Philodendron Gloriosum Care and Growing Guide

How To Grow and Care For Philodendron Gloriosum Plant

Philodendron gloriosum is a well-known plant due to its attractive foliage, and heart-shaped leaves. It is a creeper plant and has a crawling growing nature along the surface and ground. This plant is thought to be originated in Columbia but is native to Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, and Central America. The mature plants of gloriosum produce white-colored flowers every year between May to July.

Philodendron plant can attain a size of about 36 inches but the size and height of the plant are greatly dependent on the feasibility of growing conditions, management measures, and type of variety being grown. It is important to note that it is a slow-growing plant and the proper opening of one leaf can take more than one month time.

Care and Management Practices for Philodendron Gloriosum

• Light

Philodendron gloriosum grows well in the presence of indirect and bright sunlight. The direct contact of this plant with sunlight should be avoided as its interaction with the intensive light can cause burning.

• Temperature

Growers should maintain the average growing temperature between 18-26 degrees Celsius. Although indoor conditions and temperature can be easily managed management of outdoor conditions is difficult. So plants must be grown in those areas where temperature conditions lie in the acceptable range for their growth and development. Healthy growing plants can tolerate some fluctuation in the temperature conditions, but plants must be placed in indoor conditions during the winters to avoid frost damage.

• Humidity

Gloriosum plants require optimal humidity levels for better growth, survival, development, and flowering. Using an indoor humidifier is an ideal choice to improve humidity if the humidity levels are below 40%.

• Watering

Philodendron gloriosum is sensitive to both overirrigation and under irrigation stresses. Therefore growers must maintain the optimal moisture level in the growing media. Overirrigation can cause root diseases and therefore it is significantly important to check the moisture levels in the soils. Growers can test the moisture levels by inserting a finger in the soil and checking the moistness.

• Soil Requirements

This plant grows well in moist, well-drained, organic, and healthy soils. However, the use of grows media, sphagnum moss, potting mix, and peat soil is an excellent approach to improve the health of growing plants. The pH levels of the soils must be maintained between 6.5-7.5 because the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers can cause fluctuations or alternations of soil pH.

The addition of charcoal to the soil helps to maintain good growing conditions that are similar to the soil conditions of natural forests. Moreover, the use of charcoal is also helpful to reduce the populations of problematic fungus, and bacteria. Thus the problem of toxin production in the soil can be reduced to a greater extent.

If there are any wounds in the stems and roots of the plants, these can be treated by using cinnamon. Thus the problem of diseases and rotting can be avoided easily. Moreover, the poor drainage of the soil can also be improved by using orchid bark, pumice, and a specific mixture of perlite. The use of larger size pots with good drainage holes is also a good approach to improve drainage. Whereas, if the plant is to be grown in outdoor conditions, the tilth of soil should be improved by optimal plowing.

• Growth & Size

There are different varieties of philodendron gloriosum and growth flare of all varieties is different according to management and surrounding conditions. However, most of the varieties have larger-sized leaves and can grow up to 2-5 feet tall. Whereas some varieties can climb well in the upward direction but some varieties cannot climb due to their inherent characteristics.

How To Grow And Propagate Philodendron Gloriosum

The plant should not be allowed to grow on the edges as it will not be able to grow more roots. Usually, the leaves become smaller in this condition but a change in the size dimensions is also an indication of repotting time. The best way to propagate philodendron gloriosum is to use stem cuttings.

Followings are important steps to consider for the propagation of philodendron gloriosum.

• Select any healthy growing, disease-free, and insect-free plant to take cuttings.
• Choose a suitable section on the plant rhizome.
• The selected rhizome must be located between 2 leaves.
• Must leave 3 leaves on the mother plant before taking cuttings for propagation.
• Use of sharp knife or scissors to take the cuttings.
• The cutting process must be performed carefully to obtain even and clean cutting.
• Cinnamon can be used to protect cuttings from infections.
• Freshly obtained callous must be allowed to rest for a few hours for better results.
• Prepare the pot to place cuttings.
• Add moist moss, peat, or potting mix in the pots.
• Add the cuttings to this pot after a few hours.
• Cover the pot with a plastic bag or add the lid to conserve the humidity levels.
• Conservation of humidity is essentially important to help plants for growing new roots.
• Wait for two to four weeks.
• The emergence of new leaves can be evident within two to three weeks. At this stage, the cuttings can be transplanted in the final growing places.

How to Properly Pot Philodendron Gloriosum

Philodendron gloriosum is a slow-growing plant and needs proper care and management for best growth in indoor conditions and as a household plant. Usually, it is being planted in the pots and the conditions of pots and indoor growing spaces are different from that of natural outdoor conditions. Therefore great care is required to avoid stresses for growing plants.

Growers must use the pots provided with the optimal drainage holes to allow drainage of excess water as it can negatively affect the growing roots. Rectangular pots are best suited for these plants and the use of narrow and long plants is also a good approach. It is a creeper and climbing plant so it can easily crawl along with the potting mix or soil and thus will easily reach the endpoints of the conventionally round-shaped pots. Once the plant starts hanging on the edges the growth of roots is stopped is the size of leaves will become smaller. So the selection of the right size and shape of the pot is essentially helpful to get better results.

How To Reduce Pests on Philodendron Gloriosum

This plant is not much susceptible to insects and pest attacks but certain conditions can favor their populations on growing plants. The common pests for this plant include whitefly, spider mites, fungus gnats, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can be easily eradicated by using insecticidal soap sprays, neem oil, and carefully rubbing alcohol on the plants by using a cotton swab.

Tips for growing Philodendron Gloriosum

• Try to use healthy, pollutant-free, and rich soil for growing philodendron gloriosum.
• Use of peat, potting mix, and grow media is also an ideal choice to promote growth and development.
• Use a rectangular-shaped pot.
• Must use the pots having holes at the bottom to support efficient drainage.
• Avoid direct contact of plant with bright and intense light.
• The placement of the plant in dark conditions should also be avoided.
• The soil or grow media must be kept moist.
• Avoid the excessive wetting of grow media.
• Watering is a must 1 or 2 times per week during the summer conditions.
• Maintain 40-60% humidity in the environmental conditions.
• Maintain soil pH between 6-7.5.
• The plants can be placed near the windows to get indirect sunlight.
• The temperature should not be allowed to exceed 25 degrees Celsius.
• Frost and cold conditions can kill the plants so growing plants should not be exposed to chilling conditions.
• Repotting should be done in the early summer conditions or when the plants’ roots can be easily seen on the soil surface.
• Plants should be carefully inspected for integrated pest management.
• Insecticidal soap can be used to kill infestations.
• Use compost, organic fertilizers, and liquid formulations of fertilizers to ensure the provision of nutrients to plants.
• Avoid over-irrigation and under irrigation to get maximum growth.

Varieties of Philodendron Gloriosum

There are numerous varieties of philodendron gloriousm and growers can select the best variety according to their personal preference, geographical conditions, and environment. The best growing varieties of philodendron are discussed below.

• Heartleaf (Philodendron Scandens)

This plant is named because of the distinctive structure of leaves. Usually, these leaves grow to a length of a few inches and produce a heart-shaped structure. This plant is also known as the sweetheart plant. It produces many leaves and the whole stem is properly covered with the leaves.

• Winterbourn (Philodendron Xanadu)

This plant is well known for its shiny, long, and leathery leaves. It is not a climber plant and grows well in confined and compact spaces. It can grow about 5 feet wide and 4 feet tall provided by the ideal growing conditions.

• Fiddleleaf (Philodendron Bipennifolium)

This plant is naturally found in the deeper conditions in tropical rainforest conditions of Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, and South America. These plants cannot grow in the frost and cold conditions but grow well in the warmer climates. Its leaves are larger and resemble leaves of the fiddle. Generally, its leaves can grow up to 8-12 inches in length but some studies have also reported the leaf length to be about 18 inches. These plants produce dark green and glossy leaves throughout their growing cycle at the expense of minimum care and maintenance.

• Swiss Cheese (Philodendron Monstera Deliciosa)

Primarily this plant is occurring throughout Panama, Guatemala, and Belize of Central America. These are known as Swiss cheese due to the presence of distinctive gaps, and holes throughout the middle area of the leaf. The holes in the leaves favor the passage of light through the leaf surface to its stems and growing roots. This is a significantly important characteristic because the stems and roots of average and fewer-height plants in the forests are not able to get sunlight for performing their regular biochemical functions.

• Philodendron Birkin

This variety of philodendrons is a smaller plant and can grow to a height of about 3 feet. This plant grows slowly as compared to the other varieties of philodendron.

• Philodendron Grazielae

It is a climber plant and can grow numerous feet tall provided by optimal growing conditions. If the plants are growing in the natural conditions in the forests these can easily get attached to the trunk of trees. The appearance of this variety of plants is similar to the heartleaf plants. However, the major difference is that its leaves are significantly smaller in size and are more in numbers.

• Spade Leaf or Lemon Lime (Philodendron Domesticum)

This plant got its name due to the spade-type shape of the leaves and lemon-lime due to its yellow and green colors. This plant grows taller and requires abundant space. Its leaves can grow 6-8 inches wide and 24 inches in length. The yellow and green hues of the leaves are not predictable at all times and may or may not appear in certain conditions. There is a neat and proper division of yellow and green colors on the leaves of some plants. Whereas the green and yellow sections on leaves may appear in the form of spots and blotches. However mostly its leaves are green with yellow dots and freckles on its surface.

• Philodendron Prince of Orange

This plant produces orange leaves that start changing the color to rusted orange or deep copper with time. However, the color of leaves turns green when plants get mature. Therefore, this plant is well known for the production of a wide range of colors during its life cycles. Certainly, it can be an excellent addition to the indoor plantation as it offers an eye-catchy color splash. Usually, this plant comes compact and in smaller sizes as it can grow to a length of 2 feet only. This plant cannot climb but it can grow faster if growing conditions are monitored and managed carefully.

• Philodendron Verrucosum

These plants are well known for their unique texture as it produces soft leaf sheath that gives velvety touch. In the natural forests, these plants are attached to the healthy growing trees so their roots can easily touch the forest floor to obtain moisture and nutrients. However, this is not a compulsory requirement for the house plants as they can grow well by the provision of ideal growing conditions.

• Philodendron Majesty

This plant looks different from the other plants of the Philodendron varieties as its leaves are of the deeper reddish brow to specifically black color. This color is dependent on the characteristics and age of the plant. Its veins and stems are also unique as they appear red from the underside and topside of the leaves. This plant has a climbing nature and can climb well in the presence of favorable conditions. Otherwise, it will grow well but without climbing.

• Philodendron Tripartium

The name is given to the plant due to the presence of three-lobe structures. Each stem of this plant diverges well into skinny and longleaf lobes ranging between 6-12 inches in length. This is a climber variety and can easily grow to a height of 3-5 feet if optimal care and management are ensured.

• Florida Ghost (Philodendron Pedatum)

This plant gets its name because it produces much longer leaves and can climb well in the presence of favorable conditions. Initially, it produces green leaves, but these are turned to creamy white color. Later on, its leaves become greener and greener with the passage of time and plant maturity. Its leaves grow only one time, so the appearance of white leaves is significantly evident among the green leaves. Moreover, it also resembles ghosts due to lobes on the sides (arms), skinny top, and wide bottom.

• Silver Sword (Philodendron Hastatum)

This plant is found to be originated in Southeastern Brazil and has similar characteristics to the household plants. However, it has been endangered due to extensive habitat destruction, and deforestation. This plant produces a gray, blue, or green hue on the leaves and its leaves produce a skinny and long appearance. Its addition to the indoor growing space can add significant impact in terms of color and shape.

Is Philodendron Gloriosum Edible?

Philodendrons are toxic plants and should not be consumed by human beings and animals. Therefore, care should be taken to avoid the eating of plants by pets, animals, and children. The oral consumption of this plant can cause mouth pain, poor swallowing, and throat irritation. Its consumption in larger quantities may lead to coma, kidney failure, seizures, and cramps.

What to do About Yellow Leaves?

Yellowing of leaves is not a major concern for the philodendron gloriousm plants. Usually, the older leaves change their color to yellow before dying or falling off. However yellowing of younger leaves is a problem and can be treated by identifying the major causes. The appearance of yellow leaves can be due to the direct contact of plants with the sunlight. The plants must not be placed in direct sunlight as too much exposure can cause leaf yellowing.

Leaf yellowing may also be due to overwatering and irrigation stress causes yellowing of both older and younger leaves. This problem can be greatly resolved by reducing the amount of water application. Check the moistness level of the soil before the next irrigation because it will not only change the color of leaves but also make the plants more prone to diseases and insects attack. Root rotting may also cause yellowing and unfurling of the leaves so the health of roots must be monitored properly to avoid rotting.