We are blessed to be the dwellers of a planet with abundant and diverse plant forms. Different layers of earth have unique plants with their specific appearance and nature. Gloriosum is an evergreen broad-leaf plant and belongs to the popular genus Philodendron.
GLORIOSUM
This Columbian native plant does equally well indoors and outdoors with a prominent difference in size and height. It is widely grown for its beautiful foliage. The big, emerald-green, heart-shaped leaves have a white or light pink venation which gets prominent on maturity. Gloriosum plant is a terrestrial grower and flourishes in a horizontal direction along the ground.
Let us learn more about the Philodendron gloriosum along with its care and requirements.
Classification
The botanical classification of the plant is as under:
Family: Araceae.
Genus: Philodendron.
Species: P.gloriosum.
Genus Philodendron
The word is derived from the Greek language, where Philo’ means ‘love’ and ‘Dendron’ stands for ‘tree’. This second largest genus of the family Araceae comprises of flowering plants. Members of this genus are native to rain forests, central and southern regions of America.
These plants were famous in folk art and medicine since ancient times. However, C.Plumier officially introduced this genus in the middle of the 16thcentury. According to the September 2015 checklist of selective plant families, around 489 species are recorded in this genus. Moreover, a large number of species are still undescribed with minimum information available about them.
Other Names of Gloriosum
Common names of the plant are;
- Anthurium Gloriosum.
- Velvet Philodendron. However, this name is not much common.
Plant Features
Basic features of the plant including the height and growth habit are as under;
- This is a tropical and tender perennial plant.
- It has a terrestrial crawling growth pattern and grows along the ground in a horizontal direction.
- It is a non-climber and belongs to the non-climbing philodendrons.
- Anthurium Gloriosum is a rhizomatous plant, where the rhizome likes to be exposed out of the soil.
- An average indoor plant may get 24 to 48 inches (2 to 4 feet) tall and around 40 inches (3.5 feet) wide. However, it may get as tall as 72 inches (6 feet) in its outdoor natural habitat.
- The length of a mature indoor leaf is around 8 to 15 cm. This length may increase up to 36 cm in the wild.
- Unlike the majority of other philodendrons, it has a slow growth rate.
- This plant has a well-behaved growth pattern. It remains in its growing place without wandering uncontrollably in the neighboring plant beds.
- Flowers of the plant are white to light yellow in color and can appear in any season of the year.
Toxicity
Just like other philodendrons, this plant has high levels of calcium oxalate causing toxicity. Ingestion may lead to irritation and ulceration of the throat and esophagus region. We always advise keeping kids and pets away from the plant.
Gloriosum Care
How to take care of my Philodendron Gloriosum Plant? Let us learn about the indoor care and requirements of this low-maintenance plant.
Water Requirements
Like other philodendrons, this plant also prefers moist and well-drained soil. In summer, water the plant twice or thrice a week. However, the frequency should be reduced to once or twice a week in winters. It is a key rule for Philodendrons for summer to keep the upper 3 inches of the soil semi-dry between consecutive watering. In winter, the soil should get dry before you water again. If the leaves are getting droopy, it indicates excess or inadequate water. Additionally, excess watering may lead to plant issues like fungus and root rot.
Sunlight Requirements
Philodendron gloriosum likes plenty of bright indirect sunlight. They can also dwell great in partial shade or low light. Don’t keep the plants in direct sunlight for long, as it may burn the plant. Additionally, this plant does great in artificial light as well.
Yellowing of leaves or browning of leaf edges is a potential indicator that the plant is in high sunlight exposure. On the other hand, a leggy stem shows that the plant is rot needs more light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 12 to 30°C (53 to 86°F). Temperature below and above the range will result in poor growth and health issues of the plant. As the plants are not wintered hardy, experts recommend transferring them to a warm place in winter.
Humidity Requirements
Philodendrons, being native to rain forests show lush foliage in high humidity. However, this plant is resistant to a range of moisture levels.
If the leaves are getting yellow or limpy, see the water, sunlight, and moisture of the plant. In case of low humidity, adjust it by measures like misting, humidifier, or a water-pebble tray under the plant.
To avoid plant issues like fungus, make sure the foliage doesn’t take much longer to dry especially in winter.
Soil Requirements
These plants prefer loose, well-drained, and rich soil. Pure Sphagnum moss is an ideal growing medium for the plant. Peat-vermiculite, peat-perlite, or ‘jungle mix’ show good results as well. As far as PH is concerned, PH 6.1 to 7.5 is a suitable range.
Fertilizer Requirement
A balanced houseplant fertilizer in liquid form is suitable for this plant. Mix the fertilizer with water and add to plant every month in spring and summer. However, feeding the plant once in two months is enough for fall and winter.
You can also use a slow-release fertilizer thrice a year. Sprinkle the material sparingly, at a distance of about 5 cm away from the rhizome.
The small size and pale color of leaves can be a possible indication of fertilizer requirement. In addition, pale baby leaves are a sign of calcium and magnesium deficiency in particular.
Growth Zones
The plant belongs to USDA growth zone 10 – 12.
Gloriosum Propagation
The Philodendron Gloriosum is easy to propagate. Common methods for propagation are;
- Herbaceous stem cuttings.
- Air layering.
Suitable season to propagate this plant in spring and early summer.
The best method for Philo Gloriosum propagation is through stem-cuttings. Take a sharp knife to cut 5 to 6 inches of stem from a well-grown mature plant. Now plant it in rich and moist soil, sphagnum moss, or any other suitable growing medium. Make sure to dip the cutting at least 3 inches in the growing medium. The root will start forming in three to 4 weeks. You can also use water for the initial propagation of this plant. After the development of roots, you can transfer the plant to soil.
These plants are super slow growers. A leaf spike may take a whole one month or more to open up completely. Thus, keep your patient’s level high as it will take months before you enjoy a mature Anthurium Gloriosum plant. Interesting, isn’t it?
Precautions
Always use gloves for the propagation and handling of toxic philodendrons.
Variegated Philodendron Gloriosum
Variegated forms of the Gloriosum plant are commonly available in the market.
Plants with variations in color due to a lack of chlorophyll are known as variegated plants. This may be genetic or occur randomly due to external features.
Philodendron Gloriosum for Sale
Are you looking for Philodendron Gloriosum for Sale? It is just a click away and is available on Amazon. This will be delivered at your doorstep in the form of a potted plant with at least 5 leaves.
Summary
The Philodendron Gloriosum is an evergreen, broad-leaf philodendron. It is well-adapted to both indoor and outdoor growing environments. The big, velvety and heart-shaped leaves are the points of admiration for this plant. These leaves are dark green in color with prominent white or light-pinkish vein patterns throughout the leaf surface. The slow-growing rhizomatous plant grows in a horizontal direction along the ground. Additionally, it is toxic to humans and pets.
