The Philodendron Splendid (scientific name Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum) produces big, bold, velvety, and veined leaves and is a stunning indoor plant!
A hybrid of the Philodendron Verrucosum and the Philodendron Melanochrysum, the Splendid has the best characteristics of both plants. The velvety leaves come from the P. Melanochrysum, while large and very prominent veins are typical of P. Verrucosum.
One of the more rare and beautiful philodendron varieties is fast-growing, which is excellent as they are often sold as small plants or stem cuttings.
Philodendron Splendid has large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to one foot wide and two feet long when the plant is mature.
So, how do you care for a Philodendron Splendid?
Philodendron Splendid Care
Here are the basics of Splendid Philodendron care, which we will detail.
- Soil: Loose, airy, well-draining potting soil
- Light: Bright/indirect light. Keep away from direct sun.
- Water: Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering
- Humidity: Ideally, 60% or higher. Will do fine at a humidity of 40%.
- Pruning: Prune to shape and control size.
- Where to buy: Most consistently available on Etsy
Soil
The best Philodendron Splendid soil is well-draining, light, and airy potting soil. We recommend a mix of equal parts potting mix, orchid bark, and perlite.
You want your soil to include perlite (or vermiculite) to help the soil be loose and airy. Loose and airy soil allows excess moisture to drain so that the pot does not get saturated quickly.
An addition of sphagnum peat moss on the soil surface will help to retain moisture.
Using soil that is too heavy or without the additions mentioned above will retain too much moisture put your plant at risk of root rot. Root rot destroys the roots and eventually causes the plant to die because it cannot absorb nutrients or water anymore.
Fertilizer
Your Philodendron Splendid will appreciate a fertilizer high in nitrogen to help its rather large leaves thrive. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are perfect for healthy and vigorous leaf growth.
Fertilizer your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). You can stop feeding your plant during the cooler months.
Like all houseplants, be careful not to overfertilize.
Pot
It’s essential to choose a pot for your Philodendron Splendid that drains well so that the roots don’t rot from too much wetness.
Choose a pot that is slightly bigger than the root ball of the philodendron. The correct size pot helps keep the plant from growing too fast and prevents excess soil not occupied by roots from becoming waterlogged.
Is Philodendron Splendid a climber?
Philodendron Splendid is climbing (vining) philodendron. As a climber, this means that over time its big, beautiful leaves will climb over whatever structure you provide it, filling space with its lush foliage.
Pro Tip: Give the plant a moss pole to encourage enormous leaf growth and encourage it to climb.
When Should I Repot Philodendron Splendid?
Because Philodendron Splendid plants are fast-growing, repotting will be needed every 1 to 2 years. To know when it is time to replant, take a look at the plant’s root ball and the bottom of the pot every time you water.
Once you see roots coming out from the drainage holes, you will know that your plant is looking for more space.
Choose a new container that is only 1-2 inches larger than the last. You don’t want a pot that is too large, as this can easily lead to you overwatering your plant.
Consider doing it now if you haven’t already added a moss pole to your plant. It’s easier to add it into the pot first and then add your soil and plant.
How to Repot Philodendron Splendid
When it is time to repot, follow these steps:
- Find a cute new pot (with a drainage hole) about 2 inches larger than your current one.
- Get some fresh potting mix that is well-draining. Add some perlite if desired for extra drainage and moss to retain moisture. Orchid bark is also a great addition.
- Carefully remove your plant from the current pot.
- Check the root ball for any signs of poor health. Be sure it is not mushy or soft. If you do see anything wrong, carefully trim away the damaged roots.
- Add your potting mix to the pot, about ⅓ to ½ full, so that the plant stands out of the pot at roughly the same height it did in the old pot.
- Once your plant is in, fill the rest of the pot with soil. Keep the soil loose and not too compact.
When removing your plant from its old pot, be careful not to damage any roots. Untangle the roots as much as possible and carefully place the plant into its new pot. After repotting, be diligent about watering and ensure your plant gets the right amount of light.
Sun/Light Requirements
The Philodendron Splendid grows best with bright, indirect light. This tropical plant lives under trees and large plants in their natural environment.
Your Splendid, like many tropical plants, cannot tolerate long periods of direct sunlight as it will burn the leaves. If necessary, use a window covering that will block any direct light that comes through your windows. Or, place them near a window that doesn’t get direct sunlight.
An ideal location for your Philodendron Splendid is next to an east-facing window where the light will be intense in the morning, more filtered as the day progresses. In this location, your plant will be protected from the bright lights of the western sky in the afternoon.
How to Water Philodendron Splendid
Philodendron Splendid enjoys moist soil. Allow the top one or two inches of soil to dry out before watering. Stick your finger into the soil and if the top couple of inches are still wet, check again tomorrow.
Using this method is better than watering on a set schedule. As time goes on and you get acquainted with your plant, you will have a good idea of how often it needs to be watered.
In the warm summer months (or if your home is particularly dry, the soil will naturally dry faster.
Don’t overwater your Philodendron Splendid. Overwatering or letting the soil stay muddy and soggy will cause problems for your plant.
Underwatering will shrink and wilt the mature leaves while overwatering will cause root rot. Still, lean on the drier side if you are unsure whether to water.
Until you get to know your plant and the general timeframe it takes to dry out, always use your finger to check the soil for dryness manually.
Humidity
Philodendron Splendid will do well in a home with average humidity but will thrive if you give it a slightly more humid environment. You’ll be okay if it doesn’t go below 40%.
The right humidity level (around 60%) will help the plant to develop beautiful leaves that make this plant so unique.
To increase humidity around your plant, you can try placing your houseplants together in a group so they can pull moisture from each other. You could try putting your Philodendron Splendid on a pebble tray, and as the water evaporates, it will increase humidity. Don’t mist the large leaves since they might attract fungus and bacteria.
The best and easiest way to add humidity to your Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum. is to use a humidifier.
We have two fantastic articles detailing humidifiers for plants:
Pro Tip: An inexpensive hygrometer is a wise investment in testing the humidity level in your home and adjusting it accordingly for your plants.
Temperature
As a tropical plant, Philodendron Splendid likes to be warm. Your plant will appreciate a temperature between 65 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your plants away from the heating sources and always provide good airflow.
The Philodendron Splendid likes warm weather. So, it does really while outside in places where the sun shines year-round. If you live in USDA zones 9 to 11, you’ll be able to grow the plant outdoors.
Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum is not frost-hardy and can’t survive in cold climates.
Pruning
Philodendron Splendid does not require much pruning. As needed to maintain size and shape, use pruning shears or simply pinch the tips of vines. This pruning will neaten up the plant and encourage bushier, healthier growth.
Always cut or pinch growth just above a leaf node of the Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum, which is the point on a stem where a new leaf or stem grows.
How to Propagate Philodendron Splendid
Philodendron splendid propagation is fairly straightforward using the following steps with a stem cutting.
Step One: Gather Supplies
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
- Fresh, well-draining potting soil
- Small pot
- Gass jar filled with water
- Sterilized pruning shears
Step 2: Decide Where to Cut
For this propagation method to succeed, you will need to cut the stem right below a node.
- Pick a healthy stem that’s at least 4 to 6 inches long. You want something with at least 1 to 2 leaf nodes.
- Make your cut below the node.
- Remove any lower leaves and leave two or three younger ones on your stem cutting.
- You’ll see sap come out after you make the cut.
- Next, you’ll need to cure the stem. Curing it boosts the stem cuttings chance of taking root when you plant it. You let the stem cutting sit out for a week in a warm environment to cure it.
Step 3: Place Your Stem Cutting in New Soil or Water
- We recommended placing your stem cutting in water. You can propagate in soil, but it will take longer and has a lower success rate. We also recommend using filtered water and replacing the water in the glass every so often before it gets dirty.
- After two or three weeks, you’ll see roots growing out of the cut end of the stem.
- When the roots have grown about an inch or two, move them to a more permanent pot with a well-draining potting mix.
- If the cutting cannot stand upright on its own, use a skewer or small stick to support it.
- Water the soil and keep it moist. Leave it in a warm, humid place with bright, filtered light.
- Soon, you’ll see new leaves sprout.
Size and Growth of Philodendron Splendid
Philodendron Splendid is a fast grower who can reach between 4 and 6 feet.r You want to provide enough space for it to grow to its full size.
With warm, humid conditions, it grows incredibly quickly. Mature leaves can reach up to two feet in width and one foot in length!
How can I make my Philodendron Splendid grow faster?
Feeding your philodendron a balanced fertilizer will help it thrive while paying attention to pests or fungus will protect it from health issues. If your philodendron is abnormally slow to grow, try giving it more light or increased humidity.
Philodendron Splendid Problems
The Philodendron Splendid commonly has issues with aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Inspect your plant often and if you see any of these pests, act quickly using insecticidal soap. Use a neem oil on your plant regularly to keep these pests away.
FAQ’s: Philodendron Splendid
How do I know if my Philodendron is splendid?
The Philodendron Splendid (Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum) is a notable hybrid plant among philodendrons thanks to its large, spear-shaped leaves. Leaves can develop up to one-foot-long and two-feet-wide, covered with soft, velvety fuzz.
Veins near the surface of leaves tend to glow in a lighter shade of emerald green in contrast to the darker green that covers the leaf surface.
Is Philodendron Splendid Toxic?
All Philodendrons, including this hybrid plant, are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. The leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause throat issues and even skin rashes. Keep these plants away from animals and small children.
Other Philodendron Varieties
There are so many unique Philodendron varieties beyond the Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum. They appeal to plant lovers because of their gorgeous foliage and because they are easy to care for. Here we explore of few of the varieties and how they relate to Philodendron Splendid.
Philodendron Splendid vs. Melanochrysum
The main difference between Philodendron Splendid and Philodendron Melanochrysum (aka Black Gold Philodendron) is that the Splendid has more giant leaves. Both plants have velvety leaves.
Philodendron Melanochrysum leaves are dark green (almost black) with a bright yellow vein running, forming a unique pattern on each leaf. The undersides of the Melano leaves are green.
Read our detailed Philodendron Melanochrysum Care Guide.
Purchase Philodendron Melanochrysum on Etsy.
Philodendron Splendid vs. Verrucosum
You can tell the Philodendron Splendid and the Philodendron Verrucosum apart by the velvety leaf texture. The Splendid leaves have that soft, velvet-like feel and the Verrucosum leaves do not. Both plants have huge and bold veins running through their heart-shaped leaves. The bold veins are what stand out on this Verrucosum.
Purchase Philodendrom Verrucosum on Etsy.
Philodendron Splendid vs. Micans
The Philodendron Micans is a vining philodendron, whereas the Philodendron Splendid is a climber – meaning it grows up. The Splendid has much larger leaves than the Micans. The colors of the two plants are similar – dark green with a velvety sheen.
Philodendron Micans is much more accessible and affordable than the Splendid. If all of the other Philodendrons we mention are out of your budget, the Micans is an excellent option to achieve the same look.
You can find Philodendron Micans on Etsy and even on Amazon.
Philodendron Splendid vs. Glorious
There are a few differences, and you can easily tell the Philodendron Splendid and the Philodendron Glorious apart. The Splendid has thicker and more defined veins on its leaves, and the newer leaves get that burgundy verrucosum hue (as opposed to pink in the Gloriosum). The Splendid is a climbing philodendron, while the Gloriosum is a crawler.
Purchase Philodendron Glorious on Etsy.
Philodendron Splendid vs. El Choco Red
El Choco Red Philodendron is well-known for having broad, textured leaves with velvety green tops and a vibrant red pigment on the underside.
The El Choco Red is even more difficult to find than the Philodendron Splendid. They are not readily available and are somewhat a collectors plant.
Purchase El Choco Red on Etsy.
Philodendron Gigas vs. Splendid
Like the Philodendron Splendid, the Philodendron Gigas has enormous, velvety leaves. A giant like Gigas, when adequately kept, can grow up to 8-10 feet with 3-4 foot long leaves.
The Giga’s colors are slightly different than the Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum and feature a few shades of green and copper as the plant matures.
Purchase Philodendron Gigas on Etsy.
Where to Buy Philodendron Splendid Plant
Although Philodendrons, in general, are easy to find, the Philodendron Splendid is a relatively rare and unusual hybrid. You will probably not find this plant regular local plant stores. Instead, try visiting specialist plant stores and looking for the plant online.
Etsy is a great place to start for finding Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum. Be sure to purchase your plants from a reputable seller with excellent reviews.
Find Philodendron Splendid on Etsy.
Final Thoughts on Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum
If you’re looking for an indoor plant that’s a magnificent hybrid of an already popular houseplant species, this is it!
Some items we discussed that will help you with Philodendron Splendid plant care to keep it growing strong:
Good luck growing your Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum plant and making it part of your cozy, fresh, and green home!