Philodendron Gloriosum – The Ultimate Care Guide

The aroid family, also known as Araceae, is sparking increased intrigue, particularly in rare cultivars and hybrids. All Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, Pothos, and Dieffenbachia species fall under this family, which is derived from arum.

You can usually spot aroids by their colorful, spiky blossoms. Each aroid blossom comprises numerous tiny flowers clustered together on a “spadix” found within a curved, leaf-like “spathe.”

The species name, Philodendron, translates to tree-loving (Philo – friend; dendron – tree), but the Philodendron gloriosum is not a vining plant. In 2019 the IUCN classified P. gloriosum as vulnerable in its natural habitats in Colombia and the Hawaiian Islands.

The self-heading plant’s foliage is heart-shaped, presenting a velvet surface and pink margins, emphasized by a delta of white, pale green, or pinkish veins, like an aerial view of a river in a mountainous area.

It is truly a spectacular plant, and its presence on the red list of endangerment is most unfortunate.

Growing one of these plants serves nature well, and propagating it is even better – so let’s dive into how to do that.

Philodendron Gloriosum
Philodendron Gloriosum

Philodendron Gloriosum Soil requirements

Like most in the aroid family, the soil needs are best achieved by considering the plant’s natural habitat. The P. gloriosum’s natural habitat is limited to five sites in Colombia, with an introduction to the Hawaiian Islands.

The natural habitat is rainforests, where the P. gloriosum is found on the ground, unlike some other Philodendron species that seek trees to climb.

Interestingly, the Philodendron family (tree-loving) photoresponse is negative, i.e., they grow away from the light source.

This helps the plants find the trees that are casting the shadow to use them to grow high enough to reach the direct sun. The P. gloriosum, however, is a ground hugger, growing laterally along the ground.

The preferred soil must represent the forest floor, a medium rich in decaying organic matter, moist yet light and well aerated.

The pH should be slightly acidic, just off basic at 6.80.

There may be some wood ash, and an abundance of microorganisms essential for making nutrients bioavailable to plants.

So let’s replicate the forest floor soil for our precious and spectacularly beautiful P. gloriosum:

  • For good water retention, we’ll use coconut coir, it’s renewable, neutral, and drains water well while not drying out. Remember, you want to keep your roots damp but definitely not wet.
  • For aeration, we’ll add perlite, an amorphous volcanic glass with a relatively high water content, typically formed by obsidian hydration. As a soil additive, it’s light and prevents compaction, promoting airflow in soil.
  • Horticultural charcoal. Activated charcoal (carbon) in industrial settings controls odors, purifies liquids, and absorbs gasses. As a soil amendment, it helps balance pH levels, supports bioactivity, prevents compaction, and aids water management (drainage and retention). Unlike other carbon materials, Charcoal does not bind nitrogen as it is already in a stable form and can’t be decayed further.
  • Compost builds soil health and promotes the population diversity of essential soil-borne microorganisms to break complex compounds down to bioavailable nutrients. Many slow-release fertilizers are microorganism-dependent.
  • The fungi-to-bacteria ratio on forest floors is about 100:1. One reason is that fungi are needed to break down the lignin in wood, and the other is that fungi play a symbiotic role in feeding plants via mycorrhizal networks, as this Harvard study shows. Adding leaf mold to your mix is a great way to boost your fungi population.

So, ideally, we want a balanced mix of the five ingredients listed above. Adding about 5-pounds of dolomite per cubic yard of potting soil will help with the plant’s calcium and magnesium needs.

Philodendron Gloriosum Light Requirements

In nature, P. gloriosum grows on the forest floor in the shade with lateral rhizome expansion. They grow big, sturdy leaves that resemble solar panels that absorb light effectively to maximize access to available light for photosynthesis.

If grown outside, you need to plant P. gloriosum to ensure protection from the midday sun.

They can manage morning and evening exposure to some light, but it should be minimized. Indoor artificial light can be used to boost photosynthesis.

Some growers extend the winter lighting to 12 hours to ensure sustained growth.

If you notice irregular patches of the leaf margins becoming necrotic or burned patches in the centers and tips of foliage, this may indicate excessive light exposure. Move your plant to reduce light levels and ensure all light is indirectly dappled.

On the other hand, plants become leggy when they’re not getting enough light. To reach the light, leaves become elongated and emerge further apart.

If this is the case with your P. gloriosum, you must increase the light levels but refrain from using direct sunlight.

Light color in leaves can also be attributed to excessively high light levels or low nutrition. The recommended light levels and fertilizer application rates will ensure good plant color.

A Lux reading of between 16,000 and 27,000 (1500 – 2500 foot-candle) is needed for optimal growth. To contextualize that, see the comparable Lux table below:

Natural Light ConditionTypical Lux
Direct Sunlight32,000 to 100,000
Ambient Daylight10,000 to 25,000
Overcast Daylight1000
Sunset & Sunrise400
Moonlight (Full moon)1
Night (No moon)< 0.01
Table showing light conditions and typical lux for plant growth

Philodendron Gloriosum Water

Keep the soil damp but prevent it from becoming soggy. Like most aroid plants, P. gloriosum prefers to have its roots in slightly moist soil. Dry soil is preferable to soil that remains wet for an extended time, which can lead to root rot.

One of the most common causes of aroid plant death is water mismanagement. Too much water and extended droughts will cause this plant to lose vitality.

A reliable yet basic way of measuring soil moisture is the finger-tip test. Your next watering trigger should be when the top inch of the soil is dry.

Philodendron Gloriosum Preferred Temperature Range

Philodendron gloriosum requires a temperature that does not exceed 85°F (29°C) at midday temperatures and does not dip below 60°F during the nighttime.

A good indicator of a plant’s preferred temperature is the seed germination temperature of 75 to 80°F for most Philodendron self-heading types.

Winter cold causes chlorosis to appear first on the lower leaves. Various cold-protection methods can help you avoid becoming chilled. Excessively bright light or a lack of nourishment can also cause light color. Plant color will be assured if the required light levels and fertilizer application rates are followed.

Philodendron Gloriosum Plant Preferred Humidity Range

These plants thrive in slightly higher humidity, between 60 and 80%. If the relative humidity drops below 40%, you should invest in an indoor humidifier to boost humidity levels – even to 100%.

Fertilizing Philodendron Gloriosum

Potted plants are prone to nutrients being leached due to increased watering. It’s important to provide plants with extensive foliage, like P. gloriosum, with regular diluted feeds of liquid fertilizer. Using compost in your mix increases the cation exchange capacity (CEC).

The CEC improves the soil nutrient (and moisture) holding capacity, reducing the amount leached by successive watering in well-drained soil.

CEC is a magnet for nutrients, keeping them close to the roots where the plant can use them.

The occasional addition of Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) will also boost growth. Magnesium is a positive ion and thus not affected by CEC, meaning it is prone to be leached out of the soil, even if compost is present in the mix.

Philodendron Gloriosum Propagation

Most of the self-heading hybrid Philodendrons are only propagatable using tissue culture. These include:

  • Black Cardinal Philodendron
  • Emerald Prince Philodendron
  • Imperial Green Philodendron
  • Imperial Red Philodendron
  • Moonlight Philodendron
  • Prince Albert Philodendron
  • Prince of Orange Philodendron
  • Xanadu Philodendron

Philodendron gloriosum, however, is not a hybrid and is best propagated by stem cuttings. The sections between leaves can be used to grow new plants.

Below are the steps to follow to propagate your P. gloriosum:

  • Identify an appropriate portion of the rhizome between two leaves.
  • Make sure the surviving mother plant has at least three leaves.
  • The cutting may or may not contain leaves and may be the rhizome itself.
  • To guarantee a clean and equal cut, use a pruning shear to cut the rhizome.
  • Allow the cutting callous to heal for a couple of hours after cutting the rhizome.
  • Sprinkle cinnamon on the cutting board. It functions as a disinfectant and aids in the healing of the wound.
  • You can go on to the following phase after a few hours (depending on the thickness of the cutting).
  • Put some moist (not soaking wet!) food in a pot (we recommend plastic pots). It contains sphagnum moss.
  • Place the cutting gently into the moss.
  • Place the pot with the cutting in a plastic container or cover it with a plastic bag if possible.
  • Open the lid or the plastic bag for a few minutes every couple of days to keep the air fresh.
  • The increased humidity will aid the plant’s root development.
  • This might take anywhere from two to four weeks. We like to aid the process by placing a seedling heat pad beneath a plastic box, as the added warmth from below significantly speeds up the process.
  • When your cutting has substantial roots, and the first 2-3 leaves have formed, it’s time to put it into a pot with potting soil.
  • Congratulations on propagating one of the world’s red-list endangered Philodendrons!

Propagating Philodendron Gloriosum from Seeds

The small seeds are spread on the medium surface and covered with a fine layer of screened sphagnum moss or peat.

Seeds germinate best at 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the top layer of the medium must be kept wet and low in soluble salts; otherwise, the sprouting seeds will be destroyed.

Moisture in the germination media may be stabilized using a variety of approaches.

Fine mist nozzles put above the germination flats, translucent polyethylene sleeves placed over the flats, or stiff plastic covers intended to fit over the top of a flat will all aid in keeping the germination medium at an appropriate moisture level.

Germination can occur in shaded greenhouses or germination rooms with cold white fluorescent lights.

Certain horticulturists favor the latter due to the ability to produce more homogeneous light and temperature regimes.

Germination usually requires light levels of 300-600 foot candles.

To promote development and keep plants compact, increase the light output to 1500-2500 foot candles when seedlings have developed roughly two leaves.

Plants grown in liner trays with plugs one or more across will transfer to finishing pots with less stress than those established in community flats or propagation beds and subsequently transplanted.

Many plant finishers buy seedlings from propagation specialists in the form of plugs to avoid the hassle of managing plants through the critical germination and early development stages.

Philodendron Gloriosum Care & Growth

Philodendron Gloriosum Growth
Philodendron Gloriosum Growth

Plants should be cultivated in a potting medium that drains well and holds a lot of water.

Most nurseries that grow plants in greenhouses use pots with a diameter of up to 8 inches filled with high-quality, preblended mixes containing at least 50% Canadian peat and other clean additions.

Growers in shade houses usually use potting mixes incorporating some Florida sedge peat, bark, and sand.

To correct the pH to around 6.0, dolomite combined with the potting medium at a rate of 4 to 10 pounds per cubic yard is usually used.

The amount of dolomite used will depend on the initial acidity of the mix and the expected influence of fertilization and irrigation water on the pH of the mix.

A microelement blend can be applied when mixing or as a post-plant treatment with a soluble microelement mix.

Microelements should also be administered as part of a liquid fertilizer program at regular intervals during crop development.

At a rate of 2.9 to 3.4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per month, a fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 2-1-2 ratio should be applied.

Philodendron Gloriosum Potting

Philodendron Gloriosum rooted cutting
Potting on a Philodendron Gloriosum rooted cutting

Use a pot with drainage holes because you’ll need well-draining soil and don’t want your Philodendron gloriosum to sit in water. Excess water will be able to drain rapidly through drainage holes.

The optimum containers for these plants are rectangular and as long and thin as feasible rather than spherical.

Because Philodendron gloriosum is a creeper, it will creep along with the soil and eventually reach the end of a standard circular pot.

The plant can no longer develop roots in the soil once it dangles over the edge, and the leaves will shrink as a result.

Common Problems with Philodendron Gloriosum

SymptomsCauseTreatment
Chlorosis (yellowing) of lower leavesExposure to 33 to 40°F for several hoursAvoid low temperatures
Petioles become excessively long, and the plant has an open appearanceLight Levels are too lowGrow plants under higher light levels
Leaf color fades or looks bleached outLight levels may be too high, or fertilizer rates too lowCheck light levels and fertilizer rates – adjust as needed
Older leaves have v-shape chlorosis, which spreads from the petiole attachment to the leaf margin. Midrib remains green.Magnesium deficiencyApply magnesium sulfate at a rate of 0.5 to 0.8 oz. per gallon of water
Leaves have a wrinkled line dotted with chlorotic or necrotic spots in the basal portion of the leaf lobe.Pesticide phytotoxicity or burns from drying liquid fertilizer in the leaf rollApply 20-20-20 liquid fertilizers at a rate of 3.2 oz per 10 gallons of water. Do not exceed recommended pesticide rates.
New leaves of hybrid philodendrons are slightly twisted or distortedCalcium deficiencyIncrease calcium levels in liquid fertilizer or apply chelate calcium.
New leaves are purplish and twisted and may appear torn or have purplish spots.Manganese toxicityIncrease soil pH to 6.5. Avoid spraying fungicides containing manganeses. Top dress with dolomite
Margins of older leaves turn brownish, and discoloration spreads towards the midribPotassium deficiencyIncrease potassium levels in liquid feed or growing medium
Irregular patches of leaf margins become necrotic.Water stress combined with high lightMaintain soil moisture levels and reduce light levels
Chlorosis and reduced leaf sizeNitrogen deficiencyApply a granular, high-nitrogen fertilizer
Leaf scorch on tips of older foliage.Sodium toxicityApply extra potassium, topdress with gypsum, and switch to a less saline water source
Burned patches in the centers and tips of foliageSunburnIncrease irrigation frequency and move to a lower light area
Bronzed edgesLight levels or temperatures are too highMove the plant to an area that provides a better environment
Problems with Philodendron Gloriosum

*An extract from IFAS Extension

Philodendron Gloriosum Diseases

DiseaseSymptomsManagement
Bacterial Leaf SpotTranslucent spots on leaf margins become reddish-brown with yellow halos. Large spots are tan and irregularly shaped.Purchase plants free from disease. Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected leaves.
Bacterial Blight Philodendron selloumSmall, very dark green spots on leaves expand rapidly and spread to petioles. Infected leaves collapse in a wet rot that smells foul.Avoid overhead watering. Remove infected leaves of plants not severely affected—water in a manner that keeps the surfaces of leaves and petiole dry at all times.
Cold InjuryVery dark green to brown blotches forms between leaf veins.Do not place plants near air conditioners. Maintain temperatures above 55° F.
Magnesium DeficiencyV-shaped yellow areas form on leaves, especially in cool greenhouses.Apply one teaspoon of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) per gallon of water.
Tip CurlLeaf tips curl downward, and leaf margins are brown. Roots die.Reduce fertilizer rate and leach the soil if slow-release fertilizer is not present. Repot if excessive slow-release fertilizer was used.

Potential Philodendron Gloriosum Pests

The major arthropod pests of this plant species include aphids, moths (worms), fungus gnats, mealybugs, scales, shore flies, and thrips. Mealybug, mite, and scale infestations are typically the result of infested plant material in the greenhouse.

Aphids

Aphids Symptoms

Aphids are soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects and range in color from pale green to dark brown. Infestations might be unnoticed for a long time until honeydew or sooty mold appears. Aphids can cause new growth to be distorted or afflicted plants to be stunted in the worst-case scenario.

Aphids Control

Aphids are easy to manage with a variety of certified products. Many different substances have produced phytotoxicity in this plant.

Please run your own testing to determine what is safe for you. Diazinon soil drenches have been used to control root aphids.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus Gnats Symptoms

Fungus gnats are little black flies (about an eighth of an inch long) commonly seen scurrying over the soil surface or on leaves and are usually mistaken for Shore flies (see later section).

Adults have long, bead-like antennae and fly with their legs dangling below. These insects have poor flight abilities and aimlessly “flit” around.

The larvae are little legless “worms” living in the soil with blackheads and transparent bodies. On the soil surface, the larvae create webs that mimic spider webs.

Larvae feed on roots, root hairs, soil-contact leaves, and lower stem tissues, which cause damage. Feeding damage can predispose plants to disease, and it’s common to see them near diseased plants or cuttings.

Top Tip: Check Your Philodendron Gloriosum For Pest During Watering

Fungus Gnats Control

If possible, reduce the amount of water used in each pot. If at all possible, avoid algae development. Soil drenches or soil-surface sprays can control the larvae.

Commercially available nematodes that seek out insects in the soil have effectively managed pests without harming the host plants. Most chemicals are extremely toxic to adults.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs Symptoms

Mealybugs are white cottony masses in leaf axils, lower leaf surfaces, and roots. Plants plagued with honeydew and sooty mold grow stunted, and in severe infestations, plant portions begin to die.

Mealybugs Control

The use of systemic materials is preferred. Insecticide-treated soil drenches are used to control root mealybugs.

When pesticides are sprayed on the soil, it’s important to ensure the pots have sufficient drainage and no saucers connected, or phytotoxicity may occur.

Scales

Scales Symptoms

Plants that are infested grow weaker or stunted and eventually perish. Scales graze on the leaves, petioles, and stems of plants.

They are typically distinguishable from the plant matter they feed on.

Their size (pinpoint to 2 mm long), shape (round to oval), and color (light to dark brown) all vary, and many scales are difficult to identify from the plant material on which they feed.

Scales Control

See Mealybugs

Shore Flies

Shore Flies Symptoms

Shore flies are little black flies (less than an eighth of an inch long) that feed on algae at the ends of leaves or on the soil surface.

The antennas of adults are quite short.

These insects are excellent flyers who fly in a controlled manner (straight between 2 points).

The larvae are little legless “worms” with transparent bodies and no apparent heads that live in the soil.

Larvae are not known to cause any harm, and this bug is thought to eat algae solely.

Adults may not cause direct harm to plants, but they may be responsible for spreading plant infections, lowering value by defecating on the leaves (little black to green spots), and a high number of consumer complaints to farmers.

Shore Flies Control

If possible, reduce the amount of water used in each pot. Algae growth should be avoided on sidewalks, benches, and cooling pads. Chemicals aren’t thought to be very successful in eradicating this bug.

Thrips

Philodendron Gloriosum thrip damage
Philodendron Gloriosum thrip damage

Thrips Symptoms

Thrips are small, slender insects. A lengthy fringe of hair along the edges of both pairs of wings distinguishes adult thrips.

Western and other flower thrips are yellow to light brown, while banded greenhouse thrips and a few other thrips that feed mostly on leaves are dark brown to black.

Feeding is done by rasping mouth parts. Curled or deformed leaves with silver-gray scars or calloused regions where feeding has occurred appear on infested leaves.

The tomato spotted wilt virus can be spread by thrips to various ornamentals. Any strange symptoms should be looked into.

Thrips Control

Many materials are registered and effective at controlling thrips.

Toxicity to This Plant

Philodendron Gloriosum is a poisonous plant, and it can cause throat discomfort, swallowing difficulty, mouth pain, cramping, and other complications if swallowed.

It can cause cramping, convulsions, renal failure, and coma if used in large quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Philodendron Gloriosum so expensive?

Philodendron Gloriosum is so expensive due to the rate of growth, lack of seed production, and scarcity of availability. Rare plants like Philodendron Gloriosum come at a premium due to high demand.

Is Philodendron Gloriosum hard to care for?

Philodendron Gloriosum is relatively easy to care for and will grow well, providing the right lighting, good free-draining soil, the correct feeding intervals, and warmth. Get this right, and you will have no problem caring for Philodendron Gloriosum.

How do you care for a Philodendron Gloriosum?

To care for Philodendron Gloriosum, follow the steps below.
1. Keep soil moist (But still must be free draining)
2. pH of the soil should be around 6.8
3. Keep a daytime temperature of 75 to 85˚F and 65˚F at night
4. They require moderate lighting, They Can take early morning and late evening light, but keep out of direct sunlight.
5. Feed regularly to ensure nutrient leaching is replaced due to increased watering.
6. Repot plants when you see the roots appear from drainage holes. Do not allow them to get root bound.

How big does Gloriosum get?

Philodendron Gloriosum can get quite large in their natural environment, Leaves can be as large as 24 to 36 inches and be attached to a 36-inch stem. In the home, these plants will be smaller, reaching leaves up to 20 inches providing the right conditions are provided

Conclusion

The Philodendron Gloriosum is one of my certain recommendations. As a natural plant (non-hybrid) with a fast-shrinking habitat, propagating this plant would be a priority for most serious gardeners.

I have tried to give the most comprehensive guide to make growing this adorable plant easy. A beauty that will create a backdrop to any living space.

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