Philodendron bipennifolium 'Golden violin'

Origin of Philodendron bipennifolium 'Golden violin'

'Golden violin' is a yellow-green cultivated form of Philodendron bipennifolium. Its beginnings in cultivation are still uncertain.

The wild species is native across northern South America, from southern Venezuela and Suriname into Brazil's northern and eastern regions. It climbs through warm, wet tropical forest.

Growing Philodendron bipennifolium 'Golden violin' indoors

• Train the vine upward: A pole or board gives the vine a steady surface to climb and helps later leaves develop a stronger mature shape.
• Keep the pale foliage well lit: Choose a bright spot with filtered light and protect fresh yellow-green leaves from harsh midday sun.
• Temperature and humidity: Temperatures in the region of 18–29 °C are suitable. As conditions approach 15 °C, relocate it away from the coldest area. Keep the surrounding air in the 50–60% range.
• Watering: Wait for the surface to begin losing moisture, then soak the mix evenly until water drains from the pot. Empty the excess.
• Use a loose aroid mix: A chunky mix keeps air around the roots after watering and lets excess water drain.
• Feeding: Feed at the normal houseplant rate during active growth.
• Repotting: Root crowding is the cue to move ‘Golden violin’ into a modestly larger pot. Secure the pole or board and keep the pot stable as the vine develops.
• Propagation: Choose a healthy node-bearing stem section; an existing aerial root can help it establish more quickly.

Colour and growth checks for 'Golden violin'

• A new leaf opens bright yellow or chartreuse: This is normal. It can become noticeably greener as it matures.
• Pale areas become bleached, tan or crisp: Check for strong direct sun or hot window glass and move the plant back if needed.
• New leaves stay small and lose the expected fiddle shape: Check the climbing support and the light level. Reattach a loose stem to its support; if the position is too dim, move the plant gradually into brighter indirect light. Judge the next few leaves.
• The foliage becomes limp while the pot stays wet: Pause watering, check the drainage and look at the roots if the plant does not regain firmness.

Philodendron bipennifolium ‘Golden violin’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Philodendron bipennifolium: where the name comes from

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Bipennifolium combines bi-, meaning two, penna, meaning feather, and folium, meaning leaf.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Philodendron bipennifolium in 1855 in Österreichisches Botanisches Wochenblatt, volume 5, page 289.