Philodendron Majesty: Boasting Its Majestic, Dark Leaves

Philodendron majesty is one of the rare hybrids of philodendron with dark burgundy foliage. This magnificent plant was created by crossing  Philodendron verrucosum L.Mathieu ex Schott and Philodendron sodiroi.

It seems the plant has inherited the best of both species: iridescent leaves from the first one and silvery, almost metallic reflection from the second one.

The name Philodendron Majesty was given by Neil Crafter, who was impressed by its magnificent appearance.

Since it is a hybrid, its botanical name includes the species from which it originates and reads P. verrucosum x P. sodiroi.

What Is Philodendron Majesty

Philodendron majesty is a fast-growing climber with one central stem, on which, over time, long aerial roots appear to help the plant climb along the support. The long petioles that bear the leaves are firm and fleshy, sometimes grow almost parallel to the ground, and extend on all sides, which is why the plant resembles a modernist installation.

This graceful arrangement of leaves has its downside: The plant usually grows in width and takes up a lot of space over time, which can be inconvenient in small living spaces.

Aside from its form, a special attraction is the philodendron majesty leaves, shiny and lanceolate with a straight edge, 8 to 18 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide.

While young, they have a dark green color, and as they grow, the color changes from dark purple to almost metallic black.

Mature Philodendron Majesty blooms with inconspicuous pistil-like flowers, which produce Philodendron majesty seeds after pollination. Yet, it rarely happens when the plant is grown indoors.

Proper Philodendron Majesty Care

Philodendron majesty, like most plants in the Philodendron genus, is a low-maintenance plant that does not require too much attention. If we add to that its irresistible exotic appearance and unusual color, it is clear why it is one of the most sought-after plants to grow both indoors and outdoors, where climatic conditions allow it. If cared for and grown properly, the ‘Majesty’ will definitely live up to its name!

• Soil Requirements

Providing the right type of soil for Philodendron majesty is one of the most important things when it comes to its care. It prefers organic-rich, lightweight soil that is well-drained. You can grow it in standard potting soil mixed with peat moss and perlite in equal amounts.

Another option to create a suitable potting mixture is to combine coco fiber with soil in a 1:1  ratio. The combination will improve the structure and will give the mixture lightness and airiness.

• Light Requirements

The dark color of the leaves of Philodendron majesty will remain only if the plant gets enough light. It, of course, does not mean that you need to expose the plant to direct sunlight. On the contrary, its leaves are very sensitive to midday sunlight.

Therefore provide the plant with a position where it will get a lot of filtered sun. Move it at least 5 feet away from the south window, or place it next to the east or west window.

Although it can tolerate some shade, such a position will negatively affect the growth and size of the leaves. The ideal spot is one where it brings 70 to 80 percent of daylight.

• Water Requirements

During the spring-summer period, Philodendron majesty should be watered every week. Before you start watering, make sure the plant has absorbed all the water from the previous intake. It means that the soil has to be dry at least 2 or 3 inches deep before watering the plant again since Philodendron majesty does not like sitting in the wet soil.

This dark-leafed plant prefers moisture over complete wetness, so you have to make sure the soil isn’t too soggy.

As for the autumn-winter period, you could water Philodendron majesty every 10 to 15 days. It is the period when there is less daylight, water evaporates more slowly from the soil, and the transpiration process is slowed down, so the plant needs less water.

• Humidity

Due to its tropical nature, Philodendron majesty enjoys high air humidity. The ideal level is between 60 and 80 percent, but it will also grow if humidity ranges between 40 and 60 percent.

Since it is a level above the standard home humidity, you could occasionally mist your Philodendron majesty using standing soft water at room temperature. In case just misting does not do the trick, a humidifier could be a helpful solution.

• Temperature

In regions with a continental climate where the winter temperature is regularly below freezing, Philodendron majesty is grown as a potted plant indoors, protected from low temperatures. It thrives best at a uniform temperature of 55 to 80 F throughout the year.

In summer, it can withstand higher values ​​if you hydrate it regularly. You can take Philodendron majesty out in late spring as it will benefit from staying outdoors if you place it in some pleasantly shaded spot. In early autumn, when the night temperatures start to drop to 50F, bring it into the house.

It can spend the winter at temperatures from 59 to 65 F. Since it is sensitive to large daily temperature fluctuations and does not like the flow of cold air, you should not keep it near windows or doors that often open.

In climate zone 9b to 11, this tropical beauty thrives as a garden perennial planted in the ground, which may lose some of its leaves during the winter, but will begin to grow again in the spring.

• Fertilizer

If you notice that your philodendron is not growing properly or that its leaves are smaller than you expect, it is probably because it is not getting enough nutrients from the soil. In this case, you can use fertilizer to feed the plant additionally and thus boost its growth.

Once a month, from spring to fall, you can use all-purpose liquid fertilizer for plants with decorative leaves enriched with trace minerals. Optionally, you can apply some slow-release fertilizers in granules, sticks, or capsules inserted into the substrate at the beginning of the season.

• Pruning

Philodendron pruning is a beneficial measure in many ways because it removes old or damaged leaves, controls the size of the plant, and stimulates the growth of new leaves. If the plant becomes too big and leggy, do not hesitate but take sterile scissors or a knife and feel free to shorten it.

The ideal time to prune philodendrons is early spring if you want to shorten the stem, but you can prune old leaves at any time of the year. If you cut the central stem, it would be good to protect the incision site with squid wax to reduce the risk of infection.

In addition to shaping the plant to suit your needs, you can use the cut top to propagate the plant. And don’t forget to water it after pruning to reduce stress!

• Repotting Philodendron Majesty

Young plants of Philodendron majesty you should transplant every year because when you get them from the nursery, they usually come in small pots that quickly become cramped. Transplant them in the spring into a slightly larger container with at least one drainage hole.

As the plant grows, you could transplant it less frequently, so the adult specimens need a new bigger pot only every second or third year.

As the plant grows, it will need support, so transplanting is a convenient opportunity to insert the pole into a pot without the risk of damaging the roots.

Also, when transplanting your Philodendron majesty, always inspect the rootball, that essential but hidden part of the plant. Remove all damaged, elongated, crushed, or rotten parts up to one-third of the total root size. Shortening the peripheral root will not harm the plant but will encourage new, healthier root development.

Propagation

As already mentioned, if you cut off the top of the stem during pruning, you can use it to propagate a new plant. Here is the step-by-step process.

• Cut the top of the stem, at least 5 inches long, at an angle of 45 degrees under the leaf node.
• Remove all the lower leaves leaving only two or three ones at the top of the stem.
• Stub the cuttings in a bowl with a moist mixture of soil and perlite, and then cover with a transparent plastic bag.
• .Place the pot with the cuttings in a warm and well-lit place. Every other day, remove the cover for ten minutes to ventilate the cuttings and maintain moderate soil moisture.
• The cuttings will develop a root in the next 3 to 5 weeks, and when you see a new leaf sprout, permanently remove the cover and continue to nurture as the adult plant.

Problems

Philodendron majesty is a resistant hybrid that is not prone to diseases under acceptable conditions.

If some problems occur, then it is due to unfavorable growing conditions. Among them, the most common are the following.

– Root Rot

The disease is caused by too much water or too long water retention in the soil. If you feel an unpleasant decay odor that spreads around the plant, and the stem begins to darken and lose its firmness, immediately remove the plant from the pot and inspect the root. You can try to remove all rotten and damaged parts and transplant the plant into a new mixture. For the next 15 days, you do not have to water the plant.

– Leaf Spot

Leaf spot occurs for several reasons:

•  The first one is over-exposure to the sun, which causes yellow spots that dry out over time.
•  The second is excessive watering which causes the leaves to turn yellow and fall off over time.
• The third is a fungal disease transmitted from other plants, so the infected plant needs to be removed and treated with a fungicide.

– Pests

Philodendron majesty is not a plant that is often attacked by parasites, but that does not mean that they are pests-free. Common pests attack philodendrons like most other plants.

– Spider Mites

Spider mites are a common insect, recognizable by the brown spots on the leaves and the silky web under the leaves. They are visible after spraying with water as they come out on the upper parts.

Although spider mites cannot harm the whole plant, the pests leave ugly marks and variegation on the leaves. To get rid of them, wipe the leaves with a mixture of water and hand soap.

– Thrips

Thrips are the most serious pest because they can cause the plant to dry out. Although the attack is rare, they are more common if the plant spends summer outdoors. They feed on sap and young leaves, and after their attack, the plant begins to wither. The most well-known symptom is sudden and severe leaf fall.

– Aphids

Aphids are a common parasite that can migrate from other species. They feed on cell sap and can cause the curling of leaves. They are green or white and are recognized as clusters on the stems and leaves. If there aren’t too many, you can try rinsing them under lukewarm water.

However, when there is a significant aphid infestation, you can use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil or sprinkle your plant with flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the distinctive features of Philodendron Majesty?

2. Can Philodendron Majesty tolerate drought?

3. How do I acclimate my Philodendron Majesty to outdoor conditions?

Conclusion

So we’ve discussed that proper care of Philodendron majesty includes:

• Nutritious potting with good drainage, watering once a week from spring to autumn and once every ten days in winter
• Monthly feeding in the growing season with a balanced liquid or granular fertilizer to stimulate more lush plant growth
• Filtered daylight should be at 70-80 percent and air humidity in the range of 40 to 80 percent
• Transplanting every second or third year for adults and every spring for young plants
• A warm environment with a temperature of 65 to 85 F without large daily oscillations
• Pruning if the plant is too large and regularly removing all wilted or damaged leaves.

With all its tropical charm, unique color, and the shape in which it grows, Philodendron majesty is also a reliable air purifier! Isn’t it an extra reason for you to get and successfully grow this stunning plant?

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