Philodendron ‘Splendid’ (verrucosum × melanochrysum)

Parentage and horticultural history of Philodendron ‘Splendid’

Philodendron ‘Splendid’ is a hybrid with Philodendron verrucosum as the seed parent and Philodendron melanochrysum as the pollen parent. Keith Henderson originated the hybrid, Neil Crafter named it, and it was released in 1990.

The name continues the Henderson hybrid series that also includes ‘Majestic’ and ‘Glorious’.

Philodendron ‘Splendid’ indoor care

• Climbing support: Keep the main stem in contact with a tall textured pole or plank and guide new aerial roots toward it as the plant rises.
• Water and mix: Water thoroughly, then let part of a chunky airy mix dry before watering again; replace substrate that has collapsed into a dense, slow-draining mass.
• Leaf clearance: Leave a clear lane between the support and nearby foliage so each soft velvet blade can unfurl without dragging or folding.
• Light: Use bright filtered light for steady climbing growth while keeping the velvety blades out of harsh direct sun.

Issues to check on Philodendron ‘Splendid’

• Successive leaves are getting smaller: Check first whether the climbing stem is still attached and whether the position is bright enough. Reattach loose nodes to the support or move the plant gradually to stronger filtered light, then judge the next leaves before increasing fertiliser.
• Brown margins spread on otherwise firm velvet leaves: If the root ball is dry, rehydrate it fully and check moisture sooner. If a white salt crust has built up and the roots are firm with good drainage, flush the mix with plain water and reduce feeding. Move the plant away from hot dry airflow when damage is strongest on the exposed side. Inspect the roots when browning is paired with persistent wilt in damp substrate.
• A new leaf opens with silver scars and black specks: Inspect the rolled leaf and sheath for thrips. When live thrips are confirmed, isolate the climber, rinse or wipe accessible insects from the new growth and use a treatment currently labelled for thrips, repeating it as the label directs.
• Fine bronzing or webbing develops beneath a velvet blade: Use a hand lens along the underside veins to look for spider mites. If mites are present, separate the plant, rinse both sides of the foliage carefully and apply a currently labelled spider-mite treatment.
• Yellowing continues in a heavy wet mix: Pause watering and check root condition. Remove only roots that are soft or decayed, preserve the firm system and repot in a chunky airy mix when the existing substrate is no longer draining well; the root-rot guide covers a full reset.

Philodendron ‘Splendid’ (verrucosum x melanochrysum) 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.

Where do the names Philodendron verrucosum and Philodendron melanochrysum come from?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Verrucosum comes from Latin verruca, wart, and means warty. Melanochrysum combines Greek melas or melanos, black or very dark, with chrysos, gold.

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.

Jean Jules Linden and Édouard-François André first described Philodendron melanochrysum in 1873 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 20, page 198.