(image credits, IG: urbanleaf22)
The Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a pretty cool hybrid plant. It creates leaves with bright white or bright green veins. With the right care and fertilizer, these leaves can grow pretty large. It originates from Ecuador.
The Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum needs well-draining soil that’s always moist. But you shouldn’t saturate the soil. Warer frequently about once a week but wait for the topsoil to slightly dry out. It also needs bright but indirect sunlight. Keep it within a temperature range between 55F (13C) and 80 (27C).
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.
Despite it being a hybrid plant, the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is easy to care for. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grow this Philodendron at home.
Table of Contents
Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum Care
Soil
The Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum requires well-draining soil to thrive. The great thing about well-draining soil is that it’s a perfect balance.
First, there’s plenty of aeration so excess water can drain through to the bottom. It helps to have a plant pot with drainage holes as well so the roots don’t sit in the water either.
This prevents the worst issue that a plant can come across, which is “root rot”. Root rot happens when the roots of a plant sit in drenched soil. Saturated soil doesn’t allow oxygen to get through to the roots.
This leads to the roots rotting away. It’s hard to stop root rot once it starts. And once all the roots are rotten, there’s nothing you can do to save your plant.
Well-draining soil also ensures that your plant gets the amount of hydration it needs. It holds on to just enough water.
We love sphagnum peat-moss for any Philodendron plant. This is because it allows excess water to drain while still holding onto water.
Light
A Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum likes bright but indirect sunlight. This is because direct sunlight can and will burn your plant’s leaves. But it still needs plenty of light.
In its natural habitat (the rainforest), it grows beneath trees or larger plants. But the sun still shines down so it absorbs that sunlight.
To achieve indirect sunlight, place your plant in either a north or east-facing window. If you use artificial light, don’t place it right under the light. Place it three to five inches away.
Watering
When you water a Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum, you want the soil moist. But that doesn’t mean you want saturated soil.
This plant is prone to fungal diseases. This is why it’s important to avoid over-watering it at all costs.
You want the first few inches of the soil to dry before you water it. But you don’t want the soil to dry out all the way.
You can test the soil by sticking your finger into your big knuckle. It should be dry to your fingertip. If it’s still moist, wait a few more days and feel it again. Don’t water it until it’s dry those first few inches.
Temperature
The temperature for a Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum should range between 55F (13C) and 80 (27C).
Avoid frost or super cold temperatures. This can and will kill your plant.
Humidity
The Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum doesn’t have to have high humidity. But high humidity creates lusher leaves for your Philodendron plant.
Most homes have to make their own humidity for plants. This is super easy to do and you have a few options.
We’ll first say to avoid spritzing the leaves of the plant to create humidity. Since this plant is prone to fungal diseases, wetting the leaves can harm it.
Our favorite method is the pebble tray method. You only need pebbles, a tray, and water for this method. You start by filling the tray to the top with pebbles.
Then you fill the tray with water. The water shouldn’t flow over the pebbles. All you have to do now is place your plant pot on top of the pebbles.
As the water evaporates, it creates moisture in the air. Since your plant is sitting right on top of the pebbles, that moisture goes straight to it.
Your other option is to buy a humidifier. They’re expensive but they allow you to control how much humidity you create around your plant.
Fertilizer
A Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum needs fertilizer that’s high in nitrogen. The nitrogen keeps your plant growing and creates lush and green leaves.
Before you fertilize this plant, make sure the soil is moist. Otherwise, the fertilizer can burn the roots.
Only fertilize during the warmer months. You don’t need to fertilize during the winter.
Propagation
There are two main methods to propagate the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum plant.
You can either use stem cuttings or the air layering method. We’ll go through both processes in detail below.
Growth
It grows to be only between four and six feet in height. It’s one of those plants that you need some room for when growing indoors.
Potting
You need to re-pot the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum once the roots start to poke out of the pot drainage holes. This can take up to two years.
When you do go to re-pot your plant, only get a plant pot that’s a bit bigger than the original. Too much room can stress the roots out. Stressed roots can make your plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum Propagation Steps
The propagation of the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is easy to do. Depending on the method you choose, it can also be a new and interesting process.
One main way to propagate this plant is through the standard stem cutting process. The other process is the air layering process.
It works best to propagate this plant during the growing season or the warmer months. That way your plant gets a start at growing right away.
Using Stem Cuttings
- The very first step is to get a Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum stem cutting. The stem cutting should be between four and five inches in length. You should cut right below a leaf node and have two leaves attached to it. You’ll need a pair of sterilized pruning shears to get this stem cutting. You can sterilize the pruning shears with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- Once you have your stem cutting, you need to cure it. Curing it boosts the stem cutting’s chance of taking root when you plant it. To cure it, you let the cutting sit out for a week in a warm environment. You’ll see the cut end start to callous over.
- While you’re waiting for the stem cutting to cure, you can get your plant pot ready. The plant pot should have drainage holes. Fill it with well-draining soil.
- After a week, it’s time to plant your Philodendron stem cutting. Create a hole with your finger about three or four inches deep. You can do this with your finger. Place your stem cutting into the hole and pack the soil around it tight.
- If your stem cutting can’t stand upright by itself, you can place a straw in the soil. Tie the straw to your stem cutting with a string. This should hold the stem cutting up until it stays up on its own.
- All that’s left is to care for your stem cutting like you do the mother plant. You want to place it in either an east or north-facing window. Make sure the soil is always moist but never saturated.
Using Air Layering
- To start air layering, you need to wound the stem of the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum. This isn’t as bad as it sounds. For this task, you need a sterilized knife. You can sterilize the knife with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Towards the top of the plant, make a wound that’s about two inches in length and two inches deep.
- Place a toothpick through the top of the wound to the bottom of the wound. This should hold the wound open so you don’t have to struggle with it later.
- Moisten a handful of sphagnum peat-moss. You want to make sure it’s moist so that it sticks. Rub the sphagnum peat-moss on and in the wound you created.
- This next step isn’t required but it helps keep the peat-moss attached to the wound when it starts to dry. You can tie a piece of string around the peat-moss and the wound.
- Now, wrap plastic wrap around the wound and stem. Make sure the plastic wrap is a few inches wider on both the top and bottom so you have room to work with. You want to wrap it tight but you don’t want to cut off oxygen to the wound and peat-moss. If the plastic wrap doesn’t stay for long, you can use duct tape to hold it down.
- In about three weeks you’ll see roots starting to grow from the sphagnum peat-moss. When the roots get at least four inches in length, you can remove the wound from the rest of the mother plant. Cut right above and below the plastic wrap. Use a sterilized knife or pair of pruning shears to do this.
- Now that you have separated the wound from the mother plant, you can remove the plastic wrap. Be careful during this process so you don’t hurt the roots.
- You need to get a plant pot ready for the wounded stem cutting. Make sure the plant pot has drainage holes and you’re using well-draining soil.
- Once the plant pot is ready, you can plant the stem cutting. Use your finger to make a small hole that’s about three inches deep. Place the stem cutting into the hole, with the roots under the soil. Pack the soil around it tight to hold it upright.
- If the wounded stem cutting won’t stay upright, place a straw into the soil. Use a piece of string to tie the stem cutting to the straw. When it can stand up alone, you can remove the straw and string.
- Now all you do is care for this stem cutting as you do the original plant. Place it in a north or east-facing window so it gets indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but never saturated.
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Other Varieties of Philodendrons
There are several types of Philodendron species to choose from. If you’re looking for something a little bit different than the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum, we’ve got your back.
Here are a few of our favorite Philodendron species.
Philodendron hederaceum
This Philodendron species is called the “Heartleaf Philodendron”. This is because it creates large heart-shaped leaves.
Philodendron cordatum
The Philodendron cordatum plant is more on the rare side. It’s not easy to find. It also creates heart-shaped leaves that come in both green and yellow.
This Philodendron species grows upward. It creates cool arrowhead-shaped leaves and oval-shaped leaves. They can get to a decent height if given the room to grow.
The Philodendron gloriosum is a really fun terrestrial plant. It grows very large pretty leaves. These leaves are lush green with bright white veins. It gives your home a real tropical feel.
The Philodendron domesticum plant also grows large leaves if given the chance. These leaves are skinny and arrowhead-shaped.
Commons Problems with the Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum
Like many Philodendron plants, the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is prone to plant pests. You can’t always prevent them no matter how much you try.
One way to prevent plant pests is to check every new plant before you bring it into your home. That way the pests can’t spread to your other plants. If the new plant does have plant pests, keep it in a separate room or outside while you treat it.
According to Clemson University, under-watering and over-watering your plant can attract pests too.
The biggest plant pest you have to contend with in this Philodendron plant is the mealybug. You can detect a mealybug infestation if you see what looks like cotton all over your plant.
Mealybugs are soft-bodied pests. They’re covered in a cotton-like substance for protection from outside forces. This substance can shed, which leaves it all over your plant.
These plant pests feed on the sap from inside your plant. This sap is an important tool for photosynthesis. It transports both nutrients and hydration throughout the plant.
Another common plant pest is aphids. Aphids are super small critters. They have bent back legs and antennas. These plant pests reproduce quick so it’s important to get rid of them right away.
The best way to look for an aphid infestation is to look underneath the leaves. They’re small pests but they cluster together in colonies. You’ll see a bunch of bugs crowded together, feeding on your plant.
Aphids also feed on the sap inside your plant. Since they reproduce fast, there can be hundreds of mouths stealing this sap. Your plant can go downhill quicker.
You may also come across spider mites on this plant. These plant pests aren’t like your usual bugs. They’re actual arachnids. They also feed on the sap of a plant.
To find out if you have a spider mite infestation, place a white piece of paper underneath your plant. Gently shake the plant. Spider mites will fall onto the paper. You’ll have to look at the creatures close. If you see pests with eight legs, your plant has spider mites.
The best way to combat plant pest infestations is neem oil. It’s an all-natural oil not known to harm plants. You’ll still want to test a small area of your plant to be on the safe side.
To treat your plant with neem oil, you have to dilute it first. Mix it with water in a spray bottle. Then spray down your plant with the mixture. Neem oil is super heavy and suffocates pests. You’ll see them dying within minutes of the application.
You want to repeat this process a few days later to make sure you got all the pests as well as any hidden eggs.
Tips for an Unhappy Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum
Every once in a while you might find yourself with an unhappy Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum. No matter how careful you are, problems arise in plants.
Here are the most common issues with this Philodendron. We’ll discuss how to fix each of these issues.
Your Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum Has Brown Curling Leaves
When a Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum has brown curling leaves, you’re over-fertilizing.
When you continue to fertilize and don’t flush the soil, salt builds up. A build-up of salt can burn the roots, which leads to brown leaves with curling tips.
Flushing the soil from time to time can prevent this issue. And flushing the soil (or replacing it with new soil) can fix an over-fertilization problem.
If you want to flush the soil of salt, you can use a faucet or hose. You don’t want the water running at full speed or it can injure your plant.
Allow the water to flow over your soil. Run the water through for ten to fifteen minutes. Don’t do this if your soil is already super moist or you can cause issues from over-watering. Wait until the soil has dried a bit.
Your Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum’s Leaves Have Brown Tips
When a Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum has brown edges on the leaves it’s getting too much direct light. Remember, direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn. This is what the browning is.
You have to remove the Philodendron plant from the sunlight right away. Try placing it in a north or east-facing window. If it’s still getting too much light, move it a little ways away from the window.
You can also consider artificial lights. This allows you to pull your plant further away from the light as needed.
You might want to remove the leaves for aesthetic reasons. They won’t get better.
But once you remove the plant from direct sunlight, your plant will start to look healthier.
Your Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum’s Leaves Have Necrotic Spots
A Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum with necrotic leaves has Bacterial Leaf Spot. Bacterial Leaf Spot is caused by over-watering your plant, the easiest mistake to make. If left untreated, Leaf Spot will kill your plant.
When your plant sits in wetness or saturated soil for too long, bacteria form. The bacteria will start taking over an area of your plant. And the passing of the bacteria through touch or even wind can spread it to the rest of your plant.
Battling Leaf Spot is difficult. The first step you have to take is to remove all infected leaves. This will stop the bacteria from spreading.
Then you’ll have to use a fungicide. We don’t like to recommend chemicals but it’s your best bet against Bacterial Leaf Spot. Always test a small area of your plant before treatment. This will let you know if your plant has an adverse reaction to the chemicals in fungicides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philodendron Verrucosum x Melanochrysum
Is the Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum toxic?
All Philodendron plants are toxic. This is because the leaves are covered in calcium oxalate crystals. It can cause throat issues and even skin rashes in some. Keep it away from both children and pets.
Why are the leaves on my Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum turning yellow?
Yellow leaves are a common sign of over-watering. If you continue to over-water, your plant will only get worse. You want to switch out the soil so it doesn’t stay in saturated soil. Always check the soil before you water your plant.
Are Philodendron species and Pothos species the same?
No, Philodendrons and Pothos aren’t the same species. It’s a common mistake since they share several similarities. Philodendron leaves are often softer and rounder than Pothos leaves.
Conclusion
The Philodendron verrucosum x melanochrysum is a fun hybrid plant. It’s easy to care for and we guarantee very few of your friends have this plant sitting in their home. They’ll be in awe of your new tropical Philodendron.
Check out our other articles about its parents, the Philodendron Verrucosum and the Philodendron Melanochrysum.