The Philodendron Goeldii is a fast-growing variety of the Araceae family. This plant is often called Finger Leaf due to its long leaves, which grow in clusters.
The Philodendron Goeldii is a tropical plant that originates from French Guiana. It’s pretty easy to care for but requires the right amount of sunlight, water, and humidity. Let’s look at how to grow and care for a Philodendron Goeldii plant.
What is a Philodendron Goeldii?
Philodendron Goeldii is a tropical houseplant that can also be planted outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 10. These plants are fast-growing, and as they mature, they develop long climbing vines. The Goeldii will climb up structures in your yard such as fences, trees, or the sides of buildings. You can use a moss pole as support for a houseplant.
Like all philodendrons, the Philodendron Goeldii is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Ensure you keep your plant out of reach of pets and young children.
How to Care for a Philodendron Goeldii
The Philodendron Goeldii is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for. It will thrive in various situations but will do best with the correct care and growing conditions. Here are some tips to help you grow a thriving Philodendron Goeldii plant:
Sunlight Needs
Philodendron Goeldii plants prefer sunlight that’s bright but indirect. These plants will also survive in medium to lower light levels, but their leaves may become discolored.
Be careful not to leave your plant in a hot, sunny area as its leaves can be scorched by the sun’s UV rays.
Watering Requirements
It’s recommended that you water your Philodendron Goeldii about twice weekly throughout the growing season. These plants need slightly more water than other varieties of philodendron, but you should still test the soil and wait until the topsoil has dried out between waterings.
Aim to keep your plant’s soil moist but be careful not to overwater or root rot may occur. You can reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth will slow down.
Soil
Philodendron Goeldii plants like their soil to be moist but also well-draining. Aim to provide loose, well-aerated soil that can retain moisture but won’t become waterlogged. You can add some organic matter, such as perlite or peat moss, to standard houseplant soil. Alternatively, use a pre-mixed soil that has been formulated especially for tropical plants. Philodendrons like their soil to have a pH of between 5 and 8.
Don’t repot your Philodendron Goeldii too often as they don’t like to be moved around. It’s best to report your plant every two years. When repotting, you can use a pot that’s about 2 or 3 inches larger than the pots currently growing in.
Temperature
Philodendron Goeldii grows best when the temperature is between 55- and 86-degrees Fahrenheit. These plants aren’t very cold resistant and shouldn’t be left outside if frost is likely. Low temperatures can cause the plant’s leaves to wilt and drop off the plant.
Humidity
Philodendron Goeldii like high humidity as they are tropical plants. Aim to create an environment with a humidity of between 60% and 80%. You can either mist your plants daily, group tropical plants together, use a water and pebble tray, or invest in a humidifier.
Fertilization
Philodendron Goeldii can be fertilized using a balanced solution with a ratio of 10:10:10. This will give your plant the nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium it needs to thrive. You can fertilize your plant once a month throughout the growing season. Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer in the early spring.
Pruning
Most people don’t prune their Philodendron Goeldii plants. You can do light pruning if you need to remove yellow, infected or dead leaves. Pruning your plant can make it look bushier and help to maintain its size and shape.
Pests
Philodendrons can be affected by sap-sucking insects such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These can be controlled using neem oil or insecticidal spray.
Conclusion
Philodendron Goeldii is a beautiful plant with long thin leaves; they are a lovely tropical plant from French Guiana. These plants are easy to care for and have similar care requirements as other varieties of philodendron. Ensure you plant it in well-draining soil and get the watering and sunlight requirements right. You can also fertilize your plant once a month throughout the growing season.