Aroids have become quite the craze these last few years, especially the ‘rare’ or harder-to-find species.
Philodendron gloriosum has slowly made its way into the spot light, with its beautiful large white-veined leaves, capturing the attention of many collectors.
Philodendrons are either climbers or creepers, and this is the latter. The gloriosum is native to the forest floors of Colombia, but is also found in several South American countries.
Philodendron care is usually the same across all species, with similar light, soil & water requirements. Below is the care requirements for the gloriosum.
LIGHT
The gloriosum likes a lot of light, but avoid direct sunlight.
As a creeper, this plant doesn’t climb trees in search for light, but across the forest floor.
The ideal lighting would be close to an eastern or northern facing window. Or in the shade if planted outdoors.
If your plant doesn’t get enough light, it’ll grow smaller leaves and become leggy. If it receives too much light, the leaves will yellow or burn.
WATER
Keep the potting mix slightly moist but not wet. Water when the top inch of soil is almost dry, or water a little bit more frequently. If you notice the leaves are droopy, its either an indicator of over or under watering – use the ‘finger test’ to determine which, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Have a look at the post about root rot, if you suspect you’ve been overwatering.
POTTING MIX
It’s important that the gloriosum has an organic potting mix that is well aerated.
Choose a mix that provides enough nutrients but doesn’t condense when watered.
A recommended mix is: Coco chips or Orchid bark, compost, perlite and charcoal.
GROWING CONTAINERS
Unlike most plants, which are easily grown in round pots, the gloriosum likes longer, rectangular pots, which allows them to creep across the soil. Once the plant grows over the edge of the pot, its roots will not be able to reach the soil, and the leaves can progressively become smaller.
Always choose a pot that has good drainage to avoid root rot.
FERTILISER
If you’re repotting or transferring your plant, you can mix in a dissolvable pellet fertiliser into the potting mix. Otherwise, fertilise with a half-strength liquid fertiliser every month during spring and summer months, and every 8 weeks during autumn and winter.
PROPAGATION
Propagation is easiest done via stem-cuttings.
When propagating, you can either take a bare rhizome or rhizome with leaf cutting.
Always ensure you use clean shears and let the cutting callous over for a few hours, before placing it in water or sphagnum moss. Adding cinnamon to the cuttings will act as a disinfectant and will help the healing process. It can easily be propagated in an appropriate potting mix, but keep the rhizome half covered, to allow roots to fully form into the soil.
Ensure you leave the mother plant with at least 3 leaves.
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