Philodendron 'Splendid' is a hybrid that showcases the best of both parent species, combining the delicate texture of Philodendron melanochrysum with the prominent veining and bold leaf structure of Philodendron verrucosum. Its striking leaves and fast growth rate make it a must-have for indoor plant enthusiasts. While both parent plants have specific care requirements, Philodendron 'Splendid' is a more adaptable hybrid that thrives in a range of indoor environments. Its large, heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 60 cm long, making it a statement piece in any collection.
Whether you're looking to enhance your indoor space with a touch of the tropics or seeking a low-maintenance plant, Philodendron 'Splendid' is a perfect choice. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about caring for this beautiful hybrid, from light requirements to pest control and propagation tips.
Contents:
Origin and Characteristics of Philodendron 'Splendid'
Philodendron 'Splendid' Care Guide
Light ☀️
Watering 💧
Humidity 🌫️
Soil and Potting Mix 🌱
Temperature 🌡️
Fertilizing 🌿
Growth and Propagation
How to Propagate Philodendron 'Splendid'
Pest Control
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
FAQs
Origin and Characteristics of Philodendron 'Splendid'
As a hybrid plant, Philodendron 'Splendid' doesn't have a natural habitat in the wild, but its parent plants, Philodendron verrucosum and Philodendron melanochrysum, originate from the lush rainforests of Ecuador and Colombia. These regions are known for their humid, tropical climates, and both parent species are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees and receive their nutrients from the air and organic material around them.
Philodendron 'Splendid' inherits the best traits of both its parents. From Philodendron melanochrysum, it gets the luxurious velvet texture of its leaves, which are almost suede-like to the touch. From Philodendron verrucosum, it receives its vibrant, contrasting veins that stand out against the deep green of its foliage.
Parent Plant Overview: Philodendron verrucosum and Philodendron melanochrysum
Philodendron verrucosum: Known for its vibrant green, thin leaves with iridescent veins, Philodendron verrucosum prefers cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels. This species also has a distinctive fuzzy texture along its stems and petioles, which helps it retain moisture.
Philodendron melanochrysum: Often referred to as "Black Gold" Philodendron, this species features long, heart-shaped leaves that can grow quite large under the right conditions. The dark green to almost black foliage has a velvety texture, and the plant thrives in consistently warm, humid environments.
Philodendron 'Splendid' Care Guide
Caring for Philodendron 'Splendid' is relatively straightforward if you provide the plant with the right environment. While it's adaptable, it still benefits from conditions that mimic its tropical origins.
Light ☀️
Philodendron 'Splendid' thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate, velvety leaves, leading to unsightly brown spots or even leaf drop. To avoid this, place your plant near a window that receives filtered sunlight or use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light. East- or north-facing windows are ideal for providing the right balance of light. While it can tolerate medium light conditions, the growth rate may slow down, and the leaves may not reach their full size.
For plant owners in low-light homes, grow lights can supplement natural light during the darker months of winter, ensuring your Philodendron 'Splendid' stays healthy year-round.
Watering 💧
As with most aroids, overwatering is the most common issue with Philodendron 'Splendid'. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering again. This plant enjoys consistently moist soil but does not tolerate sitting in water. Root rot is a common consequence of overwatering, so always ensure that your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Humidity 🌫️
Humidity is key to maintaining the lush, velvety leaves of Philodendron 'Splendid'. While this hybrid is more adaptable than its parent species, it still prefers humidity levels of 60% or higher. In drier environments, such as homes with central heating or air conditioning, the leaves may develop brown edges or stop growing as large.
To increase humidity:
Use a humidifier near the plant.
Group plants together to create a microclimate.
Place the plant in more humid areas of the house
Soil and Potting Mix 🌱
Philodendron 'Splendid' requires a well-draining, airy soil mix. A mixture of high-quality potting soil, orchid bark, and perlite or pumice provides excellent drainage while retaining the moisture that the plant needs. This mix ensures that water flows freely through the pot and that the roots receive adequate oxygen.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, consider using a semi-hydroponic setup with LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) or another inorganic medium. These setups reduce the risk of overwatering and promote healthy root growth by maintaining moisture control.
Temperature 🌡️
Philodendron 'Splendid' enjoys warm temperatures, thriving between 18°C and 32°C. It’s important to protect this plant from temperatures below 13°C, as prolonged exposure to cold can cause damage to its delicate foliage and stunt its growth. Avoid placing your Philodendron 'Splendid' near drafts, air vents, or windows that get chilly in winter.
Consistency is key. Keep the plant in a stable environment where temperatures do not fluctuate drastically. While it can tolerate occasional drops in temperature, prolonged exposure to cold may weaken the plant.
Fertilizing 🌿
Philodendron 'Splendid' is a heavy feeder, meaning it benefits from regular fertilizing during its growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) once a month to support its vigorous growth. If you're unsure about over-fertilizing, dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength.
For those using semi-hydroponic systems, ensure that your fertilizer is suitable for these setups, as inorganic media require different nutrient concentrations.
Growth and Propagation
Philodendron 'Splendid' is a climbing plant and will benefit from a support structure, such as a moss pole or trellis. As it grows, its aerial roots will attach to the support, allowing the plant to produce larger leaves. When grown vertically, this plant mimics its natural epiphytic habitat, where it climbs up trees.
How to Propagate Philodendron 'Splendid'
Propagating Philodendron 'Splendid' is easy and rewarding. The most common method is through stem cuttings, and it can be done in both soil and water. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed: Sterile pruning shears, rooting medium (sphagnum moss, perlite, or water), and a clean pot.
Step-by-Step Process:
Identify a healthy stem with at least three nodes and one leaf.
Make a clean cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting includes at least two or three nodes.
Place the cutting in your preferred rooting medium (water or sphagnum moss are popular options).
Maintain high humidity and bright, indirect light to encourage root growth. This can be done by placing the cutting in a propagation chamber or covering it loosely with a plastic bag.
Roots typically begin to develop in 3-6 weeks. Once roots are at least 5 cm long, transfer the cutting to its permanent home in a well-draining potting mix.
Propagation in water allows you to see root development clearly, but it’s important to transfer the cutting to soil before the roots become too long and fragile.
Pest Control
Philodendron 'Splendid' is generally pest-resistant but can still be affected by common houseplant pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining high humidity can help prevent infestations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common pests and how to manage them:
Spider Mites
These tiny pests thrive in dry environments and can cause yellowing or speckling on leaves. They leave behind fine webbing, particularly on the undersides of leaves. To treat spider mites:
Increase humidity around the plant, as spider mites dislike moist environments.
Spray the leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs appear as white, cotton-like clusters on leaves and stems. They feed on plant sap and can weaken your plant over time. To control mealybugs:
Remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap, ensuring you spray the undersides of the leaves and any affected areas.
Isolate the plant from others to prevent the spread of mealybugs.
Scale
Scale insects look like small brown or black bumps on leaves and stems. They are more difficult to spot, as they blend in with the plant's natural texture. To remove scale:
Gently scrape off the insects using a cotton swab or soft brush.
Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Regularly wiping down the plant's leaves and providing proper air circulation can help prevent these pests from taking hold. Always quarantine new plants before introducing them to your collection to avoid introducing pests to other plants.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Despite being easy to care for, Philodendron 'Splendid' can still face a few common problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot some of the most frequent issues:
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule if needed. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage and that the plant isn’t sitting in water.
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown tips often indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity levels around the plant using a humidifier or by grouping plants together. Additionally, ensure that you water the plant evenly, letting the soil dry out partially between waterings.
Root Rot
If the plant is wilting despite adequate watering, root rot might be the culprit. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots will be white and firm, while rotting roots will appear brown and mushy. Trim off the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, dry soil. Be sure to reduce watering to avoid further issues.
FAQs
1. How big do the leaves of Philodendron 'Splendid' get?
Under ideal conditions, the leaves can grow up to 60 cm long.
2. What light conditions are best for Philodendron 'Splendid'?
It thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
3. How often should I water Philodendron 'Splendid'?
Water when the top 50% of the soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
4. Can I grow Philodendron 'Splendid' in a semi-hydro setup?
Yes, Philodendron 'Splendid' can thrive in semi-hydroponic setups using LECA or other inorganic mediums.
5. What are the ideal humidity levels for Philodendron 'Splendid'?
Aim for 60% or higher to maintain large, healthy leaves.
Philodendron 'Splendid' is a showstopper in any indoor garden. Its stunning, velvety leaves and ease of care make it an excellent addition for plant lovers. By following the proper care tips and ensuring ideal conditions, you can enjoy the beauty of this hybrid for years to come. Ready to add Philodendron 'Splendid' to your collection? Visit our shop to find your new favorite houseplant!
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