Prized for its heart-shaped foliage and large leaves, Glorious Philodendron (Philodendron gloriosum) is a tropical plant that is generally easy to grow and maintain. Adding a few will help turn your space into an indoor jungle. Let’s see how to propagate, grow Glorious Philodendron and its care.
Contents
Basic description
- Botanical name: Philodendron gloriosum
- Common name: Glorious Philodendron or Philodendron
- Family: Araceae
- Plant type: Perennial
- adult size: Up to 2.5 feet tall
- Sun exposure: Partiel
- Soil type: well drained
- Soil pH: acid, neutral
- Flowering period: Rarely blooms indoors
- Native region: South America (Colombia)
- Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
This native of Colombia is not a climbing epiphyte like many species of the genus. Instead, the velvety heart-shaped foliage, with striking white veins, has a creeping habit.
Part of this plant’s appeal is its forgiving, low-maintenance nature. It’s the perfect tropical houseplant even for beginners.
How to Propagate Philodendron Glorioso
Unlike climbing philodendron species, propagation of Philodendron Glorioso is best done by cuttings of vegetative rhizomes (the underground stem).
Find a suitable section of rhizome (often seen growing near the surface of the soil) and cut off pieces that will grow at least a few leaves.
Leave the cut end of the cutting root for a few hours before planting each section in a pot of soil.
In the meantime, prepare the pot with a mixture of equal parts garden soil and potting soil, once the callus of the cutting has formed, plant it in the ground, do not bury it too deeply, let it appear a little above the ground surface.
You must protect it by covering it with transparent nylon to increase the necessary humidity and thus develop new roots and shoots, remember to place it with bright and indirect light and always keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. water.
Open the nylon every two or three days for at least 15 minutes or more to circulate the air and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
The roots will grow within a month from the day you put them in the container.
Once you see two or three new leaves sprout, transfer your cutting to a permanent pot with new potting soil. Now you can start caring for your plant in the same way as the parent plant.
Growing Glorious Philodendron in pots
With its spreading and creeping habit, Philodendron Glorioso is best grown in a pot that is wider than it is deep: a long and narrow rectangular shape works well, don’t forget to have drainage holes.
However, with its slow-growing habit, you probably won’t need to repot it more than every two or three years.
Philodendron Gloriosum Care
As with many philodendron species, don’t worry too much about your glorious low maintenance. Overwatering and composting are common problems for this plant.
Light
To maximize foliage health and size, you need to provide it with plenty of bright, indirect light. A west or east facing window with morning sun and filtered afternoon light usually works well.
Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves and cause them to drop, but low light conditions mean they won’t perform well and can become too brittle.
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Potting mixes for are widely available in the markets. If you can’t find one or want to make your own, make sure it’s loose and well-drained to prevent root rot.
One part black garden soil, one part river sand or perlite work well.
Water
The Philodendron Glorioso is sensitive to excess water. Root rot is common if this plant has wet feet or the pot has poor drainage.
As a general rule, it’s best to wait for the top 2-2 inches of the mix to dry out before watering, and don’t panic if you forget to water occasionally.
Temperature
It grows well in a temperature range of 18 to 30°C. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 10C.
If temperatures regularly drop below 10 degrees C you should protect it, if you have it in the garden cover it with clear nylon, and if you grow it indoors put it near a window where it receives sun.
Humidity
It likes high humidity (more than 50%). If you have dry air coming from your air conditioner, consider using a humidifier or placing your gloriosum on a tray filled with water pebbles.
Fertilizer
Using a medium-strength liquid fertilizer every one to two months during the growing season can promote stronger, healthier foliage on this slow-growing plant.
However, they don’t feed much, and over-fertilizing can lead to root scorch and yellowing of the leaves. Only do it once a year.
Cut
Pruning your Philodendron gloriosum does not require much maintenance. It is simply a matter of removing unhealthy, torn or dead foliage. This way, all the energy goes to growing new, healthier foliage.
Plagues and diseases
Spider mites, scale insects and whiteflies are some of the most common pests that can attack the plant.
Keeping the foliage dry and preventing the plant from being overwatered will keep it disease free.
Toxicity
The large leaves of this plant may contain trace amounts of calcium oxalate crystals, which may cause stomach upset or mouth irritation if eaten. It would be convenient to keep it away from pets and children.
Common problems
Although this plant is known to be low maintenance and trouble free, it needs the right conditions to thrive. The issues listed below are common signs that you are not giving your Glorious Philodendron what it needs.
The leaves are turning yellow
If your plant has yellow leaves, that’s not necessarily something to worry about. Old foliage at the base of the plant may begin to turn yellow and fall off as part of the natural cycle.
If this occurs with newer foliage, it may be a sign of overwatering or overfeeding the plant.
Dead leaves
The most common reason you might start seeing those gorgeous fallen leaves is not having the right humidity levels.
Wet feet and the resulting root rot is the biggest problem, but letting the plant get too dry is another reason.
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