Philodendron glorious is a hybrid rare plant with exotic-looking large leaves. This semi-climbing aroid plant is an absolute delight to grow and its velvety texture with subtle veins surely grabs eyeballs.
If you wish to grow this plant in your garden and are seeking more information, then this article is just the one for you. Read ahead as we provide you with all the knowledge you need to care for and propagate a healthy plant.
What Is Philodendron Glorious?
Philodendron Glorious is an exotic hybrid plant and a cross of the Philodendron Melanochrysum and Philodendron Gloriosum philodendron variety. This gives the plant attractive characteristics of both species such as long velvety leaves, subtle white veins and climbing vine-like stems. The philodendron glorious scientific name is Gloriosum x melanochrysum.
Philodendron Glorious Care
It is easy to provide plant care for the philodendron ‘glorious’. Take care of a few important aspects and you will be assured of healthy and green foliage. Read the below section for further details and what you need to focus on concerning each essential aspect.
– Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate levels of water to thrive and grow. As a climbing vine, the leaves or stems do not store moisture so you would have to water the plant regularly. Keep the soil lightly moist and at the same time do not overwater as this can lead to root rot. The ideal way to check if the plant is thirsty and requires watering is to do a simple finger test.
All you must do is push your finger gently into the soil and check the moisture levels. Do not add more if you find the topsoil moist by at least an inch. In general watering, the plant once a week should be sufficient.
Summers and warmer months will require more frequent watering twice a week, in comparison to the colder months when plants become dormant in their growth. So cut back on the water in winters.
– Light Requirements
Philodendron glorious hybrid requires bright yet diffused sunlight to keep it happy and growing. It will not tolerate excessive light or heat as the leaves can get scorched and over time can make the foliage wilt.
If you are growing the plant indoors, you could either group it amidst other plants or create a greenhouse effect by placing a garden sheet over it to give the partial light it requires.
If you are growing it indoors, move it near a south or east-facing window for adequate filtered sunlight. In winter grow the plant under artificial grow lights to provide the required light and heat.
– Soil Requirements
The plant grows healthy and happy in a well-draining, light and airy potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist, taking care never to let it become waterlogged or soggy. An overwatered soil can hamper the health of the plant drastically.
Mix in organic matter such as perlite, humus, peat or mulch to improve drainage and keep it aerated. Additionally, maintain the soil slightly acidic in a pH ranging between 6.5 to 7.5
– Temperature Requirements
This philodendron thrives in moderate temperatures within an ideal range of 65 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant will not survive in extreme cold thus keeping it away from cold drafts, chilly winds and frost conditions.
During the winter months move them indoors and place them under artificial grow lights for some light and warmth to retain their foliage. The plant will also not tolerate excessive exposure to summer heat, so move it under partial shade when the heat intensifies. Do remember to keep the philodendron away from blasts of hot air or cold emitted from the air conditioner or heater vents.
– Humidity Requirements
The plant requires plenty of moisture around it to thrive, thus you will need to maintain an ideal humidity level of 60 percent to 80 percent. During summer months or if you are living in an arid zone, it is recommended that you mist the plant frequently. This will kick in some moisture around it, thereby helping you retain humidity levels.
Additionally, you could also group plants to benefit from all their collective humidity. If you are growing your plant indoors and are concerned about the moisture levels, use a humidifier to maintain it. Do note, never overdo the misting as excess moisture can result in several problems for the plant such as root rot, yellowing of leaves or fungal diseases.
– Fertilizing Requirements
The plant is a medium feeder which is adequate to maintain its foliage and growth. A regular feeding schedule of once a month, especially during the months between spring to fall, is sufficient to keep the plant going. So use a balanced 1:1:1 NPK formula to add to the soil.
Alternatively, you may also opt for a mild liquid formula or a slow-release fertilizer for much longer results. Avoid concentrated formulas or over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to leaf burn.
– Pruning
This philodendron does not require much pruning however, a well-maintained plant does look good. Snip away dead and decayed leaves from time to time. Pruning not only helps keep the plants in shape but also keeps infections at bay and aids in fresh foliage growth as well. Always sterilize your pruner with a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol before you begin the process.
Propagation
You can propagate this hybrid philodendron easily using stem cuttings. With just some basic gardening skills, you can easily get a healthy new offset of the plant. In the below section we give you the complete information that you will require to get started doing it.
– Right Season to Propagate
Spring months are the right season to begin the process of propagation. This will give the plants warm months ahead to establish their roots successfully and develop healthy foliage. So use the season’s warmth to your benefit and begin the process just before the plants grow months.
– Tools Required
Keep the following tools at hand before you begin the process. It will make the task at hand easy and hassle-free. Sterilize all tools with a diluted solution of isopropyl alcohol to prevent the spread of bacterial infections.
You will need to have a proper light potting mix, a pot, or a container where the plant will settle in. And finally, the most important tool, in this case, will be a sterilized garden pruner or a sharp knife, the reason why you should clean it with rubbing alcohol is that we do not want to risk getting the new propagating plant through any infestation.
– Propagation Method
Propagation of the plant is best done with stem cuttings. You can alternatively germinate the plant seeds to propagate as well, however, this takes a longer time. The plant has a moderate growth rate, thus stem cuttings work the best. Find the details about the method of propagation listed below.
Begin by obtaining stem cuttings from a mature adult plant. Snip a portion of the stem of about three to six inches long, retaining a few leaves with nodes.
Place this cut segment in fresh potting soil in a pot or container. Keep the section upright and tight in the soil.
Water and care as per the plant’s ideal requirements. In a couple of weeks, the stem section will begin growing roots. You can now transplant it or leave it to develop independently as per your choice.
Problems
The plant has some common problems that impact its health and foliage. However, with a little bit of mindfulness, these can be tackled easily and you can get your plant back to looking green and thriving. Find a list of the most common issues and hassle-free solutions.
– Yellowing Leaves
Find the leaves of your plant turning yellow? It is most likely due to an incorrect watering schedule or poor drainage. To tackle this problem, begin by taking a look at the frequency of watering. Keep the soil just slightly moist and water only when you find the top soil dry by at least an inch.
Underwatering the plant shows similar results, thus take care never to let the soil go completely dry. Additionally, yellowing leaves may also be caused due to improper drainage holes in the pot or if the potting medium is heavy or clayey.
In such cases the soil retails excess water, preventing roots from breathing and taking in oxygen. Use light and porous soil in a pot that permits free flow out of the water through its drainage holes.
– Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrient deficiency in the plant can also lead to the foliage turning yellow. Feed the plant with a mild NPK formula regularly to meet its needs. An actively growing plant needs some extra dash of nourishment.
– Root Rot
Root rot is disastrous to the health of the plant and is caused by a fungal infection resulting from overwatering. The condition makes the plant bear a wilted and weak look. If the problem is not tackled at the earliest, it may lead to the death of the plant. If you suspect root rot, the first thing to do is to scale back on the watering.
Gently pull out the plant from the soil and inspect for root sections that may have developed fungal infections. You will find them in the form of black spots.
With the help of a sterile knife, snip away these infected sections and repot the plant in fresh well-draining soil again. To prevent root rot, ensure you maintain a schedule of watering the plant only when the top soil is dry by at least an inch.
– Pest Infestations
The most common pests that affect the plant are aphids and spider mites. These insects feed on the foliage and lay eggs in hundreds on the underside of leaves. The infestation can lead to discoloration of foliage and weakened stems and leaves.
Isolate the plant immediately to prevent its spread to other plants in your garden. Use a commercial insecticide and spray them all over the plant. Natural repellents such as neem oil also work efficiently. Alternatively, insecticidal soaps can also be used to treat the condition effectively.
– Water Does Not Drain
As soon as you notice any one of these signs, move the plant to a larger pot, at least by an inch bigger. The plant may show signs of wilting as soon as transplanted, but this is just the initial shock and it will regain its vigor soon.
– Droopy Leaves
Droopy leaves are yet again a sign of the plant being over or under-watered. Monitor your watering schedule as per our care guide and you will soon see them limping back to health.
– Bleached Leaves
Bleached leaves are caused when the plant is overexposed to direct sunlight. They initially turn white, followed by a brown color, and then die. The plant requires diffused light for a few hours in the morning, so avoid keeping it directly under the sun.
If you are growing your plant outdoors, cover it with a garden sheet to give it dappled light. This should take care of the problem at hand.
– Brown Leaves
Brown leaves are a classic outcome of the plant being grown in an environment that is not ideally suited for it. From underwatering, low humidity, and extreme temperatures to overexposure to light, any one of these conditions can result in the browning of leaves. Provide the plant with its ideal requirement as per our care section and you should soon see the plant limp back to life.
– Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are carried by pathogens that are found in the soil. You will find the plant developing translucent spots with brown or yellow halos on the leaves and stems. The only way to control these infections is to remove the infected leaves as soon as possible to prevent their spread. If the infection is mild you can treat it with growth-promoting bacteria like mycorrhiza.
– Toxicity
Stems and leaves of the entire plant are toxic as philodendrons have calcium oxalate crystals. Consumption of any part of the plant cause irritation and burning of the lips, mouth and tongue along with difficulty in swallowing. In extreme cases, it can lead to vomiting and diarrhea as well. Thus keep the plant away from pets and children to prevent accidental consumption.
FAQ
How do I keep my Philodendron Glorious bushy?
To keep your Philodendron Glorious bushy, regularly prune the stems to encourage branching and provide ample indirect sunlight.
Does Philodendron Glorious like to stay wet?
Philodendron Glorious prefers slightly moist soil, but not overly wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
Can I grow Philodendron Glorious in just a water pot?
While Philodendron Glorious can be grown in water temporarily, it’s best to provide well-draining soil for long-term growth and optimal health.
Conclusion
You have now read and understood how to easily grow this plant. Let us take a quick recap of all the details we have covered in this article to grow, care and nurture a healthy plant.
- Philodendron Glorious is a rare and exotic plant and a hybrid of the melanochrysum and Gloiosum philodendron variety. The plant thus bears characteristics of both the parent plants.
- You will find the plant to have long velvety leaves, subtle white veins, and climbing vine-like stems.
- The plant is low in maintenance and perfect for beginner-level gardeners. All that you need to take care of is to place it under partial sunlight, provide it with high humidity and ensure it is placed within a warm temperature range.
- This philodendron can be propagated easily using stem cuttings, which is a faster process than germinating plant seeds.
- Monitor the plant watering schedule and maintain plant hygiene to tackle most of its problems and keep it pest-free.
This variety of Philodendron is an attractive vine-like plant and is hassle-free to grow. If you have just a few minutes at hand and still desire a delightful plant in your home space, then you must include this in your garden.
- Is Cinnamon Good for Plants? Some Different Ways To Use It - June 3, 2023
- Growing Brussel Sprouts in Containers – 7 Crucial Steps - May 30, 2023
- How to Care for Carnivorous Plants: Provide The Right Needs - May 26, 2023