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Philodendron Majesty is one of the rare, dark leaf hybrids deriving from the Philodendron family. It is not known who hybridized this plant, but it was named by Neil Crafter and is a worldwide sensation among plant enthusiasts.
Philodendron Majesty will flourish in indirect bright light. It thrives in moist soil that has high organic matter, peat moss, and coco coir. Indoors the plant prefers temperatures between 55 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit (12.7 – 26.6 degrees Celsius). It requires high humidity conditions between 40-80%.
It is a wonderful hybrid of Philodendron Verrucosum L.Mathieu ex Schott and Philodendron Sodiroi hort. Hence, it illustrates the finest traits of both of its parents. The large and stunning leaves of the plant add a great tropical jungle effect to your house.
Philodendron Majesty is a perennial, vine, and considered aroid as it belongs to the family of Araceae.
Philodendron Majesty is an easy-to-grow and charming houseplant that has lush green, burgundy, or copper-colored leaves. It is sometimes also termed as self-heading Philodendron.
Philodendron Majesty plant can be cultivated in pots, hanging baskets, or even outdoors if temperatures allow. According to USDA a hardiness zone between 9b-11 is advised.
Table of Contents
Philodendron Majesty Plant Care
Soil
Philodendron Majesty likes loose potting soil that’s rich in organic matter. The soil of your plant must have good drainage. When your plant is in a container, it’s recommended to replace your plant’s soil every couple of years or so.
This plant is sensitive to salts that collect in the soil through watering, which causes leaf browning and yellowing. You can occasionally flush out some of the salts by watering your container thoroughly until water comes out of its drainage holes. But sooner or later, the soil will need refreshing.
Philodendron Majesty likes a rich, somewhat chunky soil mix with a good dose of peat. Approximately 1/2 potting soil and 1/2 coco coir, also known as coco fiber. Coco coir is a more organic option compared to peat moss and has basically the same properties.
You can also use a few handfuls of DIY succulent & cactus mix, which has coco chips in it for added drainage, as well as a couple of compost for richness. Some more alternatives for your Philodendron Majesty soil mix includes:
- 1/2 potting soil along with 1/2 orchid bark or coco chips
- 3/4 potting soil mixed with 1/4 pumice or perlite
- 1/2 potting soil, 1/2 coco fiber, or peat moss
Water
Philodendron Majesty grows best in soil that is consistently moist but not soggy. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry.
Keep in mind that the soil in unglazed clay or ceramic pots has a tendency to dry out quicker than soil in plastic or glazed pots.
Philodendron Majesty’s growth will often slow down during the winter season, so you will notice that you need to water your plant less often. Take care not to flood your plant since Philodendron Majesty will rot if kept in a soggy environment.
If you notice the leaves are brown and falling off, then your plant is likely not getting sufficient water. Drooping leaves can imply that the plant is receiving either too much or not enough water, but they should recover once you fix the problem.
Light
Philodendron Majesty grows finest in medium and bright indirect sunlight. Older leaves turn yellow naturally. However, if you observe numerous yellow leaves at one time, it could be a sign that the plant is receiving too much sun.
It will grow in low light, but if the stems turn out to be leggy with several inches between the leaves, you might want to move the plant to a brighter spot.
Locate a place near a window where the sunrays do not touch the foliage of Philodendron Majesty.
Temperature
Philodendron Majesty is a tropical plant, and this means it does not tolerate cold temperatures for a prolonged period, and a frost will kill the plant.
The optimal temperature range for your plant indoors and outdoors is between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (12.7 – 32.2 degrees Celsius).
Night temperatures of 65 to 70 Fahrenheit (18 – 21 degrees Celsius) and day temperatures of 75 to 85 Fahrenheit (23.8 – 29 degrees Celsius) are optimal.
Humidity
Like other plants native to the tropics, Philodendron Majesty prospers under high humidity.
40 – 80 % humidity level for your Philodendron Majesty is excellent. Misting and showering your plant occasionally can help to increase the humidity of the plant.
The use of a humidifier is encouraged as it will help to increase the relative humidity.
Fertilizer
Fertilize Philodendron Majesty houseplant with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients. Water your plant with the fertilizer monthly in spring and summer and every six to eight weeks during the fall and winter seasons.
Slow development and insignificant leaf size is the plant’s way of informing you that it isn’t receiving enough fertilizer. Pale new leaves generally suggest that the plant isn’t getting adequate calcium and magnesium, which are vital micro-nutrients for Philodendron Majesty.
Too much fertilizer can trigger tips of leaves to curl and turn brown. Philodendron Majesty will benefit from relatively regular doses of fertilizer, especially during summer months when growth is most vigorous.
Repotting
Philodendron Majesty grows best when their roots are slightly cramped, so don’t plant it in a pot that is too large for it.
When the roots start to pack into a tight ball, the plant should be repotted into a pot that is 2 or 3 inches larger.
Repotting a Philodendron Majesty should be done in late winter or spring before the plant begins its active growth. Good drainage is essential, so if there are no drainage holes, be sure to pack the bottom of the pot with clean stones or pebbles.
Use an adequate commercial potting soil or a mixture consisting of equal parts of peat moss, with some chopped charcoal, gravel, broken crocks, or brick added.
The freshly potted plant requires to be thoroughly watered during the first month or so to be sure that the roots don’t dry out completely.
Never let the soil become saturated or soggy.
It is also a good idea to add a pole to the planter at the time of repotting as this is a vining type of Philodendron.
Sometimes Philodendron Majesty generates aerial roots that will hang on to whatever support they get.
These roots should never be cut off entirely, but they can be cut back if they become too long or begin to die.
Pruning
Trimming the Philodendron Majesty plant is advantageous if the plant is taking up too much space in the room or if the plant starts to look long and leggy. Pruning for your Philodendron Majesty is best performed in spring or fall.
You can carefully give your Philodendron a light cut any time of the year to eliminate yellowing leaves and trim skinny growth.
Cut off the longest, oldest stems, or any stems that are gangly or have a bunch of yellowing or dead leaves. All stems with dying leaves should be removed because soon they will become leafless.
Make cuts using a sharp, sterile knife, scissors, or pruning shears. Cut where the stem meets the major part of the plant. If you are unable to see where the base of the stem unites, cut the stem at soil level.
Before pruning Philodendron Majesty, you should sterilize your pruning tools. This simple but important action takes few minutes and helps avoid the spread of disease-causing bacteria that may affect the health of your plant.
To sterilize pruning tools, remove any mud or dirt, then just give the tools a quick dip in a mixture of nine parts household bleach to one part water. Bleach can be acidic, so wash tools in clear water when they’re sterilized.
Alternatively, you can also wipe your tools with normal rubbing alcohol, which is efficient and not as corrosive as bleach.
Propagation
The Philodendron Majesty can be propagated quite well using top cuttings. This process is quite easy and can be used to accomplish a healthy and new plant.
- To do this, only cut off a few cuttings under the leaf node in the summer and get rid of all leaves in the lower area.
- Now put the cuttings into a blend of potting soil mix. Cuttings can be pretty big, and you should put each of them into its own pot.
- The potting soil should be well-watered and sealed with a plastic bag after that.
- Now the pot only requires normal room temperature and a bright, but not too sunny, spot. The growing plant should be exposed to the air every two to three days to avoid mold development.
- The cuttings would grow roots after three to four weeks. The plastic bag must not be separated before that.
- If you are doing everything right, the cutting should still be green and growing gradually.
- Brown and dry cuttings will root. The plant can now be transferred after root development and fertilized every four weeks.
Blooms
Philodendron Majesty is not known for its blooms as it is explicitly famous for its gorgeous and dark foliage.
Growth
Philodendron Majesty is a climber and generates incredibly dark leaves in bright light. The leaves are spearhead-shaped and a bit sharp and narrow. Leaves are typically 8 inches (0.2 meters) long and 3 to 4 inches (0.07-0.1 meters) wide.
As the leaves age, they start to turn from dark green to maroon, depending on the amount of light it receives.
The plant will thrive best outdoors if grown in USDA hardiness zone 9b-11. The patio zone is 4b-11. This indicates that the potted plant will prosper over the summer months. In colder zones, it must be transported inside before the weather gets chilly.
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Common Problems for Philodendron Majesty
Spider Mites
The Philodendron Majesty can be infected by spider mites; they will be discovered on the axils and round leaf borders. They are nearly too small to be seen; therefore, they can easily get into our gardens without notice.
Larger invasions of spider mites cause visible damage. Leaves of the Philodendron Majesty plant first show tiny spots. The leaves may change color, curl and eventually fall.
Chemical pesticide actually benefits the spread of spider mites by destroying the advantageous insects that prey on them.
For this purpose, it is essential to manage mites with effective natural and organic methods. Hence use of neem oil and insecticidal soaps is of great benefit.
Thrips
Thrips are really unpleasant insects found on the under or upper side of Philodendron Majesty, and they can kill the plant.
An invasion with thrips comes to light when the plant unexpectedly loses its strength and shows growth failure. Heavily infested Philodendron Majesty will shed its leaves.
You can use beneficial insects, like ladybugs, to get rid of them. The use of neem oil and other insecticide sprays will also help you.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied wingless insects found in warmer growing climates. They often appear as white cottony masses on the leaves and stems of Philodendron Majesty.
They feed by injecting long sucking stylets into the plant and drawing sap out of its tissues. If they are large in number, they cause yellow and curly leaves.
If the infestation is light, prune your plant or clean the insect with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing your plant as mealybugs are attracted to plants high in nitrogen and have a soft growth.
Aphids
Aphids seem to find their way into your Philodendron Majesty. They are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking the nutrient-rich liquids out of your plant. They grow quickly, so it’s crucial to get them under control before reproduction starts.
To get rid of the aphids, an easy remedy is to spray your plant with cold water to dislodge them. If the infestation is large, you can simply dust your plant with flour. Horticulture oil and neem are also effective in the treatment of aphids.
Tips for Growing Philodendron Majesty
- Over-fertilizing can cause damage to your plant, leading the leaves to curl and turn brown.
- Drooping leaves are an indication of a water problem; hence fix it right away.
- The use of neem oil is excellent for treating the invasions of insects, including mealybugs, aphids, and thrips.
- It is vital to clean your pruning shears before you prune your Philodendron Majesty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Philodendron Majesty
Does Philodendron Majesty like the full sun?
Philodendron Majesty grows best in medium light and bright indirect sunlight. They can withstand lower light conditions, but if the stems become tall and thin with several inches between the leaves, you may need to move the plant to a brighter spot.
How can I make my Philodendron Majesty grow faster?
Philodendron Majesty can stay alive with very little light but will grow quicker and healthier in bright indirect light. It will burn in harsh, direct sunlight. Your container should have a good drainage system and water once a week when the top 50 percent of the soil is dry. Add fertilizer every two weeks for optimal growth.
Does Philodendron Majesty need a lot of water?
Philodendron Majesty does not need as much water as some other houseplants. Overwatering it can actually harm your plant. If the plant is in high light or the temperature is warmer, it should be watered more often. In low light or cooler temperatures, watering should happen less often.
Conclusion
Philodendron Majesty’s care is easy because if you observe your plant, it will warn you precisely about the likes and dislikes.
Even inexperienced houseplant owners will have no difficulty cultivating the Philodendron Majesty plant because it adapts readily to environments inside the house.
This houseplant thrives indoors all year round with no complaints, but it appreciates an occasional stay outdoors in a shady spot when the weather conditions allow. Taking your Philodendron Majesty outdoors also provides you a chance to cleanse the soil with regular waterings.
The extremely beautiful dark color of the foliage of the plant can help increase the beauty of your house. For centuries, Philodendron plants have functioned as a decorative piece in interior gardens.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.