Philodendron Gloriosum Care: The Velvet Crawler
Philodendron gloriosum is one of the most stunning philodendrons you can grow. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and velvety with bright white or pink veins. The texture is soft to the touch, and the contrast between the dark green leaves and white veins is dramatic.
Unlike most philodendrons, gloriosum is a creeping (crawling) plant. It grows horizontally along the soil surface rather than climbing. This makes it perfect for wide, shallow pots.
Gloriosum is not a beginner plant. It needs high humidity, consistent care, and patience (it grows slowly).
Quick Care Summary
- Light: Bright, indirect light (no direct sun)
- Water: When top 2 inches of soil are dry
- Humidity: 60 to 80 percent (high)
- Growth habit: Crawling/creeping (horizontal growth)
- Biggest challenge: High humidity and slow growth
Light
Philodendron gloriosum needs bright, indirect light to maintain its dark coloration and white veins.
Best light:
- East-facing window
- A few feet back from a south or west window
Signs of too little light:
- Smaller leaves
- Faded coloration
- Slower growth (already slow)
Signs of too much light:
- Faded, bleached leaves
- Brown, scorched edges
Watering
Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Gloriosum likes consistent moisture but does not tolerate soggy soil.
How to water:
- Check the top 2 inches of soil
- If dry, water thoroughly until it drains
- Empty the saucer
Typical schedule:
- Spring and summer: Every 5 to 7 days
- Fall and winter: Every 10 to 14 days
Humidity
High humidity is critical for gloriosum.
Ideal humidity: 60 to 80 percent.
How to increase humidity:
- Use a humidifier (best option)
- Place in a humid bathroom
- Group with other tropical plants
Signs of low humidity:
- Brown, crispy leaf edges
- Smaller new leaves
- Leaves not unfurling properly
Soil and Pot
Use well-draining, chunky soil. Gloriosum has a shallow root system and prefers wide, shallow pots.
Best soil:
- 40% potting soil, 30% orchid bark, 20% perlite, 10% peat moss
Pot requirements:
- Must have drainage holes
- Wide and shallow (not deep)
Temperature
- Temperature: 65 to 80 F
- Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 60 F
Fertilizer
- Fertilize every 4 weeks in spring and summer
- Use diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength)
- Skip fertilizing in fall and winter
Growth Habit (Crawling, Not Climbing)
Philodendron gloriosum is a crawler. It sends out a horizontal rhizome (thick stem) that grows along the soil surface. New leaves emerge from the growing tip.
How to support:
- Use a wide, shallow pot
- Let the rhizome crawl along the soil surface
- Do not use a moss pole (it does not climb)
As the rhizome grows, you can gently direct it to curve around the pot or let it hang over the edge.
Propagating Philodendron Gloriosum
Gloriosum propagates by cutting the rhizome.
How to propagate:
- Cut a section of rhizome with at least one growth point (node)
- Plant in moist sphagnum moss or soil
- Keep in high humidity
- New growth emerges in 4 to 8 weeks
Gloriosum is slow-growing, so propagation takes patience.
Common Problems
Small leaves
Not enough light or low humidity. Move to brighter light and increase humidity.
Brown leaf edges
Low humidity. Use a humidifier.
Yellow leaves
Overwatering or poor drainage. Check soil moisture.
New leaves not unfurling
Low humidity. Increase humidity immediately to help the leaf open.
Pests
Gloriosum can attract spider mites and thrips. Wipe leaves regularly and inspect for pests.
Why Gloriosum Is Worth the Challenge
Philodendron gloriosum is slow-growing and high-maintenance, but the velvety leaves and white veins are unmatched. Each new leaf is a reward.
If you are a collector looking for something special, gloriosum is worth it.
What To Do Next
- If you love velvet philodendrons, try Philodendron melanochrysum or Philodendron verrucosum
- If gloriosum is too slow, try Philodendron micans or Philodendron Brasil
- If your gloriosum has brown edges, get a humidifier immediately