Reasons for Black Leaves on Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' and How to Fix Them
1. Water Properly
Cause: Although Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' likes moisture, it does not tolerate waterlogging, so watering must be done carefully. Too much water easily causes standing water, leading to root rot. With too little water, the moisture cannot reach the bottom of the potting soil, and the roots become dehydrated. Both situations can cause the leaves to turn black.
Solution: In summer, when temperatures are high, water every other day, and spray a mist of water on its branches and leaves every morning and evening to keep them moist. When temperatures are low, water once or twice a week. Before each watering, first observe the condition of the soil: if the potting soil is dry, you can water it; if it is moist, there is no need to water for the time being.
2. Apply Fertilizer Properly
Cause: The growing season of Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is in summer, when its demand for nutrients is relatively high. If the nutrients cannot keep up, the leaves will turn black.
Solution: During the growing season of Philodendron 'Golden Diamond', apply fertilizer once a week, and the fertilizer is best a compound fertilizer, which is rich in nutrients and provides a diverse range of nutrients, meeting the growth needs of Philodendron 'Golden Diamond'. During the dormant season, applying fertilizer once a month is enough.
3. Adjust the Soil
Cause: Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' is suited to growing in acidic, fertile soil. If the soil is alkaline, hard soil, its leaves will also turn black.
Solution: You can mix in leaf mold fertilizer, which is a method of turning alkaline soil into acidic soil. Normally, test the pH value of the soil more often. If the index is greater than 7, it is alkaline soil, and you can use the method above to adjust the soil.
4. Increase Light
Cause: Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' likes warmth and tolerates partial shade. Many people think that plants that tolerate partial shade do not need light, but this is not the case; plants that tolerate partial shade also need light, at least six hours of diffused natural light every day. If this cannot be met, the leaves will also turn black.
Solution: Let Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' receive six hours of natural light every day. When the sun is strong, provide appropriate shade to avoid scorching the branches and leaves.