If you’re looking for a houseplant that makes a dramatic statement, look no further. The philodendron majesty is a stunning dark foliage plant that commands attention in any room.
Its leaves are a deep, almost blackish green with subtle purple undertones. The contrast of its dark leaves against lighter walls or other greenery is simply beautiful. This plant has a regal, elegant appearance that lives up to its name.
While it looks exotic, it’s not as difficult to care for as you might think. With a few key tips, you can keep your philodendron majesty thriving for years. Let’s get into everything you need to know.
Philodendron Majesty
This plant is a hybrid, often thought to be a cross between Philodendron sodiroi and Philodendron hastatum. It’s a climbing aroid, meaning in its natural habitat it would grow up trees. In your home, it will appreciate some kind of support to climb on, like a moss pole.
The most striking feature is, of course, the leaves. New leaves often emerge a bright coppery-red or bronze color. They then slowly mature into that incredible deep, velvety green. The leaf stems, or petioles, are often a reddish-purple, adding to the colorful display.
Essential Care Guide for Your Plant
Getting the basics right is the secret to a healthy philodendron majesty. It’s all about mimicking its preferred tropical conditions as closely as possible inside your home.
Light Requirements
This plant needs bright, indirect light to maintain its dark color and encourage growth. A spot near an east or north-facing window is often perfect.
- Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun. This can scorch and fade those beautiful leaves.
- Too little light will cause the plant to become leggy as it stretches for light. The leaves may also lose their intensity and become more green.
- Rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water. This ensures all sides get even light and grow symmetrically.
Watering and Humidity
Watering is where most people run into trouble. The philodendron majesty likes its soil to partially dry out between waterings.
- Check the soil weekly by sticking your finger about 2 inches deep.
- If the top 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days.
- Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
- Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes. Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this leads to root rot.
Humidity is crucial. Aim for 60% or higher. Here’s a few ways to increase humidity:
- Use a humidifier placed near the plant (most effective method).
- Group it together with other humidity-loving plants.
- Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot isn’t sitting in the water).
Soil and Fertilizing
A well-draining, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard houseplant soil can be to dense on its own.
You can make a great mix by combining:
- 2 parts regular potting soil
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part orchid bark or coco coir
This mix prevents compaction and allows roots to breath, which is vital. Feed your plant during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, once a month. You should stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves can have a couple causes. The most common is overwatering. Check the soil moisture immediately and adjust your schedule. Older leaves occasionally turning yellow and falling off is normal, like the plant shedding old growth.
If many leaves are yellowing, especially new ones, it could be a nutrient deficiency. A regular feeding schedule usually fixes this.
Brown Leaf Edges or Tips
This is almost always a sign of low humidity. The dry air causes the leaf edges to dry out and turn crispy. Increase the humidity around your plant using the methods mentioned earlier. Sometimes, brown tips can also come from using tap water with high fluoride or salt content. Using filtered or rainwater can help.
Pests to Watch For
Like many houseplants, the philodendron majesty can attract pests. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves.
- Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and tiny moving dots. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Appear as small, white, cottony masses. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Scale: Look like small, brown, bumpy shells stuck to stems and leaves. Scrape them off gently and treat with horticultural oil.
Early detection makes pest control much easier. Isolating a new plant for a few weeks is a good precaution.
Propagation and Repotting
Want to make more plants or give one to a friend? Propagating a philodendron majesty is straightforward. The best method is stem cuttings.
- In spring or early summer, identify a healthy stem with at least 2-3 nodes (the little bumps where leaves and roots grow from).
- Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut just below a node.
- You can root the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Place it in a bright, warm spot.
- If rooting in water, change the water every few days. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks.
- Once roots are a few inches long, pot the cutting into a small pot with your well-draining soil mix.
Repot your plant every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Repotting into a pot that’s to big can lead to soil staying wet for to long and causing root issues.
Styling and Placement Ideas
The philodendron majesty’s dark leaves make it a versatile design element. Its deep color acts as a neutral, fitting with almost any color scheme.
Place it against a light-colored wall to make it truly pop. It looks fantastic on a pedestal stand or a shelf where its trailing or climbing stems can be appreciated. Consider pairing it with plants that have lighter green, silver, or variegated leaves for a stunning contrast. A pink-tinged philodendron pink princess nearby creates a gorgeous color combo.
Remember to give it a structure to climb, like a moss pole or a small trellis. This encourages larger leaf growth and shows off its natural habit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the philodendron majesty rare?
It used to be quite rare, but it has become more available from specialty nurseries and online plant shops in recent years.
Is the philodendron majesty toxic to pets?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, or humans. Keep it out of reach of curious pets and children.
Why are the new leaves on my philodendron majesty a different color?
New leaves often emerge with a reddish or bronze tint. This is completely normal. They will gradually darken to the mature deep green color as they harden off.
How fast does a philodendron majesty grow?
Growth speed depends on conditions. With ideal light, humidity, and warmth, it can be a moderately fast grower during the spring and summer months. Growth slows or stops in winter.
Can I grow a philodendron majesty in low light?
It will not thrive in low light. Its growth will be very slow, the stems will become long and leggy, and the leaves will lose their dark, rich coloration. Bright, indirect light is key.
The philodendron majesty is a truly special plant that rewards good care with breathtaking beauty. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be able to enjoy its stunning dark foliage for a long time. It’s a fantastic choice for any plant lover looking to add a touch of sophisticated drama to their collection.