Philodendron Gloriosum
Where do I start with this heart shapes leafed philodendron, what’s’ not to like? From the rounded cordate (heart shaped) leaf to the silvery white veins that appear to almost glow in certain light. Or maybe its the pink blush that newly emerged leaves have for the first few weeks. Whatever it is, this plant is a staple of most peoples collections and is indeed often one of the first plants hobbyists purchase that is not that easy to find in your usual retail outlets. Fortunately there are a selection of specialist shops and online sellers who are able to provide well cared for examples for you to buy.
Philodendron Gloriosum
Native to Colombia and now found in many other Tropical countries Philodendron Gloriosum throws out large leaves from a creeping stem that can grow to 30cm in diameter. Initially pink on the abaxial surface this will transition to varying shades of green with distinct pale veins on the adaxial surface that often retain a pink margin to them.
As a creeping plant some thought should be given to the shape of the pot you put your plant in. Unlike the climbing Philodendrons this plants will grow horizontally across the surface of your substrate and wont appreciate coming up against the edge of a round pot. So consider placing your plant at one end of a rectangular pot, this will give it the chance to grow in its natural state. It is possible for the plant to “Hop the pot” in a round pot which involves the rhizome hoping over the edge of your pot and continuing to grow outside the confines of the pot. Its not ideal as your plant can no longer lay down roots into the soil and you will likely notice the leaves that grow from the rhizome that’s outside the pot will get smaller as a result.
Potting Mix,
The soil mix I have used for this plant is a little different to my climbing Aroids but not significantly. This plant will always have it roots in the soil on the forest floor so you should consider that this may be a slightly less airy substrate than your climbers will be used to. I don’t subscribe to using a heavy soil but I do add some more Coir and a little less Orchid Bark to the mix. Something like 20% Coir, 30% Orchid bark, 20% pearlite, 10% activated charcoal and 10% worm castings, this will provide a well draining substrate that is rich and stays a little more moist than my normal aroid mix.
Lighting,
As a plant that’s habitat is the forest floor the lighting requirements suggest to me that good indirect light is ideal. The amount of light that is available to plants on the forest floor is considerably more than you might imagine. It is generally indirect as very little sunlight will penetrate the canopy but that does not mean it is gloomy, on the contrary its likely that there is significantly more light than you have available even next to a window in your home. So don’t be afraid to put this plant in a window but do avoid direct sunlight other than that of the early morning or later afternoon, direct sunlight for any prolonged period of time will scorch the leaves.
Watering,
Watering your Philodendron Gloriosum is pretty simple I think. I use rain water for all my plants and water twice a week, this regime supposes that your potting mix quite free draining and that your humidity is in the region of 60%. If your potting mix is a little denser than mine then watering your plant should be done based upon how dry your substrate is, use your finger or a moisture meter to test how wet your substrate is and water accordingly. If you want to know a little more see my post on watering here.
Humidity,
Humidity requirements for Philodendron Gloriosum are quite broad in range, I personally like to keep mine at 60% or above and this is achieved by having them in the same room as a tropical fish tank that has an open top. I see this as an ideal amount for a healthy plant that will thrive. Humidity of 40-50% will sustain this plants but my one did not really put on any new growth when I had it in another room with humidity that low. That is not to say that you cant raze this or any other moisture loving plant in lower humidity check out this awesome blog by Dustin Miller in which he describes how his plants not only survive put put on huge amounts of growth in a very low humidity environment.
Temperature,
Temperature is very much in line with all tropical aroid from this region and elevation 15°C – 36°C is considered the range and I have mine growing at 20°C – 24°C.
Honestly if you only have one Heart leafed plant in your collection then this is the one to go for, relatively easy to care for, beautiful to look at and it will grow large enough to make a stunning centrepiece to your home given the right care.