Philodendron Goeldi with its magnificent star-shaped leaves offers a jungle-like décor and air purifying properties, making it a desirable plant to own.
However, be wary about providing correct growing conditions and preventing moving places to avoid a stressed, unhealthy plant.
Generally, Philodendron Goeldii is a shade-loving plant that requires moderate indirect sunlight, over 60% humidity, 50-86°F temperature, and a warm environment around the year to grow signature star-shaped leaves.
It will attain a height of 8 inches (20 cm) and bloom spiral-shaped stems throughout the year.
Read more to find out how to best care for your beloved Goeldii and where to buy some quality plants.
Table of Contents
Philodendron Goeldii Overview
Philodendron is best known as the Finger Leaf plant because the lush leaves arranged in a single stem give a finger impression.
The gorgeous tropical plant hailing from French Guiana grows similar to Philodendron Selloum but with foliage resembling the Schefflera plant.
Here is a brief overview to help you understand more about the Philodendron Goeldii.
| Botanical Name | Thaumatophyllum spruceanum |
| Family | Araceae |
| Native | French Guiana |
| Type | Climbing vine |
| Growth Zone | USDA Zone 9b-11 |
| Growth Size | 8-inches in height and 4 inches in width |
| Sunlight | Medium to low indirect sunlight |
| Watering | Water when the top 40% of soil is dry |
| Temperature | 50 – 86°F (10-30°F) |
| Humidity | 60-80% |
| Soil Type | Moist soil with organic matter |
| Fertilization | Balanced fertilizer once a month in the growing season |
| Repotting | Once in two years |
| Pruning | Trim yellow and damaged leaves. |
| Toxicity | Toxic to humans and pets |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings and air layering |
| Pests/Diseases | Scales, spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids/Rhizoctonia sp. and bacterial leaf spot |
The mature plant will grow long vines to help surrounding plants grow upwards.
They are best grown alongside fences, trees, or walls to help them climb upwards.
Acclimatize the newly brought plant to its environment by keeping it outside and gradually moving it into a sunny area over a week to avoid stress before planting.
Where to Buy Philodendron Goeldii?
You can easily find Philodendron Goeldii from local and online stores.
A single plant may come anywhere from $26 to $200. The variegated species of Goeldii may even go over thousands of dollars.
However, be careful about buying infected or ill Goeldii from suspicious sellers.
Here is a list of a few reliable stores, nurseries, and online retailers specializing in Philodendron Goeldii.
| Place to Buy | Specification |
|---|---|
| Etsy | Find an assorted list of Philodendron Goeldii, including Gabby starting over $100. Pros: Expect to receive your delivery within 7-10 days. Cons: Available Goeldii species are expensive. |
| Black Jungle Exotics | They specialize in exotic tropical plants, including Goeldii starting at $24 Pros: Order a wide range of plants in different sizes Cons: Free shipping is only available on certain items. |
| Gabrielle Plants | Local growers specializing in greenhouse settings for quality produce. Pros: Get delivery by mail within 7-10 days Cons: No-return policy |
| My Home Nature | Get a wide variety of terrestrial and houseplants with various choices and prices Pros: The nursery is based in Asia and ships worldwide within 7-10 days. Cons: Very few Goeldii available |
| Garden Goods Direct | Get a wide variety of Philodendron plants at reasonable prices delivered within 3-5 days Pros: Free ground shipping on orders over $125 |
Find out Where to buy Philodendron Giganteum.
Philodendron Goeldii: Ultimate Growing & Care Tips
Philodendron Goeldii has no limits and can be grown indoors and outdoors in USDA zones 9-10.
A mature Goeldii will develop vines attached to the surrounding, supporting other plants to grow upwards. It will transform into a beautiful houseplant with more accessible care and maintenance.
Here is a complete guide to caring for Philodendron Goeldii.
1. Indirect Sunlight and Bright Location
A shade-loving plant grows well in moderate light with a warm setting, such as under large trees or canopies.
Philodendron Goeldii loves bathing in moderate indirect sunlight for about 4-6 hours each day.
It does well in low light conditions; however, the vertical growth will be limited. They are best grown in containers, so you can move them inside under LED grow lights.
Tips to Ensure Adequate Sunlight
- Place them in a moderately lit location with enough indirect sunlight, close to the north-facing window or doors.
- Do not expose the plant to direct sunlight that could burn its leaves.
- Keep it at least 6-feet away from direct light when placed in a window or door that receives sunlight throughout the day.
- It cannot withstand cold conditions; hence, place it under the appropriate LED grow light for at least 7-10 hours each day.
2. Moderate Watering
Young Philodendron Goeldii thrives in evenly moist soil, but too wet soil conditions may invite root rot.
Water your Philodendron Goeldii plant once a week in the growing season and let the topsoil layer slightly dry out between watering.
An outdoor plant requires more water than potted plants, at least twice a week. A plant in a 4″ inch pot would require 800 ml of water every week.
As a rule of thumb, deep water the plant to allow the soil to get fully saturated with moisture.
Underwatering the Finger Leaf Philodendron is usually preferable to overwatering it. It can cause stunted growth, but with time and persistence, it is generally recoverable.
Philodendron Goeldii, just like most houseplants, is sensitive to overwatering; hence strictly follow the bi-weekly watering schedule.
However, cut back on watering in winter when the plant becomes dormant. Watering every 10-14 days would suffice.
Save an Overwatered Philodendron Goeldii
- Cut back on watering to let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Check for signs of root rot, such as drooping and yellowing leaves.
- If the situation does not improve, slide out the plant to check for severe root rot and transplant it to a new pot.
Note: An underwatered plant may exhibit yellowing wilted leaves. Deepwater the pot immediately until the topsoil becomes moist, and place it in a moderately lit location.
3. Warm Temperature
Philodendron Goeldii is a warmth-loving plant that thrives in a moderately warm environment, USDA 9b -11.
The ideal temperature for Philodendron Goeldii ranges from 59 to 86-degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 53.6-82.4 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
Anything under 50-degrees may risk a sick plant. You would know this by the wilting or drooping leaves.
The Philodendron Goeldii grown outdoors in the garden is prone to cold stress. Therefore, it is best to plant it in a pot so you can move it inside.
However, avoid keeping them in a room with a heater or air conditioner that may suck the plant dry.
Pro Tip: Keep them in areas that receive at least 70-85% indirect sunlight to ensure optimum temperature throughout the day.
You can protect your plant from the cold by using heating pads and frost blankets during the winter.
Alternatively, you can use mulch, such as straw or dried grass, to cover the soil beneath the plant. This will act as insulation, keeping the heat in and preventing it from escaping.
4. High Humidity
Unlike other Philodendrons, Goeldii requires slightly higher humidity levels to thrive.
Philodendron Goeldii appreciates a humid environment ranging from 60%-80% to obtain a healthy set of green leaves.
However, it would not thrive in the average room humidity of most houses. You would notice dried leaf tips and wilting leaves, indicating low humidity levels.
Tips to Maintain Adequate Humidity Level
- Start with sticking to the watering schedule, once or twice a week, to keep the soil slightly moist at all times.
- When kept outdoors, ensure to place them in the shade with other plants to boost humidity naturally.
- Mist the plant leaves generously during the growing season (spring and summer) to boost the humidity in the air.
- When kept indoors, consider installing an electric humidifier to boost humidity artificially.
- Find a strategic place in the house, close to the bathroom or kitchen with ample indirect sunlight, to increase humidity levels.
Pro Tip: Placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water may help naturally retain moisture.
5. Rich Moist Soil
Remember, Philodendron Goeldii requires moist and adequately drained soil for even growth.
Provide a well-drained and moist, rich organic mix containing soil, perlite, and peat moss to keep your Philodendron Goeldii healthy.
However, avoid a completely sandy soil mix that retains more water and moisture.
The best Philodendron potting mix should contain loamy garden soil or sand, sphagnum peat moss, and other homemade materials.
The peat moss includes decaying matter that provides conducive grow-medium and slightly acidic soil pH level (5.5-6).
Make a potting mix of 1/3 soil, 1/3 sphagnum peat moss, 1/3 organic matter like perlite and compost.
Alternatively, you can consider buying a commercial potting mix loaded with macro and micronutrients.
6. Monthly Fertilization
Goeldii is one of the Philodendrons that is considered a heavy feeder.
Provide a balanced plant food every two weeks or months to boost thick foliage growth during the growing season.
A medium-balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 will provide moderate macronutrients to Philodendron Goeldii.
The nitrogen-rich plant food will help increase the leaf size. However, avoid overfeeding the plant that may cause chemical buildup in the soil, leading to root burns.
Tips to Properly Fertilize the Philodendron Goeldii
- Feed with balanced organic fertilizer diluted to half strength every two weeks during the growing season.
- Alternatively, provide slow-release organic pellets sparingly at least 6″ away from the base every 3-months.
- Cut back on fertilizing in winter to prevent damaging a dormant plant.
- Avoid buying cheaper fertilizers from the market that contains excess potassium chloride.
Note: The heavy salt content in cheaper fertilizer will damage the roots causing premature death of the plant.
7. Growth Habit and Bloom
Philodendron Goeldii is a vine that grows longer stems in a spiral shape.
A mature Philodendron Goeldii plant reaches at least 8 inches (20 cm) in height and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. These quick-growing plants will grow 4″ a week in the active growing season.
When provided with moderate lighting, humidity, and temperature, it will give out lush finger-shaped leaves every year. It will bloom two to three times throughout the spring and summer seasons.
However, the blooms will start wilting once the temperature drops below 50-degrees in fall and winter.
Tips to Make Philodendron Goeldii Bushier
Philodendron Goeldii is naturally a leggy plant that grows long stems with finger-like foliage.
It may be harder to achieve a bushier Philodendron Goeldii plant, but you can make it look full and neat by trimming it regularly.
- Try cutting the end of the vines in early spring and remove decayed leaves throughout the growing season to induce bushier growth.
- Alternatively, introduce coffee grounds as mulch to boost their growth.
8. Repotting and Container Choice
Philodendron Goeldii requires repotting once in a few years because it enjoys a slightly root-bound condition.
Philodendron Goeldii hates being frequently moved; hence, limit repotting the plant to two or three years when it becomes severely root-bound.
Gently slide out the plant every few years to check for roots that have overgrown the soil. Unlike other houseplants, it would not require replenishing soil every year.
Move the soil attached to the root ball and the plant to a new pot, and fill the vacuum space with fresh potting mix.
Check the video posted below to find out how to repot the plant best.
Choose a pot approximately 2-3″ larger than the current pot or 2″ bigger than the root ball’s size. Similarly, use containers that let out excess water and moisture, such as clay or terracotta pots.
Here are a few recommendations for suitable Goeldii containers.
| Container | Pot Material | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Clay Pots,Brajttt 6.28 inch | Earthen ware, Ceramic | It allows good drainage and air permeability. |
| 8” Clay Pot for Plant with Saucer | Terracotta, Clay | The 8" in height and outer diameter provide ample space for root growth. |
| Large 10” Terracotta Plant Pot | Terracotta, Ceramic | The 40-B-L-1 earthenware pot is best for growing houseplants for proper drainage. |
Also, watch this full video to learn more about repotting your plant.
Read our article about successfully repotting the Philodendron plant
9. Pruning Philodendron Goeldii
There is no need to prune the Goeldii plant because they hardly take space.
However, you can prune the decayed and yellowing leaves to keep the Philodendron Goeldii looking healthy.
Consider trimming the leaves in the active growing season to rebloom the freshly cut bud.
Similarly, sterilize the tools before and after their use to prevent the onset of diseases.
Methods to Propagate Philodendron Goeldii
Goeldii, like any other Philodendron, can be propagated in multiple ways to reproduce numerous plants.
Propagating Goeldii is the best idea to fill your house with this easy-to-care plant. There are several methods to propagate this plant, including air layerings and rooting fresh cuttings.
1. Propagating by Stem Cuttings
Let us talk about propagating Goeldii from stem cuttings.
It is your best and safest choice to get new plants because stem cutting quickly grows roots when provided with a suitable medium.
Step 1: Cut the Stem
Obtaining a healthy stem is similar to getting cuttings from houseplants.
- Choose the stem at least 2-3 inches in length and cut below a node just below a leaf.
- Do not forget to use sterilized pruning shear or scissors.
Step 2: Prepare the Cutting
- Remove leaves from the stem, except for 2-3 leaves.
- Set the cutting aside for a few hours before rotting on a potting medium.
Step 3: Choose a Rooting Medium
You can either root the stem cutting in a potting mix or water.
Rooting in Soil
Rooting in soil requires placing the stem a few inches into the moist potting mix and placing them near dappled sunlight for 2-3 weeks.
- Immerse the stem into the soil but ensure the leaves do not touch the soil.
- Check for feeder roots after three weeks by gently pulling them out. It will show some resistance.
- Consider transplanting the rooted stem with the soil into a large pot and filling the rest with the same potting mix.
Note: Using a rooting hormone is optional because Goeldii quickly grows from feeder roots.
Rooting in Water
Alternatively, you can root the freshly cut stems in water.
Also known as Hydroponics, you would place the stem in clear, chemical-free water for a few weeks.
- Choose a small jar or clear glass so that you can see the progress.
- Replace the water every five or seven days.
- Once you find at least 1-inch long feeder roots after 2-3 weeks, you can consider transplanting it to a potting mix.
2. Propagating by Layering Method
Another popular method to propagate the Philodendron Goeldii plant is the layering method.
Instead of rooting the stem in a potting medium, the layering method propagates on an existing plant.
You can use more than one type of layering method to propagate it.
Air Layering Method
Air layering is a popular method that reproduces a new plant from the bark. You can only use this method in the active growing season.
- First, Choose a stem section from the healthy mother plant’s stem that has a plant node; use at least two of the plant’s nodes.
- Start with removing extra leaves from a stem and cutting the bark.
- Layer the cut section with an organic mix (peat moss and soil), cover it with plastic, and tie the ends to boost humidity.
- Once you see the roots, remove the plastic and carefully cut just below the stem with new roots.
- Transfer it to a new pot with the appropriate potting mix.
Tip Layering Method
It involves burying the tip of the stem into a few inches of soil to grow new roots.
- Grab the overly slouching stem and bury the tip about 3 inches with a node into the soil.
- The new roots will increase at the bend after a few weeks.
- Remove the tip layer and plant it in a potting mix.
Compound Layering Method
- It is similar to the tip layering method, where multiple stem parts are embedded in the soil.
- Ensure the stem is buried between the node and the bud, where at least one bud is exposed and another covered.
- It would only work when the stem is overarching and at least 7-8″ in length.
Stooling Layering Method
- Cut the stem close to an inch above the soil in fall or winter. The dormant buds will produce new shoots in the spring.
- Cover the new shoots with soil that will help them grow a new root system.
- After a few weeks, remove the shoots from the main plant and grow them in a new pot.
Toxicity of Philodendron Goeldii
Philodendron Goeldii is toxic to both humans and pets.
The plant contains calcium oxalate in varying concentrations with mild to severe toxicity causing burn and swelling lips, tongue, or throat in children.
Bring it to the attention of a pediatrician or physician immediately.
Accidentally ingesting it can cause a burning sensation to induce vomiting or diarrhea in pets.
Call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222 or contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435 for pets.
Common Problems of Philodendron Goeldii
Like any Philodendron, Goeldii is not free from the dangers of pests, diseases, and plant-related issues.
Here are a few issues that your beloved Goeldii plant may encounter.
1. Pest Infestation
The pest infestation becomes common in the Philodendron Goeldii plant lacking proper maintenance and grooming.
It is more likely to attract pests when grown outdoors, including problems like mealybugs, aphids, thrips, and scale.
Here is a brief table describing the pests and their problems.
| Pests | Problems |
|---|---|
| Mealybug | They mostly infect root and foliage. They suck the sap from the leaves, leaving them wilted and discolored. |
| Aphids | Aphids are cricket-like creatures with back legs that suck up saps from the plant leaves and stems. When the infestation grows, your plant wilt and starts dying. |
| Spider mite | The insect causes Silverly dots in the leaves. It is accompanied by yellowing, bleaching, and drooping leaves. |
| Scales | Scaly insects are tiny, waxy pests that infest on leaves. Yellow or rust-colored spots will start developing on the leaves, and the sap will begin drying up. |
Solution and Preventive Measures
- Spray the plant using water to dissipate visible pests like mealybugs, scales, and mites.
- Wash the plant with simple warm water and soap solution.
- Apply Neem oil on Goeldii to effectively kill and prevent pests.
- Use a 98% ethyl alcohol and water mixture to remove and kill spider mites.
- If nothing seems to work, apply low-toxic insecticide Pyrethrin or insecticidal soap to remove pests effectively.
- Pot your Goeldii and keep it away from the open garden to prevent attracting pests.
- Use the certified potting mix free of aphid infestation.
2. Horticultural Diseases
A severe water-saturated Goeldii is more likely to invite fungal diseases.
However, the plant will most likely attract bacterial diseases from other infected plants in the garden and contaminated potting soil.
Here is a brief table describing the diseases.
| Disease | Problems |
|---|---|
| Root rot | Drooping and rapidly yellowing leaves, stunted growth and a rotten brown base is the primary sign of possible root rot. Brown and mushy texture on the root is another sign. |
| Rust Spots | Tiny specks or spots on leaves that range in color from orange to rusty-brown, brownish-yellow, purple and red. |
| Fungal Infection | A fungus that invites a range of plant diseases; mildew, fusarium wilt, rhizoctonia rot, etc. It may cause plant stress, stunted growth, and drooping leaves. |
Solution and Preventive Measures
Check for the symptoms mentioned above and diagnose the severity of the problem.
- Start with disposing of the Philodendron Goeldii with severe root rot and fungal disease.
- Slight root rot and rust spots can be remedied with a low-toxic fungicide containing Flutriafol.
- Otherwise, prune the affected root and treat it with fungicide before transplanting it to a new pot.
- Prevent exposing the plant to direct sunlight and cold temperature to prevent diseases.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent accidentally wetting the leaves.
3. Leaf Drop
Leaf drop is a common plant problem caused by transplant shock, winter stress, and moisture stress.
Your Philodendron Goeldii is more likely to exhibit dropping leaves when regularly moved from one location to another.
Similarly, a temperature below 50°F and humidity less than 60% will likely affect the plant’s health.
However, you can quickly recover the sick plant by fulfilling the daily care needs.
4. Slowed Growth
A slowed Philodendron Goeldii growth is linked to root-bound conditions, improper lighting, and insufficient nutrients.
Feeding the plant with balanced plant food every two weeks will ensure consistent growth throughout the year.
Consider repotting the plant in a slightly larger container for root-bound conditions.
Similarly, provide low to moderate lighting (diffused sunlight) to your plant and keep them away from drafty places.
5. Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing Philodendron Goeldii leaves an indication of many different problems.
Low humidity level, sunburn, lack of moisture and nutrients, and water saturation may cause premature yellowing.
You can quickly revert yellowed leaves by correcting the regular care. However, yellowing caused by aging and diseases is less likely to recover.
Conclusion
Philodendron Goeldii makes an exciting plant to grow at home and is relatively easy to care for.
Provide excellent care and maintenance throughout the year to ensure healthy-looking spiral stems with leaves.
With time, the plant naturally sheds lower leaves and yellowing foliage, which should not worry you.
Overall, a happy-looking Philodendron Geoldii will provide a fresh tropical look to your plant collections.
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