it's a variegated variety – its leaves aren't dark green – it needs more light than it otherwise would! 

Make sure to check out our general article on lighting! 

Watering

Philodendrons generally have medium watering needs, needing to dry out and let their roots breathe between waterings, but unhappy if they dry out completely! I've found that the Golden Goddess is one of the thirstier philodendrons in my collection, but remember there are many factors affecting this! And don't forget, it's always best to water based on the plant, not the calendar!

Make sure to check out our general article on watering!

Humidity

This plant is a tropical rainforest plant in its natural habitat, so average household humidity is a bit lower than it truly will be happy with – but it'll adjust to average household humidity fairly well! If you're able to raise humidity by grouping it with other plants to create a microclimate, or use a humidifier, it'll be happier.

Make sure to check out our general article on humidity – including a couple common myths!

Soil Needs

This is a hemiepiphytic plant, which means it can spend its life growing on trees, anchored to the soil, or do both at different stages of its life, depending on the circumstances. This means its potting media needs to be nice and chunky to create lots of air pockets and to give its roots something to hold on to.

Suggestion: Start with 2 parts peat-based potting mix or coco coir, mix in 1 part perlite and 1 or 2 parts orchid bark!

Don't know why you're adding these things? Check out our article on potting mixes!

Types

Philodendron Golden Goddess is a natural variety of Philodendron domesticum, which is also occasionally seen in cultivation. There are two patented cultivars (cultivated varieties) of Golden Goddess, as well: Malay Gold, which has more golden leaves, and Lemon Lime, which has a more compact form and pink petioles (the leaf-stems). I've got both a standard Golden Goddess and a Lemon Lime, so you can see the differences below!

Propagating

Want more baby plants? You can easily propagate with stem cuttings – cut just above a node, where the leaf meets the stem, and put it into either water or a moist substrate of some sort. Keep it moist, and place in a bright location – in a few weeks, you'll have roots!

Check out our articles on water propagation, "soil" propagation, or air layering for more details on common propagation methods!

Common Issues

Most philodendrons are known to be pretty simple plants, and this is no exception. This plant is extremely easy-going – probably the most easygoing of all my philodendrons!

All houseplants are susceptible to pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and more. Golden Goddess isn't particularly susceptible to anything, though – and, anecdotally, seems to weather damage from the occasional bug I've found on it extremely well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philodendron Golden Goddess rare?

Philodendron Golden Goddess is an uncommon variety of philodendron – you won't find it at every garden centre, but you won't need to find a rare plant store to get your hands on one, either. They've become slightly more common recently, due to Costa Farms growing some!

How big do these leaves get?

In the wild, Philodendron domesticum can have leaves reaching nearly two feet long! Indoors, they likely won't get quite that big. If you're worried about the size, get a Lemon Lime for its more compact form.

Does Philodendron Golden Goddess need a moss pole?

Philodendron Golden Goddess is a climbing variety of philodendron; giving it some form of support will help keep it upright as it grows, and a moss pole has added benefits! It'll need to climb to grow its full-sized leaves.