How to Care for Philodendron Gloriosum?

Belonging to the Araceae family, the Philodendron Gloriosum is a crawling terrestrial plant. It is native to the tropical land of Colombia, but it can be also found in Mexico, Central America, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela and Brazil.

The plant features beautiful heartleaf shaped green velvety foliage with striking white veins. Being a crawling plant, this philodendron variety grows horizontally along the surface.

In this article, I am going to present some useful care tips for the Philodendron Gloriosum and answer some frequently asked questions regarding the potting and propagation of this plant.

Size & Growth

When it comes to reviewing a plant, the first questions asked are usually regarding the size and growth. Growing in native areas, Philodendron Gloriosum can reach a size of 90 cm (36 inches).

However, this Philodendron is a slow grower. Usually it takes more than a month to see a new leaf.

Light Requirements

Place your plant in a location where it can get plenty of bright, but indirect sunlight. Philodendron plants appreciate bright places close to windows, where they can enjoy the sun without being exposed to too much light.

Watering

Philodendrons prefer slightly moist soil. The ideal way to water Philodendron plants is to let the top inch of the potting mix dry out between waterings.

If you are not sure when it is time to water your plant, check the soil by digging your finger into the soil and see if it’s moist or dry. If the top soil is dry, water your philodendron.

Soil Type

Philodendron Gloriosum enjoys well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. To create a better soil for your plant, you can use good quality orchid potting mix together with peat and perlite. This will provide your Philodendron plant a better aeration which is essential for the health of the roots.

You can also add horticultural charcoal to your mix. You might be confused at this point: why would a Philodendron plant need charcoal in its potting mix? The answer is simple. Being an Aroid plant, Philodendron Gloriosum is used to charcoal in their natural soil.

As forest burns naturally occur from time to time, charcoal is an important part of the soil of Aroids. It also helps to remove toxins, prevent root diseases and sweeten the soil.

Temperature & Humidity

Philodendrons enjoy a temperature of 65 – 78 °F during the day, and a temperature not lower than 60°F during the night.

Regarding humidity, these plants perform best in humidity between 60-80%. In case the room where you keep your plant has a humidity level below 40%, you can get an indoor humidifier and create your plant an ideal environment.

Fertilizing

When it comes to fertilizing, Philodendron Gloriosum appreciates being fed with a high-quality liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that is rich is macro-nutrients. This plant needs a little bit more care during the spring and summer months, this is when Philodendron plants are the most active.

During this time, it is recommended to water your plant with fertilizer once a month. In the second part of the year, during fall and winter is it enough to fertilize your Philodendron Gloriosum every six to eight weeks.

You might ask: how do I know that my plant needs fertilizing? There are some simple signs that it might be time to feed your Philodendron and you can notice them easily. Here are the most common signs you will observe:

• Your plant stopped growing or grows very slowly
• The leaves are small or pale

Potting & Repotting

Potting your Philodendron plant starts with finding a suitable pot. Choose a rectangular pot with drainage holes, to prevent your plant sitting in water.

Use a pot that is as long and as narrow as possible, so your creeper plant can crawl along the soil comfortably. Keep the upper half of the rhizome above the soil surface, so the roots can find their way into the soil.

How to Propagate Philodendron Gloriosum?

If you want to propagate your Philodendron Gloriosum, the best way to do it is by stem cuttings.

Here is a step by step guide you will need to follow in order to successfully propagate your Philodendron:

1. The very first step is to find a healthy section to use for the propagation process. Aim for a suitable section on your rhizome between two leaves.
2. The cutting you will use for the propagation can have leaves, but it can include only the rhizome as well.
3. Before cutting the chosen section, ensure that you leave at least three healthy leaves on the mother plant.
4. Prepare a sharp knife or a pruning shear and cut the rhizome. Make sure that the cut is clear and even.
5. Use cinnamon on the cutting to protect it from possible infections and leave the freshly cut callous to rest for a couple of hours. Cinnamon also helps the wound to heal.
6. While you set aside the cutting, prepare the pot. Use a long, narrow pot with drainage holes. My recommendation is to use a plastic container or a plastic bag to put the potting mixture in it before planting the cutting.
7. First, put some moist moss in it.
8. After a few hours, get the cuttings and gently place them into the moss.
9. Close the lid or the plastic bag to increase humidity. This step will help the plant grow new roots.
10. Don’t forget to open the lid or the plastic bag for a few minutes every couple of days.
11. After planting the cuttings, you will need to be patient for around 2-4 weeks. Soon you will see new roots on your cutting. As the first 2-3 leaves grow, you will be able to place your cutting in its final place, into a pot with a well-drained potting mix.

Wrapping Up

As you could see, this velutinous plant is always in the spotlight thanks to its beautiful big leaves and velvety look.

To get the best out of your Philodendron Gloriosum, follow the above mentioned care tips and let it reward you with its tropical aspect throughout the year.