Golden Club
orontium aquaticum
Also known as: ["Golden Club","Water Candles"]
Overview
A unique aquatic plant with distinctive golden-yellow flowers and glossy, arrowhead-shaped leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Orontium |
| Botanical Name: | Orontium aquaticum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: Pond margins, bog gardens, or aquatic planters
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: Not required, as plant thrives in submerged or waterlogged conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Moisture-retentive but well-draining soil; peat-based mix with sand or perlite.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light; 4–6 hours of sunlight per day; partial shade during intense midday sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; place in a location with filtered light; protect from harsh afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sunlight in hot climates.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, watering daily if necessary to maintain waterlogged conditions
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water more frequently during active growth; avoid letting soil dry out completely.
Soil
Aquatic or boggy soil, submerged in water
pH: Acidic to slightly acidic, pH 5.5–6.5.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; maintain consistent moisture; adjust pH if necessary with peat or lime.
Temperature
Moderate temperatures, 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures in winter to simulate dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent indoor temperatures; protect from cold drafts.
Fertilizing
Every 4–6 weeks during growing season with liquid aquatic plant fertilizer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce frequency in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting or divide rhizomes.
- Prepare medium.
- Apply rooting hormone if using.
- Plant cutting/division.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, peat-based mix, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems; remove dead or damaged foliage; pinch tips to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance; prune to control size and encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead or yellowing leaves; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris after pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide more space.
Checklist
Select appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; gently remove plant; trim roots if needed; repot and water.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure proper drainage; adjust for seasonal changes.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently to maintain moist soil; reduce frequency in winter to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate peat moss for moisture retention; use organic matter like compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, or leaf drop; browning leaf edges in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive evaporation and water stress.
Solution: Increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; provide shade during peak sun hours; water more frequently.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOrontium aquaticum is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by felines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicOrontium aquaticum is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects following ingestion by canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicOrontium aquaticum is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How deep should the water be for Orontium aquaticum?
A: It thrives in water depths of 6-18 inches, with the crown submerged.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: Yes, it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Q: Is it invasive?
A: No, it is not considered invasive and grows in controlled aquatic settings.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | Keep soil consistently moist, |
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