The Philodendron Splendid is a striking hybrid aroid, a cross between Philodendron melanochrysum and Philodendron verrucosum. This plant is prized for its unique, velvety leaves, which often display a reddish hue when unfurled, maturing to an iridescent emerald green with contrasting yellow veins. As a climbing plant, it can achieve impressive size, making it a captivating addition to any indoor plant collection.
Philodendron Splendid Care Essentials
Light
Philodendron Splendid thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. An east or northeast-facing window is ideal, as it provides gentle morning sunlight. If placing the plant near a west or south-facing window, position it a few feet back or use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, causing brown spots. While it can tolerate lower light, growth may slow, and leaves might not achieve their full size or vibrant color.
Watering
Philodendron Splendid is susceptible to overwatering and root rot. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out between waterings. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. It is safer to underwater this plant than to overwater it.
Soil Requirements
An airy, well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter is suitable for Philodendron Splendid. A common blend includes potting soil or coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark. This combination ensures proper drainage while retaining some moisture, providing adequate oxygen to the roots. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.0.
Temperature and Humidity
Philodendron Splendid flourishes in warm temperatures, between 65°F and 90°F (18°C to 32°C). It is not tolerant of frost and should be protected from temperatures below 55°F (13°C), as prolonged cold exposure can damage foliage and stunt growth. Avoiding drafts from windows or air vents helps maintain a stable environment.
This tropical hybrid requires high humidity, preferring levels of 60% or higher for optimal growth. In drier indoor environments, leaves may develop brown edges or fail to grow as large. To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier, grouping plants together to create a microclimate, or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season in spring and summer, Philodendron Splendid benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied once a month. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can provide a sustained nutrient boost. Fertilization should be discontinued in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Repotting Philodendron Splendid
Repotting Philodendron Splendid is needed when the plant has outgrown its current container, usually every one to two years, depending on its growth rate. Signs include roots circling the pot or growing out of drainage holes, or a noticeable decline in growth despite consistent care. Repotting provides more root space and allows for refreshing the potting soil.
The best time to repot is during spring, when the plant is actively growing, allowing it to recover quickly. Select a new pot two to four inches larger in diameter than the previous one, ensuring it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. When repotting, gently remove the plant from its old pot and loosen old soil from the roots, minimizing disturbance. Add a layer of fresh, well-draining soil mix to the new pot, position the plant, and fill the remaining space with new soil, patting it gently around the stem. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.
Propagating Philodendron Splendid
Propagating Philodendron Splendid is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least three nodes and one or more leaves. Using sharp, clean pruning shears, make a cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting includes at least two to three nodes. Remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting to expose the nodes, as roots will emerge from these points.
The cuttings can be rooted in various mediums, including water, sphagnum moss, or a well-draining soil mix. If using water, submerge the bottom nodes in a glass of distilled or filtered water, changing the water every few days to maintain freshness. For sphagnum moss or soil, keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the cutting in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect light to encourage root development. Roots begin to form within three to six weeks, and once they are one to two inches long, the cutting can be transferred to a suitable potting mix.
Common Philodendron Splendid Challenges
Philodendron Splendid often faces issues related to environmental factors or watering practices. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or underwatering, though nutrient deficiencies can also contribute. If the soil remains consistently wet, root rot can occur, leading to yellowing and wilting. Conversely, parched soil can cause leaves to become pale and droopy.
Browning leaf tips or edges are a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. While Philodendron Splendid prefers high humidity, dry air, especially from heating or air conditioning, can cause leaf crisping. Inconsistent watering, where the plant experiences periods of extreme dryness followed by saturation, can stress the foliage.
Pest issues can include common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale. Regularly inspecting the plant and maintaining appropriate humidity levels can help deter infestations. If pests are present, isolating the plant and treating it with horticultural oil, such as neem oil, or an insecticidal soap can help manage the problem.