Philodendron Splendid

If you’re looking for a houseplant that makes a dramatic statement, the philodendron splendid is a perfect choice. This stunning large-leafed tropical plant brings a piece of the jungle right into your living room.

Its bold, elongated heart-shaped leaves have a beautiful texture. The deep green tops are contrasted by reddish undersides and stems, creating a real visual treat. It’s a climber in nature, so giving it a moss pole to climb will help it grow those impressive, large leaves we all love.

This plant is actually a hybrid, often thought to be a cross between Philodendron verrucosum and Philodendron melanochrysum. It inherits the best traits from both parents: the velvety texture and dark veins from one and the impressive size and shape from the other. Getting to know its background helps us understand how to care for it properly.

Why Choose a Philodendron Splendid?

There are many reasons this plant has become so popular among collectors and beginners alike.

Visual Impact: The large, velvety leaves instantly become the focal point of any room. Each new leaf is a exciting event, often starting out a bronze color before maturing to deep green.
Adaptable Growth: You can grow it as a trailing plant in a hanging basket, but it truly thrives when allowed to climb. On a moss pole, its leaves get bigger and more spectacular.
Rewarding Care: While it has specific needs, it’s not the most difficult plant to keep happy. It responds quickly to good care, which makes it very satisfying for any plant owner.

Perfect Light Conditions

Light is the most important factor for a healthy philodendron splendid. It needs bright, indirect light to flourish. Think of the dappled sunlight it would receive under the canopy of taller trees in the rainforest.

Ideal Spot: An east-facing window is often perfect. A north-facing window might be too dim, and a hot south or west window needs filtering with a sheer curtain.
Signs of Too Much Light: If the leaves start to look faded, yellowish, or develop crispy brown spots, the light is too harsh. Move it back from the window immediately.
Signs of Too Little Light: You’ll notice slow growth, smaller new leaves, and a leggy appearance as the plant stretches toward the light source. The vibrant leaf color may also fade.

Watering Your Plant Correctly

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your plant. The goal is to mimic the moist but well-aerated soil of its tropical floor habitat.

Check the Soil: Before watering, stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, wait a few more days.
Water Thoroughly: When you water, do so completely until water runs freely out of the drainage holes in the pot. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
Let it Drain: Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes. Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this leads to root rot.
Adjust for Seasons: Water more frequently in the warm, bright growing season (spring and summer). In fall and winter, reduce watering significantly as growth slows.

Soil and Potting Needs

A chunky, airy potting mix is non-negotiable. Standard garden soil is too dense and will suffocate the roots.

You can make a great mix at home with a few simple ingredients:

2 parts high-quality indoor potting mix
1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and aeration)
1 part perlite or pumice (for drainage)
A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional, but helps keep the soil fresh)

Repot your philodendron splendid every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Only go up one pot size (about 2 inches wider in diameter) to prevent excess wet soil around the roots.

Humidity and Temperature

As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity. Average home humidity (around 40-50%) is often acceptable, but boosting it will make your plant truly thrive.

Group Plants: Placing plants together creates a more humid microclimate.
Use a Pebble Tray: Set the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles, ensuring the pot’s base is not sitting in the water.
Consider a Humidifier: This is the most effective method for consistently high humidity, especially in dry climates or during winter.

Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors in winter, and keep it away from heating and air conditioning vents.

Fertilizing for Growth

Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring through early fall). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Apply it about once a month when you water. There’s no need to fertilize in the winter when the plant is resting.

An occasional sign of over-fertilization is a buildup of white salts on the soil surface or leaf tips turning brown. If this happens, flush the soil with plain water a few times.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning is simple. You can remove any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of their stem with clean, sharp scissors. To encourage bushier growth, you can trim back long vines just above a leaf node (the bump on the stem where a leaf attaches).

Propagation is easy and a great way to share your plant. The best method is stem cuttings:

Cut a piece of stem with at least one node and 2-3 leaves.
Place the cutting in a jar of water, making sure the node is submerged but the leaves are not.
Put it in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
Once roots are a few inches long (in a few weeks), pot the cutting in your chunky soil mix.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellow Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and watering frequency. Older leaves yellowing naturally is normal.
Brown Leaf Edges: Often caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and check if the soil is drying out too completely between waterings.
Pests: Watch for mealybugs (look like tiny white cotton balls) or spider mites (fine webbing, stippled leaves). Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly and treat infestations early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Drooping Leaves: This can mean either overwatering or underwatering. Feel the soil to diagnose which it is before taking action.

Styling Your Philodendron Splendid

This plant is a natural star. Let it climb a tall moss pole in a neutral-colored pot to highlight its vibrant foliage. It works beautifully in a minimalist setting or a lush, jungle-inspired room. Pair it with plants that have different leaf shapes, like a round-leafed Pilea or a spiky Snake Plant, for a dynamic display.

Remember to rotate the pot a quarter turn every time you water. This ensures all sides of the plant receive even light and grow symmetrically, preventing it from leaning too far in one direction toward the window.

FAQ

Is the Philodendron Splendid rare?
It used to be quite rare, but it has become more widely available in recent years from specialty nurseries and online plant shops.

Is Philodendron Splendid the same as Philodendron Melanochrysum?
No, they are different plants. The splendid is a hybrid, while the melanochrysum is a species. Their leaf shape and texture have subtle differences, with the splendid often showing more pronounced reddish stems.

How fast does a Philodendron Splendid grow?
In ideal conditions with good light, warmth, and humidity, it can be a moderately fast grower, putting out several new leaves during the spring and summer months.

Are Philodendron Splendid pet safe?
No. Like many philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.

Why are the new leaves on my Philodendron Splendid smaller?
The most common cause is insufficient light. Try moving it to a brighter location (with indirect light). Other causes can be lack of nutrients or the plant needing a moss pole to support larger growth.

With its stunning foliage and climbing habit, the philodendron splendid is a rewarding plant that adds a touch of the tropics to your space. Pay attention to its light, water, and humidity needs, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, growing specimen that gets more impressive with each new leaf. Just be patient, as it sometimes takes a little while for a new plant to acclimate to your home and really start putting on it’s best show.