A Philodendron Splendid is a type of philodendron plant that is known for its large, glossy leaves. This plant grows best in moist, well-drained soil and bright indirect light. Philodendron Splendids are easy to care for and make a great addition to any home or office!
The philodendron is a tropical plant that is found in many homes. There are many different types of philodendron plants such as the Philo Pedatum, and each has its own unique look. One popular type is the Philodendron Splendid. It has an especially attractive appearance and is worth learning more about.
Here we will provide information about the Philodendron Splendid, including its origins, features, and care instructions. So if you’re interested in adding this beautiful plant to your home or garden, keep reading!
Origin and Classification
The Philodendron Splendid has its origins in the tropical forests of Ecuador. In fact, thanks to their fast-paced growth, this particular plant can be found in every rainforest in South America.
The key characteristics of the Philodendron Splendid are their ability to climb nearby trees, the glossy and heart-shaped leaves, and their air cleansing abilities.
Some variations of the Philodendron Splendid plants can have leaves 2 feet in length. Along with rain forests, the Philodendron Splendid can be found near swamps, and riverbanks. They can grow seamlessly in high altitudes too. Let’s take a closer look at its features.
Features of Philodendron Splendid
Unlike other indoor plants, the Philodendron Splendid can thrive in a low to medium humidity range of around 60%. Also, this plant can tolerate temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here is a fun fact for you, did you know that the Philodendron Splendid is actually a hybrid between Philodendron Verrucosum and the Philodendron Melanochrysum? It was first discovered in Ecuador back in the 1600s.
The Philodendron Splendid comes with foliage that looks like dragon scale. If you look closely, you can see light yellowish veins running through its stem. Try to place this plant near an east or north-facing window, and it can also be placed near artificial lights.
Flowers and Leaves
The leaves of the Philodendron Splendid plant can grow two feet long, and one foot wide. Another unique feature is that the leaves have a fuzzy coating on them.
New leaves usually have red at the pointy end. However, as the leaf matures, the red turns into deep green. This plant can grow literally anywhere.
You will only see flowers on this plant if you place them outdoors, and it only produces flowers when it is time to reproduce. However, as in an indoor environment, the natural growth of this plant is stunted, it is very unlikely that the plant will produce any flowers whatsoever.
Tolerance and Resistance
Even though the Philodendron Splendid should be placed in a corner of the house where direct sunlight reaches its leaves, these plants can also grow effortlessly in low-lit, and partially shaded corners. They can also grow in tree canopies.
It is suggested that you place a moss pole near the Philodendron Splendid. Place new roots on the pole so that they do not break due to their own weight.
Height and Growth
One key characteristic of the Philodendron Splendid is that it tries to climb towards the sun from its seedling stage. It has tiny vines that can help it climb nearby trees, thus reaching as high as ten feet tall. The height and growth are both highly dependent on the conditions the plant will be in.
Maintenance and Durability
The Philodendron Splendid does not require too much maintenance. Before watering this plant, you should wait for the upper layer of the soil to dry out. Make sure there are enough drainage holes at the bottom of the plant pot.
If the water fails to drain out quickly, it might lead to root rot. Furthermore, water clogging can lead to fungal disease.
Basic Care of Philodendron Splendid
People make the mistake of sprinkling water on the leaves while watering the soil. Never do this. Spritzing water on the leaves can cause fungal disease. Humidity is essential for the Philodendron Splendid.
If the natural humidity at your home is low, you can buy a humidifier. These devices are a bit expensive, but it helps you modify the humidity level around your Philodendron Splendid plant. Another example is to have other plants that add humidity to your home.
Place the Philodendron Splendid near bright indirect sunlight. The optimal humidity for this plant is in the 50%-60% ballpark. For healthy growth, this plant must be kept within a temperature range of 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Philodendron Splendid only needs to be repotted during Spring, and requires fertilisers that have a high nitrogen concentration.
Light and Watering
Do not wait for the soil in the pot to dry out completely. Use your fair judgement. As a rule of thumb, water this plant once every week. One way to check if the soil has dried out or not is by sticking your pinky inside it. If the soil is dry to your fingertip, it means the plant needs watering.
Soil and Repotting
When it comes to propagation, there are only two recommended methods that work with the Philodendron Splendid plant. You can either use the air layering method, or the stem cutting method.
Only report the Philodendron Splendid plant when the roots of this plant start penetrating through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. As the roots grow relatively slowly, you might need to repot the plant every two years.
Temperature & Humidity
Whatever you do, do not place the Philodendron Splendid near super cold areas of your house as these conditions won’t be suitable. If you want greener leaves, ensure high humidity for this plant.
Fertilising, Pruning, and Propagation
The Philodendron Splendid needs a fertiliser that is rich in nitrogen. It is essential for the healthy growth of the entire plant. Always apply fertiliser when the soil is moist. If you apply the fertiliser when the soil is dry, it can cause burning at the roots of this plant.
Another important aspect to always remember is, the Philodendron Splendid plant does not require fertiliser during the winter season. Only apply fertiliser during summer.
Common Problems Caring for Philodendron Splendid
The Philodendron Splendid is a durable plant, but it also has a tipping point. The first thing to consider is watering. Frequent watering will lead to root rot. Furthermore, overwatering can cause the leaves to form small yellow spots on the surface. Secondly, never water the leaves as it might lead to various fungal diseases.
A common mistake everyone makes is in determining the proper pot size for the Philodendron Splendid plant. Here is a quick thumb rule – measure the length from the top of the plant (highest stem), and the base of the soil, and then divide this number by three. This gives you the optimal diameter for the pot.
Leaves That Are Yellow, Soft, or Wilting
As we have seen above, if you sprinkle water directly on the leaves, it can cause yellow spots to form on the surface.
Leggy Stems/Vines or Base Looks Sparse
You can add Rooting Hormone to the soil if the base of the Philodendron Splendid plant looks fragile. Another good practice is to remove the plant from direct sunlight after you just added water.
Growth Slows
If your plant is not growing fast, one primary reason can be insufficient sunlight. If there is not enough sunlight, the plant usually slows down its growth. Also, if the plant leaves don’t have enough space around them to flourish, the growth can slow down.
Bugs
When it comes to bugs, you only need to be concerned about Spider Mites. These are the only insects that feast on Philodendron Splendid leaves. But don’t worry, you can deal with them by applying regular neem oil on the leaves, and the stems. If you can’t find neem oil, wipe off the leaves using a blend of alcohol and water.
Learn more on plant types: Flowers Native To France
Final Thoughts on Philodendron Splendid
The Philodendron Splendid is a hybrid plant. It gets its bold green velvety colour from one of its parents, the Philodendron Melanochrysum, and gets its big veins from its other parent Philodendron Verrucosum. They grow faster than most other indoor plants. They are fantastic indoor plants and if you follow the tips above, you’ll have all the info you need to take perfect care of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Philodendron Splendid?
Philodendron Splendid is a shrub. They don’t grow too long, and have leaves that closely resemble the shape of a heart. This is a popular indoor plant that helps with detoxing the air of all the harmful toxins.
Unfortunately, this plant needs to be placed in a corner where it gets a lot of direct sunlight, otherwise, it will die in low-lit rooms. The Philodendron Splendid needs to be watered at least three times a day. Make sure, the water in the pot quickly drains out, keeping the soil moist, but not too drenched.
Is Philodendron Splendid a fast grower?
Yes, they are. In only a few weeks, the Philodendron Splendid can grow to about 4-6 feet. The Philodendron Splendid are fast growers, which means they need a lot of care in the first few weeks of planting.
In order to grow, the Philodendron Splendid needs to be placed in a spacious area of the room. As the Philodendron Splendid leaves are large, they need enough breathing space to grow without any obstacles.
Also, do not allow anyone to touch the leaves, as it can damage their growth. To ensure healthy growth, you need to cut off the extra & discoloured leaves, and diseased parts of the plant.
What is the most beautiful Philodendron?
As you might have guessed already, there are multiple Philodendron variations. According to some, the Philodendron Gloriosum is the most beautiful of all Philodendrons. It has velvety green leaves which resemble the shape of the human heart just like its close cousin the Philodendron Splendid.
Philodendron Gloriosum can also be pale green, and pink in colour. Red Emerald Philodendron is another Philodendron variation that deserves a lot of admiration. It is known for its red wide stems, which give the plant a sophisticated appearance.
Other beautiful Philodendron varieties include the Philodendron Selloum, the Philodendron Micans, and the Philodendron Birkin.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
