If you want a houseplant that puts on a constant color show, look no further than the philodendron mccolleys finale. Philodendron McColley’s Finale is a showstopper with foliage that transitions from copper to deep green. This hybrid plant is prized for its stunning, changing leaves and its relatively easy-going nature. It brings a vibrant, tropical feel to any indoor space without demanding constant attention.
This guide covers everything you need to know. We will look at its unique features, ideal care routine, and how to help it thrive in your home.
Philodendron Mccolleys Finale
This plant is a cultivated hybrid, developed for its spectacular and long-lasting color display. Unlike some philodendrons that are mostly green, the McColley’s Finale is all about the transformation. Each new leaf is a bright, shiny copper or red-orange. As the leaf matures, it slowly changes to a deep, glossy green. This means the plant often displays multiple colors at once, creating a beautiful, layered effect.
It is a self-heading philodendron, meaning it grows in a compact, upright rosette form rather than as a long vine. This makes it an excellent choice for tabletops, shelves, or as a floor plant as it gets larger. Its manageable size and stunning looks have made it a favorite among both new and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Key Characteristics And Identification
Knowing how to identify this plant ensures you get the right one and understand its growth habits.
- Leaf Color: New leaves emerge a vibrant copper, bronze, or red-orange. They gradually transition through shades of olive and dark green.
- Leaf Shape: The leaves are elongated and heart-shaped (cordate) with a pronounced, pointed tip. They have a thick, almost leathery texture.
- Growth Habit: It grows in a tight, upright cluster. The stems are relatively short, keeping the plant looking full and bushy.
- Mature Size: Indoors, it typically reaches about 2 to 3 feet in height and spread, though it can grow larger over many years in perfect conditions.
Ideal Light Conditions
Light is the most important factor for maintaining the brilliant colors of the McColley’s Finale. The right amount encourages those stunning new copper leaves.
Best Light Placement
Bright, indirect light is perfect. This means a spot near an east or west-facing window is often ideal. A north-facing window can work if it is quite bright. You can also place it a few feet back from a south-facing window, where the harsh direct sun won’t hit the leaves.
Signs of Incorrect Light
- Too Much Direct Sun: Leaves may develop brown, crispy patches or scorch marks. The colors might fade or look washed out.
- Too Little Light: The plant will grow very slowly. New leaves will be smaller, and they may emerge green instead of the desired copper color. The stems might also become leggy as they stretch toward the light.
Watering Your Plant Correctly
Overwatering is a common issue with many houseplants, and the McColley’s Finale is no exception. Its thick leaves store some water, so it prefers to dry out a bit between waterings.
- Check the soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the potting mix.
- If the top 2 inches feel dry, it is time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days.
- Water thoroughly until you see water draining freely from the holes in the bottom of the pot.
- Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15-20 minutes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
In general, you will likely water every 1-2 weeks, but this varies with light, temperature, and pot size. It’s always better to underwater slightly than to overwater.
Soil And Potting Needs
The right soil mix provides support, nutrients, and, crucially, good drainage to prevent root rot.
A well-aerated, chunky potting mix is best. A standard indoor potting mix is a good base, but you should amend it to improve drainage. A simple recipe is to mix two parts potting mix with one part perlite and one part orchid bark. This creates an airy environment that philodendron roots love.
Choose a pot with drainage holes. This is non-negotiable for health of the plant. Terracotta pots are a great choice because they allow the soil to dry out more evenly. Repot your Philodendron McColley’s Finale every 2-3 years, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot.
Temperature And Humidity Preferences
As a tropical plant, it enjoys warmth and appreciates some humidity.
- Temperature: Average room temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) are perfect. Avoid placing it near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating sources.
- Humidity: It tolerates average household humidity, but higher levels (above 50%) will promote larger, healthier leaves. If your air is very dry, consider using a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants.
Fertilizing For Optimal Growth
Feeding your plant provides the nutrients it needs to produce those beautiful, colorful leaves.
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize once a month with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the bottle to avoid fertilizer burn. In fall and winter, when growth slows, you can stop fertilizing altogether. Resume in the spring when you notice new growth starting.
Care and Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your Philodendron McColley’s Finale looking its best and helps prevent problems.
Pruning And Cleaning Leaves
Pruning is mostly for aesthetics and removing unhealthy growth. You rarely need to prune for size due to its compact habit.
- Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Remove any yellowing or brown leaves at the base of their stem.
- You can trim off any occasional leggy stem to maintain a bushy shape. Cut just above a leaf node.
- Dust the large leaves regularly with a damp cloth. This allows the plant to breathe and absorb more light.
Common Pests And Problems
This plant is fairly resistant, but it can occasionally face issues. Early identification is key.
Yellowing Leaves
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. Ensure the pot has good drainage. Older leaves will sometimes yellow and die naturally; this is normal if it’s just one or two at a time.
Brown Leaf Edges
Brown, crispy edges can indicate low humidity, underwatering, or a buildup of salts from fertilizer. Increase humidity, check your watering consistency, and consider flushing the soil with water every few months to remove excess minerals.
Pest Identification
Watch for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Look for fine webbing, cottony masses, or small bumps on leaves and stems. Treat infestations promptly by wiping leaves with insecticidal soap or using a neem oil solution.
Propagation Techniques
You can create new plants from your mature McColley’s Finale through division. This is best done when you are repotting.
- Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil.
- Look for natural divisions in the root ball—separate clumps of stems with their own roots.
- Carefully tease or cut the roots apart to seperate the sections.
- Pot each new division into its own container with fresh potting mix.
- Water lightly and provide bright, indirect light while the new plants establish.
Styling and Display Ideas
The vibrant, changing colors of the Philodendron McColley’s Finale make it a versatile decorative element.
Its upright form works well on a side table, a desk, or a plant stand where the light is right. It can be a stunning focal point on a shelf, contrasting beautifully with books or decor. As it matures and grows larger, it makes an impressive floor plant next to a window or in a room corner. Pair it with plants that have solid green or silver foliage to make its multi-colored leaves really stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Big Does A Philodendron McColley’s Finale Get?
Indoors, it typically stays between 2 and 3 feet tall and wide. With exceptional care over many years, it can potentially reach up to 4 feet.
Why Are My New Leaves Coming In Green Instead Of Copper?
This is almost always due to insufficient light. Move your plant to a brighter location with plenty of indirect light to encourage the vibrant copper and red tones in new growth.
Is The Philodendron McColley’s Finale Toxic To Pets?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.
How Often Should I Repot A McColley’s Finale Philodendron?
Repot every 2-3 years in the spring. Signs it needs a new pot include roots growing out of the drainage holes, water draining too quickly, or the plant becoming top-heavy and unstable.
What Is The Difference Between McColley’s Finale And Prince Of Orange?
They are similar hybrids. The main difference is in the color transition. McColley’s Finale new leaves are a deeper copper/red that mature to a very dark green. Prince of Orange leaves start a bright orange and mature to a lighter, tropical green.