If you’re looking for a houseplant that combines stunning foliage with a manageable size, the Philodendron Glorious is a perfect choice. This hybrid, with its beautifully patterned and lush leaves, has quickly become a favorite among collectors and beginners alike.
Its velvety texture and striking light veins make it stand out in any room. We’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your plant thriving.
Philodendron Glorious
This plant is a cross between two fantastic species: Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron melanochrysum. It gets the best traits from both parents. You see the large, heart-shaped leaves from the gloriosum and the faster, more compact growth habit from the melanochrysum.
The result is a truly spectacular plant. Its leaves are a deep, luxurious green with prominent, pale yellow or cream-colored veins. The surface has a soft, velvety feel that’s irresistible to touch.
Why Choose This Philodendron?
Compared to its parents, the Philodendron Glorious is often easier to care for. It grows at a satisfying pace without taking over your space too quickly. The leaves can reach an impressive size, even in indoor conditions.
It’s a climber by nature. In your home, it will appreciate some support to grow upwards, showcasing its magnificent foliage. This growth pattern makes it ideal for a moss pole or a tall planter.
Light Requirements for Healthy Growth
Getting the light right is key to maintaining those stunning patterns. This plant prefers bright, indirect light. Think of the light in a room with a north or east-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west window.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Harsh rays can scorch the delicate, velvety leaves, causing brown patches.
- Too little light will cause the plant to become leggy. The leaves will be smaller, and the beautiful veining may fade.
- Rotate your plant a quarter turn every time you water it. This ensures all sides get even light and grow symmetrically.
The Perfect Watering Routine
Overwatering is the most common mistake with these plants. They like their soil to partially dry out between drinks. A consistent routine prevents root rot, which can be fatal.
Here’s a simple way to check:
- Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
- If the soil feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until you see it run out of the drainage holes.
- Empty the saucer underneath after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
In winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows down. The soil will take longer to dry out. Always adjust to your home’s specific conditions—light, temperature, and humidity all affect how quickly the soil dries.
Soil and Potting Needs
Your Philodendron Glorious needs a well-draining, airy potting mix. It’s roots need oxygen as much as they need water. A standard houseplant soil is often too dense on it’s own.
You can make a great mix yourself:
- 2 parts high-quality potting soil
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part orchid bark or coco coir
This combination ensures excess water drains quickly while retaining just enough moisture. Repot your plant every 1-2 years in spring, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot. Only go up one pot size at a time; a pot that’s too large holds excess moisture.
Humidity and Temperature
As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity. Aim for levels above 60% for optimal growth. Don’t worry if your home is drier—this plant is adaptable, but you might see slower growth or slightly smaller leaves.
To increase humidity:
- Use a humidifier placed near the plant.
- Group it with other houseplants to create a microclimate.
- Set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (ensure the pot sits above the water line).
Keep it in a warm spot, between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Protect it from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops. It will not tolerate frost.
Feeding Your Plant
During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your Philodendron Glorious monthly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. This provides the nutrients it needs for producing those large, lush leaves.
In fall and winter, you can stop fertilizing altogether. The plant is resting and won’t use the extra nutrients, which can actually harm the roots. Always water the soil lightly before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning is mostly for shape and health. You don’t need to prune this plant heavily. Simply remove any leaves that are yellowing, damaged, or dead. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Cut the stem close to the main vine. Regulary removing old foliage encourages the plant to put energy into new growth. If your plant gets too tall, you can also trim the main stem to control its height. The piece you cut off can be propagated!
How to Propagate Philodendron Glorious
Propagating is a rewarding way to create new plants. The best method is stem cuttings. It’s easier than you think.
- Identify a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots grow from) and one or two leaves.
- Make a clean cut just below a node using a sterile tool.
- Place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Ensure the node is submerged or buried, but not the leaf.
- Put it in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
- Change the water weekly if using that method. For moss, keep it consistently moist.
- In a few weeks, you should see roots developing. Once they are an inch or two long, pot the cutting in your regular soil mix.
Common Pests and Problems
Even with great care, pests can sometimes appear. Keep an eye out for common houseplant insects.
- Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and tiny dots on leaves. Wipe leaves regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These look like small, white cottony masses. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Fungus Gnats: Small flies around the soil. They indicate overwatering. Let the soil dry more between waterings and use yellow sticky traps.
Yellow leaves often mean overwatering. Brown, crispy leaf edges usually indicate low humidity or underwatering. If the leaves are pale or lack veining, the plant likely needs more light.
Displaying Your Plant
This plant’s beauty deserves to be shown off. Because it’s a climber, giving it a moss pole or trellis allows it to grow tall and majestic. The large leaves will face outward, creating a beautiful living wall of texture.
You can also let it trail from a high shelf, but the leaves won’t reach their full potential size. Choose a spot where you can appreciate the intricate patterns and soft texture up close. It makes a fantastic focal point in any room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Philodendron Glorious rare?
It used to be quite rare, but it’s becoming more available as growers propagate more. You can often find it from specialty online plant shops or local nurseries.
How fast does Glorious philodendron grow?
With good care, it has a moderate growth rate. You can expect a new leaf every few weeks during the growing season. Each new leaf is usually larger than the last.
Is Philodendron Glorious the same as Gloriosum?
No, they are different. Philodendron Glorious is a hybrid. Philodendron gloriosum is one of its parent species. The Glorious typically has slightly narrower leaves and a faster growth rate compared to the gloriosum.
Why are my Glorious leaves turning yellow?
The most common cause is overwatering. Check your soil moisture and ensure the pot has good drainage. Other causes can be not enough light, natural aging of older leaves, or a need for fertilizer.
Can I grow this plant in my bathroom?
If your bathroom has a window providing bright, indirect light, it can be an excellent spot. The higher humidity from showers is beneficial. Just make sure it doesn’t get too cold from drafts.
Caring for a Philodendron Glorious is a joy. By providing the right balance of light, water, and humidity, you’ll be rewarded with a steady display of stunning, patterned leaves. This lush plant truly lives up to it’s name, bringing a piece of the tropics into your home with minimal fuss. Pay attention to its signals, and you’ll have a healthy companion for years to come.