Philodendron ‘Majestic’ (verrucosum x sodiroi)

Majestic, released in 1970

Majestic is generally attributed to Keith Henderson and was named by Neil Crafter before its release in 1970. The cross used Philodendron sodiroi as the seed parent and Philodendron verrucosum as the pollen parent.

Philodendron sodiroi is native to Colombia’s humid tropical forest. Philodendron verrucosum grows in foothill and lower-mountain forests from Costa Rica to Peru.

Root and foliage care for climbing aroids

• Light on textured foliage: Bright filtered light suits the softly textured leaves. Increase exposure gradually and protect them from rubbing or standing water.
• Root moisture: Water after light drying at the top while keeping the deeper root zone evenly supplied. A coarse moisture-retentive mix preserves aeration.
• Humidity and airflow: Moderate humidity assists emerging leaves; regular air movement prevents moisture from lingering on the leaf stalks and leaves.
• Warmth and feeding: Maintain tropical warmth and provide a modest complete feed while the vine is extending.
• Support: Choose a larger pot when roots line it densely or the support requires a heavier base. Stem-tip and node pieces preserve Majestic, whereas seedlings from the hybrid will vary.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Philodendron ‘Majestic’ (verrucosum x sodiroi)

• Silver mottling and pale veins: Stable metallic patterning belongs to the Philodendron ‘Majestic’. Mite damage usually develops as finer stippling and is supported by mites, eggs or webbing beneath the leaf.
• Soft roots or wet stem damage: Renew potting mix that has collapsed and cut away roots that are completely dead. Keep the Philodendron ‘Majestic’ separate when damage stays wet or moves into the stem.
• Brown velvet edges: Review salts, drought, heat and recent root stress. A dry margin that stops moving remains as an old mark.
• A new leaf opens distorted: Inspect the rolled blade and lower veins for thrips or mites. Sticking and uneven root moisture are other possibilities. Treat only a confirmed pest, trying the treatment on a discreet part of one blade before wider use.
• Visible residue and abrasion: Droplets, minerals and rubbing remain conspicuous on velvet. Remove loose residue gently and avoid repeated wiping or leaf-shine products.
• Textured petioles: Hairs or projections that continue directly from the petiole are normal. Scale sits on the surface as separate covers or bodies and may occur with sticky residue.

Philodendron ‘Majestic’ (verrucosum x sodiroi) is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

When were Philodendron verrucosum and Philodendron sodiroi first published, and what do the names mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Verrucosum comes from Latin verruca, wart, and means warty. Sodiroi honours Luis Sodiro, an Italian Jesuit priest and botanist who worked in Ecuador.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Philodendron verrucosum in 1856 in Synopsis Aroidearum, page 85; Louis Mathieu had proposed the name.

Nicholas Edward Brown first described Philodendron sodiroi in 1883 in Gardeners’ Chronicle, new series, volume 19, page 510.