Philodendron 'Splendid' (verrucosum x melanochrysum)

Philodendron 'Splendid' (verrucosum x melanochrysum)

Philodendron 'Splendid' is a velvet-leaf climbing hybrid made by Keith Henderson in Australia, generally dated to the 1980s, using Philodendron verrucosum as the seed parent and Philodendron melanochrysum as the pollen parent. The name is often credited to Neil Crafter. The hybrid combines heart-shaped velvet leaves, strong veining and a climbing stem.

The plant grows from nodes with aerial roots that attach more readily to a textured pole or board. Under steady warm conditions, its leaves can become larger, darker and more defined as the stem climbs.

Velvet leaves from two climbing parents

• Leaf surface: Leaves are velvety, dark green and strongly veined, with a soft sheen under angled light.
• Growth habit: A climbing Philodendron with nodes and aerial roots that attach more readily to a textured support.
• Parentage: Philodendron verrucosum is the seed parent and Philodendron melanochrysum is the pollen parent.
• Leaf development: Mature growth can show larger blades, stronger veining and a darker velvet surface.

What verrucosum and melanochrysum contribute

Philodendron verrucosum contributes the heart-shaped leaf outline, strong venation and velvet surface associated with the species. Philodendron melanochrysum contributes elongated dark velvet foliage, a strong climbing response and warm-toned venation. The result is a dark velvet hybrid with a broad leaf base, visible veins and a clear climbing habit.

New leaves mark easily while they are still expanding, so stable humidity, even root moisture and gentle handling matter during each leaf flush. Aerial roots respond best when they meet a lightly moist, textured surface and the potting mix remains open around the main roots.

Care for a velvet climbing Philodendron

• Light: Give bright indirect light. Velvet leaves can scorch in direct midday sun, while low light leads to longer internodes and smaller leaves.
• Watering: Water when the top 3–5 cm of substrate has dried. Keep moisture even, but never leave the root ball saturated for long periods.
• Substrate: Use an airy aroid mix with bark, coco chips, perlite or pumice, and a moisture-holding organic component. Fine, compact soil increases root-rot risk.
• Humidity: Aim for moderate to high humidity, especially while new leaves expand. A humidifier, grouped plants or a vitrine can help prevent stuck or torn growth.
• Temperature: Keep warm, ideally 20–27 °C. This hybrid grows poorly when roots are cold and wet.
• Support: Provide a moss pole, coco pole or textured board early. Tie the stem loosely so nodes and aerial roots can make contact.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth. Velvet climbers respond better to steady nutrition than to strong fertiliser spikes.
• Repotting: Repot when roots fill the pot or the substrate breaks down. Keep the root ball supported during repotting to avoid snapping the climbing stem.

Signals from leaves, roots and support

• Small leaves on long internodes: Check light and support. A climbing stem without enough light or contact often produces stretched growth.
• Stuck new leaves: Check humidity, watering consistency and airflow. New velvet leaves are vulnerable while still rolled.
• Brown edges: Look for dry root stress, fertiliser build-up or air that is too dry around expanding leaves.
• Yellow leaves and soft roots: Check for dense substrate or watering before the mix has aired out. Refresh the mix if it has collapsed.
• Pest scarring: Inspect the newest leaves and undersides for thrips or spider mites. Velvet texture can hide early damage until the leaf expands.

Pet safety for Philodendron 'Splendid'

Philodendron 'Splendid' should be kept away from pets and small children. Like other Philodendron, it can contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and digestive tract if ingested. Wash hands after pruning, and keep cuttings out of reach.

Parent names and botanical meaning

Philodendron belongs to the Araceae family, and the genus name comes from Greek roots meaning “love” and “tree”, a reference to the tree-associated growth of many species. Philodendron verrucosum was first published by L. Mathieu ex Schott, and the epithet verrucosum means warty, matching the textured petiole character associated with the species. Philodendron melanochrysum was published by Linden and André; its epithet combines Greek roots for black and gold, matching the dark velvet leaf surface and warm vein colour that made the species known in cultivation.

Philodendron 'Splendid' develops dark velvet leaves, pronounced veining and a true climbing habit from two classic velvet Philodendron parents.

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