The art of hybridizing Philodendron was once something seen as akin to witchcraft, but with the dedicated work of numerous hard-core collectors and growers, some of the first hybrids were properly produced and propagated out a few decades ago, and they have become a much more prevalent part of the collecting community since. One of these original hybrids was between the two most prominent velvet-leaved climbing Philodendrons; melanochrysum and verrucosum, to create a deeply-veined, iridescent velvet Philodendron that shines like it’s been sprayed with glitter. With this specific climbing-type of Philodendron, in order to maintain a steady leaf size and general level of plant health, climbing support is a vital element. Usage of something as simple as a wooden stake, or as fine-tuned as a moss pole, is enough to aid a beautiful climbing Philodendron like ‘Splendid’, which more than lives up to its name.
