Philodendron majestic is an easy-to-grow plant that can charm any home or garden with its large, dramatic leaves.
This attractive philodendron hybrid variant has luminous leaves that can easily take your breath away and are thus often referred to as the finest of houseplants.
In this detailed guide, we share all the information you will need to grow this majestic philodendron.
We also provide expert plant care and propagation techniques that will ensure these plants thrive well in your home.
What Is a Philodendron Majestic?
Philodendron majestic is an exotic hybrid of philodendron sodiroi and philodendron verrucosum. It is a rare plant that has large, showy and luminous leaves with silver streaks. What makes this plant special apart from its good looks is that it is extremely easy to grow with hassle-free maintenance and propagation.
Philodendron Majestic Care
The elegant and extravagant appearance of this plant is the reason why it is also called the Silver Princess Philodendron or Philodendron Majestic Large. This plant is a well-loved variety by both beginners and expert gardeners alike because of its easy care requirements and beautiful foliage.
Philodendron “majestic” prefers an environment similar to its parent philodendron plants. In this section, we are going to give you complete information on growing this delightful plant and how you can keep its foliage healthy and green all the time. With these fine care aspects, you can get the best out of the plant and let it charm your home spaces.
To achieve this, grow the plant in bright yet indirect light, with good quality soil and the right amount of water. Maintain the plant in a temperature range of 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and use fertilizer during its growth months to give it complete and ideal care.
– Water Requirements
The philodendron requires consistently moist soil, so make sure you never let the top soil go completely dry. Keep the soil lightly moist by maintaining a watering schedule of once a week.
However, do check for the humidity and temperature in the environment around it as the amount and frequency of watering greatly depends on this.
As much as underwatering the plant greatly hampers its health, over watering can also have drastic health implications such as root rot and wilting of the leaves. Before you water, check the level of moisture in the soil by doing a simple finger test.
Push your finger an inch into the soil to feel for moisture. If you feel wetness in the soil, refrain from watering and wait until the soil dries out more.
– Light Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in bright yet indirect light. The ideal place is to set it in a spot where there is a lot of light but away from the harsh sun’s rays. Excessive and direct sun heat can scorch the leaves, making them curl and turn yellow.
As much as the philodendron thrives in moderate to low light conditions, they tend to get fragile in such cases. Thus, if you are growing them indoors, move them close to a west-facing window where they can receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
– Soil Requirements
The plant requires light and moist, well-draining organic soil. The ideal composition must have peat moss or organic compost that will not only keep the soil aerated but also promote the health of the plant. You can also throw in some perlite or orchid back to aid in draining out excess water. Additionally, you can include sphagnum moss or pumice along with the potting soil.
You can also opt for pots made out of clay and ceramic as they are better at absorbing water, thereby reducing the chances of the soil remaining soggy. Ensure the pot has good drainage holes to permit the free flowing of water out of the pot. You can also line the bottom of the pot with pebbles to improve the drainage and increase aeration.
– Temperature Requirements
This philodendron is not very different from its parent plant and is completely tropical. The plant requires adequate warmth to thrive within a temperature range of 70 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the plant away from chilly winds and frost as it is extremely sensitive and even the slightest drop in temperature can immediately kill the plant.
– Humidity Requirements
As a tropical plant, this philodendron requires a high humidity well above the range of 60 percent. Therefore, if you are in an arid location, increase the humidity around the plant by misting the environment around it.
Additionally, you can place a pebble tray filled with water below the pot or container to kick in some moisture. If indoors, keep the plant away from radiators or air-conditioners that tend to dry up the air.
– Fertilizing Requirements
Feed the plant regularly with over-the-top fertilizers during its growing season which is between early spring and late summer. The best formula to use would be a balanced liquid fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. Additionally, for healthy and showy foliage you can include cal-mag nutrients mixed in the soil.
Refrain from adding any fertilizer during the colder months of fall or winter as the plant slows down and enters a state of dormancy.
– Pruning
The plant is also referred to as the philodendron majestic climber due to its nature of clinging on to support surfaces and climbing up. Thus, regular pruning is required to control upward growth and keep the shape of the plant intact.
Pruning is also required to boost fresh growth. With the help of a sterile and sharp garden pruner, regularly snip away any dead and yellowed plant sections to make way for new ones.
Propagation
The plant can easily be propagated through stem cuttings. All you need is a sharp and sterile garden pruner, a light potting soil to place the plant in, and a container with well-draining drainage holes.
The right season to propagate the plant is during the warm seasons of spring or summer. These are the growing months and the plant will be able to pick up health and develop roots faster. Avoid pruning during the fall and winter months when the plant tends to enter a state of dormancy.
– Propagation Through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is hassle-free and does not take much of your time. Follow these steps to establish a new majestic plant.
- Take a section of the parent plant with at least one leaf and node intact. Use a sterile garden shear or pruner and place a gentle cut to pull out a part.
- Allow this cut section to form a callus for a few hours. Keep the cut end sealed to prevent the chances of rot.
- Place this cut section in a jar of water, allowing it to root. Move the jar near a window sill or a partially covered spot where it can receive bright yet indirect light.
- The section will take around a month to show the first early sprouts of juvenile roots.
- Once you see more roots sprout, transplant this directly into the ground or in a pot filled with slightly moist soil.
Care for the plant as per the details mentioned in the section above and you should soon have a healthy and thriving philodendron majestic plant. Make sure to water it adequately and provide the right type of potting soil for a healthy and happy plant.
Problems
This philodendron hybrid may be easy to grow, but it is not devoid of problems. In this section below, we discuss the most common problems and how you can easily tackle each one of them.
– Yellowing of Leaves
If you find the leaves of your philodendron turning yellow or brown, then it is most likely due to an incorrect watering schedule. As mentioned earlier, both underwatering, as well as over-watering, can hamper its health.
Where underwatering reduces the moisture levels in the plant, over-watering clogs the roots, preventing them from taking in much oxygen. Also, soggy soil is a perfect ground for breeding fungi, thus leading to a condition called root rot.
Fix the yellowing of leaves by taking care of the plant’s water requirements. Scale back on the watering if you suspect overwatering and always do a moisture test before you water the plant.
– Root Rot
If you suspect root rot, fix the solution immediately before it gets worse because this can kill the plant. The first thing to do is to stop watering the plant. Gently remove the entire plant from the container by gently tapping below it.
Loosen the soggy soil around the roots and inspect for rotten sections. Snip away any such parts with rot and take adequate care of the other sections of the root. Transplant into fresh and aerated soil and monitor the plant, providing it with the right care.
– Chlorosis
Chlorosis is yet another condition that causes the yellowing of leaves and occurs due to a nutrient deficiency of calcium and magnesium. These are essential nutrients the plant requires to grow and develop green foliage.
If your plants are turning yellow despite having a proper watering schedule in place, it could be because of a deficiency. In such a case, use Epsom salt mixed in a gallon of water and add this to the plant as a feed to overcome any shortfall in its nutrition.
– Leaves Dropping Excessively
Along with the yellowing, if leaves tend to drop easily, the reason is associated with low light conditions. Much as the philodendron manages to exist in low light conditions, the stems and leaves turn frail, thus making them drop down easily.
Move your plant into bright light, making sure you avoid direct sun rays, and see your plant limp back to life with healthy and sturdy green leaves.
– Pests and Diseases
Mealybugs, aphids and spider mites are common garden pests that can attack the foliage of the philodendron. The pests prey on the nutrition of the plant, sucking them out completely and making the stems droop and wilt. If left uncontrolled, the pests also feed on the foliage, killing the plant in a very short time.
Prevent bugs by mediating good plant hygiene and keeping it dust-free by regularly misting the plant and wiping the large broad leaves with a damp cloth.
To get rid of the pests, use an organic soapy solution such as neem oil or horticultural oil. Additionally, use a diluted solution of alcohol, especially under leaves where pests generally lay their eggs.
This will not only prevent their spread, but it will also eradicate their existence. Take note that as soon as you spot the first signs of a pest infestation, isolate the plant to prevent the insects from spreading to other areas in your garden.
– Tackling Dry Air
Being a tropical plant, the plant may get into a stress condition if placed in a very dry environment. They react by turning limp, wilting, and show signs of leaves turning yellow and brittle. The easiest way to tackle dry air is by misting the air around the plant. You can also reduce dryness by placing a pebble tray below the plant container.
If indoors, use a humidifier to boost moisture in the air. Move the plant away from heaters and air conditioners, which tend to dry the air. Also, never overdo the misting as this may make the soil soggy, leading to root rot.
FAQ
Does Philodendron Majestic like small pots?
Philodendron Majestic prefers larger pots to accommodate its root growth and prevent becoming rootbound.
Is Philodendron Majestic a good beginner plant?
Yes, Philodendron Majestic is an excellent choice for beginner plant enthusiasts due to its low-maintenance nature.
What happens if I don’t repot rootbound Philodendron Majestic?
If left rootbound, Philodendron Majestic may experience stunted growth, reduced water absorption, and nutrient deficiencies. Repotting is recommended.
Conclusion
After reading this detailed guide on the hybrid variant of philodendron, you would surely be eager to include it in your garden.
Here is a quick summary of the plant and why it is a delight to any space.
- This philodendron is a hybrid of philodendron verrucosum and is considered to be the finest of houseplants due to its attractive looks.
- The plant has distinctive luminous and showy leaves that are large and bear a few silver streaks. The leaves can grow to a length of eight inches, making their foliage vibrant and green.
- It requires moderate temperatures similar to other tropical plants, along with warmth and high humidity in the air around it. The plant seldom survives in extreme temperatures.
- The plant can be propagated easily through stem cuttings and the best time to undertake the procedure is in the warmer months of spring and summer. These are the growth months of the plant, unlike winters when it lies in dormancy.
- Tackle plant problems such as yellowing and dropping of leaves, root rot and pests by maintaining a steady watering schedule, pruning, and good plant hygiene.
Having read the complete care procedures, you can now easily grow these plant beauties in your home. It is easy and hassle-free to grow; perfect even if you are a beginner-level gardener.
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