For plant enthusiasts, the rarer the plant, the more they desire and seek it out. Recently, mutated varieties of Philodendron have been capturing the attention of many, especially the Philodendron Gloriosum within this genus. It has quickly become a newfound joy for gardening enthusiasts. Let’s delve deeper into this remarkable plant.
I. What is Philodendron Gloriosum?
Gloriosum was first discovered deep within the tropical forests of Colombia in 1876 during an expedition led by Charles Antonine Lemaire, an exceptional French botanist and scholar.
Within the realm of plant collectors, many claim that Philodendron Gloriosum is widely distributed across the world. However, this is far from the truth. In fact, Gloriosum is listed as a threatened species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
As of now, Philodendron Gloriosum has only been found naturally in seven locations worldwide. The majority of these are in Colombia, with a few in southern Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and a portion of western Brazil. The remaining locations are in Hawaii, where it has been cultivated by humans for commercial purposes.
The Gloriosum boasts gigantic heart-shaped leaves. These smooth, lush leaves can reach up to 3 feet (90cm) in width, showcasing a deep green hue with prominent white veins.
Philodendron Gloriosum has climbing aerial roots and grows close to the ground. It is a relatively easy-to-care-for plant but is intolerant of cold or excessive moisture. It may appear delicate when young but becomes robust as it matures.
If you plan to grow this type of Philodendron indoors, ample space is a necessity.
The plant thrives best in a location with partial or dappled shade. Like all other Philodendron species, keeping the soil consistently moist without overwatering is crucial for its well-being.
II. Caring for Philodendron Gloriosum
In my experience, Philodendron Gloriosum is a relatively easy-to-grow plant that can thrive indoors and achieve impressive sizes with careful care and proper humidity. In its natural habitat, Philodendron Gloriosum can grow to enormous proportions when mature.
Soil Requirements
Almost all Philodendron varieties require a well-draining, airy soil mix that allows roots to access oxygen and prevents waterlogging. Therefore, a soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal. Consider the following mix, which resembles the soil in tropical rainforests:
- One part peat moss – Excellent nutrient source.
- One part coconut coir – Provides good aeration.
- 0.5 parts Perlite – Ensures the soil mix remains loose.
- 0.5 parts Vermiculite – Retains moisture.
- 0.5 parts sphagnum moss – Maintains moisture and adds acidity.
- 0.5 parts pine bark.
- You can also add some lightweight stones to improve root moisture retention.
Light Requirements
Philodendron Gloriosum thrives in bright spaces with indirect sunlight. Place them near windows and try to provide them with morning light. They cannot tolerate direct sunlight, as it may scorch their leaves. Additionally, during the winter or in prolonged periods without sunlight, consider using LED grow lights for your plant.
Humidity
Philodendron Gloriosum thrives in higher humidity levels, typically ranging from 60-80%, which is higher than the usual indoor humidity levels that often drop below 40%. During low humidity periods, consider using a humidifier or adding Perlite to the soil mix to maintain adequate moisture for your plant.
Watering
This plant requires regular watering, especially when you notice the soil drying out. Ensure that your soil remains light and not compacted to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Use bottled mineral water for watering your plant. If using tap water, let it sit uncovered for 48 hours before using it on your plant.
Fertilization
You should fertilize your Philodendron regularly in the spring and summer months. Follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer label. There are various plant fertilizers available on the market, but two commonly trusted options are Vitamin B1 leaf fertilizers.
III. How to Propagate Philodendron?– Tips and Tricks
When I first began propagating Philodendron Gloriosum, I must admit, that I tried numerous methods rather naively. At that time, I relied heavily on YouTube tutorials, thinking that if they could do it, so could I. But with no experience, practical guidance, or real documentation to follow, I faced failure after failure. Fortunately, after many setbacks, I eventually gained valuable experience through trial and error.
To successfully propagate Philodendron Gloriosum, the most effective method is through stem cuttings. This plant, in particular, propagates much more easily using this technique when compared to many other Philodendron and Monstera plants.
Selecting the Right Plant
Before taking cuttings, choose a healthy plant with roots growing above the soil surface, extensive trailing growth, and strong overall development. Pick the best, greenest section of the stem with at least two leaves and one root.
Choosing the Cutting
Next, find a suitable section for cutting. Typically, this will be the part of the stem between two leaves. The cutting should consist of approximately 2-3 nodes to encourage rapid growth.
Cutting and Sterilization
When making the cut, ensure your gardening tools are thoroughly sterilized. Make a clean, precise cut with one swift motion to avoid harming the plant. Allow the cut to air dry for a few hours, and then apply a scar-healing compound to the cut. This compound acts as an antiseptic and aids in the quick healing of the wound.
Stimulating Root Growth
To encourage root development and provide additional nutrients for the cutting, you can mix root-inducing solution and vitamin B1 into the water you’ll use for propagating or the potting soil.
Choosing the Right Pot
Select a pot that matches the size of the cutting, and add some moist sphagnum moss. Place the cutting in the pot and gently cover the roots.
Propagation Timeline
The cutting will typically take anywhere from half a month to a month to develop roots and start growing. During this time, maintain proper humidity to facilitate faster growth.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully propagating Philodendron Gloriosum and expanding your collection of these magnificent plants.
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