Philodendron Gloriosum Care And Tips – 2022 Ultimate Guide

Philodendron Gloriosum Care: The philodendron is often considered the last plant to be added to your collection. Why? It’s rare and sought-after because it is one of the most valuable plants in the Araceae family.

It is prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves with cream or baby pink margins and velvety surfaces.

It is extremely difficult to find one in the first place. If you do get one, you can expect to pay quite a bit. A specimen will cost between $150 and $550.

This article will cover everything you need about care for philodendrons gloriosum, whether you are a beginner who has had some luck or an experienced paedophile who has had this plant on their wishlist since childhood.

The Amazing History Behind The Philodendron Gloriosum

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Charles Antonine Lemaire (a French botanist and scholar) first discovered the philodendron, gloriosum, in the tropical canopy of Colombia in 1876.

This was the time when the first specimen was taken and sent to Gand, Belgium to be documented.

This plant is often referred to as being ‘widely accessible’ by guides, but that could not be further from reality. The IUCN lists the philodendron. gloriosum as an endangered species.

There are currently 7 places in the world where this plant can be found naturally in the wild. The majority of these are located in Columbia. Smaller clusters are found in southern Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador.

After being introduced by humans to commercial reselling, Hawaii is the remaining location.

It is not yet known when this plant will become extinct in the wild. Cattle rearing and agricultural fire practices are threatening the plant, even Tinigua Colombian Natural National Park which is a botanical sanctuary.

The philodendron Gloriosum is a rare and beautiful plant that has become increasingly rare.

Philodendron Gloriosum Caring – Everything you Need to Know

This plant is more difficult to care for than the philodendron micro tans or the philodendron hastatum but it is still easy to care for despite its high-profile status.

This rare and beautiful beauty requires that you mimic its natural environment as closely as possible.

This comprehensive care guide will assist you in doing just that.

Soil

Every healthy plant starts with its soil. The philodendron, like most philodendrons, loves a well-draining, airy, chunky mix to support the large root system.

Philodendrons are best when there is both water retention as well as drainage.

Philos don’t retain much water in their thin leaves, so you need a mix that can hold some water. Otherwise, you will see curling and mild browning of your leaves often. I recommend using a premade philodendron mix or monstera potting dirt.

These mixes usually contain a mixture of perlite, coco coir and pumice.

You can also try this tried and true recipe if you enjoy mixing soils.

40% coco coir
40% coco coir
20% orchid bark
10% Perlite
10% worm castings
10% pumice
10% activated charcoal

Optional activated charcoal and worm castings are available. Worm castings can be used as an organic fertilizer source, while charcoal can remove soil impurities from the soil and prevent mould growth.

Friendly tip Do not use a succulent mixture for philodendrons. This mix is too chunky and may end up being too dry for tropical plants.

Philodendron Gloriosum Light Requirement

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Gloriosums are terrestrial crawlers that crawl on the ground, rather than climbing up trees or rock walls like the Philodendron micans and Philodendron Ring of Fire, which is true climbers.

We know from this that they thrive when given lots of indirect, moderately to bright light. Philodendrons climb (epiphytes), to get more sunlight through the canopy of the rainforest.

While I usually say most philodendrons can tolerate 1-3 hours of the direct cooling morning or late afternoon sun, this plant is best kept out of direct sunlight.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t keep it in the sun. Too much shade will cause a shrinking violet, which can make your plant almost disappear.

How Bright is the Light?

Good question! A light meter can be used to measure the room’s overall brightness. It measures light in footcandles (FC). These indicators give you an excellent indicator of how much sunlight your plant receives.

How Much Light Does The Philodendron Gloriosum Require?

You’ll need to keep the plant in the 400-5500FC range for good growth.

Anything below 200FC will result in stunted growth, loss of vibrant pink or cream colouring, which can be difficult to recover.

The more light that is not directly reflected by the sun, the brighter it will be! The larger the leaves,

Where should I place my plant?

You will need to be looking at something near a window to reach this light range. The sun’s rays won’t directly hit the leaves. Your plant must be able to see the sun without it scorching. This is indirect light.

Philodendron Gloriosum Watering

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It’s better to not water your plants according to a set schedule. Instead, check to see if your plant needs water.

Philos prefer their soil to remain evenly moist. This means that it should be slightly damp but not soggy. Any excess water that collects in a pot with drainage holes will drain quickly through the soil’s drainage holes.

Your philodendrons gloriosum will only need water when the top 3 to 6 inches of soil is dry.

This is the best way to check it. Simply push a chopstick or wooden stick into the soil, away from the roots, and leave it there for between 30-60 minutes.

This creates a waterline effect on your chopstick, so you can see exactly how much soil is wet or dry.

The stick will take on a darker colour if it is covered with soil, which is usually the bottom of the pot.
A slightly darker shade will appear in moist soil, but it won’t stick.
Bone dry soil will not change the colour of the stick, nor any soil.

Seasonal Frequency Variations

You’ll need to adjust the frequency of watering during the warmer months of spring or summer by checking the soil more frequently.

Higher temperatures and higher humidity levels lead to higher transpiration rates, which means that your plant loses more water through the leaves.

For good growth, this water must be replenished. Otherwise, you will see the dreaded curled leaf edges, browning tips, and even yellowing.

The more frequently your plants need watering, the warmer they will be. Your plant will need less water if it is cold.

To avoid soggy soil in winter and autumn, you will need to reduce watering significantly.

Although this may seem obvious, there is so much information on the internet about watering your plants every 7 days that it is worth clarifying.

How to Water your Plant the Right Way!

One thing that I learned from working in a botanical sanctuary was how to properly water plants. There are two ways to water plants: bottom watering or base watering. But never overhead!

Water should not touch leaves or sit on them.

The average home has poor air circulation, which is a stark contrast to wild environments. Static air can lead to fungal and bacterial infections.

Top watering is when you water the plant from the top, not below the leaves. Make sure you spin the pot while you water it. This ensures that all soil is moistened and not just one.

Bottom watering involves filling a tray with water, placing your plants in that water, and waiting for them to drink. This can usually take anywhere from a few hours up to a couple of days. After the soil layer has dried, remove the plant from the tray.

It’s easy, but it’s not recommended to completely replace base watering with only bottom watering. Top watering is important to flush out fertilizer salt buildup.

Philodendron Gloriosum Temperature

The philodendrons love being kept on the warmer side. This is the case with the philodendron. This plant should be kept in a room with a temperature of 64°F to 78°F (18°C to 26°C).

Temperatures below 59°F (15°C) will cause poor growth, less-lustre leaves, and smaller roots. This tropical plant is not tolerant to frost!

Philodendron Gloriosum Humidity

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Although most philodendrons don’t mind lower humidity levels, I have found that the gloriosum prefers higher levels of humidity. Higher humidity levels are better.

Low humidity can cause mild browning and small leaves.

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A humidifier is a good investment. If you have many plants, it may be worthwhile to invest in one. Grouping plants together increases transpiration, which results in more water vapour being absorbed into the surrounding area.

Philodendron Gloriosum Fertilizer

A fertilizer should have a balanced ratio of macronutrients NPK, (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium), and secondary nutrients like calcium and magnesium.

You’ll soon find that lower-quality fertilizers don’t contain enough magnesium or calcium, which can lead to the unsightly yellowing of leaves.

Dynagro (7-9-5) is a great product that I use for my philodendrons. It contains all the nutrients a plant needs, plus it lasts forever. ).

You can also opt for organic fertilizers such as Alaskan fish oil or marine phytoplankton. Both of these products are high in growth hormones.

Application Fertilizer

You can only make three mistakes with fertilizer: 1) apply too much, 2) spray the stems or leaves with it, and 3) not diluting before. It’s that simple.

Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of fertilizer with 1-gallon water (4.5 litres). I then water my plants with this mixture each time they need water. This ensures that the plant receives a steady supply of nutrients throughout the month.

I only cut down on water and feedings during winter when the plant is more active.

Growth – What to Expect

Philodendron Gloriosum is slow-growing, so don’t expect to see a new leaf emerge very quickly.

A new leaf can take up to a month to emerge in this plant. This is one month after the spike has appeared.

The gloriosum is commonly known as the “glorious one” due to its size. Each leaf in the wild can grow to a staggering 90cm (33.6 inches), or just under 3 feet!

You should not panic, or shout with joy that your philodendron gloriosum is too big to be kept indoors in an enclosed container. The height of a philodendron Gloriosum houseplant is likely to be 6 feet high, with each leaf measuring approximately 8 inches (20 cm).

Philodendron Gloriosum Repotting

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This crawling philodendron doesn’t require repotting often. It is enough to repot once every 12-18 months. Although this plant can be slightly root bound, I wouldn’t let it become too root-bound.

Rootbound refers to a plant that has outgrown its current growth capacity. If it isn’t repotted, you will see stunted growth and possible deterioration.

Signs your philodendron gloriosum needs repotting include:

Poor growth or stunted overall leaves
The roots are physically bound (spiralled around one another).
Roots are growing through drainage holes or the top layer of soil (severely rootbound).
Water doesn’t drain as quickly or as well as it used too
It looks too big for its container (which it most likely is).

Keep the following in mind when repotting:

Some environmental shocks can result from repotting. Repotting in warmer temperatures or near spring/summer is a good way to reduce damage.

A pot should be 2-3 inches larger than the previous (maximum).
Choose a well-draining and chunky potting mixture (see soil section).
Choose a pot with drainage holes
Gently remove the soil from the roots of the plant. This is similar to a hair wash or massage.

Philodendron Gloriosum Propagation: The Easiest Way To Propagate a Philodendron Glariosum

Propagation can seem daunting even when it is done well. With an extremely rare plant in your possession, you will likely feel more cautious than ever.

You might be surprised to learn that stem cuttings from this plant can root very easily due to the rhizomes which grow on top of the soil.

A stem cutting is a best and fastest way to propagate the Gloriosum. Make sure you capture enough of these Rhizomes.

Air layering is also possible, but I recommend cuttings for beginners.

A mature stem is not a leaf that has just been unfurled. It should have a good portion of rhizomes.
Allow the stem to become callous by waiting for a while before you dip it in rooting hormone (optional).
Once the cutting is dry, you can place it in a new mix of sphagnum and moss with a few pieces of perlite. Then moisten the moss.
To seal in moisture and raise the humidity, place a lid or Ziploc bag over the container. Keep the mossy mixture moist and keep it open to the air for a few days to allow fresh air to circulate.
When the roots reach 2-3 inches in length, place the cutting in a regular well-draining potting mixture.

It is easy and simple to add a rare and beautiful plant into your collection.

Pests

The gloriosum, like all philodendrons, is quite resilient to major pests. Pests will only be an issue if they have been brought with the plant, or if they are carried over from another outbreak.

You might encounter mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. They are easy to treat with insecticidal soap, or with neem oils, which is an eco-friendly option.

Toxicity: Is This Plant Toxic?

Unfortunately, the philodendron. gloriosum is toxic because it contains oxalic acids in its leaves. It can cause diarrhoea, swelling, and discomfort in the mouth if it is eaten by cats, dogs, or humans.

This plant should not be allowed to grow near children or pets.

The Most In-Popular Gloriosum Hybrid

Philodendron Gloriosum x Philodendron Pastazanum (Philodendron Dean McDowell)

Another crawler is this beauty. Dean McDowell is a cross between the beautiful Philodendron Pastazanum, Gloriosum and has huge glossy leaves with white veins. This hybrid can grow to an average height of 3 feet!

Philodendron Gloriosum x Melanochrysum (Glorious)

The philodendron hybrid gloriosum-melanochrysum combines the best qualities of two beautiful plants. It is considered a climber, with the attractive features of its gloriosum parent combined with elongated hearts shape leaves, a characteristic taken from the melanochrysum.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

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In What Pot Should My Philodendron Gloriosum Be Keeping?

It is best to keep your plant in a long pot. This will give it plenty of space to climb. This beauty does not climb but rather branches horizontally.

Why is Philodendron Gloriosum so Expensive?

Believe it or not, philodendrons Gloriosums were once relatively inexpensive to purchase due to mass cloning.

These specimens often lack the unique, dazzling colour and size that collectors are looking for. The price of a “real” philodendron is increasing year after year.

Should the Philodendron Glariosum Rhizome Grow Above or Below the Soil?

Yes! It is a good thing. The philodendron of Gloriosum, unlike other philodendrons, has rhizomes that sit above the soil and not below it.

This is because the plant is a crawler, or as I prefer to call them, runners! The rhizomes should not be buried under soil or potting mixture.

Do I Mist My Philodendron Gloriosum with

Misting plants is something I would not do, especially rare ones. Water droplets can build up on leaves if misted for a long time.

This excess water can lead to bacterial and fungal infections if it is not circulated properly. Misting has also been proven ineffective at raising humidity levels.

Why is My Philodendron Gloriarum Dying?

A gloriosum can look dying for many reasons: yellowing leaves or brown tips, curving leaf edges, and pale leaves.

It’s difficult to see what’s going on with your plant, so you need to first check light, watering, and fertilizer. Is it giving it too much or too little?

These are the most serious problems that philodendrons face.

Why are the leaves turning yellow on my Philodendron Gloriosum

There are many reasons why yellowing leaves may occur, but overwatering is the most common. You could be experiencing early root rot.

Root rot is a condition that prevents roots from taking in enough nutrients and oxygen. This causes the yellowing of leaves. The next thing I would look at is the light.

You might notice mild yellowing and even browning of the leaves if they are exposed to too much light.

You might have a calcium or magnesium deficiency if you notice the younger growth turning yellow.

Why are Philodendron gloriosum so expensive?

The most common reasons philodendron plants are so expensive are demand, geographic location, scarcity, and variegation.

How do I make my Philodendron gloriosum bigger?

For Philodendron Gloriosum, use liquid fertilizer at 50% strength monthly in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, reduce fertilization to once every 8 weeks. Good plant growth is possible with the right amount of fertilizer. Gloriosum leaves will grow larger and more vigorously if they are properly nourished.

Is philodendron Gloriosum easy to care for?

Another awesome aroid, Gloriosum, is rare enough to give your ‘Plant Boss’ cred. But simple enough to care for that you won’t lose any sleep over it. The Gloriosum is both a tropical and non-climber.

Does philodendron Gloriosum climb?

Does Philodendron Gloriosum Climb? Philodendron Gloriosum is a ground-creeper and won’t climb trellises or moss poles. The plant’s stems are horizontally rooted from the soil, as it creeps along the ground.