Thai Sunrise Philodendron

Thai Sunrise Philodendron Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2023

Thai Sunrise Philodendron is a beautiful and unique plant with variegated leaves that change color as they mature. It’s a perfect addition to any plant lover’s collection, but it does require some specific care to thrive.

There are more than 470 Philodendron varieties in existence. Out of that number, the Thai Sunrise Philodendron is considered as the rarest variety. This is why many feel intimidated taking care of it. 

If you’ve ever wanted to grow one of these plants, it’s important that you keep it happy and content. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how you can care for this plant successfully. We have all the answers for you!

What is a Thai Sunrise Philodendron plant? 

As mentioned, the Thai Sunrise is considered as one of the rarest Philodendron varieties in existence. Because of this, it is a highly sought after plant by collectors. 

While it is scientifically called the Thai Sunrise, it is often incorrectly referred to in the market as the Golden Goddess. But these two plants are actually different from each other. The other names that it goes by include the Philodendron Sunrise and the Variegated Thai Sunrise. 

Physically, the Thai Sunrise Philodendron stands out thanks to its unique dark and lime green leaves that grow up to 10 inches long. Apart from these two colors, its leaves have yellow stems that make this plant look all the more special.

But despite being a rare plant, many actually love the Thai Sunrise philodendron because it is so easy to grow and propagate. Both beginners and experienced collectors can successfully care for this plant at their own homes.

Origin and Classification

The Thai Sunrise is a Philodendron that belongs to the Araceae Family. Despite its name, they actually originated from the Caribbean, Colombia, and Asia. 

The discovery of the Philodendron dates back to 1600, where over 400 species have been discovered. Out of this number, only 10 are considered houseplants. 

Features 

Thai Sunrise Philodendron

Philodendrons have long been recognized for their beautiful large leaves. To some, these leaves are a symbol of abundance. But for others, this plant is a symbol of affection. 

The Philodendron Sunrise does both, especially since it is a rare plant. But this is not the only feature that this plant comes with.

1.) Height 

As a Philodendron, the Thai Sunrise is a natural hugger. It loves to climb along where it grows. But compared to other Philodendron species, this plant is fairly compact. It only grows up to 3 feet tall when it is fully mature. 

2.) Flowers & Leaves 

While the Thai Sunrise Philodendron is a compact plant, Its leaves are another story. They can grow a height of 7 to 10 inches long. And as long as you give them support, they will continue to climb. 

The plant has paddle-shaped leaves with variegated lime and dark green colors. When exposed to bright light, the leaves turn into a more exotic and elegant hue. 

3.) Foliage and Stem

The stem of the Philodendron Sunrise make it a truly unique plant. Instead of the usual brown color, the leaves grow on yellow and gold stems. 

4.) Evergreen

The Thai Sunrise is an evergreen plant, which means it will stay green throughout the year. The variegated color on the leaves give this plant character and tell a unique story compared to other Philodendron varieties.

Basic Care of the Thai Sunrise Philodendron 

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Because it is such a rare plant, you may feel intimidated having a Thai Sunrise Philodendron at your home. But the good news is, it is actually very easy to care for the plant. 

You do not have to be a seasoned expert to grow the plant. All you need to do is to provide it what it needs to stay healthy and flourish. 

1.) Size & Growth

The leaves of the Philodendron Sunrise are large. They can have a size of 7 to 10 inches long. But even though the leaves get long, the size of the plant as a whole isn’t too big. 

In fact, the Philodendron Sunrise only grows up to 3 feet tall upon maturity.

2.) Light Requirements

One thing you need to remember about caring for the Thai Sunrise is that it enjoys bright, diffused light. By providing it the right amount of light it enjoys, you can make its neon-yellow leaves more striking. 

If you are growing this plant in your home, the best place to put it is next to an east or west-facing window. But be careful not to expose this plant to direct sunlight, otherwise it can get burnt.

3.) Water Requirements

A good practice is to water your plant once every couple of weeks during spring to fall. Make sure to use stagnated and lukewarm water. 

But like with every plant, this is not something you should stick to by heart. You have to check if the soil feels dry. If this is the case, you will need to water the plant already. 

4.) Soil Requirements

Just like many other plants, the Thai Sunrise prefers a nutritious and well-draining soil. Root rot is a big problem that you should avoid so you can keep your plant happy. Remember to use soil that does not retain moisture around its roots. 

5.) Sunlight Requirements

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Its neon green leaves need more light compared to other Philodendron varieties. And while this plant may tolerate being put in a shady position, it may not be able to reach its full potential. The lack of sufficient light may cause this plant to have smaller and less vibrant leaves. 

Again, the Philodendron Sunrise loves the sun. But avoid placing it in direct sunlight as it could get burnt leaves. 

6.) Temperature & Humidity 

As a tropical perennial plant, the Thai Sunrise prefers being exposed to elevated humidity levels. It can withstand standard humidity between 30 to 50%. But if you want your plant to grow faster and better, you need to make sure it is placed in an area with over 50% humidity. 

With regards to temperature, you don’t have to worry about planting it outdoors if you are in the USA zone 9 to 11. If you are situated in other areas, you will need to put your plant indoors and away from low temperatures. 

7.) Drought & Disease Resistance

Even though the Thai Sunrise is durable, it can still be susceptible to diseases caused by fungi or bacteria. 

The most common disease that your plant may be exposed to is root rot, which is caused by a fungi. Make sure to use a clean and sterile pot for your plant. Also, avoid over-fertilizing or over-watering.  

Another common disease is bacterial leaf spot. If not treated, your plant may start growing tan and dark lesions. 

8.) Toxicity

You have to be careful about this plant since it is considered highly poisonous to young children and pets. 

Each part of the plant has calcium oxalate, which may cause skin irritation or rash. If digested, it can lead to serious health problems. 

9.) Fertilizing

To make sure your plant grows quickly, use fertilizer. A good practice is to fertilize once a month during spring to fall. And during winter, this can be reduced to every other month since your plant will have slower metabolism and less sunlight. 

10.) Potting & Repotting

Use a stable pot with 1 to 2 inches diameter larger than the roots. Avoid planting your Philodendron Sunrise in a pot that is too big for it so you can stimulate its roots to develop. 

Since this is a plant that grows quickly, it is a good idea to transplant every year or as soon as its root system starts to come out its drainage hole.

11.) Pruning Requirements

Even though the Thai Sunrise doesn’t need pruning often, it can stil be beneficial to it. If your plant starts to become overcrowded, you can prune the leaves so that it will have more space to grow.

How to Propagate Thai Sunrise Philodendron 

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It is so easy to propagate this plant on your own. Even if you are a beginner, the Philodendron Sunrise will thrive well if you propagate it. 

The best way to propagate it is by using stem cuttings. Here are the steps needed to propagate this plant:

  1. Before anything, make sure your plant is strong and healthy.
  2. Look for a node (where its leaf attaches to its stem).
  3. Using sterilized scissors, cut 0.5 to 1-inch below the node.
  4. Leave just one or two leaves on top and remove the ones below.
  5. Place the stem cutting in a glass filled with lukewarm water.
  6. Remember to replace the water every 3-5 days. 
  7. Wait until it has started to root and that they get 3 inches long.
  8. Repot the cutting in a pot containing light and well-draining soil mix.

Common Problems Caring For Thai Sunrise Philodendron 

Some of the common issues that the Thai Sunrise’s leaves experience include leaf crisping and browning. Here are some tips on how you can address these problems:

1.) Leaves are Turning Yellow

This is commonly brought about by overwatering or improper soil moisture. The Philodendron Sunrise does not like being on stagnant water. This is why it is best to water in small amounts instead of overdoing it. 

2.) Leaves are Browning

Meanwhile, if the leaves of your Philodendron Sunrise are turning brown, it could be because it lacks water in the soil or air. 

Another possible reason why this is happening is because your plant is burnt and is being exposed to direct sunlight. You have to place the plant somewhere else so that it will not be burnt by the sun. 

3.) There is a Mushy Stem

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If you notice that the stem of your plant is turning mushy, it is dealing with root rot due to overwatering. In such cases, the first thing you need to do is to stop watering it. You can also prune away damaged roots so that you can stop the other roots to get affected by root rot. 

If the soil continues to look moldy or green, repot the plant to another pot. 

Learn more from a similar post: Hoya Rebecca Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

Outro 

Taking good care of the Thai Sunrise Philodendron may be intimidating to a new plant owner. But as long as you meet the plant’s basic needs, you’ll be able to see success in it.

Your Philodendron Sunrise will be thankful that you are giving it what it needs to stay healthy. And it will definitely show in its leaves.  

Buying Options

The Thai Sunrise Philodendron plant can be purchased on Amazon and Etsy. The price for the plant varies so to get the cheapest price check both marketplaces.

Click on the links below to check the prices.
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Etsy

Frequently Asked Questions

Is philodendron Thai Sunrise rare?

There are more than 470 varieties of Philodendrons in existence. Out of this number, the Thai Sunrise is considered the rarest variety.
 
And because of this, it is a highly sought after plant by collectors around the world.

How do you care for a Thai Sunrise philodendron?

You do not need to go through hoops and loops to take care of a Thai Sunrise. As long as you give it what it needs, you’ll be able to see your plant growing strong and healthy. 

This entails putting your plant in an area where it gets bright, indirect light. You should also put the plant in a pot that contains a well-draining soil mix. Keep the plant in a room with 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit temperature and at least 50% humidity. 

Are Golden Goddess and Thai sunrise the same?

There are some that confuse the Golden Goddess for the Thai Sunrise. This is likely because they have a few similarities. 

Unfortunately, these two are different plants and requirements. One quality that makes them both differ from each other is that the Thai Sunrise has variegated leaves. The Golden Goddess, on the other hand, does not have variegated leaves. 

Another thing to know about the Golden Goddess is that it is not an uncommon plant to find compared to the Thai Sunrise. You can easily shop for the Golden Goddess compared to the Thai Sunrise.

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