The Philodendron glad hands is a tropical species that has its roots in the rainforests of South as well as Central America. It is named after its lobed, large leaves that are usually variegated with different shades of white, yellow, and green.
It is a stunning houseplant mainly because it is easy to care for and enhances the overall elegance and beauty of any space. This beautiful variety is popular for its foliage, flowers, and leaves.
It possesses unique shaped leaves that resemble the shape of a hand and is a low-maintenance variety that can be seen to have numerous different shades. It does well in moist soil and highly humid environment and is intolerant of drought conditions.
Philodendron Glad Hands Classification
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
Features of the Philodendron Glad Hands Plant
Structure
The Philodendron gladhands reach up to 5 to 6 feet in length. However, the leaves of this variety grow up to 18 inches tall. It is an evergreen species that retains its leaves throughout the year. It grows as a typical epiphyte in its natural epiphyte and will climb on structures or other trees. Yet it can also be grown in baskets or pots.
Size
This plant can reach up to 6 feet in length and the leaves are reported to grow up to 18 inches long.
Leaves
The mature leaves of Philodendron glad hands are dark green in coloration, multi-lobed, and resemble the appearance of hands. However, the lobes of leaves are narrow and are lobed further. Therefore, people also refer to it as Philodendron pedatum narrow form.
Flowers
The plant blooms tiny yellow flowers that grow in clusters around the stems. This variety generally produces flowers throughout the year under suitable conditions.
Toxicity
Unfortunately, the Philodendron glad hands contain calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble. If these crystals are ingested, the patients will suffer from severe symptoms such as irritation, swelling, and burning of the tongue, mouth, or lips along with other symptoms.
Dormancy
It will enter a dormant period during the winter season. Meaning that these species do not grow or give rise to new leaves during these times.
Philodendron Glad Hands Care
The glad hands philodendron is an evergreen gem that is relatively easy to grow and helps to purify the air. It requires minimum care which revolves around providing sufficient light, water, humidity, temperature, fertilization, etc. These epiphytic climbing vines, prefer to clamber upon big trees or other structures.
Quick Care Guide:
Water: Once in seven days, or when the upper layer of soil becomes dry.
Sunlight: Bright and indirect light.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Temperature: Approximately 65 degrees to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity: About 40 percent to 60 percent.
Fertilizer: Once a month. A half-strength fertilizer is ideal for Philodendron gladhands.
Pruning: As required.
Re-potting: After every 2 to 3 years.
Water Requirement
The glad hands philodendron is a thirsty species that require to be watered regularly. It is necessary to ensure that the soil does not turn wet or soggy to avoid the chances of overwatering. Only water your Philodendron when the upper layer of soil becomes dry.
Sunlight Requirement
Generally, it prefers bright and indirect light. If insufficient sunlight is provided, the leaves will start to turn yellow or pale and even shed off. Place your plant in an area having access to more sunlight this happens.
Soil Requirement
It generally prefers well-draining soil. You can combine 1 part of perlite and 2 parts of peat moss to plant your glad hands philodendron. The roots of this variety are delicate so the soil should be loose to reduce the risks of damage. Its ideal pH ranges from neutral to acidic.
Temperature Requirement
This Philodendron grows best if kept at a temperature ranging from 60 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if it dips below 60 degrees, this variety will start to drop off its leaves, on the other hand, if the temperature rises above 80 degrees, your plant will eventually stop growing.
Humidity Requirement
Being a tropical variety, it flourishes well in areas of high humidity. The suitable humidity levels range between 40 percent to 60 percent.
Fertilizer Requirement
Philodendron glad hands is a heavy feeder and gets benefits if you provide fertilizer regularly. Use a water-soluble fertilizer every 2 weeks in the growing period. Avoid over-fertilizing as it might damage the plant.
Repotting Requirement
Re-pot your Philodendron once every 2 to 3 years. Philodendron gladhands are a fast-growing species. Re-pot your Philodendron when it has doubled the size of its pot, follow the below-given instructions to re-pot your plant successfully.
Water your plant for at least 24 hours before you remove the plant from its pot. Make sure to examine the plant to remove any dead or damaged roots, and also inspect the plant for any pests or diseases. Once you have followed the instructions mentioned above, gently place your plant in the new pot and fill it with potting soil.
Pruning Requirement
Philodendron glad hands generally do not requires to be pruned. However, if you feel that your Philo is becoming out of control, then pruning will help you get the desired length of your plant. Prune your Philodendron using a sharp pair of knives or scissors.
Growth Zone
The ideal growth zones for Philodendron glad hands are 10 to 12.
Philodendron Glad Hands Propagation
The Philodendron glad hands can be propagated easily via stem cuttings or through the water.
Propagation Through Stem Cuttings
Your Philodendron glad hands can be propagated by cutting a healthy stem with at least two leaves on it. Cut the cuttings’ bottom leaves, then submerge them in a rooting hormone.
Plant the cuttings in a pot with potting soil or African violet mix after putting them in the rooting hormone. Covering the soil with plastic wrap will help to keep it moist. Maintain a warm environment for the pot. Within 2 weeks, roots will emerge.
Propagation Through Water
Cut a healthy stem and remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of your cuttings if you want to propagate your Philodendron glad hands using water. Fill a glass or plastic container with water.
Your cuttings should be placed in the water-filled container and placed in a sunny area. Regularly change the water. The root will begin to form within 14 days.
Final Thoughts
The Philodendron glad hands are unique houseplants that are epiphytic in nature. They love to climb on structures and require minimum care which makes them highly desirable to plant fanatics who do not want to invest their time to look after plants.
