Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire Gold’ (Philodendron wendlandii x P. tortum) is a hybrid plant created by Keith Henderson by cross-pollinating Philodendron wendlandii and Philodendron tortum. The origin of the parent plants is in the rainforests of South America. It is a slow-growing, climbing Philodendron that grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide under ideal growth conditions.
The showy leaves are unevenly serrated and can grow up to 16 inches wide and 24 inches long. They can be pink, red, orange, golden yellow, light, or dark green. They can be mottled, speckled, or even striped with variegations that can be white, cream, or yellowish.
Ring of Fire Gold was originally given the common name Henderson’s Pride. Other common names include Golden Ring of Fire Philodendron, Gold Ring of Fire Philodendron, and Ring of Fire Golden Philodendron. Below, we will tell you everything about growing and caring for this beautiful, rare plant.
Philodendron Ring of Fire Gold Care
Philodendron Ring of Fire Gold is a low-maintenance plant that’s easy to care for. This hardy perennial does well as long as it has indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and a little fertilizer.
It’s a good idea to repot Ring of Fire Gold every 2 to 3 years so it doesn’t become root bound. To keep it growing upright, give it a trellis or moss pole to climb up. Here are a few other tips to keep your Ring of Fire Gold healthy and happy.
Soil
Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire Gold’ needs well-draining potting mix that retains water without being soggy. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. You can grow them in premade aroid soil or make your own.
There are many different DIY soil mixes used for Philodendron plants. One option for creating a well-composed Ring of Fire Gold is:
- 40% orchid bark or pine bark
- 30% potting soil
- 20% coco coir or peat moss
- 10% perlite or vermiculite
You can also add some activated charcoal and worm castings. Activated charcoal will help with oxygen redistribution in the soil while worm castings add nutrients.
Watering
Ring of Fire Gold Philodendron has moderate water needs. It typically needs to be thoroughly watered every 7 to 10 days, depending on indoor temperatures and humidity.
Temperature, humidity, pot size, and even soil composition can impact how often watering is needed. It’s best to check the soil for moisture with your finger to determine if you need to water your Philodendron. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water.
Lighting
Philodendrons typically grow beneath the forest’s canopy. Therefore, they do best in bright indirect light when grown indoors.
You can place them in a room with south, west, or east-facing windows. Make sure they are far enough from the window that they don’t get any direct sunlight.
Direct sunlight can burn the leaves of Golden Ring of Fire Philodendron. They will survive in low light conditions but the leaves won’t be as vibrantly colored. Low light settings will also cause the stems to stretch out as the plant searches for more sunlight.
Humidity & Temperature
As a tropical plant, Philodendron Ring of Fire Gold prefers moderate humidity and temperatures. It tolerates humidity levels between 20 and 60 percent but grows best when humidity is kept between 50 and 60 percent. When humidity is too low, leaf tips can begin to turn brown.
If your home has lower humidity levels, you can place a tray of pebbles underneath your Philodendron. Add water to the tray but make sure it doesn’t touch the pot your plant is in. As the water evaporates it will increase the humidity around your plant.
Ring of Fire Gold can survive when grown at temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it grows best when temperatures remain between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizing
To keep your Gold Ring of Fire Philodendron at its best, you should fertilize it once a month during spring and summer. Use a liquid fertilizer that has equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Make sure you dilute the fertilizer according to the instructions. Adding too much fertilizer or failing to properly dilute it can burn the roots and damage your plant.
Propagation
Philodendron Ring of Fire Gold can be propagated from stem cuttings. The cutting must have at least 1 leaf and 1 node on it. Use sharp, clean pruning shears or a knife to take a stem cutting from the parent plant.
Fill a small container with damp sphagnum moss. Place the cut end of the stem in the moss. Keep the moss damp while the new roots develop over the next 6 to 8 weeks.
Once the roots have developed, you can transplant your new Ring of Fire Gold Philodendron into an aroid soil mix.
Diseases & Pests
Root rot can become a problem for Philodendron Ring of Fire Gold if the roots get too much water. Make sure you use well-draining soil and don’t overwater to avoid root rot issues.
Ring of Fire Gold can be impacted by common houseplant insect pests. Pests include fungus gnats, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites.
Check for insect pests every time you water your plant. Catching infestations early makes them easier to get rid of. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control houseplant insect pests.
Toxicity
Ring of Fire Gold Philodendron leaves, stems, and roots contain calcium oxalate crystals[1]. Calcium oxalate crystals are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs when ingested. Keep your Philodendron out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Philodendron Ring of Fire Gold vs Golden Crocodile
The main difference between Philodendron Ring of Fire Gold and Golden Crocodile is their leaf color. Both can have leaves with various shades of gold and green. However, only Philodendron Ring of Fire will have leaves with pink, red, or orange.
Philodendron Golden Crocodile also grows a bit larger than Ring of Fire Gold. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Golden Crocodile also grows a bit quicker than Ring of Fire Gold.
Lastly, Golden Crocodile needs more indirect sunlight and higher humidity levels than Ring of Fire Gold.
References
[1] Steil, A. (n.d.). Are Philodendrons Poisonous? Horticulture and Home Pest News, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.