Philodendron Golden Saw : Astonishing Crocodile Tail-Like Plant

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If you are looking for a philodendron that is easy to care for, choose no other but philodendron golden saw. This variety is generally big and embraced with its golden magnificent color.

This article will enrich you with the information about philodendron golden saw care and maintenance including the requirements of light, humidity, temperature, watering, fertilization, propagation, potting medium and many other related information about how to take care of the plants.

Now let’s get the detailed explanation of each sections as follows so you can have the best guidance if you really want to cultivate philodendron golden saw.

Overview

Philodendron golden saw is a beautiful mutation of the philodendron sawtooth. Different from other philodendron types, the golden saw’s new leaves emerge orange and gradually change into a golden.

Philodendron golden saw has a beautiful gradient of colors in a single plant. Therefore, it is regarded as a unique houseplant and can be a great addition to any indoor jungle.

Origin

Where does actually a philodendron golden saw come from? This philodendron originates from America but they have already been spreading all over the world especially the tropical regions.

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Where To Place Philodendron Golden Saw

In general, all types of philodendron including the golden saw will live happily in bright indirect light conditions. If you place it on the dark corner, you should provide it with a grow light as a lamp.

Philodendron golden saw is a fantastic climber. Therefore, when reaching it’s mature size you need to give it a moss pole for support. If golden saw have an optimal environment condition, it usually grow a lot of aerial roots. Aerial roots can be treated for air layering method propagation.

Specifications

Botanical name : Philodendron Serratum “Gold”
Common name : Philodendron golden saw, philodendron golden serratum, philodendron ring of fire gold
Family : Araceae
Light : Bright indirect light
Soil : Well drained, aroid mix
Toxicity : Toxic to humans and pets

Light Requirements

Philodendron golden saw is a very tolerant plant. As we have mentioned earlier, it is easy to take care of. For light requirements, this philodendron much like bright indirect light. It will survive in low light but you’ll need to put it in brighter area if you want it to grow well.

In low light condition the golden saw will only try to survive while the growth will be significantly slow. If you put it in bright direct sunlight the plant will probably suffer and usually it comes with many problems starting with tip burning.

Read also : Philodendron Painted Lady : A Gorgeous Rare Plant You Should Have at Home

Temperature Requirements

The temperature preferences for this philodendron is 12 to 32 degrees Celsius or 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter, philodendron golden saw must be kept away from the location near the window. This is aimed to keep the plant warmer. Due to the winter season, the plant will receive less light. Within that condition, during the winter philodendron golden saw would not produce any leaves.

Humidity Preferences

The ideal humidity for this plant is ranging from 60% to 70%, mimicking the natural habitat in the rainforest. However, the plant will still be fine with 40% humidity. If it gets lower than 40% it might make your golden saw encounter many problems that can lead to death.

To increase the humidity level in your place there are 3 methods that you can try.

  • Misting. Misting the plant leaves can increase humidity level temporarily. However do not overmisting as it can attract pests and diseases.
  • Pebble Tray. Prepare a tray full off pebbles and fill it with water. Put it in the area where you put the plant. More pebble tray in that area can increase humidity level.
  • Humidifier. The quick and instant way to increase humidity level. Just purchase a humidifier and turn it on where you place your plant.
  • Put Plants Together. Putting your plants together can increase humidity because of the plant respiration process.

Water Requirements

How much water does your plant needs? Always put it in the middle, no over watering and no under watering. Over watering can lead the philodendron root to rot while under watering might make wilting leaves, both can lead to death if not treated quickly.

The best way to know when to water your plant is by sticking your finger deep into the soil. If the surface is moist then you don’t need to water it now. If the surface if dry and in the soil feel moist then you still don’t need to water it (or just add a small amount of water would still be okay). If the surface is dry and the deeper part of the pot is moist/dry then that is the time that you need to water it.

Pruning Session

Like in many other philodendron type, pruning in this philodendron golden saw is not always necessary. Pruning is possible but it doesn’t need to be frequent.

See and find out whether your plant has older leaves or damaged foliage. If you find these two indications, you need to prune the leaf soon. Remove the older leaves and the damaged foliage immediately. This is aimed to encourage the plant’s new growth. In short, pruning on this philodendron golden saw much depends on the plant’s own condition.

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Fertilization

To encourage the growth of golden saw, routine fertilization is required. You can use slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer for your golden saw. For liquid fertilizer it would be best if you add it bi-weekly and for slow-release fertilizer you can add it every 2-3 months. However, some other plant owners do monthly fertilization by adding just a couple of drops of seaweed emulsion into the water when watering.

Pests & Diseases

Is there any pests that might attack the plants? The answer is definitely yes. Mealybugs and spider mites are considered the most common pests attacking the plant. However, pests are only attacking weak plants while healthy plants will not be affected by the pests. You can use neem oil to prevent the pests coming to your plants.

Other problems that can affect your philodendron golden saw are a diseases and fungus. Make sure to check your plant regularly so you can do quick action if your plant are diseased.

Toxicity

Believe it or not, some of the most popular plants are also some of the most dangerous ones. In this way, it is good think that not all plant will be safe both for humans and pets. Yes, philodendron golden saw leaves contains poison. The plant is toxic. You had better keep your kids and pets away from the plant.

Though the plant’s toxicity will not lead to severe health problems or death, but it does cause some mild problems such as gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhea especially if ingested.

Soil Requirements

The best soil requirements for philodendron golden saw is a well-draining potting mix. For the best results, most gardeners mix up an equal parts of perlite, orchid bark and house plant potting mix. This will provide philodendron golden saw with the best soil to grow in.

Depending on the varieties you are cultivating, a good potting mix should not hold much water as it can develop root rot.

Read also : Philodendron Lemon Lime : The Bright Leaf Climber

Pot Types

Philodendron are not a fussy plant. You can put it in terracotta pots as it will allow for a quick water evaporation throughout the day. Putting the plant in terracotta pots also adds a special beauty to your home and garden.

Propagation

To propagate golden saw you can use several methods.

Air layering method

  • Look for the stem with aerial roots.
  • Wrap the aerial roots with moist sphagnum moss and later cover it with other material such as plastic. Make holes on the plastic for the roots to breathe.
  • Examine it in 1-2 weeks, the aerial roots will start growing.
  • In around 3-4 weeks if you see the root is enough you can cut the stem with clean and sterilized tools.
  • Put it in a pot filled with good soil mixture.

Water propagation method

  • Make a clean cut at the stem with aerial roots.
  • Put it in a jar with small amount of water. Make sure the stem is not completely in the water.
  • Put the plant in a humid place with indirect light.
  • In 1 week you will see the roots developing.
  • Do a water change every week to maximize it’s growth.
  • If you see the roots have developed well then it is the time to move it to a pot.

Soil propagation method

  • Prepare a pot with good soil mixture.
  • Make a clean cut at the stem with sterilized cutting tools.
  • Put it directly to the pot.
  • Water it enough.
  • Place it in a place where it receives indirect light.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where should I put my philodendron golden saw?

A: If you have more philodendron in your home garden, put your golden saw in a place with bright indirect light and good humidity.

Q: What is the growth rate of philodendron golden saw?

A: Philodendron golden saw is actually a moderate grower.

Q: Does philodendron golden saw need pruning like many other philodendrons?

A: Pruning on philodendron golden saw won’t be necessary unless the older leaves or foliage shows visible damage. So, prune the plant by removing the damage part to encourage a new growth.

Q: Is Philodendron golden saw toxic?

A: All types of philodendrons tend to be mildly toxic and should be well planted especially if you live with kids and pets. Make sure you keep them away from the plant.

Final Words

Philodendron golden saw is a great introductory plant due to the fact that they are budget-friendly to take care of. Philodendron is also an easy plant to grow.

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