Philodendron mottled dragon is one of the most beautiful species of the Araceae family. They possess large size bright green foliage mottled with golden hues. The splendid beauty, grace, and decency of this tropical plant make it suitable for adorning both house and office environments.
Philodendron mottled dragon is loved and praised by all plant enthusiasts due to its exquisite beauty and friendly nature. Apart from its wondering beauty, its adaptive attributes and collaborative nature make it endearing among all philodendrons. However, it is toxic to both humans and animals, therefore, a cautious attitude should be adopted while handling them.
Classification of Philodendron Mottled Dragon
Family: Araceae
Sub-family: Aroideae
Genus: Philodendron
Philodendron genus:
Philodendron is derived from two Greek words i.e., Philo and dendrons which means friendly trees. The friendly nature of the philodendrons is evident from their caring and adaptive qualities. The plants of this genus act as air purifiers and clean the surrounding environment from different toxins. Moreover, they can easily adapt to various lighting and water conditions.
Philodendrons have bright, lush green leaves that are capable of absorbing every pinch of light available to them. And they have both underground and aerial roots that both affix them to supporting structures and encourage their growth.
Origin and Distribution of Philodendron Mottled Dragon
Philodendron mottled dragons originated from North, South, and Central America. Nevertheless, this tropical plant is widely distributed throughout the tropical regions of the world as it is associated with warm climates.
Features of the Philodendron Mottled Dragon Plant
Leaves and stem
The leaves of the Philo mottled dragon are one of the most prominent parts of the plant. The leaves are larger in size and sharp curves at the outer ends of the leaves with golden hues resemble them with a dragon.
This is the reason that it is also known as a mottled or golden dragon. The color of leaves is bright lush green and sometimes these leaves are spotted with golden hues. The stem of the plant is also in deep green and the dominance of green color gives a profound green look to the plant.
Height
The Philo mottled dragons are small to medium-sized. The height of these plants may vary from 12 and 16 inches to 8 inches. However, caring for them properly may enable them to reach a height of 20-25 inches long.
Evergreen
Like other philodendrons, the Philodendron mottled dragon also belongs to the evergreen community. Its broad-sized, lush green leaves love all seasons and keep adorning any given space within the house throughout the year.
Flowers
The splendid beauty of this tropical plant is not dependent upon flowers, as it is not a flowery plant. However, its big-sized, and unique-shaped leaves resembling dragons are enough for beautifying and adorning your house or office.
Growth
The growth rate of this plant is very high. It climbs very quickly if provided required suitable conditions. This high growth is another inspirational attribute for using these plants in indoor adornment.
Durability
Like its other family members, Philodendron mottled dragon is a durable plant. It can survive for a long period. The most prominent durability feature is that the leaves fall and then re-grow even without replanting them.
Maintenance
Mottled dragon philodendron is an easy-going plant. You do not have to put additional effort and time into growing this tropical plant. They grow and develop easily in moderate indoor humidity and temperature conditions.
Dormancy
These tropical plants may go into dormancy during the winter or fall season. An interesting feature of these plants during dormancy is that, though the new leaves do not develop, however, the vines may get taller.
In this condition, less than average watering is required just for keeping the soil moist. Therefore, the use of misting or water sprays is the preferred way of avoiding the dehydration of plants.
Your Mottled dragon philodendron must neither be entirely ignored nor be given additional water and nutrients during dormancy. Dangerous results can be observed in the case of overfeeding. The grooming and propagation of new plants should also be avoided during this time.
Temperature tolerance
Mottled dragon philodendron does not like sudden temperature changes. The tropical plants bloom happily within moderate temperatures. The temperature deviating from the optimum scale may influence the growth of the plant negatively.
Humidity tolerance
This wonderful tropical plant is fond of humid environments. Its leaves become even more fresh and glossy when placed in a high humid environment. Interestingly, despite their love for high humidity levels, they can also tolerate a low level of humidity. These adaptive qualities make it the best houseplant.
Pressure tolerance
The courageous stem system of the philodendron mottled dragon makes it bear even moderate pressure. Nevertheless, excessive pressure may stunt the growth of the plant.
Drought tolerance
Philodendron mottled dragon is not a demanding tropical plant. The adaptive features enable it to grow even in difficult environmental conditions. The ability to tolerate the low humidity levels makes it drought resistant. However, the water level below its requirements can affect it drastically.
Disease resistance
The leaves of this beautiful house plant are not disease resistant. Fungus or bacteria can make these plants severely ill. The pain and illness of these plants are evident through the reddish-brown spots on the leaves.
These spots take away all lush green color and golden splashes from the leaves. However, the probability of acquiring this disease is very minimal. The timely observation and adequate measures can decrease the chances of infection spreading across the whole plant.
Pest resistance
The Philo mottled dragon is also prone to some pests like scales, mealybugs, and spider mites. The chances of pest attacks are more in the case of ill plants or plants having low immunity systems. Healthy plants are rarely damaged by these pests.
Toxicity
Like many other features, this philodendron has also inherited the feature of toxicity from its family members. It is toxic to both humans and animals. Neither human nor pet should ingest its leaves, as it can be injurious to their health. The symptoms may range from mild to severe and in any case, immediate medical care should be given to the affected living being.
Philodendron Mottled Dragon Care
The adaptive features of this tropical plant simplify the process of caring for folks owning it. However, the following essential requirements should be kept in mind while gardening this plant:
Sunlight Requirements
For maintaining the brightness and deep green color of philodendron mottled golden dragon, it is necessary to ensure 70-80% sunlight. The leaves and stem of this plant seem smiling in the bright sunlight.
However, always avoid providing them direct sunlight as it may damage them. They can also tolerate low light. Therefore, it is recommended to place the pot of these plants either in shady areas receiving indirect light or well-lit rooms.
Temperature Requirements
These plants blossom at moderate temperatures only. The ideal temperature range is 65–78-degree Fahrenheit in the daytime and 60-degree Fahrenheit at night. They do not like either scorching or freezing temperatures. In both cases, the growth and development of the plant are seriously affected.
Water Requirements
The plant lives happily in moist conditions, therefore, it should be watered daily especially during the growing season. Once it is mature, it does not need water regularly. Watering becomes necessary when the soil is dried. The water requirement can be checked by touching the upper 3 centimeters of the soil, if it is dry, then water the plant.
Soil Requirements
Organic and adequately hydrated soils are best for the growth of this plant. The soil should be well-drained just like an ariod mix that possesses coir, medium perlite, pine bark, worm castings, activated charcoal, and sphagnum moss. You should ensure that soils never get too dry, wet, or sandy.
Humidity Requirements
In the case of humidity, the plant is pretty adaptive. The plant loves the humid environment and grows well in this condition.
You can install a humidifier to provide a growth-friendly environment. In case if the humidity level falls, the plant having a friendly nature never complains and continues growing. However, you must avoid extremely dry or drought-like conditions.
During dry days, you can make your plant feel comfortable by misting. While misting make sure moisture does not linger as it will invite both pests and diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements
This fabulous indoor plant is not foody and it grows well even if you feed it sporadically. It only needs fertilizer three times a year. A general-purpose fertilizer will be enough for its growth.
While fertilizing always keep in mind that fertilizer is 6 inches away from its base as in other cases the plant’s growth will be jeopardized. Also, watch the quality of fertilizer before using it as the low-quality fertilizer having high salts can be harmful to it.
Re-potting Requirements
The re-potting should always be done during the spring season. As the plants develop their roots only during this period.
Pruning Requirements
A careful attitude must be adopted in cutting the dried leaves as in other cases, it may damage the other leaves and stems. The pruning should be done carefully without affecting the fresh leaves and branches.
Philodendron Mottled Dragon Propagation
The propagation of these tropical plants is also very easy. Before starting this process, it is necessary to ensure that the instruments are sterilized and you wear gloves for protection. The following steps should be followed for propagating the plant:
- Cut 3-6-inch-long stem
- All leaves should be removed except the few ones on the top
- Then put that stem in a pot having organic-rich soil and ensure that leaves are above the surface
- Place the pot at a place where it receives bright indirect sunlight
- The new stems will sprout in just two weeks
- Then tug on the stem, remove it, and then put it in a new pot having soil
- The new plant will blossom with its full beauty and magnificence
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Common Problems and Solutions
While growing philodendron mottled dragon, you may face two types of issues:
- Yellow spotting on the leaves
- The plant stopped producing leaves despite the vine’s growth
The solutions to these problems are simple:
The yellow spotting is attributed to over-watering, excessive light exposure, moisture lingering on the surface of leaves, poor fertilizer, and inadequate temperature range. Once these issues are addressed, there will be no more yellow spotting.
This philodendron generally stops producing leaves during the dormancy time. Therefore, if it is observed during the winter and fall season that the stem keeps growing, then nothing to worry about. Once the dormancy period ends, the plant will start producing leaves again.
Ways to Display
Having a climbing nature, the plant offers varying ways to display it for decorating either on a balcony or any other corner of a house. You can enhance the beauty of this plant by either hanging it within a basket or mounting it on a stable surface. Its decent looks even make it perfect for ornamenting a formal office environment.
Final Word
The tropical philodendron mottled dragon is both elegant and beautiful which makes it perfect for adorning both house and office environments. It is not only physically graceful and decent but its adaptive and friendly nature makes it an easily manageable and wonderful plant to keep.
