The McColley’s Finale Philodendron is a visually striking hybrid known for its vibrant, changing foliage. New leaves emerge with a distinct coppery-red or bronze hue, gradually transforming into a deep, glossy green as they mature. This color display makes it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. Its manageable care requirements also contribute to its widespread appeal.
McColley’s Finale Philodendron Care
Light
The McColley’s Finale Philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or north-facing window provides suitable illumination. While it can tolerate lower light, new leaves may be less vibrant, and growth can become slower or leggy. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, leading to browning or sun damage. Rotating the plant weekly helps ensure even light exposure, promoting balanced growth.
Water
Proper watering involves allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings. It is important to monitor soil moisture regularly. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, leading to yellowing leaves. Underwatering can cause wilting or brown leaf tips. Ensuring the pot has adequate drainage holes is essential to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.
Soil
An ideal soil mix for the McColley’s Finale Philodendron is well-draining, airy, and rich in organic matter. An aroid mix, composed of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark or coco coir, provides aeration for healthy root development. This allows excess water to drain efficiently. Good drainage is critical because these plants are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
The McColley’s Finale Philodendron prefers temperatures from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C). This tropical plant thrives in humidity levels above 50%. Low humidity can result in crispy leaf edges or difficulty in new leaves unfurling properly. To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, place the plant on a pebble tray, or use a room humidifier.
Fertilizer
During the active growing season, the McColley’s Finale Philodendron benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 3 to 4 weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, potentially causing root burn or leaf damage. Light green or yellow leaves can indicate a need for more fertilizer.
Repotting McColley’s Finale Philodendron
Repotting is generally needed every 1 to 2 years, or when the plant shows signs of outgrowing its current container. Indicators include roots emerging from drainage holes, stunted growth, or the plant becoming root-bound. The best time to repot is in early spring.
Select a new pot only one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, taking care to minimize disturbance to the root ball. If the plant is severely root-bound, gently loosen some of the outer roots.
Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom of the new pot. Position the plant at the same depth it was previously, then fill around the roots with more fresh mix. Water thoroughly after repotting and avoid fertilizing for a few weeks.
Propagating McColley’s Finale Philodendron
Stem cuttings are the most common method for propagating the McColley’s Finale Philodendron. Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes. Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, make a cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water, leaving one or two leaves at the top.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or directly in a well-draining potting mix. If rooting in water, change the water regularly to prevent bacterial growth, and wait until roots are long enough before transplanting to soil. For rooting directly in soil, ensure the medium remains consistently moist. Provide a warm, humid environment away from direct sunlight, which will encourage successful root development. Once roots form, the new plant can be cared for as a mature specimen.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or insufficient drainage. Allow the soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings and ensure proper drainage. Brown and crispy leaf tips indicate low humidity or underwatering. Increase ambient humidity through misting or a pebble tray, and adjust watering frequency.
Stunted growth can arise from inadequate light, poor soil quality, or the plant being root-bound. Provide bright, indirect light, use a rich, well-draining soil mix, and repot when necessary. Pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids, can also affect the plant. Regularly inspect leaves and treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil effectively.