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Philodendron Splendid is a hybrid species that resulted from the symbiosis between P. verrucosum and P. melanochrysum. It is a fast-growing plant prized for its large, velvety and very prominently veined leaves.
Care highlights: Philodendron Splendid favors bright indirect light, rich and well-draining soil, high humidity of above 60% and temperatures of above 19 degrees C. Water only when the top half of the soil has dried out since Philodendron Splendid is susceptible to overwatering and root rot. Avoid direct sunlight. Fertilize monthly with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and repot in spring when the plant becomes root bound. You will also need to provide support for this houseplant to grow well and the best option is a moss pole.
In this guide, we shall discuss the following topics:
- About Philodendron Splendid
- Light requirements
- What’s the ideal temperature?
- Optimal humidity for Philodendron Splendid
- Soil- which type is preferred?
- Water requirements
- Is fertilizer necessary?
- How and when to repot?
- Philodendron Splendid propagation
- How is pruning done?
- Cleaning the plant
- Common issues
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s find out more about this beautiful species.
About Philodendron Splendid
Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a tropical philodendron and a relatively new plant. It is a hybrid form of Philodendron verrucosum and Philodendron melanochrysum. As such, it exhibits characteristics of both plants. Namely, the velvety leaves are the characteristic of the P. melanochrysum while large and very prominent veins are typical of P. verrucosum. It is an absolute show stopper and is classified as a rare houseplant.
Like other tropical plants, it grows well in areas with warm weather, but it can be successful in the household environment with proper care. You will first need to provide some kind of support so that your Philodendron Splendid can stand upright or else you need to provide more space for it to grow.
- Scientific name: Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum
- Common name: Philodendron Splendid
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Philodendron
- Origin: Ecuador, Australia, Colombia, the Caribbean
- Plant type: Hybrid plant, evergreen and climbing
- Dormancy period: Winter
- Height: 4-6 feet tall
- Toxicity: Highly toxic
- Care type: Low maintenance
- Display idea: indoors, on a moss pole, floor plant
Stay tuned for the complete Philodendron Verrucosum care guide!
Light Requirements
Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a hybrid plant that prefers bright indirect sunlight. An east facing window provides adequate light for this houseplant to grow. Bear in mind that too much light and direct light will scorch the beautiful mature and large leaves of your plant and you don’t want that.
Bring the potted Splendid Philodendron outdoors in the warmer months to bathe in the indirect sunlight. Give it a nice refreshment and let it enjoy in the fresh air. Bring indoors in the colder months.
What’s the Ideal Temperature?
Since it originates from the tropical areas, Philodendron Splendid appreciates the temperature range of between 19 and 25 degrees C. Make sure to keep your plants away from the heating sources and always provide good air flow.
If you are growing Philodendron Splendid in a greenhouse, you might want to decrease the temperature by installing fans and good ventilation.
Optimal Humidity for Philodendron Splendid
Philodendron Splendid favors humidity levels that extend above 60%. Adequate humidity will help the plant to develop beautiful leaves that everyone admires.
To increase it, it is advisable to purchase humidifiers for this particular plant. Alternatively, you can place watered potted plants together or put your Philodendron Splendid on a pebble tray and as the water evaporates, it will increase humidity. However, don’t mist the large leaves since they might attract fungus and bacteria.
Soil- Which Type is Preferred?
Like other philodendrons, Philodendron Splendid requires fertile and well-draining soil that contains some organic matter. Using a quality potting soil will ensure that the roots start healthy and grow properly.
The potting soil should contain perlite or vermiculite which will make the soil loose and airy – it is precisely what this plant needs. Keep the soil moist and adding sphagnum peat moss on the soil surface will help to retain moisture. The best option would be growing Philodendron Splendid on a moss pole, since it also contains sphagnum peat moss.
Related: Best Potting Soil for Indoor Plants
Water Requirements
Like other plants, Philodendron Splendid benefits from regular watering. The soil should be kept moist and you want to water once a few inches of the soil have dried out.
To check whether it is time to water, weigh the pot in your hands and if it is light, it is time to water. Run a finger test to be absolutely sure. Water thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain out. Always use room temperature water and avoid using tap water.
Under watering or overwatering can cause a few issues for this plant. Underwatering will make the mature leaves shrink and wilt while overwatering will cause root rot. Still, if you are unsure whether to water, lean on the drier side. Always make sure your pot has enough drainage holes so that the plant wouldn’t be waterlogged.
Is Fertilizer Necessary?
Fertilizer will promote foliage growth so you definitely want to fertilize your Philodendron Splendid. Opt for a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and fertilize once a month during the active growing season. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are especially good for healthy and vigorous leaf growth.
USEFUL HINTS: Water the plant before you fertilize. Opt for slow-release fertilizers. Discontinue fertilizing in winter.
How and When to Repot?
Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum should be repotted when its roots have outgrown the current pot. Like with other houseplants, spring is the best time to repot.
When you are planting, consider inserting a moss pole in the pot first. You can make it yourself or purchase one. Having inserted it, you can add the plant and soil.
Make sure your pot has drainage holes and that both the pot and soil are sterilized since this will minimize the risk of pests in the soil. Add perlite or vermiculite to the regular potting soil, water the plant afterwards and allow the excess water to drain out. Make sure you provide high humidity and indirect sunlight as well.
Philodendron Splendid Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is to take stem cuttings. Here is how you should do it.
- Make sure your hands and tools you will be using are clean and sterilized.
- Fill your pots with a seed mix and make a small hole.
- Make a stem cutting by cutting just below a leaf node and remove all lower leaves. Leave only three top leaves.
- Dip the cut end of the stem cutting into the rooting hormone.
- Place the stem cutting into the soil.
- Increase humidity by placing the potted cutting in a plastic bag.
- Expose to the bright indirect sunlight.
- Mist the stem cutting in the early morning every day.
- After three weeks, remove the plastic bag.
- The roots will form between four weeks and two months.
Related: 35 Indoor Gardening Propagation Hacks
How is Pruning Done?
Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a plant that doesn’t need to be heavily pruned but removing shrinking or yellowing leaves is advisable like with other houseplants. You also want to remove the infected leaves, if any. Cut both the leaf and stem in the case of a serious pest infestation.
Cleaning the Plant
Since the leaves of Philodendron Splendid are very large, you want to keep them dust-free. To do that, take a wet soft cloth and gently wipe the leaves.
Related: How to Care for Philodendron?
Common Issues
Be wary of overwatering which will make the leaves yellow and lead to root rot. Besides, splashing the leaves can invite unwelcome fungus and bacteria. Always make sure to water the soil, not the leaves.
Spider mites are another common yet undesirable occurrence for Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum. You can get rid of them by using neem oil or rubbing alcohol and wipe the leaves clean.
Direct sunlight can lead to leaf spot so always opt for bright indirect sunlight.
Aphids and mealybugs can also pay a visit to your Philodendron Splendid. Be ever watchful of these tiny bugs and act immediately when you spot them by isolating the plant to prevent infecting other houseplants and dealing with the problem adequately. Don’t resort to chemicals unless you have to. It is advisable to use insecticidal soaps.
Before I answer a couple of questions, allow me to introduce you to:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philodendron Splendid a Fast Grower?
Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a relatively fast grower that can reach the height of between 4 and 6 feet. That said, you want to provide enough space for it to grow and ideally train it on a moss pole.
Is Philodendron Splendid a Climber?
Yes, Philodendron Splendid is a climbing species and in the wild, it climbs on trees. For this reason, you want to ensure your plant has a supporting structure to climb on in the household conditions too.
Is Philodendron Splendid a Rare Plant?
Yes, Philodendron Splendid or Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a fairly rare houseplant and the chances are that you won’t encounter it in regular local plant stores. Instead, try visiting specialist plant stores and look for the plant online.
Final Thoughts
Philodendron Splendid is, as its nickname suggests, an absolutely splendid houseplant. It is extremely sought-after due to its large, bold, highly veined leaves that stop traffic and create stories.
It will happily grow alongside your other houseplants if you provide the right conditions. This involves providing adequate temperature of at least 19 degrees C, high humidity, nitrogen-rich fertilizer, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil and regular watering. Be wary of root rot, spider mites and avoid direct sunlight. Follow these simple guidelines and your Philodendron Splendid will thrive successfully.
