29/04/2021
Philodendron Splendid
The Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a pretty cool hybrid plant. It creates leaves with bright white or bright green veins. It's nicknamed the “Philodendron splendid” because it's such a loved hybrid plant. People adore the velvet feel of the leaves and the lengths that they can grow to.
Care Requirements for Philodendron Splendid:
1. Pot Size and Type
You can determine the right size pot for any houseplant in two ways:
Measure the plant’s height from the soil line to the top of its tallest leaf. Divide that number by 3, and the result, in inches, is a good estimate of ideal pot diameter.
Or, choose a pot that is only slightly bigger than the root ball of the Philodendron. This helps keep the plant from growing too fast, and also prevents excess soil not occupied by roots from becoming waterlogged.
It is important to choose a pot that both drains well - a. so that the roots don’t rot from too much wetness b. and has some way to collect excess water.
2. Soil
Because the Philodendron Splendid is an epiphyte, it doesn’t need a rich or heavy potting soil.
You may use soil less potting mix compose of cococubes, cocopeat, pumice, vermicast, ricehull & acasia leaves and bark and make sure that the drainage is good.
3. Light
The Philodendron Splendid enjoys moderate light, indrect sunlight.
An ideal place for it is by an east-facing window when placed inside the house. A grow light is also advisable.
4. Water
Allow at least the first inch of soil in the container to dry out between waterings. Depending on the dryness and temperature of your home environment, this might mean watering once a week or twice a week. During the cooler days, you’ll probably be able to go longer between waterings. Until you know the general timeframe it takes to dry out, always use your finger to manually check the soil for dryness.
Remember: Over- and under-watering are the main causes of early mortality in houseplants.
5. Temperature
As tropical plants, Philodendrons prefer temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Humidity
Adequate humidity is important to all houseplants but particularly with tropical plants, as they replace some of their water through the surface of their leaves.Without enough humidity, leaves will get browned edges and may even begin to crumble and crack
* Plant Diseases
Philodendron Splendid, like other houseplants, is vulnerable to fungi. Fungal spores use enzymes to pe*****te plant cells, feeding on them until maturity when they will release a new generation of spores. Fungus on a Philodendron can cause leaf spot or root rot.
If you see spots on your leaves and you have ruled out aphids or mealybugs as the cause, it’s probably fungus. Remove the affected leaf using a sanitized cutting tool, and keep the leaves dry going forward. Root rot is harder to diagnose since the roots are buried in the pot. Roots affected by fungus are brown and mushy, and they can’t absorb the nutrients your plant needs to live.
It’s almost impossible to cure root rot, so prevention here is key.
When repotting your Philodendron, use sanitized tools and uncontaminated potting soil. Avoid overwatering, especially in cold temperatures, which creates the waterlogged conditions that fungus loves. And if your plant dies from root rot, make sure to thoroughly disinfect the pot that it lived in before planting it with something else. If disease has overtaken your Philodendron, you may still be able to salvage a healthy cutting and propagate it.
It is a must for collectors !
