How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Gloriosum

Philodendron gloriosum is a unique, crawling houseplant with large, heart-shaped, velvety leaves that can mature to 18 inches long. It prefers bright, indirect light; a well-draining aroid potting mix; and high humidity, over 50 percent. This plant can be sensitive to over-watering.

Like other Philodendron, P. gloriosum can be toxic to people and pets.

Philodendron Gloriosum Care

These plants can be somewhat tricky, but they'll thrive in the correct conditions. Here are the main care requirements for growing P. gloriosum:

• Place the plant in a location where it will receive bright, indirect light.
• Plant it in a well-draining potting mix, ideally one created for aroids.
• Water thoroughly, just before the soil dries out.
• Maintain this plant in a warm, humid area.
• Lightly fertilize once or twice during the growing season.
  

Light

To maximize the health and size of the gloriosum's foliage, you should offer it 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 result in droopy growth, but dim conditions mean this slow-growing plant won't develop well and can become overly leggy.

Soil

Potting mixes for aroid species are widely available. If you can't find one or you want to make your own, make sure it is loose and well-draining to help prevent root rot. One part standard potting mix, one part orchid bark, and one part perlite works well.

Water

P. gloriosum is sensitive to overwatering. Root rot is common if this plant has wet feet or the pot has poor drainage. It's best to wait for the top two to three inches of potting mix to dry out before watering. Use a moisture meter to help you determine if it's time to water.

Temperature and Humidity

They do well in most home spaces, but it's not uncommon to find these tropical plants in bathrooms. They love warmth and humidity. If you regularly have temperatures dipping below 55°F, you'd be better off selecting plants that can handle colder conditions.

They also appreciate high humidity (over 50 percent). If you have dry air blasting from your air conditioning, consider using a humidifier and putting your P. gloriosum on a pebbled-filled tray with water.

Fertilizer

Using a half-strength liquid fertilizer every month or two during the growing season can encourage more vigorous and healthy foliage on this slow-growing plant. But they aren't heavy feeders, and too much fertilization can cause root burn and yellowing leaves.

Pruning

There aren't any high-maintenance requirements for pruning yourP. gloriosum. Simply remove unhealthy, straggly, or dead foliage if you wish. That way, all the energy goes into the growth of the new, healthier foliage.

Propagating Philodendron Gloriosum

Unlike the vining philodendron species, propagation is best done via vegetative rhizome cuttings (the underground stem from this creeping variety). Follow these steps for a chance of success:

1. Using a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears, find a suitable section of rhizome (often seen growing near the surface of the soil) and cut pieces with at least a couple of leaves growing on them.
2. Let the end of the cutting callous over for a few hours before potting up the individual section/s in a moist (but not saturated) sphagnum moss.
3. Ideally, cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture and humidity.
4. Wait for around two to four weeks for roots to establish on the cuttings.
5. During this time, let some air into the plastic bag every couple of days for a few minutes to keep the microclimate from turning stale.
6. Move the cutting to a loose, well-drained potting mix.

Potting and Repotting Philodendron Gloriosum

With its spreading, crawling growth habit, a pot that is wider than deep is appreciated by the P. gloriosum—a long, narrow, and rectangular shape works well. It also needs to have good drainage holes.

With the plant's slow growth habit, you probably won't need to repot the plant more than every two or three years. Here are typical signs that it is becoming root-bound and is ready for repotting: Look out for the plant starting to lean out over the edge of the pot, growth slowing, and new leaves reducing in size.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

P. gloriosum can struggle with classic houseplant pests, such as aphids and spider mites. To combat the pests, use neem oil or insecticide.

You'll also want to avoid overwatering, which can lead to fungal root rot. Make sure the soil is starting to dry out before watering again.

Common Problems With Philodendron Gloriosum

This plant needs the right conditions to thrive. The issues below are common signs you aren't giving yourP. gloriosumquite what it needs.

Leaves Turning Yellow

If your plant hasyellowing leaves,it isn't necessarily something to worry about. Old foliage at the base of the plant can start to yellow and drop as part of the natural cycle. If it's happening with newer foliage, this can be a sign of over- or under-watering or overfeeding your plant.

Drooping Leaves

The most common reason you might start to see those gorgeous leaves droop is not getting the moisture levels right. Wet feet and subsequent root rot are the most serious issues, but letting the plant dry out too much is another reason for drooping leaves.

Browning Tips

If yourPhilodendron gloriosumisn't getting enough moisture (through watering or humidity), or if it is being subject to too much direct sun, then leaf scorch can occur. Consider moving your plant to a location without as much light or with higher humidity.

From: thespruce