The dark and glorious Philodendron Majesty is a beautiful plant that can be a great addition to any home. However, taking care of this Philodendron can be tricky for some people.
In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of Philodendron Majesty care so that you can keep your plant healthy and looking beautiful!
Contents
Overview of the Philodendron Majesty
The Philodendron genus is part of the Araceae family which contains around 3750 species of flowering plants. Many of these plants are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America.
Philodendron majesty is a hybrid plant that was created by crossing two other Philodendron species, the Philodendron sodiroi and Philodendron verrucosum. This hybrid plant was first discovered in Ecuador.
The Philodendron majesty is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for indoor plant known for its large, glossy leaves. The leaves of this plant can grow up to 18 inches long and 4 inches wide. The plant is fast-growing and can reach heights of up to 10 feet.
Philodendron majesty plant is not only easy to care for but is also a very resilient plant, making it an excellent choice for beginner plant owners or those who do not have a lot of experience caring for plants.
Quick Summary Guide:
Sunlight:bright, indirect light. Temperature: warm temps around 55-85 degrees F. Watering: water regularly – less often in winter. Fertilizing: as needed. Pests and Diseases: eliminate them if they occur. Soil: well-draining soil. Humidity: thrive in moist conditions. Toxicity: toxic when ingested Pruning: do not require pruning.
With proper care, you can keep your Philodendron Majesty plant healthy and thriving for years to come! For more tips on Philodendron Majesty care, check out our complete guide.
Easy to Follow Philodendron Majesty Plant Care Guide
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to properly care for your rare Philodendron majesty plant for it to reach its full potential.
Lighting Requirements
Philodendron majesty plants prefer bright indirect sunlight but will tolerate lower light conditions.
If you can provide your plant with 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day, that would be ideal. If you cannot provide it with this much sunlight, the plant will still do fine, but it may grow slower.
If you are unsure whether the light in your home is bright enough for your Philodendron majesty, you can do a simple test. Place your hand about 6 inches above your plant’s leaves, and the light is bright enough if you can see your shadow.
If you cannot keep your plant in a bright spot with filtered sunlight, provide artificial light to supplement what it’s receiving. This can be in the form of a grow light or a fluorescent light bulb.
The plant leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight, so keep them out of the direct sun. If the leaves start to turn yellow or brown, that is a sign that the plant is getting too much sunlight.
Watering Requirements
Philodendron plants should be watered about once a week or when the top inch of soil is dry. Be sure to not over or underwater your plant, as both can cause leaf drop.
When watering, Allow the water to run through the drainage holes in the pot until it drips out, then empty the drip tray. Leaving water in the drip tray can lead to root rot.
During summer, you may need to water your plant more often as the warmer weather causes the soil to dry out more quickly. In winter, you can reduce watering to every two weeks as the plant grows more slowly.
Soil Requirements
Philodendron majesty plants prefer a well-draining, peat-based potting mix (with a pH level of 6 – 6.5). A good quality potting mix or African violet mix works well since these mixes are designed to hold moisture while still allowing the roots to breathe.
You can purchase a pre-made potting mix or make your own by mixing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Soil rich in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash will also help to promote growth.
If you are unsure whether your potting mix is well-draining, test it by poking your finger into the soil. If the soil sticks to your finger or feels dense, likely, the mixture does not drain well, and you need to add more perlite or vermiculite.
Fertilizing Requirements
Philodendron majesty plants should be fertilized once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Use a half-strength balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. During the fall and winter months, reduce fertilizing to every six to eight weeks, as the plant grows more slowly during these months.
It is important not to over-fertilize your plant as this causes burning of the roots, which can lead to leaf drop. If your plant’s growth is stunted or if you notice its leaves are smaller than usual, it likely means the plant isn’t getting the nutrients it needs from the soil.
Temperature Requirements
Philodendron majesty plants prefer warm temperatures and will do best in a room that is 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
If the temperature in your home is lower than this, you can provide a bit of extra warmth with a space heater. However, ensure not to place the plant too close to the heater, as this can cause the leaves to dry out.
Humidity Requirements
Philodendron majesty plants thrive in humid conditions and will do best in a room with a humidity level of 50-70%. If the air in your home is dry, you can increase the humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray or humidifier.
If the humidity levels are too low, the plant leaves will begin to turn yellow and brown. However, the leaves will develop mold or mildew if the humidity levels are too high. It is crucial to monitor the humidity levels when growing this plant species carefully.
Pet Friendly/Toxicity
Philodendron majesty plants are poisonous to pets and kids if ingested, so keep them out of reach if you have pets or small children.
Philodendron majesty plants are also known to be a skin irritant, so be sure to wash your hands after handling them. Avoid contact with the plant if you have any cuts or open wounds until they heal best.
When and How to Prune Your Plant for Optimal Growth
Pruning helps to encourage new growth and is also used to shape the plant. You can prune your Philodendron majesty plant at any time of year.
However, the best time to prune is spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
To remove a leaf, cut it off at the base where it joins the stem using a sharp knife or gardening shears. Trim back any overgrown stems causing the plant to appear leggy, cutting them just above a leaf node.
Propagating a New Philodendron Majesty From an Existing One
Philodendron majesty plants can be propagated from stem cuttings. Here are the steps you need to take:
Cut a stem from the plant that is at least 6 inches long and has several leaf nodes, as this is where new roots will form.
Remove the bottom leaves from the stem, leaving only the top two or three leaves.
Dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and make a hole in the center.
Insert the stem cutting into the hole and lightly pat the mix around it.
Water the soil until it is moist and place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
Keep the soil moist and provide extra humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
New roots should form within 4-6 weeks; at that point, you can begin fertilizing the plant.
When and How to Replant Your Philodendron Majesty Plant
Philodendron majesty plants should be repotted every three to four years, as they quickly outgrow their pot. The best time to repot your plant is in late winter or spring before new growth begins.
When repotting, choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot, which helps prevent the roots from becoming too crowded. Good drainage is also essential, so ensure the pot has drainage holes.
To repot your plant, follow these steps:
Gently remove the plant from its current pot and loosen the roots.
Place the plant in the new pot and fill it in with the fresh potting mix.
Water the plant well and place it in a warm, sunny location but not in direct sunlight.
Allow the plant to adjust to its new pot and location for a week before fertilizing it.
Slowly increase the amount of water and fertilizer you give the plant as it becomes acclimated to its new pot.
Philodendron Majesty Plant Growth Zones
Before you purchase a Philodendron majesty plant, it is essential to make sure that it will be able to grow in your area.
This plant will only grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. In these zones, the plant can be grown as a houseplant or in containers outdoors.
If you live in a colder climate and want to grow this plant, you will need to bring it indoors and care for it as a houseplant. The plant can also be grown in a greenhouse in colder climates.
Common Pests/Diseases to Look Out for
Philodendron majesty plants are generally quite hardy and resistant to pests and disease. However, there are a few pests and diseases that you should be on the lookout for, including:
Aphids
These small, pear-shaped insects suck the sap from the plant’s leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually drop off.
They appear as a group and can be seen with the naked eye. Aphids show up often when plants haven’t had direct sunlight in a long time.
If they aren’t too many, you can wipe them with lukewarm water; if they’re large, use an insecticide to eliminate them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny creatures that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. They feed on plant sap, which can cause the leaves to turn red and yellow and eventually drop off.
Spider mites are more common in dry conditions, so keep your plant’s leaves moist. To eliminate them, wash the leaf backs with clean water and then spray them with spider mite pesticide or neem oil. Spider mites are only entirely eliminated after several applications.
Root Rot
Root rot is a disease that affects the plant’s roots, causing them to turn black and rot away. It is caused by overwatering or planting in poorly-draining soil.
To prevent it, make sure to plant your philodendron majesty plant in well-draining soil and only water it when the top inch of soil is dry. If the plant is already affected by root rot, you can try to save it by replanting it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Mosaic Disease
The mosaic disease is caused by a virus that causes the plant’s leaves to turn yellow and develop brown or green spots. Aphids spread the virus, so it’s essential to control them to prevent mosaic disease.
There is no cure for mosaic disease, so the best thing to do is remove any affected leaves and hope the plant can fight off the virus. Ventilation also helps to prevent the spread of the virus.
Leaf Spot
A leaf spot is a disease that causes brown or black spots on the plant’s leaves. It is often caused by waterlogged soil or overwatering.
To prevent leaf spots, only water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. If the plant is already affected, you can remove the affected leaves to help prevent the disease from spreading.
Other Uncommon Pests and Diseases
Some other pests and diseases can affect philodendron majesty plants, but they are much less common. These include:
Thrips: They are small, winged insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause the plant leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. To eliminate thrips, you can use a particular insecticide designed for thrips.
Powdery Mildew: It is a type of fungus that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn white or gray. It is often caused by humid conditions or overwatering.
Nematodes: tiny, worm-like creatures that live in the soil and feed on plant roots. They can cause the plant to turn yellow and wilt. To get rid of them, you can use a special nematode-eliminating spray.
FAQ:
Q: How often should I water my Philodendron majesty plant?
A: The plant should only be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Do not overwater your plant or you risk root rot which could kill it.
Q: What type of soil does the Philodendron majesty plant need?
A: The Philodendron majesty plant needs well-draining soil. A good mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite will work well.
Q: How can I prevent root rot?
A: Root rot can be prevented by only watering the plant when the top inch of soil is dry and planting it in well-draining soil.
Q: How do I control spider mites?
A: Spider mites can be controlled by keeping the plant’s leaves moist and spraying them with neem home or pesticide. Spider mites are difficult to get rid of and might require multiple applications.
Q: What is the difference between the Philodendron majesty and the Philodendron dark lord?
A: The Philodendron majesty is a hybrid plant that is the result of crossing the Philodendron erubescens and the Philodendron hederaceum.
The Philodendron dark lord is a cultivar of the Philodendron erubescens. Both plants are known for their large, Philodendron majesty leaves and Philodendron dark lord Philodendron dark leaves.
However, the Philodendron majesty can grow up to three feet tall, while the Philodendron dark lord only grows to about two feet tall. Additionally, the Philodendron majesty has red or pink flowers, while the Philodendron dark lord does not produce flowers.
Philodendron majesty leaves are also a bit more glossy than Philodendron dark lord leaves. Lastly, majesty plants are more resistant to pests and diseases than Philodendron dark lord plants.
Q: What is the best way to deal with mosaic disease?
A: There is no cure for mosaic disease, so the best thing to do is remove any affected leaves and hope the plant can fight off the virus. Ventilation also helps to prevent the spread of the virus.
Q: Why are my Philodendron majesty plant’s leaves turning brown?
A: This could be due to overwatering, leaf spot disease, or powdery mildew. Try to determine it and take appropriate action to fix the problem.
If your plant is suffering from root rot or sitting in too much water, this will kill it, and the leaves will turn brown.
Hopefully, you will only notice this issue on just a few leaves. You can try to remove the affected leaves to help prevent the disease from spreading.
If your plant has powdery mildew, this is caused by humid conditions or overwatering, and you should take steps to improve ventilation and avoid overwatering in the future.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an attractive, low-maintenance indoor plant, the Philodendron majesty is a great option. This tropical plant is known for its glossy green leaves and vining habit, making it a popular choice for homes and offices.
The Philodendron majesty is not only beautiful, but it’s also easy to care for. The plant thrives in humid conditions and does best in bright, indirect light.
Be sure to water your plant regularly and fertilize it as needed. If you notice any pests or diseases, act quickly to eliminate them. You can keep your Philodendron majesty healthy and thriving for years to come with proper care.
