If you are a dendrophile feeling the urge to decorate your indoor or outdoor places with beautiful, perennial plants then Philodendrons are a great option. And if you want something magnificent and rare, then put your hands on this unrivaled beauty named Philodendron Gribianum.
Beautiful and rare, the Philodendron Gribianum can be found in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Huge, heart-shaped leaves and small, delicate blooms distinguish this plant.
It’s a favorite of horticulturists and plant nerds for its ability to enhance the aesthetic value of any outdoor space. The plant as a whole can reach heights of 2 or 3 feet, and its leaves are linked to a midrib that is a bright green.
As well as being a common houseplant, Philodendron Gribianum is frequently seen as a decorative plant in outdoor spaces. With careful maintenance, this plant can survive and even flourish in a wide variety of settings.
Read this article to know how you can keep this beauty thriving at your place.
Philodendron Gribianum Classification
- Phylum: Tracheophyta
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Philodendron Schott
- Species: Philodendron gribianum Croat
About:
Philodendron gribianum is a species of plant in the family Araceae. It is endemic to Ecuador. This plant is an epiphytic climber that typically grows to 3–6 m (2-3 ft.) tall.
The leaves are simple, alternate, and cordate with entire margins. They are dark green to blackish-green above and paler beneath. The inflorescences are shorter than the leaves and emerge from the leaf axils. The flowers are yellow with brown spots.
This plant is found in subtropical moist forests at elevations of 700–1,200 m (2,300–3,900 ft). Philodendron gribianum is one of the most rewarding and easy-to-grow Philodendrons.
It is a fast-growing, evergreen climber that can reach lengths of up to 4 feet in its natural habitat. The glossy, dark green leaves are large and heart-shaped with deeply divided lobes. The leaf surface is covered with small, brown spots.
Common Name And Synonyms
There’s no notable common name or synonym available for Philodendron Gribianum. However, sometimes it’s referred to as a heard-shaped philodendron.
Features of Philodendron Gribianum Plant
Height and Growth:
This philodendron can easily reach heights of 2-3 ft. when given an ideal environment.
Leaves and Foliage:
The leaves are large, simple, alternate, and cordate with entire margins. They are dark green to blackish-green above and paler beneath. Each leaf is attached to a midrib that also appears a bright green to yellowish color midrib.
Inflorescence:
Shorter than the leaves, emerge from the leaf axils.
Flowers:
The flowers are yellow with brown spots. Each flower is about 2-3 cm wide.
Evergreen and Durable:
Philodendron gribianum is an evergreen climber that can reach lengths of up to 4 feet in its natural habitat and can live up to 10 years if provided with the best support and environment.
Low Maintenance:
Philodendron Gribianum is low maintenance and simple to grow. It requires little upkeep and can flourish in a range of environments.
Uses:
The Philodendron gribianum is commonly used as a houseplant or an ornamental plant in outdoor spaces. It can enhance the aesthetic value of any indoor or outdoor area.
Toxicity:
If consumed, this plant is poisonous to both people and animals. Vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems are poisoning symptoms. Contact your veterinarian right away if you think your pet has consumed this plant.
Dormancy:
During the winter, this plant will go dormant, and its leaves will turn a yellowish-brown color and then fall off. This is quite natural, and in the spring the plant will sprout brand-new leaves. You may prevent your plant from going dormant by relocating it to a bright and warm location throughout the winter.
Drought Tolerance:
This plant can live in dry conditions and does not require an excessive amount of water to do so. This plant will perish if it receives an excessive amount of water. It is essential to refrain from watering this plant at any other time than when the soil may be felt to be dry to the touch.
Philodendron Gribianum Care
Quick Care Guide:
Water | Only when the soil feels dry |
Light | Bright, indirect sunlight, |
Humidity | High Humidity, 60% ideally |
Fertilizer | Balance water-soluble fertilizer |
Repotting | Every 2-3 years |
Soil | Moist, Humus rich soil |
Grooming & Pruning | If required |
Placing | Warm and moist place |
Temperature | 68-104 Fahrenheit |
Water Requirements
It is recommended to water the Philodendron Gribianum plant two to three times a week, or whenever the top inch of soil seems dry to the touch.
You mustn’t allow the soil to become fully dry as this will result in the demise of the plant. It is best to water the plant first thing in the morning to ensure that the leaves have enough time to air dry before evening.
There is a possibility that you will need to water this plant more frequently if you reside in a warmer region. If the plant’s leaves begin to droop, this is an indication that it requires additional water. However, take care not to overwater this plant because the plant will perish if it receives an excessive amount of water.
Watering Instructions For Gribianum:
- Check the soil before watering. The top inch of the soil should be dry to the touch before you water your plant.
- Water your plant until the water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.
- Allow the plant to drain for a few minutes and then place it back in its original location.
- Do not water the plant again until the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilizing Requirements
It is best to fertilize this plant every two weeks during the spring and summer months using a balanced fertilizer that is diluted to half-strength. You should discontinue fertilizing this plant during the winter months as the plant will go dormant during this time.
Soil Requirements
Philodendron Gribianum prefers a well-draining, humus-rich potting mix. You can make your own potting mix by combining one part of peat moss with one part of perlite. It is also possible to purchase a potting mix that is specifically designed for tropical plants.
When repotting this plant, it is best to use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot. You should only re-pot this plant when necessary as too much root disturbance can harm the plant.
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect sunshine is ideal for the growth of this plant. It can withstand some direct sunlight, but the leaves will be damaged if there is an excessive amount of it.
If you reside in an area that experiences a lot of heat, it is advisable to maintain this plant in an area that has some shade. You can cultivate this plant successfully even if you do not have access to natural light by using fluorescent lighting instead.
Grow fluorescent plants in lights that are approximately one meter (three feet) above the plant. It is recommended that the light is on for 12 to 16 hours every day.
Pro Tips To Manage Proper Lighting Conditions:
- If possible, maintain a consistent lighting schedule for your plant. This will help the plant to develop a strong growth habit.
- Make sure that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight as this can damage the leaves.
- If you do not have access to natural light, you can grow this plant successfully under fluorescent lighting.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm environment and will not tolerate temperatures that fall below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). If the temperature does drop below this, the leaves of the plant will begin to turn brown and eventually die.
It is best to maintain this plant at a consistent temperature between 68-104 FH (20-40 C)
Pro Tips For Managing Temperature Conditions:
- Do not expose this plant to drafts or sudden temperature changes as this can damage the leaves.
- If the temperature in your home drops below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), it is advisable to move the plant to a warmer location.
Philodendron Gribianum Humidity Requirements
This plant requires a humid environment to thrive. You can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water regularly. It is also possible to place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. The water will evaporate and help to increase the humidity around the plant.
If the humidity around the plant is not high enough, the leaves will begin to turn brown and eventually die.
Pro Tips For Managing Humidity Conditions:
- Maintain a consistent level of humidity around the plant by misting it with water regularly.
- You can also place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water to help increase the humidity.
- If the humidity is not high enough, the leaves will begin to turn brown and eventually die.
- Keep the humidity level around 60% high.
Pruning Requirements
This plant does not require a lot of pruning, but you can trim away any dead or dying leaves as needed. It is also possible to shape this plant by trimming it back.
Pro Tips For Pruning This Plant:
- Trim away any dead or dying leaves as needed.
- You can also shape this plant by trimming it back.
- Be careful not to over-prune the plant as this can damage it.
Placement Requirements
This plant is best placed in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight, but the leaves will be damaged if there is too much of it.
If you reside in an area that experiences a lot of heat, it is advisable to maintain the Philodendron Gribianum plant in an area that has some shade.
Pro Tips For Managing Placement Conditions:
- Place this plant in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
- If you reside in an area that experiences a lot of heat, it is advisable to maintain this plant in an area that has some shade.
- You can place it under a green net, or fiber shade to keep it away from burning.
Repotting Requirements
The best time to repot this plant is in the springtime. Make sure to only use a pot one size larger than the existing pot when you do decide to repot.
This plant does not like to be rootbound and will not do well if it is pot-bound. If the roots of this plant become pot-bound, they will begin to suffocate and the plant will eventually die.
Steps To Re-Pot Gribianum:
- Prepare the new pot by adding fresh potting soil to it.
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot and loosen the roots.
- Place the plant in the new pot and add more soil around it until it is snug.
- Water the plant well and place it in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Pro Tips For Re-Potting:
- Make sure to use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
- This plant does not like to be rootbound and will not do well if it is pot-bound.
- If the roots of this plant become pot-bound, they will begin to suffocate and the plant will eventually die.
Pests And Diseases
Mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and thrips are all prone to attack the Philodendron Gribianum plant. These pests can cause damage to the leaves of the plant and eventually kill it.
If you notice any of these pests on your plant, it is important to take action immediately and remove them. You can do this by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or by using a pesticide.
How Can You Keep The Pests Away From Attacking Your Philodendron?
- Make sure to check your plant frequently for pest indicators.
- If you notice any pests on your plant, take action immediately and remove them.
- You can keep the pests from coming back by using a pesticide or by placing the plant in an area with good air circulation.
This plant is also susceptible to root rot and leaf spot. Root rot is caused by the roots of the plant sitting in water for too long. This will cause the roots to rot and eventually kill the plant. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that will cause brown spots on the leaves of the plant.
If you notice either of these diseases on your plant, it is important to take action immediately. You can do this by removing any affected leaves and roots. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide.
How To Propagate Philodendron Gribianum? Complete Guide
Philodendron Gribianum can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division.
Seed:
The seeds of this plant can be sown in the springtime. To do this, fill a pot with fresh potting soil and sow the seeds on the surface of the soil. Water the seeds well and place the pot in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
The seeds will germinate within two weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to be about 3 inches tall, you can transplant them into individual pots.
Stem Cuttings:
This plant can also be propagated by stem cuttings. To do this, take a cutting that is about 4 inches long and has at least two leaves on it. Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone and place it in a pot filled with fresh potting soil.
Water the cutting well and place the pot in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight. The cutting will root within two weeks. Once the roots have grown, you can transplant the cutting into an individual pot.
Division:
This plant can also be propagated by division. To do this, carefully remove the plant from its pot and divide the rootball into two or three sections. Plant each section in its own pot filled with fresh potting soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my philodendron gribianum?
You should water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Water the plant deeply and allow the excess water to drain out of the pot.
How often should I fertilize my plant?
You should fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
What is the best way to propagate this plant?
The best way to propagate this plant is by stem cuttings or division.
How often should I repot my plant?
You should repot your plant every two years.
Final Thoughts
Philodendron gribianum is a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant. It can be propagated by seed, stem cuttings, or division and does best in bright, indirect sunlight. This plant is toxic to both dogs and cats, so it is essential to keep it out of reach of pets.