Philodendron gloriosum, a philo with velvety foliage
Philodendron gloriosum is native to Colombia. This member of the Araceae family is prized for its velvety, subtly shaded foliage.
How to recognize Philodendron gloriosum?
A creeping perennial, Philodendron gloriosum grows to no more than 60 centimetres in height.
Its thick, sturdy green stems bear aerial roots that enable it to anchor itself in the ground or on a support. They also capture moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere.
Philodendron gloriosum is grown for its velvety foliage. The leaves are pink when they first appear. They then take on a heart shape and a bright green hue. But their veins retain a lighter color: pale green, white or even very pale pink. The leaves are smaller than those of Philodendron bipinnatifidum. Nevertheless, the largest can measure up to 90 centimetres wide by 120 centimetres long.
The plant flowers, even indoors. A spadix, surrounded by a 30-centimetre spathe, appears at ground level. The fragrant inflorescence can last up to two months.
Philodendron gloriosum is toxic if ingested, especially by animals. Its sap can also cause allergic skin reactions in humans.
Our maintenance tips
Philodendron gloriosum appreciate regular watering, subdued light and well-drained soil.
Watering
Wait until the surface of the soil has dried by two or three centimetres before watering again.
Pour in water at room temperature. The substrate should be moist but not soggy. Drain any water that collects in the cup or planter.
Spray
The air in our apartments is too dry for plants used to high humidity. Mist your Philodendron gloriosum with water at room temperature.
Rainwater is preferable to tap water. Tap water causes white spots on the foliage.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Philodendron gloriosum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Your Philodendron gloriosum needs highly draining soil. Mix equal parts potting soil for green plants, pine bark and perlite. You can also make your substrate with sphagnum moss (25%), white peat (25%) and coco bark (50%).
Place a layer of substrate at the bottom of a pierced pot. Preferably choose a planter so that the plant can extend its creeping stem. Plant your Philodendron gloriosum and add potting soil.
Pack lightly and water copiously to encourage rooting.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply liquid fertilizer for green plants when watering.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Look at the creeping stem of your Philodendron gloriosum. Locate a section at the end with at least two nodes and a leaf. Cut it off using a clean, sharp tool such as a knife or razor blade.
Dig up the portion of stem you've removed. In most cases, it will already have roots. If not, or if the roots are only one or two centimetres long, place the cutting in water for a few weeks to develop its root system.
Prepare a mixture containing potting soil for green plants, perlite and pine bark.
Pour your substrate into a perforated pot. Using a pen or your finger, make a pilot hole. Plant your cutting.
Pack lightly and water tohelp the cutting take root.
Diseases / Threats
Information
Family | Araceae - Araceae |
Type | Philodendron - Philodendron |
Species | Philodendron gloriosum - Philodendron gloriosum |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposure | |
Substrat | |
Planting methods |
In pots In tubs Planter |
Categories | |
Tags |
Fritillary Toxic |
Origin |
South America |
Hardiness (USDA) | 11b |
Leaf color |
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Flower colors |
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