How to care for Philodendron 'Golden Diamond' (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) through the four seasons? A full guide to watering, repotting and propagation
The leaves of the Golden Diamond can keep extremely high ornamental value in semi-shade, because it can grow in a semi-shaded environment. However, the changing seasons make light, temperature, humidity and so on different in each season, so the care and management methods are also different in each season. Today I will share with you the four-season care methods of a Golden Diamond growing expert.
Four-season care methods for the Golden Diamond
I. How to grow the Golden Diamond in spring
1. Water to thaw the soil
When the temperature starts to rise again, you need to water once to thaw the soil. This method is often used when growing wintersweet in the north. Generally, when the temperature is above 10 degrees, the Golden Diamond will resume growth, so before that you can water appropriately and just keep the soil slightly moist.
2. Replace the potting soil
In the care methods for the Golden Diamond, the time for replacing the potting soil is generally suitable in spring, because this is the stage when the Golden Diamond moves from dormancy back to the growing period. Its growth rate will speed up from March to April, so repotting is generally done from February to March. This can make the soil more breathable and fertile, and prepare in advance for the coming growing period.
3. Control light
As the temperature rises, the sunlight also becomes stronger and stronger, and the Golden Diamond is a plant that likes a semi-shaded environment. In winter many people place it by the window to receive sunlight, but in spring you need to control the light and avoid direct sunlight.
II. Summer management methods for the Golden Diamond
1. Increase watering frequency
Summer is the stage when the Golden Diamond has a relatively high demand for water, and also its most vigorous growth period. You need to water more often than in other seasons. At this time, watering is generally done once every 5-7 days. Of course, it also needs to be adjusted according to temperature changes; if the soil dries out relatively quickly, you may need to replenish water in time.
2. Shade and reduce light
To ensure a certain amount of light, many flower lovers put the Golden Diamond on a balcony or grow it outdoors, so in summer you need to take shading measures. The most direct way is to move it to a ventilated and shady place, to prevent strong sunlight from scorching the leaves yellow.
III. Autumn care methods for the Golden Diamond
1. Apply additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizer
In the four-season care methods for the Golden Diamond, autumn is not the fastest growing period, but it is still a very critical stage. The work done in this season is mainly to maintain normal growth while improving its ability to overwinter, so when fertilizing in autumn, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer should be the main type.
2. Pay attention to temperature changes
Autumn temperature fluctuations are relatively large. Flower lovers can pay more attention to weather changes, especially temperature changes. If the temperature hovers around 10 degrees, then it is best to move the Golden Diamond indoors, as room temperature is easier to regulate.
IV. How to grow the Golden Diamond in winter
1. Pay attention to cold protection and warmth
People need to keep warm in winter, and the Golden Diamond is actually the same. The first thing to do when growing the Golden Diamond in winter is cold protection and heat preservation. Keeping the temperature above 5 degrees is relatively safe for the Golden Diamond; otherwise the leaves will lose their luster and develop diseased spots, which will reduce its ornamental value.
2. Water less and do not fertilize
The principle for fertilizing and watering in winter is: reduce watering frequency, keep the soil slightly on the dry side, and water once every 1-2 weeks. In addition, basically no fertilizing is needed in winter, in order to let the Golden Diamond pass through its dormant period safely.
Care methods and precautions for the Golden Diamond, and how to grow the Golden Diamond in water
Flower and Bonsai Network introduction: Today, Flower and Bonsai Network brings you an article about the care methods and precautions for the Golden Diamond and how to grow the Golden Diamond in water. Let's take a look!
The Golden Diamond is a relatively common indoor foliage plant. Its leaves are emerald green and broad, giving a very lively and energetic feeling, and placing it in the home also has a good beautifying effect. So what are the care methods and precautions for the Golden Diamond? The editor will introduce them to you one by one in this article!
Care methods for the Golden Diamond
Loose soil
The Golden Diamond is not strict about soil requirements. Sandy loam rich in humus and with good drainage is relatively good. For potted plants, a mix of peat and perlite is generally used.
Water in time
The Golden Diamond originates from tropical rainforests and likes a moist environment. In addition, its leaves are broad and have relatively high water requirements, so during the growing period keep the potting soil moist, especially during the high-temperature period in summer when it must not lack water. But do not water too much either; water accumulation in the potting soil can easily cause root rot and death of the Golden Diamond plant.
Provide appropriate shade
The Golden Diamond is shade-tolerant and not strict about light, but if it grows in a shaded environment for a long time, otherwise it will cause the leaf color to become lighter, the petioles to lengthen, and the leaves to droop, reducing ornamental value. During care, also avoid direct strong light, otherwise the leaves will easily show dry leaf tips, scorched leaf margins, whitened leaf color and loss of luster. Therefore, to ensure healthy growth of the Golden Diamond, the potted plant should be placed in a semi-shaded environment or one with sufficient scattered light.
Sufficient fertilization
The Golden Diamond likes fertilizer. During the vigorous growth period, sufficient fertilizer needs to be provided, and nitrogen fertilizer is relatively good as the main type. At the same time, note that too much fertilizer cannot be applied at one time; it is best to apply thin fertilizer frequently. Usually pay attention to the growth condition of the Golden Diamond and fertilize reasonably. If leaf yellowing is caused by lack of fertilizer, nitrogen fertilizer should be supplemented in time.
After entering autumn, pay attention to controlling the amount of fertilizer to facilitate overwintering. When the temperature is below 20°C, stop fertilizing.
Prune appropriately
After being grown for a period of time, the Golden Diamond will show yellowed and scorched leaves. At this time, if factors such as improper care or pests and diseases are ruled out, it can be determined to be normal metabolism of the Golden Diamond, and old leaves need to be pruned in time. When pruning, cut off yellowed leaves and overly dense or thin branches to reduce the loss of plant nutrients. When pruning, pay attention to using sharp tools to reduce wounds on the plant.
Precautions for growing the Golden Diamond
Temperature and humidity should be suitable
The Golden Diamond likes a warm climate. During cultivation, the temperature needs to be kept at around 20°C, and it must not be lower than 10°C. Also avoid being hit by heating, air conditioning and cold wind.
The Golden Diamond comes from tropical rainforests and has a relatively large demand for water. Generally, the air humidity should be kept between 50-75%. Below 50%, yellow leaves and dry edges easily occur. Air humidity can be increased by spraying water or sprinkling water.
It is best to water the Golden Diamond when the surface of the potting soil looks dry. In the high-temperature period in summer, it can be kept moist. In winter, if the ambient temperature is below 15°C, watering needs to alternate between dry and wet.
Likes light but fears strong light
The Golden Diamond likes light, but also avoids direct strong light. The care environment is best in a semi-shaded place or one with sufficient scattered light. It must not be kept in a shaded environment for a long time, otherwise the leaves easily turn yellow. Light also must not be too strong, to avoid the leaves becoming whitened and lusterless.
How to grow the Golden Diamond in water
The Golden Diamond has emerald green, upright leaves, and thick, glossy leaf texture. It is a foliage plant that everyone loves. The Golden Diamond has strong vitality and good adaptability to the environment, and can also be grown in water, which is convenient and hygienic and gives a fresh feeling. Let's take a look at how to grow the Golden Diamond in water!
How to grow the Golden Diamond in water
The method for growing the Golden Diamond in water is very simple and can be done at home.
Remove from the pot
First take the soil-grown Golden Diamond out of the flower pot, remove the soil and rotten roots, and rinse it clean. During this process, be careful not to damage the root system of the Golden Diamond, so as not to affect its normal growth.
Disinfect
Soak the roots of the Golden Diamond in prepared potassium permanganate and disinfect for thirty minutes, then wash the stones and the planting basket.
Plant
Put the root system of the Golden Diamond into the planting basket, then add stones to secure it, and finally place it into a hydroponic container filled with culture solution. The roots of the Golden Diamond should be submerged in the solution by 1/2-2/3, leaving a portion in contact with the air. In this way, the hydroponic Golden Diamond is ready.
Four-season care methods for the Golden Diamond
The Golden Diamond has emerald green, firm leaves and very high ornamental value. Actually, growing the Golden Diamond is not difficult. With proper care through all four seasons and care adjusted according to environmental changes in each season, keeping the leaves tender green is no problem. The editor gives you one tip!
Spring care for the Golden Diamond
Repot in time
In spring, the Golden Diamond is in a transition stage from dormancy to the growing period. It is in a recovery period, metabolism is slow, and new roots have not yet developed, so it is suitable for repotting. The Golden Diamond is usually repotted once every 2-3 years, carried out in February to March, and at the latest in April. You can replace it with general new soil and add sufficient base fertilizer. This reserves nutrients for the growing period.
Moderate watering
The plant has just resumed growth, so it should not be watered too much; keep the potting soil slightly moist. Water once every 10-15 days, choosing morning or evening for watering.
Sufficient sunlight
In early spring, the temperature is slightly low, so pay attention to keeping the Golden Diamond warm. You can move the plant to a balcony or windowside and give it full-day sunlight. At night, move the plant indoors. If there is continuous rainy weather, artificial supplemental lighting can be used.
Summer care for the Golden Diamond
Water in time
Midsummer is the period of vigorous growth for the Golden Diamond. It needs relatively high air humidity and sufficient water, which is very beneficial for promoting growth. At this time, the principle for watering is to keep the soil moist but not allow water accumulation. Usually spray the leaves more often, which can both clean the leaf surface and create a good microclimate.
Avoid direct sunlight
The Golden Diamond likes sufficient scattered light and avoids strong summer light. In summer and autumn, when sunlight is strong, appropriate shading is needed. If it is kept in a shaded indoor place for too long, it needs to be regularly moved to a place with sufficient light, otherwise the leaves will grow poorly and easily turn yellow and withered.
Autumn care for the Golden Diamond
After autumn when the weather turns cool, the Golden Diamond can be placed in a bright place with a relatively high temperature for care, and watering should be controlled. If it remains wet for a long time plus low temperature, the leaves easily turn yellow, and in severe cases the roots rot and the plant dies.
Winter care for the Golden Diamond
Raise the temperature
The Golden Diamond is not cold-tolerant. In winter, room temperature should preferably be kept above 10°C, and at the lowest not below 5°C; otherwise the leaves easily develop damaged patches, turn yellow and fall off, reducing ornamental value.
Reduce watering
When winter room temperature is relatively low, watering should be controlled and fertilizing stopped. Winter watering should follow the principle of preferring dry over wet. The Golden Diamond is in its dormant period, and if watered too much, the roots easily rot, leading to slow growth or stopped growth.
Care methods for hydroponic Golden Diamond
Change the water frequently
In the early stage of hydroponics, pay more attention to changing the water. At the beginning, it still has black soil-grown roots, and the water easily turns black. Later, water-grown roots will gradually grow, and the water will gradually become clear. At this time, you can change the water once every one or two months, and just top it up when the water volume decreases.
Water temperature requirements
For the water used to grow the Golden Diamond, you can choose purified water or tap water, but note that when the weather is relatively cold, the water temperature is lower than room temperature. Let the tap water sit for a period before use to keep the root temperature stable. Or when changing the water, use the half-change method: pour out half of the water in the original bottle and add half new water to keep the water temperature constant.
Control the amount of water in the container
The water in the container should not be too much. The bottom roots should enter the water by 2/3, leaving a certain portion of roots in the air. If using a planting basket for hydroponics, it is best that the planting basket does not touch the water.
Fertilizing
After hydroponics, you can appropriately apply some liquid fertilizer, or add nutrient granules to the water so that they slowly dissolve and release nutrients. This is both attractive and ensures the nutrients the plant needs.
Environmental requirements for hydroponics
The Golden Diamond likes a warm and humid environment, fears severe cold, and avoids strong light. Place the hydroponic Golden Diamond in a well-ventilated semi-shaded environment or a bright place without direct sunlight, to prevent the leaves from turning yellow.
The growing temperature for the Golden Diamond should not be too low. The suitable growing temperature is 20°C-30°C. Ensure the environmental humidity needed for the Golden Diamond's life. When the weather is dry, you can spray water on the leaves or spray water on the ground to increase environmental humidity.
How to propagate the Golden Diamond
The propagation methods for the Golden Diamond mostly use cuttings, sowing and division. At home, it is best to use cuttings and division, as the operations are relatively simpler. Below, the editor introduces the propagation methods for the Golden Diamond!
Cutting propagation of the Golden Diamond
Cutting time
The Golden Diamond can be propagated in both spring and autumn, and May to September is most suitable. But in early spring you need to start preparing: strengthen care, control water and fertilize, and raise the mother plant until it is plump and the branches are strong.
Cutting method
If you want to use cutting propagation, first you need a robustly growing mother plant.
In spring, select healthy Golden Diamond branches and cut 12-15 cm. Make sure the cut is smooth. After cutting, place the branch in a cool place to dry naturally, then insert it for cuttings.
Prepare the cutting container, using a mix of vermiculite and river sand as the soil. One day before cutting, water thoroughly.
Insert the prepared branch into the soil, with a depth of 4-6 cm as suitable. If the soil is still relatively moist, there is no need to water. If the potting soil is dry, water thoroughly until water flows out from the bottom of the flower pot.
After cutting, spray water on the leaf surface and surrounding environment 2-3 times a day to ensure air humidity. Keep the indoor temperature at around 22°C. After 4 weeks, it can take root and sprout. After new leaves grow, normal care can be resumed.
Division propagation of the Golden Diamond
Division time
Miniature Golden Diamonds can also use the division propagation method. It is generally carried out from May to July. At this time, temperature and light are both favorable for the growth of the Golden Diamond.
The necessary condition for division is that the mother plant has already grown for 2-3 years and several small plants have sprouted around it.
Division method
Take the Golden Diamond out of the pot and prune the messy root system. Check the growth of the small plants around it. If they are growing normally, division can be carried out.
Use a sharp knife to cut off the small plants growing from the base of the plant. When cutting, avoid repeated operations; do it in one step to reduce wounds. After cutting off, place the small plants in a cool place to dry for 1-2 hours, and plant them after the wounds dry.
Choose a suitable flower pot to plant the small plants. After new leaves grow, pay attention to shaping. Use fine string to tie up the spread-out leaves, and gradually loosen the string after the leaves grow well, so that the leaves do not spread too much and take up space.
What to do if the Golden Diamond leaves turn yellow
The Golden Diamond has a nice name and also looks good. Growing it in an office or at home can purify the air and make you feel better. But during cultivation you may find that the Golden Diamond leaves turn yellow. This article introduces the causes and solutions for yellowing Golden Diamond leaves.
Causes of yellowing Golden Diamond leaves
Potting soil reasons
If the soil is poorly chosen, it will affect the growth of the Golden Diamond. When the soil lacks trace elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, it will cause leaves to turn yellow.
Potting soil lacks nitrogen: leaves are small, leaf color is pale yellow, lower leaves turn yellow first, gradually the whole plant loses green, and the lower part becomes more yellow and pale.
Potting soil lacks phosphorus: leaves curl, leaf color is dark green, and the areas between veins of lower leaves become yellow.
Potting soil lacks potassium: the edges of lower leaves turn brown and the plant easily lodges.
Potting soil lacks magnesium: from bottom to top, the edges and middle of leaves lose green and turn white.
Potting soil lacks iron: leaves develop scorched brown spots and dry up.
Improper watering
Both too much and too little watering can cause leaves to turn yellow, but the two appear slightly different.
If the Golden Diamond is watered too much, tender leaves are dark yellow and lusterless, branches are thin and small, and new shoots grow slowly; if watered too little, leaf tips and edges wither, old leaves wither, turn yellow and fall off from top to bottom, but new leaves grow normally.
Improper light
The Golden Diamond is a shade plant, and appropriate scattered light is enough for it to grow well. If light is too strong, leaves are scorched and turn yellow; if placed in a cool place without light for a long time, the plant turns yellow due to slow growth.
Pests and diseases
The Golden Diamond is a foliage plant. Pests and diseases mainly harm the leaves, slowing plant growth and making the leaves dull and lusterless. In severe cases, the whole plant dies.
Prevention and control methods for yellowing Golden Diamond leaves
Control temperature and increase humidity
The Golden Diamond likes a warm and humid environment. Control the temperature at around 20°C, not lower than 10°C. At the same time, avoid placing it where it is hit by heating, air conditioning and cold wind. Indoor humidity should also be raised relatively, kept between 50%-70%. Below 50%, the Golden Diamond easily shows yellow leaves and dry edges. Air humidity can be increased by spraying water or sprinkling water.
Shade and fertilize
The Golden Diamond likes light but avoids direct strong light. The growing environment is best maintained under semi-shaded or scattered light conditions. It must not be placed in a shaded environment for a long time, otherwise the leaves very easily turn yellow.
The principle for fertilizing is to apply thin fertilizer frequently, and nitrogen fertilizer can be the main type.
Control water appropriately
It is best to water when the surface of the potting soil looks dry. In the high-temperature period in summer, it can be kept moist. In winter, if the ambient temperature is below 15°C, watering needs to alternate between dry and wet.
Prevent insects
The main pest is red spider mite, generally caused by dry air. Spraying water frequently and wiping the leaves can effectively prevent it. When there is a pest infestation, it is necessary to spray specialized pesticide for control, such as dicofol. Usually, as long as the environment is suitable, all pests and diseases vanish into thin air!
Care methods and propagation methods for the Golden Diamond Podocarpus (Podocarpus macrophyllus)
The Golden Diamond Podocarpus has an elegant, emerald and refined tree posture, ancient and vigorous yet strong, small leaves, and leaf color that is fresh green all year round. It is tolerant of pruning and has a vigorous and elegant feel; it is relatively resistant to gases such as SO2, C12 and NO2, and is an excellent garden landscape tree for courtyards, parks and other places. It is a precious material for making bonsai. The bonsai made from it can remain flourishing for decades or even hundreds of years, and can become an excellent top-grade bonsai, with particularly high ornamental value and collection value.
Podocarpus care
(1) Watering
Podocarpus is tolerant of shade and moisture. During the growing period, it should be watered frequently, but it should not be waterlogged. In summer, spray water on the leaf surface frequently, so that the leaf color is fresh green and growth is good.
(2) Fertilizing
Well-formed bonsai should not be fertilized too much. In spring, appropriately apply 1-2 times of thin cake fertilizer water. Stop fertilizing in autumn, so as not to sprout autumn buds, which is unfavorable for overwintering.
(3) Pruning
Podocarpus can be pruned all year round. Mainly cut off leggy branches and diseased or dead branches to maintain a beautiful tree shape. When flowering, it is best to remove the flower buds in time, so as not to bear fruit and consume nutrients, affecting growth vigor.
(4) Repotting
It can be repotted once every 2-3 years, preferably in spring from March to April. When repotting, replace 1/2 of the old soil, and also cut off dead roots and spread out the fibrous roots. If the plant has grown larger, it can be moved to a larger pot. In addition, combined with repotting, the roots can be gradually raised and accompanied by rocks to create a raised-root style or rock-attached style bonsai.
Podocarpus propagation methods
Cutting propagation is divided into spring cuttings and autumn cuttings. Spring cuttings are carried out in early to mid-March. Select robustly growing one-year-old branches, cut them into 8-12 cm cuttings, remove the leaves below the middle part, and insert about 1/2 deep. To promote rapid rooting, the lower cut end can be treated with a growth hormone naphthalene acetic acid at a concentration of 500*10PP. After cutting, build a frame for shade and spray water on the leaf surface frequently to keep the soil moist. Roots can form in about 60-80 days. Autumn cuttings are carried out in August to September, using semi-lignified tender branches as cuttings. The method is the same as spring cuttings. After entering winter, plastic film and straw curtains need to be covered for cold protection. Small seedlings should be transplanted with soil in March to cultivate large seedlings.
Pest and disease control:Common diseases include sooty mold and leaf spot. A 0.5%-1% Bordeaux mixture can be used. One month before the plum rain season, spray once every 10 days for 3 consecutive times to achieve control. The main pests include bagworms, red wax scale insects, red spider mites and so on. They can be killed by spraying 1200-1500 times diluted dichlorvos, or by spraying 1500 times diluted 40% dimethoate.