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Philodendron McColley’s Finale: Best Grow & Care Guide

If the Philodendron McColley’s Finale is given too much water or too little, the plant will become stressed. The hue of the foliage turns yellow as a result of this tension.

Generally, Philodendron McColley’s Finale needs 4-6 hours of light, 60-75°F, and humidity above 40%. Also, it thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.1 to 7.5, water twice a week, monthly fertilization, repoting once every 1-2 years and occasional pruning. 

To prevent yellow leaves, water the plant whenever the soil dries up to two inches deep and set it in a location with shaded sunshine.

Follow the basic steps to grow your Philodendron McColley’s Finale healthily along with the article. 

Overview of Philodendron McColleys Finale 

Mr. Robert H McColley, in the 1960′ hybridized Philodendron McColley’s Finale in Orlando, Florida.

It is a tropical variety that thrives in the equatorial, where the moisture is just right for it.

This Philodendron has beautiful arrow-shaped foliage that comes in many different colors ranging from cinnamon to orange and changes to green as the plant matures.

IndicatorDetail
Common namePhilodendron Mccolley’s Finale
OriginNative to tropical American regions
FamilyAraceae
Sub-familyAroideae
USDA ZonesZone 10 and 11
Colors (Foliage)Bronze, Green/Lime, Orange/Copper, Red/Burgundy
Growth RateFast-growing plant
With Yearly Growth Cycle

You might get confused between McColley’s Finale and Prince of Orange, but they are different.

Prince of Orange was hybridized by Cora McColley wife of Mr. Robert H McColley. That’s why Philodendron Mccolley’s Finale is called ‘McColley’s Finale.’

Where to Buy Philodendron McColleys Finale?

Below is a list of online stores offering the plant at an excellent price. Check it out!

SitesDelivery
Little Prince7 Business Days
Woodies Garden Goods3 to 5 Business Days

Philodendron McColleys Finale: Grow and Care Guide

Extreme heat, low humidity, fertilizer flare, re-potting trauma, nutrient shortage, and watering too much or too little can all cause the plant to wilt.

The only solution to this problem is to place the planter near the windowsill.

Ensure that it will receive adequate indirect sunlight during the day and keep the surrounding area damp. Or the plant will begin to wilt.

RequirementsOptimum Condition
Light requirementsBright, indirect and filtered light
WateringThrice a week watering in summer and weekly on colder days
Temperature60-75°F
Humidity Medium to high. Preferably at 40% or higher
SoilWell-draining acidic to neutral potting mix
FertilizerWell-balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer
Once a month
PruningCan be frequently pruned to keep the desired shape
Re-potOnce every 1-2 years depending upon the plant and pot size
PropagationStem Cuttings:
In Water
In Soil
PestResilient against Pest
Spider Mites and Aphids can be seen
DiseaseBlight and Leaf Spot
ToxicityToxic to both humans and animals

1. Sunlight & Temperature

The sunbeams will burn your plant’s leaves if exposed to direct sunlight or slightly elevated radiation. Thus, a south-facing window sounds perfect!

Philodendron McColleys Finale prefers moderate to low indirect sunlight, a duration of 4-6 hours and a temperature of 60-75°F. 

This species is suitable for indoor workplaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and cafeteria areas for moderate light requirements.

Philodendron McColley’s Finale Indoors
If you want to maintain the plant outdoors, choose a somewhat shady spot.

Improper light can cause sparse or leggy growth, the absence of new growth, plant and leaves leaning toward light sources, and smaller leaves. 

Leaves also look patched and lose their vibrancy.

It is best not to nurture this species in a dreary location because it will stunt its development. The plant may become thin and unattractive as a result of this issue.

However, if you feel your indoor Philodendron McColley’s Finale is not getting enough light, invest in a grow light. It will be as good as natural light!

As Philodendron plants are tropical, they cannot withstand freezing temperatures or scorching heat.

Its broad leaves and deep roots can withstand temperatures as low as 12°C but nothing beyond.

The pace of growth may be heavily affected below this range. 

Dry or brown leaf Margins, drooping leaves, browned or blackened leaf surfaces, curling of leaves, sunscald, leaf yellowing and dying Back are only some symptoms of improper temperature. 

Thus, relocate your plant to a warmer location where it will be safe from frigid winter temperatures. 

Safeguard it from the extreme sun on a sweltering day if the thermometer surpasses 30°C. Do not place the plant near the heating drafts and fireplace. 

Misting and pouring fresh water can comfort the plant on hot days. 

2. Water & Humidity

Sticking your fingertip into the dirt 1 to 2 inches is suitable for examining your plant. Before watering, the soil at that deep layer should be dry.

Thrice a week watering in summer and once a week on colder days is enough for McColleys Finale.

Underwatered and overwatered foliage may turn yellow or brown; the only difference is first crispy and later soft to touch.

Too much or too little water will cause the leaves to droop.

Don’t be concerned if you are a day or two overdue. The plant can withstand relative dehydration.

This means saturating the soil until fluid drops from the outflow pores. Enable any extra water to drain entirely before replacing the pot in its original location.

Excessive moisture or too regular misting will cause the soil to become waterlogged. More pertinently, it will end up leaving the plant submerged for long durations.

Heavy precipitation will inhibit oxygen from reaching the roots. If this occurs repeatedly enough, the roots will decompose.

To avoid this, permit the top portion of the soil to crisp up between hydration routines.

While preparing for the humid environment, allow at least 40% humidity around the plant.  McColley’s Finale may need humidity levels around 60% to grow to its fullest.

However, make sure to quickly wipe the water from the leaves to avoid fungal diseases.

Grouping McColleys Finale with other houseplants, creating a pebble tray, installing a humidifier and misting can be some ways to boost humidity. 

3. Soil & Fertilizer 

You may prepare your own healthy potting mix at home by mixing equal amounts of soil, perlite, and cocopeat.

An optimum soil pH in the spectrum of 6.1 to 7.5 is desirable for Philodendron McColley’s Finale. 

Go ahead and sprinkle extra charcoal to aid in the drainage of excess water. If perlite isn’t readily accessible, you can substitute it with gravel.

Pro Tip: Tiny pieces of brick or stones should be added to the soil mix as this will aid in creating air spaces in the soil, which will improve airiness and development.

You may also buy Soil Sunrise soil, The Hydroponic City mix

Apply a weak quick fix of a complete nutrient solution every month throughout the growing period. But do not fertilize during winter.

young Philodendron mccolley's finale
Feed your Philodendron McColley’s Finale with a balanced or nitrogen-oriented fertilizer.

These plants can often expand all year. If that’s the scenario, nourish them with a diluted liquid fertilizer through apparent leafy expansion.

Always dilute the fertilizer in plain water before fertilizing. Or, you can even top the potting mix with vermicompost or rich organic manure.

Some commercial fertilizers available for your Philodendron McColley’s Finale include Easy Peasy food, Bloom City, Aquatic Arts

4. Potting and Repotting

However, if roots are sprouting past drainage holes, it is time to re-pot.  

You can repot Philodendron McColley’s Finale every 1-2 years in the growing seasons, ie, spring and summer.

A decent guideline is to opt for a pot about 3 inches larger than the existing pot of the plant.

It is best to use either a terracotta or clay pot for your plants. It would be best to avoid plastic pots as they do not allow air exchange.

While removing the plant from its pot, be gentle. It would be best if you soaked the plant for one hour to loosen the soil.

Twist the plant and pinch the pot- the rule to uproot a plant safely!

Make sure to use fresh potting mix every time you re-pot.

Before you jump into repotting consider these tips!

  • Water the plant thoroughly and clean the plant.
  • Place it in a warm but shaded location for at least a week.
  • Keep the plant away from harsh lights and disturbances.
  • Do not fertilize your plant for at least a month after re-pot.
If you have other Philodendron plants, you can repot them in the same way.

5. Prune: Right before Winter

It is always best to prune your Philodendron McColley’s Finale right before the winter season to help the plant stay healthy and happy during its dormancy.

Spider mites and aphids are the most predominant nuisances that strike your plant. Besides, Erwinia Blight, Xanthomonas Leaf Spot and Tipburn do not forgive your plant to destroy. 

If you detect any pest, use insecticidal soap mist or water and dishwashing soap to treat them right away. You can also use neem oil.

Also, apply fungicides to treat the diseased plants, but ultimately, you need to prune the plant. 

You can also prune Philodendron McColley’s Finale any time of year during growing seasons, including spring and summer.  

Do you want a bushy look for your Philodendron? Try these tips and tricks and acknowledge the results.

Philodendron McColleys Finale: All About Growth Rate

Philodendron McColley’s Finale is a fast-growing variety.

An indoor plant’s average elevation is 1 to 3 feet, with the same dispersion towards its sides. The variety may grow a little higher and more extensive in an outdoor setting.

This growing variety will quickly spread its tendrils all around the landscape if planted outdoors.

McColley’s Finale is famous for its stunning leafy color schemes, which span from orange to red and green. However, as the plant ages, the foliage color changes from bright to burgundy and deep green.

Because of its foliage, the plant also extends quite far sideways.

They can spread to about a 2-foot width. Every healthy adult leaf is approximately 5 to 8 inches long and 5 inches wide.
Philodendron McColley’s Finale flower
When we talk about the flowering tendency, regrettably, this species does not flower easily and frequently.

Like many other varieties of Philodendrons, they rarely produce any seeds. And if they ever produce blooms, they are bright red in color during the mid-summer.

Toxicity of Philodendron McColleys Finale

However, if you have a gnawing companions, never keep the plant within their reach.

According to ASPCA, Philodendron including McColley’s Finale are toxic to pets including dogs, cats and dogs. 

Calcium oxalate crystals can be found in its vast, attractive foliage. If swallowed, these poisonous crystals can irritate the respiratory system severely.

The stem and leaves contain 0.7% calcium oxalate crystals, which have been shown to be fatal to animals in small amounts.

In case your fur babies munch on the plant, make sure to monitor the symptoms. It is most reasonable to take them to a veterinarian immediately if they start vomiting or drooling.

Propagation Methods for Philodendron McColleys Finale

The species is very easy to propagate and share, much like the rest of many other Philodendron varieties.

Establishing a stem cutting in the spring and early summer is a great way to get a fresh McColley’s Finale.

However, if you are in luck, winter propagation is also successful!

1. Soil Propagation

Here’s how you can go forth with soil propagation:

  • Trim several stem clippings from the expanding tips of the mother plant with a sharp and sterile blade.
  • Strip several leaves from the bottom sides, but leave a couple at the apex.
  • Soak the clippings in water before planting them in damp soil for about 4 hours.
  • Keep the established clippings in a humid location with medium to low filtered sunshine.
Pro Tip: Soil propagation is the quickest and the most successful way of propagating a Philodendron McColley’s Finale!

2. Water Propagation

In water, some plants do pretty well. All you need is a pitcher of regular water.

  • The best option is to use purified water.
  • But, if you are using tap water, simply leave it in the container overnight. This will assist the hazardous elements, such as chlorine, in settling.
  • Now, immerse the stem base clippings in the water.
  • Make sure that the nodes are in the water.
  • After a few roots have sprouted, you can even transplant the tiny plants into the soil.

Propagation via seeds is rare and almost impossible with Philodendron Mccolley’s Finale because the seeds are as unattainable as the flowers!

How about going through a propagation care guide on Philodendron Selloum, and Pink Princess Philodendron?

FAQs About Philodendron McColley’s Finale

Does Philodendron McColleys finale climb?

Yes, Philodendron McColley’s Finale is a climbing variety of Philodendron.

However, if you are not fond of climbers, you can still adorn this plant on a tabletop by pruning it aggressively.

Can I propagate Philodendron McColleys Finale using a leaf cutting?

Unlike most of the Philodendron, you cannot propagate a McColley’s Finale using a leaf cutting. Hence, always go with stem cuttings.

Here are the care guides on some of the Philodendron species such as, Dark Lord, Subhastatum, Lemon Lime, Goeldii, and Painted Lady.

Final Thought

Philodendron McColley’s Finale has lovely crimson, orange, and green hues depending upon their maturity.

Hence this is an excellent plant if you live in a bland and colorless apartment.

Numerous basement dwellers have informed us that this species has helped bring the sunshine and the color of nature indoors!

There are many varieties of Philodendron; choose according to your need, and do check out the care guides Plants Craze provides.

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