It’s hard to imagine a more striking, sprawling houseplant to add to your collection than the phliodendron gloriosum—exotic, dark green leaves with bold and bright white veins. The contrast is sublime.
To the touch, the leaves feel velvety. But their heart shape will put a smile on your face. Few plant leaves boast that coveted heart shape.
The gloriosum plant is moderate for maintenance. It’s not the easiest plant out there (think snake plant or pothos) nor is it a more difficult plant (think fiddle leaf fig plant.) It’s right in the middle.
Give this plant the right conditions and it will thrive in your dwelling for many years. A plant with foliage that is fabulous to photograph. Pure plant art.
No plant could be more glorious! Keep reading to learn how to care for this unique houseplant!
Read more: Philodendron gloriosum- an indoor plant for the ages!
Sizing up the Philodendron Gloriosum
Native to Columbia, philodendron gloriosum leaves can span a massive 36 inches in the wild. But in a home environment, don’t expect that size unless you fertilize like crazy.
Leaves come in super large, medium, and smaller juvenile sizes. My biggest leaf is currently 15 inches long and 10 inches wide. A more modest-sized leaf will measure 10 inches long by 8 inches wide.
Leaves emerge tightly wound from the center of the plant and slowly unfurl over a few days. It’s exhilarating to watch.
At first, new leaves are a light shade of green which darkens to their full glorious foliage over a few weeks.
The philodendron gloriosum can grow to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide in its native environment. My plant is only 2-2.5 feet tall but it’s a sloping plant with a trailing growth habit. It grows more horizontally than vertically.
New and smaller leaves (sized 2-6 inches) fill the plant out. Unlike some plants that take several weeks to months to get a new leaf, the gloriosum produces new leaves weekly.
Grower Pot is a good bet!
I broke my own rules with the philodendron gloriosum. Typically, I re-pot new plants after a two-week adjustment period. This is the first time I have left a plant in the original grower’s pot it was shipped in.
I didn’t want to risk killing this amazing plant with change. The soil mix and drainage holes were spot-on.
The gloriosum doesn’t mind being slightly root-bound. Only if you notice the roots circling the bottom of the pot you should consider re-potting it.
Gloriosum plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. If you re-pot it go with a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. No soggy soil!
Three years down the road, the plant is still thriving and I’m glad I left it alone and didn’t fuss over it.
But grower’s pots are hideously ugly so I placed mine in a very tall, attractive copper planter.
I filled the bottom of the pot with brown paper packing material (the kind that comes in all your Amazon boxes) and it props the plant up. The paper also soaks up excess water.
Light & water requirements for the philodendron gloriosum
Gloriosum prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant foliage. Direct sunlight scorches leaves.
It’s a thirsty plant when compared to other houseplants. Since it dries out quickly, I water mine once a week. It’s best to let it dry out between waterings.
As with most houseplants, overwatering tends to lead to root rot, yellow leaves, and pests.
This plant doesn’t like dense potting soil that retains moisture. Mixing perlite and peat moss into the potting mix is smart when you decide to re-pot.
Neve let this plant sit in standing water. Any pot with drainage holes will work, terra cotta ones in particular.
Your gloriosum will appreciate “better” water. If you can’t use filtered water, fill empty milk jugs with tap water and let them sit for 24 hours before using them on plants. This allows the chlorine to evaporate.
If you notice the tips of any of your houseplants turning brown, it’s likely from using tap water.
Temperature & humidity needs for the philodendron gloriosum
Since this species of philodendron is native to the rainforests of South Columbia, this lush, tropical plant likes moist leaves and thrives in a humid environment.
Preferred temps for the philodendron gloriosum range between 65 and 85 degrees. This plant is flexible on indoor temps, however, they won’t appreciate drafts or a sudden drop in temperature.
Aim for 60% or higher humidity. I spoil a few favorite plants with humidifiers when my house gets super dry in January and February.
Keeping your plants together in groups is an easy way to increase humidity. My gloriosum is snuggled next to my snake plants, fiddle leaf fig, and dracaena cane plant.
In close proximity, plants tend to share their humidity to the benefit of all.
When time allows, I spray those big, bold, and beautiful leaves with my homemade neem oil. The neem oil increases humidity and keeps the pests at bay. Misting leaves with water is fine too.
Speaking of pests…
The philodendron gloriosusm attracts pests.
Quarantine the gloriosum from other plants for several weeks until you are certain it harbors no hidden pests.
The Philodendron gloriosum is most susceptible to pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, fungus gnats, and fruit flies. When you see sticky white dots or webs, there’s a problem.
Letting the soil completely dry out before watering again is a great pest prevention strategy.
If you notice pests, bathe the plant. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and mild dish soap to wash the leaves and stems with a sponge. You can also bathe the leaves and stems with an insecticidal soap.
Get every nook and cranny. Don’t miss a single leaf or spot. Also, wash away any webs. Double-check that you have washed the bottom of the leaves thoroughly.
Then spray the leaves with neem oil to help prevent future infestations. Continue to spray the plant with neem oil weekly to prevent future pests.
Propagation Tips
If you can propagate this plant you will win big with all your plant-collecting friends!
The Philodendron gloriosum has a rhizome that grows horizontally along with the soil and is essentially the main ‘stem’ from which the plant grows. When propagating the plant, you’ll take cuttings from the rhizome.
Water propagation is easiest bearing in mind it might take a few tries.
Finding the right stem is the key. I try to find at least two, if not three nodes to grow roots from. Use clean shears to snip below the last leaf node. Take off any lower leaves so it doesn’t sap energy from your cuttings.
These aerial roots aided by a little rooting hormone should take off when submerged in water. When you see substantial roots, it’s time to move from water to soil. Use airy and moist soil with perlite and peat moist.
Water propagation doesn’t always work but it’s the simplest method. The little plant doesn’t like the sudden change from water to soil and it dies. Don’t give up.
We are family – how to acquire a Philodendron Gloriosum
The phildendron gloriosum belongs to the arum family (Araceae), along with Zantedeschia (Calla Lily), Caladium (Angel Wing), Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant), or Colocasia (Elephant Ear).
Like many of us, the gloriosum doesn’t look like it’s relatives. But they are all amazing plants in their own right.
I’ve read the philodendron gloriosum can produce flowers, but I’ve never witnessed this phenomenon myself. But it’s more famous for that fabulous foliage!
I hope you are able to purchase one of these magnificent plants at your local garden center, but if not, online nurseries are always an option.
Don’t hesitate to check places like Etsy too. You might be able to snag a clipping at a fraction of the cost. The philodendron gloriosum is a pricier plant~ it may take a little digging to find a plant at your price point.
But we are gardeners after all, so a little digging doesn’t bother us! My “green fingers” are crossed for you!
Beautiful plant!
I love this plant
I have started letting all my water for my plants sit for a few days before I use it. I’ve also started using rice water and the water from cooking vegetables to water my indoor plants.
Oh my goodness..how beautiful!
Houseplants just make me happy!
Sorry! It’s not for me. It’s just a green plant. Green and white are boring plant colors to me. Thanks for the post. I know a lot of people love these types of plants.
I don’t have any space for houseplants and my dog loves to eat them.
Not much luck with philodendrens but I have Chinese evergreen that’s 50+ years old and huge.
It’s a great plant that loves our warm humid climate here in Florida. Not difficult to propagate I’ve shared pieces with friends and neighbors.
Cool plant!
nice plant
Love these kind of plants. Definitely different from many indoor plants.
What a beautiful plant!
Wish I had better luck with indoor plants – truly appreciate the good that they do.
This is great information! Thanks
The Philodendron gloriosum is such a beautiful plant!
I have a small leaf philodendron that is thriving.
They are such beautiful plants.
This is a gorgeous plant and I love it’s shade of green! It would be awesome to grow one that got up to six feet tall! ♥️
I have luck at times with plants, depending on how much care is involved! I have a reg houseplant/vine that used to hang down pretty long and I had to cut it back because of the cats! It’s never really gotten back to how it was before-even with repotting to a bigger hanging basket and also putting those fertilizer spikes in at times.
I wish I had a green thumb. Plants just don’t like me.
I love the big leaves on this plant.
Are these poisonous to pets? I love houseplants but I now have a cat that seems to taste test everything so I can’t keep plants that are dangerous to her inside the home.
I love these. I wish my thumb was more green.
I enjoy learning more about plant care
Thank you for helping me save my plant
I never knew how easy it is to snip with clean scissors and grow your own Philodendron. It’s a flashy looking plant that I’ve not tried to grow yet. I have a Peace Lily, Aloe, small Jade and a Pathos cutting from my daughter in Texas, which is in water growing roots.
I live in a basement with no windows with direct light so I have to buy new plants when mine die from lack oflight!
Thanks for this post. Love the plant.
Thanks! Entered the giveaway🤞🤞
My sister has a special place in her heart for this plant, I would surprise her if I had one in my place. You inspired me!
I used to have a philodendron but it didn’t make my move to another state. ;( Guess I’l have to get another one and start over. 🙂
Ooh,gonna check out your neem oil. I love these plants with their beautiful leaves that unfurl like this. Feels magical!
This plant is beautiful!!!!
I have several of the Philodendrons. I used to have lots of plants in my home, however, I have dogs so I have to be very careful which plants I keep in my house now. I have a huge corn plant that I have had since 1975. It has traveled to Virginia from North Carolina, stayed outside in the winter because my roommate did not like it and still survived. Then I moved back to North Caroline and it is still growing, it touches the ceiling. The flowers are terrible though, they smell and are very sticky. I would love to have more plants, I have about 20 in my home now. I have 3 very large flower beds, with over 30 Canna Lilies, short, and tall, lots of flowers. I just have to watch the deer and rabbits now because they like to eat everything, even the deer resistant plants.
My children and I want to start gardening, this would be great to have!
Love plants. Will have to try this one. Most of my plants – I can root right into the soil of new pot. Can this be done with this one? Thanks for sharing.
Yep and cuttings go for a fortune or trade bits of this plant with friends. I just saw one of these at a garden center (and it was tiny) for 50 bucks!
What a pretty indoor plant.
My mom had one. It was huge!
I love the cedar that would stand up to insects and pests!
Agreed! Cedar is the creme de la creme of wood!!!
I’ve always loved the leaves of the philodendron. My mom loved plants and always had at least one in the house.
Philly’s are the best!
I think this is one of the plants that my mom has in our front window! I love the huge leaves although since mom forgets to water it, it looks sad some days.
Would love to add this beautiful plant to my home.
Thanks for all of these great tips! I had one of these plants a few years ago – and I made this mistake of putting it outside for extra sunshine – it didn’t adapt well to the hot summers and cool nights. Next time I will definitely keep it inside.
I had one of these for years and I really loved it. Would be nice to get another one!
What a Pretty plant. I have never seen it. Thank you for all the helpful info! I am adding it to my plant list.
LOVE THE LEAF SHAPE OF THIS PLANT!
I love the raised garden. This would be perfect in my yard.
Such a beautiful plant. I have a perfect place to put one in my home. I will have to fine one of these.
Lovely plant and great tips!
Beautiful, I wish I could grow plants as well as you do!
This would be great to have!
My grandmother loved these and I totally forgot how pretty they are! It’s time for me to add them to my other houseplants.
I absolutely love this plant! Never heard of a phliodendron gloriosum but I love its dark green leaves with bright white veins.
I really enjoyed reading this blog post and learning about the Philodendron gloriosum. I think it is an awesome plant! But, unfortunately, I could never have one in my own home, though, since I live in the Northeast.