Philodendron gloriosum care guide
Philodendron gloriosum
Also known as: Velvet philodendron
Pets and children
Considered toxic
As a philodendron it holds calcium oxalate in the leaves and stems; chewing causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting, so keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian, or a doctor for a child, if eaten.
How often to water Philodendron gloriosum
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water when the topsoil dries, as a guide; it likes lightly moist soil, but a poorly draining mix kept wet damages the roots.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Generally water a day or two after the soil dries; as it cools the mix dries more slowly.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly about three to four days after the soil dries; cold plus wet soil brings root rot.
Light and placement for Philodendron gloriosum
Bright shade out of direct sun is about right; the velvety leaves scorch in strong light, low light shrinks new leaves, and an east-facing window generally suits it.
Overwintering Philodendron gloriosum
Overwintering guide: 12°C (54°F) or above
It dislikes cold: around 15°C keeps the leaves undamaged, with roughly 12°C as the lower limit, and a humidifier or misting offsets dry heated air.
Fertilizing and repotting Philodendron gloriosum
Fertilizer
From May to September, diluted liquid feed about every two to three weeks is enough; it grows slowly, so more does little, and it needs none in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Philodendron gloriosum
- Dry air browns and crisps the leaf edges.
- Overwatering in winter rots the rhizome and new leaves stop coming.
- Planted in a deep pot, the creeping stem buries itself and rots.
Tips for growing Philodendron gloriosum
- The stem creeps sideways, so use a shallow, wide pot and lay the stem along the surface.
- A fast-draining mix and humidity of 50 to 60 percent or more give the best leaves.
- Leave new leaves alone until they open, then dust the open ones with a soft cloth.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
