Philodendron Golden Dragon Care, Variegated, Prices and Where to Buy

Philodendron Golden Dragon or Philodendron Lime Fiddle is a rare hybrid from Thailand created probably from Philodendron bipennifolium. It has pinnately lobed, golden mottled (not always) green leaves that roughly look like a dragon’s head or arrowhead.

This lovely hybrid grows very fast, is easy to care for, and purifies the air. We bet it will bring a unique tropical backdrop, and everyone will like golden mottling on leaves.

What are the Philodendron Golden Dragon’s care and growth needs (soil mix, light, humidity, temperature, pruning, watering, feeding, etc.)? What does it look like (appearance) and what is its origin? Is there Philodendron Golden Dragon variegated form?

The questions may seem endless but don’t worry. We got all the answers, including the variegated and narrow form, Philodendron Green Dragon, Mottled Dragon, or Camouflage. We will also give you prices and where to buy, including Etsy.com, eBay, Australia, the UK, the US, Asia, etc.

Quick overview

• Scientific name: None (undescribed hybrid)
• Family: Araceae (aroids or arum family)
• Common names: Philodendron ‘Golden Dragon’, Philodendron ‘Lime Fiddle’, Philodendron ‘Camouflage’, Golden Dragon Philodendron, Philodendron ‘Minarum’
• Toxicity: This aroid is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats since its sap has sharpy insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When it is ingested, it will cause severe oral irritation and a burning sensation among other signs.
• Care level: Easy or low maintenance.
• Growth rate: Fast  

History and origin

Philodendron Golden Dragon is a hybrid developed in Thailand by an unknown creator. Also, its parentage is uncertain, with most sources claiming it is from Philodendron Bipennifolium, its cultivar or cross.

Since it is a hybrid with unknown parentage, it remains undescribed and probably will not be published soon. So, it doesn’t have a scientific name, and information about this hybrid is also scanty.

Lastly, this hybrid has many common names that may confuse you. Some people even call it Philodendron sp. ‘Lime Fiddle’ or Philodendron bipennifolium ‘Golden Dragon’, names we find inaccurate. Otherwise, they will indicate it is an unknown species or cultivar.

Description and identification

Philodendron Golden Dragon is a climbing evergreen tropical plant. However, this evergreen plant grows as a semi-self-heading plant when not tall.

Its growth rate is fast, i.e., it is among the fast-growing Philodendron plants and can grow to impressive sizes. Did you know it can reach as high as 6 feet inside your house and spread about 2 to 3 feet if not pruned? However, it needs a place to climb to grow this long.

Also, like other Philodendron species, it undergoes morphogenesis. Therefore, you expect mature and subadult plants to look different, including foliage.

Baby plants will have oblong green leaves that may or may not have golden speckles or splashes. However, as it grows into the juvenile or subadult stage, new leaves will gradually have a slightly rounded posterior lobe, making it somewhat arrowhead or sagittate shaped. Also, the anterior section will start having shallowly lobed edges.

On the other hand, mature Philodendron Golden Dragon plants have larger (up to 23.4 inches long by 11.8 inches wide) multi-lobed green to dark green leaves with a vague dragon’s head shape or a lobed arrowhead shape. The posterior lobes are further lobed, while lateral lobes are on the anterior section.

These green to deep green to dark multi-lobed green leaves often have golden mottling or speckles. However, sometimes, they may not have the gold mottling. Also, it may disappear or, as some people call revert.

Lastly, these plants have greenish stems and dark green petioles.

Philodendron Golden Dragon variegated

Standard Philodendron Lime Fiddle plants often have golden or lime speckles, mottling, or marbling. Such plants are not what we are referring to as variegated.

Instead, Philodendron Golden Dragon variegata plants have conspicuous white, cream, yellowish, or mint sectors, splotches, half-moon, etc., besides the usual golden speckles. Remember, the gold mottling may be present or not. 

The variegations occur due to natural cell mutations, resulting in the affected areas producing no or less chlorophyll, with the specific type being a sectorial chimera. It is unstable and unpredictable (each leaf looks different) and may revert.

Philodendron Golden Dragon’s price ranges from $1600 to $7500. Smaller plants and cuttings will be on the lower side, while larger, established plants will be on the higher end.

Did you know that some vendors sell this plant for about $32,888, making it one of the most expensive house plants? It ranks with variegated Monstera, Monstera obliqua, Philodendron billietiae variegata, etc., as the most costly aroids.

If you are interested in buying a Philodendron Lime Fiddle variegated plant, go to Etsy.com. It has a dozen vendors from the US, Canada, Malaysia, Australia, or those willing to ship. The other good places are eBay, Facebook, and Instagram.

Here are more locations and prices:

• Leafy Soulmates (Santa Ana, CA) - $3,500
• Peace Love and Happiness Club (Seattle, WA) -$ 32,888.00
• Carousell (Singapore) – S$3,888 to S$10,000

Some people may also include the names aurea (yellowish) or albo (whitish) to tell you more about their variegations.

However, don’t buy the standard plant when hunting for a variegated Philodendron Lime Fiddle since these variegated are extremely rare and expensive. Only a few rare plant collectors have them. Also, make sure you see the pictures of the actual plant.

Lastly, the care needs of this variegated plant are similar to those of its non-variegated counterparts. However, you need to ensure it has strictly bright, indirect light for the best coloration.

Philodendron Golden Dragon narrow form

Besides what refer as standard form, some plants have narrower leaves. Such plants are what vendors refer to as the Philodendron Lime Fiddle or Golden Dragon narrow form. The only difference is that the leaves are slender and key-like, nothing more.

If you would like to buy this narrow form, Etsy.com has several vendors. Prices are slightly higher than the standard form, selling at $70 to $300. There is even one vendor with a variegated Lime Fiddle narrow form.

Philodendron Green Dragon vs. Golden Dragon vs. Mottled Dragon vs. camouflage

There is a little confusion online regarding the above plants, with some people claiming they are different and others saying they are the same. Those who sell them as distinct may be doing so unknowingly or knowingly to optimize sales. Some want to sell the same plant with a slightly normal or expected variation as a different plant.

To clarify things, Philodendron Green Dragon, Golden Dragon, Camouflage, and Mottled Dragon are essentially the same plant. Remember that this hybrid plant may have golden speckles or not. Also, the intensity of the mottling varies.

What people sell as Philodendron Green Dragon are plants without the golden speckles. But this is something expected. Remember that even those with these speckles can revert to green.

On the other hand, what vendors sell as Philodendron Mottled Dragon are those hybrids with higher “variegations” or the gold specks or marbling. So, this is not a separate plant.

What about Philodendron Camouflage? It seems a synonym for Philodendron Lime Fiddle or Golden dragon and often refers to plants with the golden mottling. It doesn’t talk much about intensity. So, it could have heavy or slight mottling.

Lastly, if you think they are different plants, help us clarify. You will agree that the information available online is scanty or so little.

Philodendron Golden Dragon vs. pedatum

Both these plants are multi-lobed and do have some resemblance. However, the Philodendron pedatum has deep lobes, i.e., pedatisect, and the leaf is broader (not slender and elongated) like a dragon’s head. Also, it doesn’t have golden speckles on the leaves.

Philodendron longilobatum vs. Golden Dragon

P. longilobatum is an accepted species from Espirito Santo, Brazil Southeast. It has multi-lobed shiny green leaves that resemble the Philodendron Lime Fiddle. However, the leaves are narrower than the Golden Dragon and don’t have golden marbling or speckles. P. ‘Lelano Miyano’ is likely a cultivar or form of this plant.

Philodendron Golden Dragon care tips

Philodendron Golden Dragon prefers a warm, humid area with filtered or bright indirect light. The soil should be chunky, well-drained, and rich in organic matter, and you should water when the top few inches feel dry, not following a routine.

Here is more on Philodendron Lime Fiddle care and growth requirements:

• USDA hardiness zone: 10-12, cannot tolerate frost.
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid cold drafts, temperatures below 50°F, and places near heat sources.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity, 60% or more, but 40-50% is ok. People with low humidity need to buy a humidifier, have a pebble tray, or mist their plants.
• Light needs: Bright, indirect light for best coloration or variegation. Get a grow light if you have too little light and avoid direct sun except for early morning sun on the east-facing window.
• Soil mix: Use a well-drained, airy potting mix high in organic matter. An aroid mix will do. Get one (See Etsy.com) or make by adding perlite, bark chips, coco coir (or peat moss), and compost with your potting soil.
• Watering: Thoroughly and evenly water this plant when the potting mix’s top 1-2 inches feel dry or when your XLUX Soil Moisture Meter (best brand) reads is three or less.
• Fertilizer: Feed about once a month when actively growing with a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer at half recommended strength. A good pick is Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid). Also, you can use slow releasers for houseplants.
• Pruning: Cut damaged, diseased or dead leaves with sterilized gardening shears. In growing months, prune a few branches to control growth and size.
• Repotting: Repot after every 1-2 years or when rootbound using a pot 2-3 inches wider (diameter) than the current one.
• Support: Train your plant on a trellis, moss pole, totem, or stake.

Propagation

Philodendron Golden Dragon propagation is by stem cutting in water/soil or air layering. We’ve not seen seeds of this hybrid plant.

1. Stem cutting

This method requires a stem cutting with a node (the knobby part with aerial roots or petiole attach). If you have a variegated plant, pick a node with a variegated leaf.

Afterward, you can decide if you want to grow the cutting in water or soil. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

We will tell you how to propagate Golden Dragon Philodendron and comment on soil propagation.

a). Water propagation

Water propagation allows you to see roots grow and is less messy. But it takes longer, and your plant will suffer shock when you transplant it. Also, it will not get nutrients in the soil.

What you need

• Gardening shears or a sharp knife
• Jar
• Rooting hormone (optional). We love HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel. It is easy to apply and also has nutrients to nourish young growing roots.
• 70-90% rubbing alcohol for sterilization uses

Steps to follow

1. Select a healthy stem with about 2-3 nodes and cut just below the lower node (at about ¼ inches from the node) with your sterilized sharp knife. If it has more than 2-3 leaves, snip the lower ones.
2. Apply your rooting hormone on the cut end, covering the node you will immerse in water. This step is optional, but it will speed rooting and prevent rot.  
3. Fill your jar with water and dip the cutting, ensuring that a node is immersed and remains inside the water.
4. Place your cutting in a warm area with bright, indirect light.
5. Change the water after 4-5 days or when it appears cloudy, and don’t forget to refill if the level goes down.

Your plant should have rooted by the 5th to 6th weeks. But the exact time depends on prevailing conditions. Transplant it when roots are 2-3 inches long, and there is new growth.

b). Soil propagation

Although you cannot see rooting and it’s messy, soil propagation will promote faster rooting. Also, the potting mix will offer your cutting nutrients, and it will suffer less shock when you transplant it.

After step two above, you will grow your plant in a potting mix, thoroughly water it, and place it in a warm place with bright indirect light. Keep the potting mix moist (not soggy).

Lastly, if your humidity is low, you can cover the plant with a transparent plastic bag, ensuring it doesn’t touch the foliage. Also, don’t forget to leave a small opening for breathing and

2. Air layering

Propagating your Philodendron Lime Fiddle by air layering is simple. Wrap moist sphagnum moss on a node without detaching it from the mother plant.

Keep the sphagnum moss moist and aerated. It will begin rooting, and once the roots are long enough, cut and plant it in its growing pot.

Issues and problems

While it is easy to grow, your plant may have issues, especially pests, diseases, root rot, and leaf discoloration. Also, your plant may droop, or its leaves curl.

Pests and diseases are uncommon. But your plant may still have thrips, scale insects, mites, mealybugs or aphids, and bacterial or fungal leaf spots. Always check for bugs, maintain proper sanitation and isolate new plants to prevent pests and disease.

Root rot is a more prevalent issue among people who over-water their plants or use poorly draining soils. Also, an oversized pot or one without drainage holes may contribute.

Leaf discoloration (leaves turning black, yellow, or brown, including brown tips and edges), curling, and plant drooping indicate improper care and wrong growing conditions like:

• Overwatering
• Underwatering
• Cold drafts
• Too much or too little light
• Heat stress (extremely high temperature)
• Rootbound
• Transplant or repotting shock
• Overfeeding
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Anything that affects water absorption or increases loss

However, leaf discoloration, curling, or drooping may result from pests, disease, and root rot.

Where to buy Philodendron Golden Dragon?

If you are looking for Philodendron Golden Dragon or Lime Fiddle on sale, we recommend starting with Etsy.com. It has many vendors from the UK, US, Canada, Australia, etc., or ship to these locations. eBay is an excellent alternative for Etsy.com. Also, try Facebook and Instagram.

More places to check for Philodendron Lime Fiddle and their prices are as follows:

USA

• Peace Love and Happiness Club (Seattle, WA) - $68.00
• Brian’s Botanicals (Shepherdsville, KY) – $38.99
• Vedas Plant Shop (Chicago, IL) - $90.00
• Jordan’s Jungle (Pawtucket, RI) - $ 79.99
• TAJ Tropicals (Worcester, MA) - $125.00
• The plant Parlor (Grand Rapids, MI) - $225.00
• Curious Plantaholic (Nazareth, PA) - $180.00

UK, Europe, and Australia

• Leafy House (Northampton, UK) - £35.00
• Claessen Orchids (Nederweert-Eind, Netherlands) €69.95
• EJ Botanicals (Ockelbo, Sweden) - $71.00
• Factory Foliage (Zimmern ob Rottweil, Germany) - €55.00
• Plant Circle (Berlin, Germany) - €74,77 
• Cowell’s Garden Center (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK) - £49.99
• Plant Girl (New South Wales, Australia) $16.00
• Green Leaved Garden (Adelaide, Australia)- $35.00

Asia

• Aroid market (Bandung, Indonesia) -$38
• Roots Greenhaus (West Java, Indonesia) - $30.00
• JacksGarden (Singapore) -S$55.00         
• Carousell (Singapore) - S$128
• Carousell (Philippines) - PHP 2,800
• Shopee (Manila, Philippines) - ₱450
• Peppyflora (Bangalore, India) - ₹1,199.00 – ₹2,750.00    
• Aroid Space (Jawa Timur, Indonesia)- $25.00
• Carousell and Shopee (Malaysia) RM28.00 - RM60.00
• Projroots (Crawford Lane, Singapore) - SGD 48.00

If you still haven’t gotten this plant or a favorable seller, try searching for “Philodendron Golden Dragon for sale” or “Philodendron Lime Fiddle for sale” for more locations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)