A philodendron golden crocodile is a simple and low-maintenance plant that does need much care to grow and thrive. This houseplant has serrated leaf edges and a cheery color that makes it different from others.
So, in this article, I will talk more about this plant and share different ways to take proper care of your golden crocodile to make it stay healthy and free from problems like diseases and pests.
Where Can You Grow a Philodendron Crocodile Golden Saw?
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, a golden crocodile is also a tropical plant. This plant prefers humid and warm environments to grow and thrive.
When kept indoors at your home or office you need to make sure it receives adequate indirect bright light. Also, the temperature should be around 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant cannot tolerate cold weather conditions so, try to keep them away from cold drafts.
Did You Know
A Philodendron Golden Crocodile is scientifically known as Philodendron Squamiferum and, is native to the rainforests of Ecuador and Peru.
How to Take Proper Care of a Philodendron Golden Crocodile?
By taking proper and minimum care you can make this plant stay healthy and beautiful for a long.
Even, if it can tolerate less drought condition, the humid and warm weather condition is perfect to make it grow fast and survive without many problems. Follow the tips shared below to learn more about proper caring for your beloved plant.
Soil Needed
Using a potting mix meant for tropical plants can be a good option while growing this plant. A well-draining soil rich in organic matter is the perfect choice to make a golden crocodile saw survive for a long.
Avoid water logging and leaving the soil excess soggy to prevent root rot. Watering should only be done after checking the moisture level of the soil.
Amount of Water
This plant does not require too much water to thrive. The soil should be kept moist but not excessively soggy. Watering it once a week can be enough to make it grow fast and stay healthy.
Draining the excess water from the pot is very important to prevent root rot. You can place the pot in a sink and allow the water to drain completely through the drainage holes.
Pot Size Should Be Considered
You can easily grow this plant in hanging baskets rather than placing them, in a pot or the ground. You do not need a large pot to grow a golden crocodile.
An eight-to-twelve-inch pot can be ideal for growing this plant. Just make sure the pot has enough drainage holes to seep away excess water. If you’re interested in the best pot for philodendrons, you can read more about it here: Best Pots for Growing Healthy Philodendrons
Fertilizer Used
To make the philodendron healthy and its leaves green, and shiny you need to fertilize this tropical plant regularly.
A water-soluble fertilizer can be a perfect choice when growing this plant. However, avoid over-fertilizing as it can make the leaf burn.
Humidity and Temperature Required
The level of humidity where this plant is kept should be around 60% or more. Misting the plant or using a humidifier is important in places with dry weather conditions. This plant cannot survive well in excess dry conditions.
Pruning is Necessary
To make the plant stay healthy and grow fast it is important to prune your philodendron from time to time. Pruning can be done by removing yellow and damaged leaves. Use clean sterilized tools to prune your plant and get rid of unwanted growth.
Spring and summer are the best time to prune your golden crocodile as it is the growing time of the plant.
Propagation Guide
A philodendron crocodile can be easily propagated by stem cuttings and water propagation. Follow the method shared below for proper propagation.
Propagate in Water
Cut a 6-inch-long stem of a healthy plant. The stem cutting must have a few healthy leaves. Take a glass of water and place the stem in it. To make a new plant grow from the stem cutting place the glass in any spot with indirect bright light and warm humid temperature.
To prevent the water from getting stagnant you need to change the water every week. New roots coming out can be seen within 2 weeks. Place the new plant in a pot containing moist soil when the roots become 2 inches long.
Propagate by Stem Cutting
A stem cutting of six inches long should be taken from a healthy plant. A few healthy leaves should be attached to the cutting. The end of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone.
Place the stem in a pot containing moist soil. Keep the pot in any warm and humid location where the plant can receive adequate indirect bright light.
Repotting a Golden Crocodile
This plant does not need to be repotted frequently. Repotting should be done every 2 years during the growing season of the plant.
However, if you want to grow your philodendron in a larger pot then, you need to repot the plant. Make sure the new pot is bigger than the previous one so, that you do not have to repot your plant every time it grows and matures.
If you want, you can transplant your golden crocodile to the ground as well. Before repotting in a larger pot, you need to water your plant well. Dig a deep hole in the pot and place the plant in it. Fill the pot with soil.
When transplanting your philodendron into the ground water the plant thoroughly. Dig a deep hole into the ground and place your plant into it. Water the plant only when needed.
Problems When Growing a Golden Crocodile and Ways to Fix Them
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, you may have to face a few common problems when growing this plant. Here are some of them and their solution.
Root and Stem Rot
| Issues | Causes | Solution |
| Rotting of the Root | Over-watering the plant and waterlogging can cause root rot. | Water the plant only when the soil dries out completely. Check the moisture level of the soil before watering. |
| Rotting of the Stem | Stem rot can also be caused by over-watering. | Let the soil dry out completely before using water. |
Diseases
Getting fungal infections is quite common with these plants. Overwatering the plant can cause fungal growth as the root cannot get enough oxygen when it becomes over-saturated with water.
Poor drainage can lead to water logging which causes root and stem rot. These fungal diseases can kill the plant before time.
The Solution
It is very important to place your plant in a pot with enough drainage holes to drain away excess water thoroughly. Also, let the soil dry out completely before watering the plant.
If you notice the root of your philodendron is getting rotten then, remove the plant from the pot and trim the damaged parts. Place the plant in a new pot with fresh soil.
Pests
Small white and green Pests like aphids and mealy bugs can be noticed on your plant. These insects suck the sap from the plant and the leaves making your golden crocodile weak and damaged.
The Solution
To get rid of these pests you can use neem oil or rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab. In severe conditions use insecticides to get rid of these pests.
Take Away
A golden crocodile saw is one of the unique varieties of philodendron and is loved by both experienced and beginner collectors. This low-maintenance plant can be easily grown if a little care is taken.
I hope this post will help you take care of your golden crocodile well and make it stay healthy and thrive for a long.
