Golden Violin Philodendron (Philodendron bipennifolium Aurea)

Golden Violin Philodendron Plant Features

We love Philodendron Golden Violin (Philodendron bipennifolium 'Aurea') for its uniquely shaped and colorful leaves. Also commonly called Golden Horsehead Philodendron and Golden Fiddleleaf Philodendron, the leaves sport a couple of wide lobes at the base and taper to a point. Happily, it's also easy to grow, making it a delight for both new and experienced plant parents. 

As a young plant, it adds flair to bright desks and tabletops. It becomes more majestic as it grows and vines. If you don't prune it, in just a year or two you can enjoy it as a striking floor plant (if you give it a moss pole, totem, or other surface on which to climb). As is common with a lot of Philodendron species, the leaves become noticeably larger on older plants that are allowed to climb and grow in warm, bright conditions. 

If grown in bright light, its new foliage emerges a bright, golden-yellow color. As it matures, it deepens to green. 

Golden Violin Philodendron Growing Instructions

Light Needs
Golden Violin Philodendron needs medium to bright light to maintain the color of its new growth. That means the plant should cast a relatively strong shadow much of the day where it's situated. Being within 3 feet of an unobstructed east- or west-facing window is ideal in many homes. But it doesn't require natural sunlight to thrive. You can enjoy Golden Violin Philodendron under plant lights, or next to a window and augment it with plant lights.
Note: The golden color will be more green if the plant doesn't receive enough light.

Water Needs
Water your Golden Violin Philodendron as the top inch or two of the potting mix starts to dry to the touch. If it stays too wet for too long, the roots will suffocate and die, causing root rot. If you are unsure whether your plant needs watering, wait. Golden Violin Philodendron holds up better to being too dry rather than too wet.

Humidity Needs
Golden Violin Philodendron prefers average to above-average relative humidity levels indoors. In especially dry air, the leaves can sometimes have trouble unfurling and may come out deformed. If you are afraid the air in your home is too dry for this houseplant, try augmenting humidity. One way to do this is to grow it clustered near other houseplants (plants release humidity into the air as they grow, so you can create a little humid zone). Or place it near a small humidifier. You can alternatively grow it in a display case or under a cloche.

Fertilizer Needs
You can fertilize your Philodendron regularly if you want it to grow faster, or feed it as little as once or twice a year. In most conditions, spring and summer are the best times to fertilize as the days are longer so there’s more light to fuel more growth. You can use any general-purpose houseplant fertilizer, just be sure not to exceed the recommended application rates on the product packaging. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and may possibly kill the plant.

Pruning Needs
Because Golden Violin Philodendron is a climbing houseplant, you can prune or pinch it back periodically to keep it short, full, and bushy. Or you can let it climb without pruning – it’s up to you.

Golden Violin Philodendron is not intended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Colorful foliage

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Golden Violin Philodendron

Painted Lady Philodendron
Painted Lady Philodendron also sports golden-yellow new growth, but with a different leaf shape for an intriguing textural contrast.

Lemon Meringue Pothos
Lemon Meringue Pothos is another climbing aroid that likes similar conditions and the golden-yellow leaf margins play beautifully off Golden Violin's color.

Chameleon ZZ Plant
Slow-growing, easy-care Chameleon ZZ also sports golden-yellow new growth for an eye-catching display.