How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Splendid

The Philodendron Splendid is a hybrid plant, the result of a cross between Philodendron verrucosum and Philodendron melanochrysum. This parentage gives the Splendid its desirable qualities, primarily its large, heart-shaped leaves that possess a velvety texture. These deep green leaves have a captivating sheen and prominent veins that make them a standout addition to any indoor plant collection.

Philodendron Splendid Care

Light

Proper lighting is a fundamental aspect of caring for a Philodendron Splendid. This plant flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near an east-facing window where it can receive gentle morning sun, or several feet back from a south or west-facing window. Too much direct sun will scorch the velvety leaves, causing brown patches, while insufficient light leads to slower development and a “leggy” appearance.

Soil

The right soil composition is necessary for a healthy root system. A well-draining and airy potting mix, often called an aroid mix, is best to prevent water from saturating the roots and causing rot. Key ingredients in a suitable mix include orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. This combination ensures water drains effectively while retaining enough moisture and allowing for ample oxygen flow.

Watering

A consistent watering schedule, guided by the soil’s moisture level, will keep the plant thriving. Use a “drench and dry” method, allowing the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering again. When you do water, saturate the soil until water runs from the drainage holes. Overwatering is a significant risk, so it is better to err on the side of underwatering if you are unsure.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical hybrid, the Philodendron Splendid thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range is between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 32 degrees Celsius). It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 55°F (13°C). While it can tolerate average household humidity, providing higher levels of 60% or more encourages vigorous growth. Using a humidifier, a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants can help create a more humid microclimate.

Fertilizer

To support its growth during the spring and summer, regular feeding is beneficial. Using a balanced liquid fertilizer, feed the plant every four to six weeks during the active growing season. It is important to reduce feeding frequency in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.

Climbing Support

In its natural habitat, this vining plant climbs trees. Replicating this indoors with a moss pole or sturdy trellis encourages the development of larger, more mature leaves. As the plant grows, its aerial roots will attach to the support, anchoring the vine and signaling it to produce bigger foliage.

Propagating Philodendron Splendid

The best time to propagate a Philodendron Splendid is during the spring and summer growing season. The process involves taking stem cuttings. To begin, identify a healthy section of the vine and locate a node—the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Using sterilized scissors, make a clean cut just below a node, ensuring your cutting has at least one leaf and one or two nodes.

Once you have your cutting, you can root it in a glass of water or in moist sphagnum moss. Placing the cutting in water allows you to easily monitor root development. Sphagnum moss retains moisture well and provides a good environment for roots to form.

Place the cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect light. If rooting in water, change the water every few days to keep it fresh. If using moss, ensure it remains moist but not waterlogged. Roots should begin to appear within a few weeks. Once the new roots are a few inches long, the cutting can be transferred to a pot with a well-draining soil mix.

Distinguishing From Parent Plants

While the Philodendron Splendid inherits traits from its parents, it has distinct characteristics. When comparing it to Philodendron melanochrysum, the most noticeable difference is the leaf shape. The Splendid’s leaves are broader and more distinctly heart-shaped, while melanochrysum leaves are more elongated and spear-shaped.

Differentiating it from Philodendron verrucosum comes down to the petioles (the stems that attach leaves to the vine). P. verrucosum is known for having fuzzy or hairy petioles, while the petioles on a Philodendron Splendid are much smoother. Additionally, while both plants have a velvety leaf texture, verrucosum often displays more prominent reddish tones on the back of the leaves.

Common Problems

Yellowing leaves are a primary indicator of overwatering and potential root rot. If you notice the leaves developing crispy, brown edges, the cause is low humidity or an inconsistent watering routine. Keeping the environment humid can prevent this.

The Splendid can be susceptible to common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Regularly inspecting the undersides of the leaves can help you catch an infestation early. If pests are found, they can be treated with an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil.

If you observe that your plant’s growth has stalled or it is only producing small leaves, this often points to its environmental conditions. A lack of growth is commonly linked to insufficient light, which slows down photosynthesis and development.