Name:   Philodendron pinnatifidum × melinonii hybrid aka Philodendron Golden Crocodile

Type of Plant:  A yellow-green variety of Philodendron that’s native to Columbia, South America, and a pretty easy-to-grow houseplant in the rest of the world.  

Why I Love This Plant:  I first saw this tropical plant when I visited Costa Farms in Florida last March. It was love at first sight! Bright lime-green to golden yellow leaves, with orange-tinged new growth. Shiny, thick leaves with jagged edges.

This plant is perfect for those who have an eastern window or another bright location that’s not in direct sun.

A Word to the Wise: Let this plant dry out in between waterings. In fact, this is a perfect plant for people who routinely travel away from home for a week or two…PGC will be fine without water while you’re away. Make sure to provide this plant with the space to stretch its limbs….the leaves can easily grow to three or four feet long!

Golden crocodile is not perfect for those who have cats, dogs or other critters prone to munching on the houseplants. This one isn’t “pet friendly.”

My Golden Crocodile Philodendron spent the warm season at Summer Camp, where it got some direct early morning sun but dappled shade the rest of the day. It was a happy camper.

This is the large plant I saw at Costa Farms in Florida. Based on the way mine is growing, I will have to find a place for a plant this large fairly soon!

Watching a new leaf form on this Philodendron is a pleasure in itself.  I wish this variety had been available when my mother was alive…she would have loved it.