Philodendron Splendid: Complete Grow & Care Guide

Philodendron Splendid require a natural habitat-like room setting to sustain their broad velvety green foliage.

Moreover, they would grow relatively quickly when provided with great care but do not mistake them for their vining counterparts.

Read on to learn how to best care for Philodendron Splendid plant at home.

Overview of Philodendron Splendid

Philodendron Splendid is a hybrid cultivar of Philodendron melanochrysum and verrucosum.

They hail their signature large, spear-shaped leaves with an almost purple shine from the tropical rainforests of Ecuador.

Philodendron Splendid-Complete Grow & Care Guide

The key to flawlessly growing the Philodendron Splendid is mimicking their habitat-like setting.

Here is a quick care hack for the optimal growth of Philodendron Splendid.

1. Sunlight & Temperature

Philodendron Splendid love warm environments of temperatures 55-80°F with 4-6 hours of bright indirect sunlight daily.

However, avoid excessive direct sunlight, as too much heat can quickly dehydrate and burn plants’ leaves.

Here are the signs of improper lighting in the Philodendron plant.

Likewise, Philodendron leaves begin to curl when exposed to temperatures below 50°F. Thus, other than USDA 10-11 zones, move them indoors.

Lack of prompt rescue from cold stress will push back growth alongside wilting, yellowing leaves.

Therefore, aim for frost blankets, sheer curtains, grow lights with the correct color and heat pads to keep plants warm and happy.

2. Water & Humidity

Philodendron Splendid is a rainforest plant requiring moist soil with a high humidity level of 60% or more.

Likewise, water once every 15-20 days in fall and winter to avoid overwatering Philodendron Splendid.

Similarly, too low humidity causes wilting, curling and yellowing leaves with brown leaf tips.

On the other hand, excess humidity results in plants rotting with patches of gray mold and a sudden increase in fungal growth.

Therefore, follow a bottom-watering approach with an occasional overhead shower. You can also incorporate a pebble tray underneath the pot.

Furthermore, use a soil moisture meter before watering and misting the plants in the morning.

 3. Soil & Fertilizer

Philodendron Splendid prefers a well-draining nutrient-rich soil mix (pH 5-6) that does not trap water.

Meanwhile, aim for monthly nitrous fertilization in the growing seasons to replenish nutrients and help them attain large leaves and tall stature.

Alternatively, introduce slow-release granular fertilizer every 2-3 months in the growing season.

However, strictly cut back on fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is resting to avoid chemical stress.

If you mistakenly overfertilize your plant, run the pot under the water to flush out excess salts.

Also, always dilute the liquid solution to half-strength and apply it a few inches away from the roots.

4. Potting & Repotting

Repot your Philodendron Splendid when it has overgrown its terracotta pot or needs a fresh soil mix.

The root-bound plant shows other signs like yellowing and drooping foliage, poor water drainage, and slowed growth.

Besides that, you might be compelled to repot Philodendron Splendid when they are troubled by fungal diseases.

Often these issues are brought on by improper management of humidity and watering habits.

In such peril, carefully repot the plant after applying fungicides and pruning off infected parts.

Always clean the leaves using soapy water to prevent fungal infection, and regularly apply neem oil.

Note: The plant may droop and give away some leaves after transplanting. Do not worry, as it will soon revive.

5. Regular Pruning

Philodendron Splendid requires regular pruning in spring and summer to remove spent vegetation.

Start with removing brown, decayed, and old leaves to redirect the plant’s energy toward healthy growth.

Some of the common Philodendron plant pests are aphids, scales and mealybugs.

In such a perilous time, prune off badly affected parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.

To prevent them from appearing again, regularly apply horticultural oil or isopropyl alcohol to remove pests and their eggs.

Growth Rate of Philodendron Splendid

A mature Philodendron Splendid can grow over four to six feet tall but can attain up to 10 feet height when grown in a natural setting.

However, they compensate for their height with broad, monstrous foliage spanning two feet long and one foot wide.

In addition to aesthetic appeal, Philodendron leaves offer air purifying benefits alongside other medical uses.

Philodendron Splendid actively unfurls new leaves in spring and summer but undergoes dormancy in winter.

After maturing, usually 10 to 15 years, they produce typical Philodendron inflorescence and fruits after successful pollination.

The Splendid flower consists of porous spadix under a white or red softy spathe that gives a solid sweet scent.

Toxicity of Philodendron Splendid

All Philodendron species are poisonous and toxic to pets and even humans.

Accidental consumption can result in stomach discomfort, vomiting, excessive drooling and no appetite.

The symptoms can worsen and turn lethal if ingested in larger amounts.

Severe poisoning causes swollen respiratory tracts, making breathing and swallowing difficult, cardiac issues, and kidney failure.

So, immediately seek medical help if you suspect your pet is mulching Splendid Philodendron.

• Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

Propagating Philodendron Splendid

Philodendron Splendid can be propagated at home via stem cutting and air layering.

For efficient propagation, you can aim for spring or summer.

But before hopping onto the propagation train, gather tools like a gardening knife, potting mix and rooting hormone.

1. Propagating via Stem Cutting

Given the correct growing condition, each stem cutting can produce a new, healthy plant.

So, thoroughly inspect and look for a healthy stem with the node intact.

• Cut the stem just below the node ensuring the cutting has 2-3 nodes and 1-2 leaves.
• Or, cut the oversized stem and distribute the stand into multiple cuttings measuring 3-4 inches.
• Leave it aside to let the cut end produce callous, which helps with regrowth.
• Rooting in Water: Submerge the stem with leaves hanging outside in a jar filled with water and rooting hormone.
• Leave it in a warm place with indirect sunlight.
• Replace the water every 4-5 days.
• Rooting in Soil: Slide the stem into the soil and mix it with the leaves hanging outside.
• Regularly moisten the soil by misting daily and keeping it at 70-75°F.

In both cases, the stem cutting should produce feeder roots within a few weeks.

Once the root grows one inch long, remove it from the current medium and grow it in a container with the ideal potting mix.

2. Propagating via Air Layering

Although air layering is rarely carried out due to unfamiliarity with the process, it often offers successful results.

It involves attaching the cutting to its source with a layer of peat moss to induce new growth.

• Cut midway through a stem at an angle of 45°.
• Apply sphagnum peat moss on the cut and wrap the area with plastic using a rope to keep it in place.
• Within two weeks, you can notice new growth sprout.
• Let it be for a while until the recent development becomes more prominent.

Detach the growth from the parent plant and grow it in a container with the appropriate potting mix.

Where to Buy Philodendron Splendid?

Philodendron Splendid are not rare, so you can easily find them in local nurseries and plant sellers.

In general, a Splendid plant typically costs between $20 and $80.

Here, I have enlisted some online retailers with Philodendron Splendid for sale.

Philodendron Splendid vs. Gloriosum

At first glimpse, Philodendron Splendid and Gloriosum may look similar.

Thanks to their large, velvety leaves, it is hard to tell them apart.

On the other hand, Gloriosum grows as a crawler, whereas Splendid will climb upwards.

Philodendron Gloriosum also withstands slightly higher temperatures and may grow more slowly than Splendid.

FAQs about Philodendron Splendid

Why is my Philodendron Splendid Leaf Browning?

Browning of leaves, such as brown spots and browning tips, may indicate it is getting too light than it is expected to be.

The chlorosis will lead to the appearance of brown spots and leaf tips. Moving your plant a few feet away from the window, door, or patio is a solution.

Can Philodendron Splendid Climb?

Unlike most Philodendron species, Splendid cannot climb like a vine using a trellis.

However, it is still a climber that will only grow to about five or six feet.