Philodendron Splendid Care – Your Ultimate Guide To Lush, Velvety

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever been captivated by a houseplant with leaves so dark, velvety, and iridescent that they seem almost unreal? If so, you’ve likely met the breathtaking Philodendron Splendid. This hybrid marvel, with its heart-shaped, shimmering foliage, is a true showstopper in any collection.

But that luxurious appearance can be a little intimidating, can’t it? You might worry that it requires expert-level skills to keep those leaves looking perfect. I’m here to promise you that mastering philodendron splendid care is not only achievable but incredibly rewarding, even if you’re just starting your plant journey.

Think of me as your friendly gardening guide. Together, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. In this complete philodendron splendid care guide, we’ll cover the ideal light, watering schedules, perfect soil mix, and how to tackle any issues that pop up. Get ready to grow the Splendid of your dreams!

What Makes the Philodendron Splendid So… Splendid?

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes this plant so special. The Philodendron Splendid (officially Philodendron ‘Splendid’) isn’t found in the wild; it’s a cultivated hybrid of two stunning parent plants: Philodendron melanochrysum and Philodendron verrucosum.

It truly inherited the best of both worlds:

  • From P. melanochrysum, it gets its long, heart-shaped leaves and that signature dark, velvety texture.
  • From P. verrucosum, it inherits the incredible iridescent sheen and the slightly fuzzy, reddish undersides of its leaves and petioles.

This combination creates a plant that is both elegant and dramatic. As a vining or climbing philodendron, it’s eager to scale a moss pole, which is where it truly thrives and produces its largest, most impressive leaves. Understanding its parentage gives us vital clues for its care, which we’ll explore next.

The Ultimate Philodendron Splendid Care Guide: Getting the Basics Right

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! The secret to a happy Philodendron Splendid isn’t about complex routines; it’s about consistently providing the right environment. This is where we cover the absolute best practices for its day-to-day needs.

Light: Bright, but Never Direct

Imagine the dappled light of a rainforest floor—that’s the sweet spot for your Splendid. It craves plenty of bright, indirect light. An east-facing window where it gets gentle morning sun is perfect. A spot a few feet back from a south or west-facing window also works well.

Direct, harsh sunlight is the enemy. It will quickly scorch those delicate, velvety leaves, leaving behind bleached or brown patches. On the other hand, too little light will result in a “leggy” plant with small leaves and long, stretched-out stems. The plant will lose its compact, lush appearance.

Watering: The “Almost Dry” Approach

Overwatering is one of the most common problems with philodendron splendid care. These plants hate “wet feet” and are susceptible to root rot. My golden rule is to water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are completely dry to the touch.

When you do water, do it generously. Let water flow through the pot until it runs out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball is hydrated. Then, and this is crucial, let it drain completely and don’t let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.

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Soil: The Chunky, Airy Mix It Craves

Standard potting soil from a bag is far too dense for a Philodendron Splendid. It needs an extremely well-draining, airy, and chunky mix that mimics the forest floor where its ancestors grew on trees. A good soil mix is a cornerstone of how to philodendron splendid care effectively.

You can buy a pre-made “aroid mix,” or you can easily create your own. Here’s my go-to recipe:

  • 1 part high-quality potting mix (peat-free is a great eco-friendly choice)
  • 1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and air pockets)
  • 1 part perlite (for drainage and aeration)
  • 1/2 part horticultural charcoal (to keep the soil “sweet” and prevent bacteria)

This mix allows roots to breathe, preventing the dreaded root rot and encouraging strong, healthy growth.

Humidity & Temperature: Creating a Tropical Paradise

Remember its rainforest origins? The Splendid thrives in high humidity. While it can tolerate average household humidity, it will truly flourish in levels of 60% or higher. Crispy leaf edges are a tell-tale sign that the air is too dry.

To boost humidity, you can:

  1. Group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
  2. Place it on a pebble tray filled with water (don’t let the pot touch the water).
  3. Use a small room humidifier nearby—this is often the most effective method.

Temperature-wise, keep it comfortable. Anything between 65-80°F (18-27°C) is ideal. Avoid placing it near cold drafts from windows or doors, or right next to heating and AC vents.

Feeding and Fertilizing for Maximum Growth

To support the growth of those huge, velvety leaves, your Philodendron Splendid needs nutrients. During the growing season (spring and summer), it’s a good idea to provide regular food. One of the best philodendron splendid care tips I can give is to be consistent but gentle with fertilizer.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, every 2-4 weeks with your regular watering. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots, so less is always more. In the fall and winter, when growth naturally slows down, you can reduce feeding to once every 6-8 weeks or stop altogether.

Pruning and Providing Support: Encouraging a Healthy Climber

As a natural climber, your Splendid will be happiest when it has something to climb. Providing a moss pole or wooden plank isn’t just for aesthetics; it encourages the plant to mature and produce significantly larger leaves. The aerial roots will dig into the pole for stability and moisture.

Pruning isn’t strictly necessary but can help maintain a fuller, more attractive shape. You can trim any leggy stems or remove yellowing leaves. Simply snip the stem just after a node (the small bump where a leaf grows). Bonus: Every piece you snip can be propagated to create a new plant!

Common Problems with Philodendron Splendid Care (And How to Fix Them!)

Even with the best care, you might run into an issue or two. Don’t worry! These plants are quite resilient, and most problems are easy to solve once you know what to look for.

Yellowing Leaves

This is the most frequent issue. A single yellow leaf now and then is normal as the plant sheds old foliage. However, if you see multiple yellow leaves, the most likely culprit is overwatering. Check your soil moisture and watering schedule immediately. Less common causes include underwatering or a nutrient deficiency.

Pests

Like many houseplants, the Splendid can attract pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Inspect your plant regularly, especially the undersides of leaves. If you spot any, isolate the plant and treat it with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. Early detection is key!

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Small Leaves or Leggy Growth

If your plant is producing small leaves and long, spindly stems, it’s begging for more light. It’s stretching to find a brighter spot. Gradually move it to a location with more bright, indirect light to encourage larger, more compact growth.

Sustainable Philodendron Splendid Care: Eco-Friendly Practices

Part of being a good gardener is being a good steward of the environment. Integrating sustainable philodendron splendid care is easy and makes a real difference. The benefits of philodendron splendid care go beyond just having a beautiful plant; it’s about mindful cultivation.

Here are some eco-friendly philodendron splendid care ideas:

  • Use Peat-Free Soil: Peat bogs are vital ecosystems. Opt for soil mixes that use sustainable alternatives like coco coir.
  • Make Your Own Fertilizer: Use compost tea or worm castings as a gentle, natural fertilizer for your plant.
  • Water Wisely: Collect rainwater for your plants, or reuse water from boiling vegetables (once it has cooled, of course!).
  • Natural Pest Control: Before reaching for chemical pesticides, try introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs (if appropriate for your setup) or using simple neem oil sprays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philodendron Splendid Care

Is Philodendron Splendid a fast grower?

Under ideal conditions—meaning bright indirect light, high humidity, and something to climb—the Philodendron Splendid can be a moderately fast grower, especially during the spring and summer. Providing a moss pole will significantly speed up its growth and leaf size.

Why are the new leaves on my Splendid so small?

Small new leaves are almost always a sign that the plant needs more light or that it’s ready to climb. As a vining plant, its juvenile leaves are naturally smaller. It produces large, mature leaves once it starts climbing upwards towards a light source. Give it a pole and more light, and you’ll see a big difference!

Is the Philodendron Splendid toxic to pets?

Yes, it is. Like all philodendrons, the Splendid contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They can cause oral irritation, swelling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep this plant in a location that is safely out of reach of curious pets and children.

Go Forth and Grow Your Splendid!

There you have it—your complete roadmap to success. Caring for a Philodendron Splendid is a journey of observation and response. It’s about creating a little slice of the rainforest right in your home and watching this magnificent plant thrive under your care.

Don’t be afraid to experiment a little with your soil mix or placement to see what works best in your specific environment. By following these philodendron splendid care best practices, you’re not just growing a plant; you’re cultivating a living work of art.

Now, go enjoy those stunning, velvety leaves. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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