If you are someone with a green thumb and are looking to grow something special, then look no further than the exceptionally stunning Philodendron McColley’s Finale. These colorful plants are perfect if you want to add color to your home and garden.
This plant can be grown as either a houseplant or an outdoor plant, making it a versatile option for many different situations. The Philodendron McColley’s Finale is an evergreen tropical hybrid that is nothing short of eye master-peice. The fresh leaves acquire a bright cinnamon color as they develop; they become scarlet red, then dark green.
The Short-height shrub has numerous broad leaves on upright stems that join at the bottom to make up the plant. If you want a colorful plant for inside use or to create terrariums/vivariums, this beauty will not disappoint. It also thrives well in pots and on patio trellises planted with other plants.
On average, it reaches between 1.5 and 2 feet tall. Despite the fact that some may reach 3 feet in height. Because of the plant’s leaves, it spreads out vertically a long way. As a result, it has a spread of about 2 ft.
Table of Contents
Caring for The Philodendron McColley’s Finale
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Philodendron McColley’s Finale Light Requirements
This Philodendron does best with bright, indirect light. If you are growing it as a houseplant, place it near a window where it will get some natural sunlight but make sure to rotate the plant regularly so all of its leaves receive an equal amount of light.
If you are growing Philodendron McColley’s Finale outdoors, try to find a spot that gets full sun for part of the day and then shade for the rest of the day.
However, be cautious with direct sunlight, periods of intense sun, and extended hours of bright light. Sunburn can occur to the delicate leaves when exposed to these factors. However, you should also avoid dark areas and lack of light. This will slow development down, making it leggy and scraggly.
If you want to keep it outside, provide it with some shade. Avoid direct sunlight since it will not be able to withstand this on a daily basis.
Philodendron McColley’s Finale Temperature Requirements
The Philodendron McColley’s Finale can tolerate a range of temperatures, making it an ideal plant for both indoor and outdoor use. The recommended temperature range is 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
In general, your Philodendron McColley’s Finale will handle heat better than cold. However, once temperatures climb above 85 degrees, growth will slow down significantly. More importantly, you need to maintain temperatures at or below 95 degrees for the plant to thrive.
On the other side of the spectrum, it is susceptible to frost and frigid temperatures. The plant will be damaged if it stays in conditions below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period of time.
It’s hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11 when grown outside. If you reside in these regions, you’ll be able to grow the plant in your garden. Otherwise, it is a good idea to keep it in a container.
This way, you may bring it outside during the summer months. Also, when things get near to 50 degrees, keep it inside. During the winter, however, the plant will not be able to survive.
Philodendron McColley’s Finale Humidity
In addition, your Philodendron McColley’s Finale is tolerant of normal household moisture. The majority of homes have humidity levels between 40% and 50% throughout the year. The plant will be healthy and flourish as long as the indoor humidity levels remain above 40%. Humidity levels can drop as low as 30% to 40% during extremely hot, dry summers and chilly winters. This is something to be cautious about.
If you live in a dry climate or have experienced this, misting is an excellent method to increase humidity. You don’t want to overspray the plant since too much moisture in the leaves can cause mold, mildew, and other fungal issues.
You may also link it with other plants, arrange it on a pebble tray, or install it in the bathroom. All of which aid to increase humidity levels around it. That said, if you want the plant to develop properly, maintain humidity at 60% or higher for the best appearance and most brilliant leaves.
Watering Philodendron McColley’s Finale
When it comes to Philodendron McColley’s Finale care, there are a couple of things you should know about watering. First off, if your plant is indoors or in an area with low humidity and indirect sunlight, the moist soil generally does not dry out as fast as plants growing outdoors.
Soil can remain moist for up to three days during this time without causing any damage. However, if the leaves begin to droop or start curling inward after just one day then that means they need water ASAP since too much moisture has built up over such a short amount of time. If you’re unsure whether your Philodendron needs more water than usual simply lift the pot from the tray and check how heavy it feels on your hand.
If it is very light, the soil should be damp to the touch and therefore does not need any water at all or may require a quick misting of moisture on its foliage. However, if the pot feels too heavy to lift up then it’s time for you to water Philodendron McColley’s Finale again because the soil has dried out significantly over the past couple of days.
It can be difficult to determine whether Philodendron needs more frequent watering due to lack of sunlight indoors during winter months especially since Philodendrons are extremely sensitive when it comes down to growing them in artificial lighting conditions instead of natural sun rays.
Soil for Philodendron McColley’s Finale
When it comes to the Philodendron McColley’s Finale, its soil should be slightly moist at all times. The potting mix you choose for your plant is important because if it doesn’t drain well then the roots will rot. A good potting mix to use contains one part sphagnum moss and two parts loam.
You can also make your own by mixing one part peat moss and two parts sand or perlite. Be sure to avoid fertilizing the Philodendron when it’s in a new pot as this can cause root burn. Wait until new growth begins before feeding your Philodendron with a weak liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
If you prefer to make your own combination, 100% sphagnum peat moss or a mix of peat and perlite are good options. Alternatively, vermiculite or sand may be used in place of perlite. However, remember that sand compacts after some time, which squashes the airy aspect of the moist soil.
So, if you’re creating a pottery garden with sand, make sure to aerate the potting mix or refresh it on a regular basis.
Fertilizer For Philodendron McColley’s Finale
When it comes to Philodendron McColley’s Finale, you don’t want to fertilize the tropical hybrid plant when it’s in a new pot. Wait until new growth begins before feeding your Philodendron with a weak liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
Fertilizing Philodendrons is best done during the growing season, which is spring and summer for plants that enjoy warm weather. Stop fertilizing Philodendrons about six weeks before winter to allow them time to rest. You can also feed Philodendrons every other week using a balanced 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer at full strength
If you’re looking for an organic option, fish emulsion or seaweed extract work well, too. Philodendron McColley’s Finale will show signs of needing more fertilizer if the leaves are light green or yellow in color and have a weak overall appearance.
Pruning
Because your Philodendron McColley’s Finale is a fast-growing plant, you may need to trim it occasionally in order to maintain its form and size. Philodendrons grow quickly and can reach up to five feet tall, so it’s best to prune Philodendron McColley’s Finale back once a month.
To do this, simply cut the stem about an inch from where you want new growth to occur near the base of the philodendron mccolley finale plant. Since Philodendrons naturally drop their lower leaves as they mature, there is no need for concern if some fall off while you’re trimming your Philodendron McColley’s Finale. It will just give them more room on top.
Philodendron McColley’s Finale Propagation
There are many ways to propagate Philodendron McColley’s Finale. These include:
- Cuttings of the stem
- Division
- Air layering
While they all succeed in the end, their rates of success differ. Similarly, their levels of difficulty, amount of time invested, and how long it takes for them to mature vary.
Because of this, stem cutting is one of the most popular techniques. It is simple to do and has a high success rate. Furthermore, you won’t have to remove the root ball from the container, saving time.
Here’s how to grow Philodendron McColley’s Finale from stem cuttings:
- Select one or more healthy stems with at least two leaves.
- To take stem cuttings, use a sterile knife, scissors, or pruning shears. You don’t want to make blunt cuts that pull off the stem violently. This will result in damage and hinder your chances of success.
- Place the stem cuttings in a container with damp soil.
- Begin by covering the plant with a plastic bag to raise humidity.
- Set the plant in a place where there is no direct sunlight.
- The plant’s roots should have developed in approximately 3 to 4 weeks. You may tug the plant lightly to see if it resists. The new roots will protect it from being pulled as they grow in strength and maturity. But be careful, because they are not yet robust or established.
You may also grow hydroponic plants in water rather than soil. You can observe the roots’ development through the glass jar by rooting in water. Then, once the roots have grown to between half an inch and an inch in length, transfer the cutting to the soil.
Re-potting Philodendron McColley’s Finale
Philodendron McColley’s Finale is an extremely versatile plant that can grow in a variety of potting soils and container shapes and sizes.
When re-potting Philodendron McColley’s Finale, make sure to use a well-draining soil mix. You can either create your own or purchase a pre-made mix from the garden center. Be sure to avoid using potting mixes with synthetic fertilizers or wetting agents, as they may harm your Philodendron.
Your Philodendron McColley’s Finale will also do well in terracotta pots, which allow the roots to “breath.” Clay pots are also and help regulate moisture levels, making them a good choice for Philodendrons.
When re-potting, be sure to gently remove the plant from its old pot and loosen the soil around the roots. If the philodendron mccolley plant is root bound, cut off about one-third of the oldest and largest roots with clean scissors or pruning shears.
Then, repot your Philodendron in a pot that’s only slightly larger than the original pot and fill in around the roots with fresh soil mix. Tamp down lightly so that there are no air pockets and water thoroughly. Be careful not to overwater Philodendrons, as they can quickly rot their roots if left standing in water for too long.
Toxicity
Philodendrons are poisonous to both humans and animals. Philodendron Mccolley’s Finale contains calcium oxalate crystals that, when ingested, cause burning in the mouth and throat as well as swelling of the tongue. They can also irritate the skin upon contact, causing a rash or blisters on exposed areas such as fingers and hands if handled carelessly while wet with dew or rain.
If you do get any sap onto your skin wash immediately with soap and water. If it gets into your eyes rinse thoroughly for several minutes until irritation subsides. While lethargy is one sign of Philodendron poisoning, there are others including but not limited to: abdominal pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, and convulsions. If you experience any of these symptoms seek medical attention right away.
Pests
One common pest of Philodendrons is the mealybug. Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that secrete a waxy substance that gives them their “mealy” appearance. They can be difficult to get rid of and often attach themselves to the leaves and stems of plants where they feed on sap, causing the plant to weaken and die.
If you notice any mealybugs on your Philodendron McColley’s Finale, remove them immediately using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Be sure to read the product label carefully before use so as not to harm your plant.
Disease
One common disease of Philodendrons is leaf spot, which is caused by a number of different fungal and bacterial pathogens. Symptoms include small black or brown spots on the leaves that may eventually grow together to form larger patches. The leaves may also turn yellow and drop from the plant prematurely.
If you notice any signs of leaf spot on your Philodendron McColley’s Finale, remove all infected foliage immediately and dispose of in a garbage can lined with a plastic bag. Sanitize your pruning shears between cuts using rubbing alcohol or a household disinfectant. Do not compost any diseased material as it can spread the infection to other plants.
Photo credit Excel Gardens feature image
