The heartleaf-shaped foliage of philodendron gloriosum is an eye-catching addition to any home. A native to Colombia, this plant is a slow-growing, easy-to-care-for variety that's perfect for beginners.
The plant has a creeping growth habit that means it appreciates being planted in a long rectangular container rather than a traditional houseplant pot. Be sure that your container has drainage holes, and use well-draining potting soil.
Water the plant regularly during summer, and once every few weeks during the colder months. Water evenly, and never allow the top layer of soil to dry out. Ensure that the water used is dechlorinated and at room temperature.
This plant thrives in bright indirect light, but it also takes well-drained shade. Place it on or near a windowsill, or keep it out of direct sunlight and opt for artificial lighting if your space lacks natural lighting.
This species' natural habitat is in the tropics, so it does best with temperatures that are in the mid- to high-60s degrees Fahrenheit. Indoors, it'll take daytime temperatures between 55 and 85 degrees and nighttime temps that fall in the low-to-mid-50s.
This plant likes a well-draining potting mix with high levels of organic matter. The ideal option is pure Sphagnum moss, but jungle mix and orchid potting soil are suitable as well.
Feed the plant a balanced indoor plant food every month over spring and summer, or as needed during active growth. Over winter, you may only need to do this every three to four months, and it's best to use a slow-release fertilizer.
Pruning is necessary for this plant only occasionally to remove dead or diseased leaves and to encourage new growth at the base of the plant. You can snip off any dead or dying leaves at the base of the plant with a pair of clean pruning shears, or cut back leggy stems that don't look healthy to encourage more branches closer to the base of the plant.
The simplest way to propagate this plant is with stem cuttings grown directly in soil or water. Start by finding a healthy and long stem, preferably longer than three inches.
Next, prune the stem at the point where it meets the rhizome or main stem of the plant. This can be done by hand or with a tool, such as a knife.
Repot the plant with a well-draining, loose potting soil mix. The pot should be two to three inches larger than its current container, so it has more room to spread.
A well-draining potting mix with peat moss to retain moisture and perlite to improve drainage is the perfect choice for this plant. Be sure to choose a well-draining potting soil that has a pH of between 6-7.5.
Overwatering is a common problem for gloriosums, so check the top inch of soil to ensure it's not too dry before you water the plant.
Yellow leaves and brown tips are other signs that your gloriosum hasn't been getting enough light. To correct this, move the plant to a spot that gets more morning or evening sun, or switch from a window to an area that receives less direct light.
