The Gloriosum is a plant species of the Philodendron genus. The word comes from the Greek language; Philo means love,” and Dendron means “tree.” This species of plant is from the Araceae family. This plant is within the family that is generally a crawling, terrestrial plant.
The gloriosum leaves on this plant are heart-shaped and green with the appearance of a soft and velvety texture. Their leaves have typically white or rose-colored veins. The Philodendron is known for its air purification properties and is therefore ideal for the home.
The gloriosum plant is native to Colombia and is present in other tropical climates. It grows in countries like Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico.
Why Indoor Plants are Essential
Plants can improve your concentration and productivity. They are a great way to lift your spirit and decrease the stress after a hard day at work. Furthermore, they make the perfect aesthetic for the home. These things will do more for your physical and mental health than the decor of your living room.
Therefore, you are not just incorporating greenery when you decorate inner spaces with houseplants. These live organisms communicate in ways that increase the quality of life with your body, mind, and soul. Indoor plants create a feeling of comfort that serves to improve your overall life.
Now, if you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. It is time to teach yourself how to keep a plant alive. Imagine, you have just purchased the Gloriosum. You don’t have to know about plants to care for this particular type; all you have to understand is what it takes to create a flourishing environment for it to grow.
Philodendron Gloriosum Characteristics
Gloriosums are related to the crawling family and tend to run, but they do not climb. The leaves grow to about thirty-six inches when it’s given the proper care.
The backside of the gloriosum is a much paler green color. The veins are also more pronounced. The plant roots are thick and can absorb the nutrients it needs quickly and easily. It also has a long thick stem from root to leaf.
Light Requirements
The Gloriosum does best in indirect sunlight. Therefore, placing it near a bright but indirect light like a window would be optimum for its growth.
Should it receive direct sunlight from being outside or directly in the sun near an open space, then the leaves will become yellow, and the plant will eventually die.
Although this plant is full of chlorophyll, it can still burn in direct sunlight. You can determine whether it is sunburned if you see the leaves’ pigment with pale discolorations and crisp black markings.
If this occurs, place the plant in a shaded area with moderate lighting. Remove the dead or scorched leaves. Don’t forget to give it a little water for moisture, but not allowing the roots to be overly wet.
Again, an ideal condition would be where the plant has some natural shade without direct sunlight.
Watering Requirements
Philodendrons is a plant that requires moisture in the soil but not so much that it’s overly wet. If the plant is too wet, it can contribute to the roots rotting.
Drooping leaves can be the result of either an over-watering or under-watering warning. The plants will not be able to drink more water if you over water your plant. Your gloriosum leaves will droop and fade.
Over watering
The over watering of any plant can have damaging effects. Plants that end up growing in soil that is too wet often experience oxygen deficiency.
The result is a loss of roots and energy in the plant. Slow growth with yellowing leaves is another over watering symptom. To take care of your plants is to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Under watering
Conversely, if the plant has insufficient water, leaves, tips, and edges may dry up and become brown. If it doesn’t get water soon enough, all the leaves will eventually be brown, and the plant will ultimately die. If you water your plant sporadically, new growth could be small and fragile.
It’s best to water the gloriosum plant two to three times per week based on the season. For example, it is unnecessary to water the plants during the winter than one to two days per week.
That means, before you water again, your soil should dry in the wintertime. In the summer, Philodendrons can become dry much faster. Therefore, the frequency with which you’re watering will be higher. In other words, watering two to three times per week is essential.
The best way to ensure your plant has the appropriate amount of water is to place your index finger in the soil and feel its consistency. Then you can figure out if you should add more or less.
Plant Soil Requirements
The soil needed to grow this beautiful plant must be rich in organic matter. It is your best option for Philodendrons. You may use an orchid potting mix and add peat and perlite to lighten the soil and improve ventilation.
For the roots, oxygen is essential in a highly organic, well-drained, and moist soil. To grow your gloriosum, you can also use Peat moss. It supports the plant by increasing its exchange potential in soil nutrients. Peat moss is of low pH so that you can grow your plant without any problems.
Horticultural charcoal is another component in many aroid mixes. By using charcoal, the soil will sweeten, and the contaminants extracted.
One might question why a plant likes to have carbon in the potting mix? The explanation is obvious. You should always mimic the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Naturally, wildfires trigger forest burning down from time to time. Therefore, in the Aroid’s natural environment, charcoal is the result of burnt down trees.
When the soil is thick, it can suffocate and cause red root symptoms at the roots of the gloriosum. To help stop the plant from rotting, get a pot with holes on the bottom to drain any excess water.
Another way to do it is to put the absorbent items on the planting foundation, such as lava rocks, if you don’t have a water drained container. This type of Philodendron is best situated on the ground and planted in well-draining soil, unlike its relatives who prefer to hang from decks or tops of shelves and climb downwards.
By providing a draining system, it permits oxygen to flow to the roots. This type of draining system is necessary if your potting mix doesn’t have perlite. Besides, consider sticking in the pot a moss pole or a wood board. This plant can be hefty, and if not protected, the branches can snap.
Location and Temperature Needs
Philodendrons, over the years, have moved to different parts of the world. They are in many homes, restaurants, and garden plant centers. Since the early 1800s, these have evolved extensively in northern Europe, and in the next two centuries, they have become global plants.
They are visible everywhere in their houses, patios, gardens, and nature in their countries of origin. Initially introduced from the west Indians in 1793 and now known as Philodendron Hederaceum, the most widely grown species can withstand a remarkable amount of neglect yet succeed in adhering to the most challenging environment.
This plant has also been circulating under a variety of different names in both houseplants and florist trades. Many of the most desirable and expensive species that are now common in cultivation, by comparison, need climate-controlled or nearly optimal conditions to thrive in culture, not to mention their owners’ growing capacity.
Perhaps more than any other kind of foliage, in recent years, philodendrons have fueled the incredible wave of curiosity and enthrallment among rare tropical leafy lovers. It looks like the pink princess of Philodendron Erubescens, and rare hybrids like the P.X. Joepii has the highest prices on the market.
The most distinguished and experienced collectors, particularly in the United States, have the most exquisite colorful, and diverse species. As this plant is tropical, it does not do well in freezing climates, particularly in the northern parts of the United States.
The ideal temperature range for the Philodendron Gloriosum is from 53 to 86 °F. Should it go below the 53°Fahrenheit, the plant will not thrive. As the plants are not hardy in winter, experts suggest moving them inside in the winter to a warm location within the home. The temperature at night optimally should be between 60-70 °F.
Humidity, Air Circulation, Water Quality
Gloriosum likes high moisture content. That is why it’s a good idea to note that these plants need some misting. Often it would be best if you wiped gently to keep the leaves shiny and glossy.
This process can also prevent the leaves’ pores from being blocked by dust found in the home. These plants grow between 60-80% at slightly higher humidity. They can take moisture of approximately 40%-50%, but it isn’t ideal. You would have to consider using a humidifier indoors if the humidity is less than 40 percent.
You can prepare and put the Philodendron in freshwater. As a result, roots will emerge from the cutting. The Philodendron is one of the rare houseplants that can permanently grow in water. You can plant it in a pot or the garden after its roots grow out if you like.
Tap water is usually plant-suitable, but it can be highly detrimental to its health and how easily it grows if not tested regularly. While watering your houseplants with bottled water might be difficult, using spring water could make a difference for your indoor plant’s overall wellness.
Tap water typically is safe for drinking, and it’s safe to use on most plants. However, it may be polluted if your water comes from a well, a pool, or a rain barrel. The best solution is to filter contaminates from these water sources.
Plant Feeding/fertilizing Requirements
A high quality liquid household feed rich in macro-nutrients is best for this form of Philodendron. For excellent plant growth and bigger and better leaves, the right amount of fertilizer is essential.
Use a half-strength liquid fertilizer per month in spring and summer and minimize fertilizer in autumn and winter. Slow growth and small leaves could indicate a lack of essential nutrients in your plant.
There is nothing wrong with store-bought fertilizer, but you can make your own if you are adventurous. Here are a few tips for fertilizing your plants. If you use tea bags, then their contents do not always have to go to waste.
Teas like Nettle and Horse Tail can supply nutrients such as nitrogen for growth, potassium for flora and fruit production, and phosphorus to grow the roots. Keep things in moderation because too much may cause harm to the plants.
Another possible fertilizer you can use is coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are known as significant soil enhancement fertilizer. It is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas.
It is also excellent to preserve blue hydrangeas. Many coffee-loving gardeners keep grounds for their plants. Sprinkle the coffee grounds around the plant’s base, where it also serves as a mulch. Do not put the coffee grounds on exposed plant rhizomes like the gladiolus, which leads to redness.
Don’t forget about banana peals as fertilizer. The potassium found in bananas can help individual plants like roses grow stronger.
Additional Tips For Success with Philodendron gloriosum
Planting
You need well-drained soil that doesn’t allow the Philodendron to rest in the water. Also, use a pot with holes to drain. Excess water drainage will quickly drain away too much water.
The best planting pots are not oval, but rectangular and as long and narrow as possible for these plant species. As Philodendron grows larger, it will rush through the ground and eventually reach the end of a traditional round pot.
The plant can no longer establish roots in the land once it hangs over the edge; thus, the leaves will become smaller.
Pruning
It would be best to prune your houseplants periodically with sharp scissors or gardening shears to continue to have beautiful looking plants. Begin by removing dead plant leaves, limbs, and flowers.
Cut the branches and stalks overgrown on the plants. Fertilized and periodically water your plants so that they remain gorgeous and happy.
It best to use sharp scissors or shears for your house or garden plants. Make sure you have sharp scissors or garden shears. If not, the dullness will hurt the plants. When you see dirt on your shears, wash it off and then scrub it dry with a teaspoon of bleach.
A clean tool means that you are not making your plants vulnerable to bacteria and pests when you use them.
Make sure you pinch your plants frequently if you have soft ground houseplants like a Philodendron. The best way to tweak is by using your finger and thumb to remove a stalk tip. Pinch the node where the leaf connects to the plant.
Pruning the stems will keep the plant bushy and promote even growth. It can also prevent leggy stems from growing out of control.
The gloriosum is a slow grower for a Philodendron. Seeing the plant unveiling a new leaf always takes about a month. When it comes to pruning, it’s essential to remove old and dying leaves that are yellow and dead. It’s okay to prune the plant if it becomes unmanageable. Start by cutting the plant at the bottom of the stem and then water to relieve tension.
Propagating
Stem cuts are the way to spread the beauty of Philodendron. This plant can spread more quickly than many Philodendrons. The most significant gain is that if the rhizome remains partly in the ground, it will grow roots.
The rhizome is the portion of the trunk from which the leaves grow. These horizontal underground roots, also known as the creeping root-stalk, can create a new plant’s shoot-and-root systems.
Replanting
You may want to split a plant that has outgrown the pot by replanting and creating two gloriosum from the one rhizome.
To do this, you must gently pull the plant out. Remove the soil from around the roots. Take a pair of cutters and divide the plants into two parts.
When replanting, keep the top stem on the soil’s surface so that the roots can expand into the larger pots. The rhizome should rise to just over the topsoil.
The problem with a fully immersed rhizome is that if the dirt remains moist, it is more likely to rot. In contrast, the roots cannot expand into the ground if the rhizome is not partly under the soil.
Again, the rhizome has to remain partly above ground for best growth, and the roots have to go under the soil. Stem cuts are the way to spread the beauty of Philodendron.
We assume that this plant is much easier to replant than most other Philodendrons. The most significant gain is that the rhizome remains above the ground, and roots expand into the ground.
When you have a stem cut from the rhizome, the amount of growth is always more significant.
Diseases and Toxicity
A diseased or sick plant can result from root rot caused by too much overwatering and continually wet soil. The signs of this are slow growth and yellow leaves. It’s a good idea to inspect roots when you suspect the root rot or see yellow leaves and know that direct sunlight did not cause it.
If the root becomes infected, then the disease can transfer into the soil. To check for a sick plant, see if the plant’s roots are healthy and not thin and fragile. Some of the plant roots are also easily removed.
When they rot, they look black or brown. If so, trim away all decaying roots and restore them as much as possible to the original appearance or the healthiest form. Then cut the roots, replace the mixture, and use a well-draining potting mix.
Gloriosum is a toxic plant. If ingested, it can lead to throat irritations, swallowing difficulties, oral pain cramps, and many more when eaten.
If consumed in large quantities, the outcome may also be cramps, attacks, kidney failure, and coma. Keep this plant away from infants, cats, dogs, and other animals.
Frequently Asked Questions and Responses
Q. How to look after the Gloriosum?
A. These plants need a mixture of well-drained pots and moist soils. It’s best not to overwater your plants because doing so can cause red roots. If you look after your Gloriosum indoors, this plant’s light requirements are bright indirect light.
Q. Where can I purchase the Gloriosum?
A. Unfortunately, gloriosums are not always easily found in garden centers. Your best choice is to get an online shop and try to find it on Facebook, Etsy, eBay, Instagram, or one of the online plant shops.
Q. What is the typical appearance of the flower of the gloriosum?
A. It’s a white flower. It is a spathe and spadix, which, like most other aroids, make up the flower itself. The bubble surrounds the bubble. The flora is also classified botanically as an inflorescence.
Q. What is gloriosum’s growth rate?
A. The gloriosum is pretty slow to grow. For a new leaf to grow, it takes up to a month.
Q. Can I use my gloriosum with a growing light?
A. If you cannot block the window where it is bright with too much direct light, use a growing lamp instead. Make sure the light is far away from your plant’s leaves. A thumb rule is that there are at least twenty-four inches between the sunlight and the foliages of your plant. They will also be yellow if not burnt and fall off if the light is too bright.
Q. What are gloriosum’s light requirements?
A. There are different treatments when talking about light requirements. If it’s outside, the shade is best for the gloriosum. Indoors, with bright indirect light, this plant grows best.
Q. Does gloriosum have the potential to be toxic?
A. The plant is pet, cat, and dog-toxic. The bloating of the lips and cramps and irritations can occur. It can lead to stomach pain, kidney failure, and coma in severe instances when consumed in high quantities.
Q. How can a philodendron be brought back from almost dying?
A. Keep the plant’s soil damp but not wet, and you can still make it undergo a bit of clipping if your Philodendron always looks like it needs some pruning.
Cutting this plant into a three-inch stump gives it a new leaf on life, and the fresh leaves that will come out of your stump provide both of you a new beginning.
Q. How big is it going to become?
A. The leaves will appear as small spikes along the branches when you begin with a young plant. You don’t need to build a big corner for them immediately because they take more than a month to unwind and years to go up to three feet. Only sit back and wait and see it in all its glory.
Q. How many Philodendron species are in existence?
A. Philodendron, the Araceae genus, originates in tropical America and has around 450 stout-stem climbing plants. Many species start their life as vines and then become plants that live on other plants.
Conclusion
All in all, the Philodendron gloriosum is a great house plant. This incredible velvety-textured plant has heart-shaped leaves that attract the attention of those coming into your home. gloriosum is ordinarily easy to grow and can stand out as an in house plant if carefully cared for and kept moist.
This plant is at its best growth in a tropical garden or a warm greenhouse because of its ability to grow to a sizeable mature scale.
The gloriosum is one of the most attractive plants found in the tropical terrain and mainly looks good when planted in masses around or against a stunning wall or outside by the door in the shade.
This plant looks fantastic and has a lot of benefits. Plants, in general, provides a peaceful environment. It gives life breathing oxygen to the home. It creates beauty and ambiance.
There are some small issues like the fact that it can be poisonous to pets and small children, that’s not likely to occur if you are careful. Nonetheless, it’s easy to look after. It just needs a little water, some moderate sunlight, and a lot of loving care.
Philodendron Gloriosum is a plant with beautiful leaves and I really like it, great info about this plant. Thanks for your post.