Like the Golden Goddess and Thai Sunrise varieties, Philodendrons are artistic plants that provide mesmerizing aesthetics great enough to improve the appeal of your room.
However, at first glance, these two appear to be identical. This is why it’s so easy to confuse the two.
However, if you look closely at both of them, you’ll notice that they’re pretty different. How?
The Thai Sunrise differs from the Golden Goddess because it is variegated, whereas the Golden Goddess is not. Aside from that, the golden Goddess and the Thai Sunrise have different requirements.
Contents
Differences Between Philodendron Golden Goddess and Thai Sunrise?
1. Leaf
Shape
Thai Sunrise has long, heart-shaped leaves, whereas Golden Goddess has short, heart-shaped leaves.
Texture
Despite their bright uniform color, golden goddesses have a leathery texture. However, despite its appearance, the variegated Thai Sunrise has a silky feel.
Color
The Thai Sunrise is variegated because it has different shades of green on a patterned leaf. On the other hand, the golden Goddess has a naturally uniform color.
However, if conditions deteriorate, it may turn reddish-purple, black, or even dark green
2. Growth Rate
Sunrise Thai and Golden Goddess are diametrically opposed in this regard, with the Thai Sunrise preferring to be dry. This is why watering sessions should be spaced apart by days or weeks.
However, in the case of the Golden Goddess, only 1-2 inches of the plant must be dry before you can water it again.
3. Height and Width
Both the Thai Sunrise and the golden Goddess are excellent climbers with the ability to grow very tall and wide.
However, they differ in this regard, as the Thai Sunrise can reach a height of 3 meters, whereas the golden Goddess can only reach a height of 2 meters.
In terms of width, Thai Sunrise mature width length can reach up to 16 inches, whereas the golden Goddess is only 4 inches wide and 8 inches long.
4. Stem
The Thai sunrise has pale orange stems, whereas the golden Goddess has green ones.
5. Pot Size
Thai Sunrise can reach heights of 3 feet and widths of up to 16 inches. As a result, a pot with a root diameter of 1 to 2 inches is appropriate for this plant. On the other hand, the golden Goddess would benefit from the same or a medium-sized pot.
6. Price
Thai Sunrise will always be more expensive than the Golden Goddess, regardless of price. Since Sunrise Thai is a variegated plant, and variegation is a plant mutation because it is a rare find, the price skyrockets.
7. Growing Requirements
The golden Goddess thrives in bright indirect sunlight, and sandy, fertile soil with organic matter is a good soil combination for fast growth.
However, only if atmospheric conditions, such as humidity, are between 25 and 50 percent. In addition, the temperature must drop to 18-24°C (65-75°F) during this time.
The Thai sunrise, on the other hand, prefers partial shade, which means that this tropical beauty can tolerate 4 to 6 hours of sunlight during the more incredible morning hours.
However, unlike the Golden Goddess, Thai Sunrise cannot perform or survive in a dry environment, requiring at least 50% humidity.
Thai Sunrise also has a better chance of surviving the dormancy period because it can tolerate slightly lower temperatures of 60°F (16°C).
Note: Both plants are Philodendrons, which means they can thrive in soil with a pH of 5.0 to 7.0.
Similarities Between Philodendron Golden Goddess and Thai Sunrise
Flowering Season
May to July is the time of year when both Thai Sunrise and golden Goddess produce blooms. However, both plants must reach their peak maturity of 16 years before they bloom.
Vining Plant
Although they are both climbers, Thai Sunrise and golden goddesses prefer to grow around trees with their roots firmly attached to their bark. In addition to the nutrients from the soil, they get all of their nutrition from the host.
Fast Growth
Philodendrons are fast-growing plants in general. Roots can take anywhere from 10 days to three weeks to fully develop.
Vine growth accelerates to 2-4 inches per week after passing the early stages of development during the growing season in the spring and summer.
Note: Since both Thai Sunrise and Golden Goddess are fast-growing plants, their pots will be heavy. Therefore, a yearly fertilizer application is recommended to maintain this rapid growth.
Soil
Philodendrons, such as the Golden Goddess and the sunrise, thrive in well-drained, well-nourished soil.
Pruning
It is common for vine-like plants to focus their growth on a specific area rather than on all of them. Both the Golden Goddess and Sunrise Thai are known to do this naturally. To encourage your Thai Sunrise or golden Goddess to branch out “equally,” pruning is necessary.
Note: Pruning is most effective when done in the early spring or near winter. This will allow your plant’s growth rate to remain consistent.
Repotting
Thai Sunrise and Golden Goddess are meant to be repotted after doubling in size because feeding them in the soil would have been inefficient.
Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence with these plants because they are incredibly fast-growing, with the ability to double in size in a year.
| Parameters | Thai Sunrise | Golden Goddess |
| Science Name | Philodendron Thai Sunrise | Philodendron Maley Gold |
| Mature Size | 3 meters high, 16 inches wide | 2 meters high, 4 inches wide |
| Leaf Color (Texture) | Dark and light green (smooth) | Bright green (leathery) |
| Variegation | Both bright and dull green | Uniform bright green |
| Stem Color | Pale orange | Green |
| Humid Levels | 25 to 50% | At least 50% |
| Toxicity | Toxic to both humans and pets | Toxic to both humans and pets |
Why Do People Get It Confused?
Due to their similarity in leaf coloration, both Thai Sunrise and a golden goddess are frequently mistaken for one another.
This leads to even more misunderstandings, such as the golden Goddess being a “juvenile Thai Sunrise” However, such a golden goddess variegated leaf is merely a mutation.