If you’re looking for a stunning houseplant that feels like a real treasure, the philodendron gloriosum is a perfect choice. This rare tropical houseplant is famous for its spectacular velvety leaves and striking white veins. It’s a showstopper that can become the centerpiece of your indoor jungle, though it does ask for a bit of specific care to truly thrive.
Don’t worry, though. With the right knowledge, you can grow a healthy and beautiful gloriosum. This guide gives you all the practical steps you need, from finding a plant to keeping it happy for years.
Philodendron Gloriosum
This plant is a terrestrial creeper, meaning it grows along the ground in its native rainforests of Colombia. Unlike many philodendrons that climb, the gloriosum sends out stems that creep along the soil surface. Its heart-shaped leaves emerge a beautiful bright green, slowly darkening to a deep, rich green as they mature. The contrast of the bright white or pale pink veins against that dark velvet texture is simply breathtaking. Each new leaf is a cause for celebration.
What Makes It Special and “Rare”?
While more available than in the past, the philodendron gloriosum is still considered a rare tropical houseplant for a few reasons. Its growth is relatively slow, and large, mature specimens take time for nurseries to produce. The demand from collectors also remains high, which keeps it in the “prized plant” category. Its specific growing requirements mean it’s not as forgiving as a pothos, so it’s often recommended for plant enthusiasts with a bit of experience.
Choosing Your Plant: What to Look For
You can often find gloriosums at specialty plant shops or through reputable online sellers. Here’s what to check for to ensure you get a healthy plant:
- Leaf Health: Look for firm, velvety leaves with strong veining. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves, brown crispy edges, or lots of small brown spots.
- Root Check: If possible, gently check the root system. Healthy roots are firm and white or light tan. Mushy, dark, or foul-smelling roots indicate rot.
- Pest Inspection: Examine the undersides of leaves and stems closely for signs of pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or thrips. Look for tiny webs, cottony masses, or little moving dots.
- Growth Point: Ensure the plant has a healthy central growth point (the rhizome) from which new leaves emerge. This should look plump and free of rot.
The Perfect Home: Light, Temperature, and Humidity
Getting the environment right is the biggest key to success with this plant.
Light Requirements
Philodendron gloriosum prefers bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled light on a rainforest floor.
- Ideal: An east-facing window is usually perfect. A north-facing window can work if it’s bright enough.
- Good Option: A few feet back from a south or west window, where the harsh direct sun rays cannot hit the leaves.
- Avoid: Direct sunlight, which will quickly scorch and yellow those beautiful velvety leaves. Too little light will result in very slow growth, small leaves, and leggy stems.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, it loves warmth and moisture in the air.
- Temperature: Keep it in a range of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors in winter, and keep it away from heating and air conditioning vents.
- Humidity: Aim for 60% humidity or higher. This is crucial. Low humidity can cause brown leaf edges and slow growth.
To increase humidity, you can use a humidifier (most effective), place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or group it with other plants. A bathroom with a window can be a great spot if the light is right.
Watering and Soil: The Balancing Act
Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your philodendron gloriosum. It needs a well-draining mix that holds some moisture but never stays soggy.
The Ideal Soil Mix
A good, airy aroid mix is best. You can make your own with:
- 2 parts high-quality potting soil
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part orchid bark
- A handful of horticultural charcoal (optional, but helps keep the mix fresh)
This combination allows water to drain quickly while providing structure for the roots to anchor and breath.
How to Water Correctly
The “soak and dry” method works well. Here’s how to do it:
- Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
- If the top 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water.
- Water thoroughly until you see water flowing freely from the drainage holes.
- Empty the cachepot or saucer after 15 minutes so the plant never sits in water.
In winter, when growth slows, you will need to water less frequently. Always let the soil guide you, not the calendar.
Feeding and Repotting for Growth
Fertilizing Your Plant
During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your philodendron gloriosum monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the bottle. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots. In fall and winter, you can stop fertilizing altogether as the plant’s growth naturally slows.
When and How to Repot
Repot every 1-2 years in spring or early summer. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes, or the plant drying out extremely quickly after watering.
- Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Too large a pot holds excess wet soil.
- Gently remove the plant and loosen the root ball slightly.
- Place it in the new pot with fresh potting mix, keeping the rhizome at or near the soil surface.
- Water thoroughly and return to its usual spot.
The plant may take a week or two to settle in and resume growth after repotting.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
You can propagate philodendron gloriosum by dividing the rhizome. It’s best done when you are repotting.
- Remove the plant from its pot and gently brush away soil to reveal the thick stem (rhizome).
- Using a clean, sharp knife, cut a section of the rhizome that has at least one healthy leaf and some roots attached.
- Let the cut end callous over for a few hours to reduce rot risk.
- Plant the division in a small pot with fresh, moist aroid mix.
- Keep it warm and humid while the new roots establish, which can take a few weeks.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
- Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and drainage. Older leaves yellowing naturally is normal occassionaly.
- Brown Leaf Edges/Crispy Tips: Usually caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and check your watering routine.
- Leggy Growth, Small Leaves: The plant is not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (but no direct sun).
- Pests: Treat spider mites, mealybugs, or thrips promptly. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution, repeating as needed.
- Leaves Not Unfurling: This is almost always due to insufficient humidity. Boosting the moisture in the air will help new leaves open smoothly.
Displaying Your Philodendron Gloriosum
Since it’s a creeper, it won’t climb a pole like some other philodendrons. The best way to display it is in a wide, shallow pot that allows its rhizome to spread horizontally. You can let it trail gracefully over the edge of a shelf or plant stand, creating a beautiful cascade of velvet foliage.
FAQ
Is the Philodendron Gloriosum hard to care for?
It has specific needs, especially for humidity, but is not overly difficult if you understand those requirements. It’s a step up from beginner plants but very manageable.
How fast does this tropical plant grow?
Growth is moderate to slow. In ideal conditions, you might get 4-6 new leaves per growing season. Each leaf can take several weeks to fully unfurl and harden off.
Can I grow a gloriosum under grow lights?
Absolutely. Grow lights are an excellent option, especially if your home lacks bright indirect light. Use full-spectrum LED lights and keep them on for about 10-12 hours a day.
Why are the leaves on my rare philodendron so small?
The most common causes are insufficient light, lack of fertilizer during the growing season, or a need for repotting. Assess your care conditions to find the likely culprit.
Is the Philodendron Gloriosum pet friendly?
No. Like many aroids, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious pets.
With its stunning apperance and unique growth habit, the philodendron gloriosum is a rewarding plant to grow. Paying attention to its need for high humidity, careful watering, and bright indirect light will ensure it remains a healthy and breathtaking part of your collection for a long time. Remember, patience is key as each magnificent leaf slowly reveals itself.