Philodendron Gabby: Ultimate Care Tips

Philodendron Gabby is a unique houseplant known for its rare variegated ‘Cream and white’ leaves, making it an ornamental plant gem.

So read to find out where you can buy some beautiful Gabby plants and how you can better care for them at home.

Philodendron Gabby Overview

This tropical species is originally a Philodendron hederaceum hybrid grown in a controlled environment.

Therefore, unlike other climbing Philodendrons, it only grows several inches in height.

Here is a brief overview of the plant.

A Complete Guide to Philodendron Gabby Care

Philodendron Gabby is a hybrid Philodendron hederaceum grown exclusively for homes. Therefore, they are suitable for growing in most household conditions, such as homes and offices.

Unlike their Philodendron hederaceum counterparts that grow 3-6 meters, Gabby only manages to grow several inches.

Keeping these in mind, let us share how to grow and care for this ornamental plant properly.

1. Sunlight & Temperature

Gabby does well in moderate indirect sunlight for at least 7-10 hours a day, where poor lighting may discourage variegation necessary for Gabby variegation.

To get better variegations and growth, keep your Gabby in a temperature ranging from 70-80°F. Remember, anything below 50°F can kill this plant.

Leaves damaged from too much heat and extreme light show symptoms like spots on leaves, brown tips and edges, etc.

Similarly, low light and freezing conditions render droopy, wilting leaves and slow growth on your Philodendron.

You can use incandescent light as a one-stop solution for light and cold issues in the plant.

2. Watering & Humidity

Philodendron Gabby enjoys regular watering and 50-60% humidity in their growing season.

However, it would be best if you were not generous while providing moisture to the plant, as it takes the required amount through its roots.

Underwatered Gabby shows signs like droopy, wilted leaves and slow growth. Similarly, it will incur fungal diseases as a sign of overwatering.

It is best to use filtered rainwater for watering your plant as it is free of harmful chemicals.

Also, take care of humidity, as low humidity will trigger curling, wilting and drooping leaves.

You can keep your plant near a wet pebble tray or a humidifier to maintain the humidity.

3. Soil & Fertilizer

Philodendron Gabby grows best in well-draining, aerated soil with organic matter and monthly fertilization in their growing season.

Prepare a light, porous, and organic potting mix at home using regular potting materials, or consider buying a commercial potting mix meant for Philodendron.

To make a DIY potting mix, add 1 part of a cactus mix with perlite, coco coir, worm casting and sphagnum moss.

Side by side, keep in mind the fertilization needs as well. If you overfertilize your plant, it may burn the roots of the plant.

Make sure not to fertilize the plant during winter when the plant is dormant.

4. Potting & Repotting

It would be best if you considered repotting the Philodendron Gabby when it gets pot-bound once a year or two.

Gabby does not mind slight root-bound conditions; thus, you need not hasten to repot it to a large container.

Make sure you choose a clay pot that is about 2 inches bigger than the current pot while repotting.

Sometimes you must make a quick decision when the plant is affected by fungal diseases like root rot.

In such conditions, it is better to repot the plant to prevent them from completely dying off.

5. Occasional Pruning

Like most other philodendrons, Philodendron Gabby is a trailing plant; hence, pruning the plant will keep it bushy yet small.

The old leaves will fall naturally, requiring less maintenance. Trimming the thin and leggy stems will keep them short and bushy.

Pests like mealybugs, aphids, thrips and scales may attack your gabby.

If your plant is laced with pests, it is better to prune the affected parts during spring to stop further spread.

Remember to disinfect the tools with isopropyl alcohol before pruning and use mild neem oil after the pruning procedure.

Philodendron Gabby: Growth

Philodendron Gabby is a Herbaceous vine that grows in climbing or trailing patterns. They feature heart-shaped, waxy leaves with slender, curled ends.

They have swirls of dark green, light green, and yellow-green patterns.

The plant is solely grown for its decorative leaves that boast variegated patterns, including light green and cream.

Not all plants guarantee similar variegations; hence, the pattern and color depend largely on successful propagation.

This plant only produces a little chlorophyll, so it will thrive only in ideal conditions.

They are ornamental plants that fail to grow long like their vine counterparts. It looks great in a hanging basket or draped over a shelf.

This plant also produces a flower that has spathe and spadix but is not very good-looking.

How to Propagate Philodendron Gabby?

Propagating Philodendron Gabby is a great way to produce multiple plants with variegations at home.

Therefore, propagation via stem cutting will be your best and safest bet to get multiple plants.

If your mother plant is large enough, take three to five cuttings and let all the roots in the same container.

Here is how you can propagate your plant through stem cuttings.

Step 1: Cut the Stem

Water the plant a few days before cutting a piece of stem for propagation.

• Choose a stem or couple of stems with a few leaves attached.
• Pick more rigid, woodier stems than new growth at the top.
• Use a sharp knife or pruning shear to cut horizontally or vertically between two nodes.
• Snip just below the node leaving as little stem as possible.

Step 2: Prepare the Cuttings

• Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting except for a pair of leaves at the top.
• Set the cutting aside for 12-24 hours to thicken the cut.

Step 3: Use Potting Mix

Directly growing the cutting in a potting mix prevents rooting it in water.

• Apply rooting hormone to the cutting’s end to speed up the rooting process.
• Next, prepare the potting medium by choosing a well-draining commercial or homemade organic mix.

• Choose a small-sized pot (3 inches). Fill with the potting mix and water it thoroughly.
• Gently insert the cutting into the soil mix right at the center and cover the tray with clear plastic to lock in moisture and humidity, but do not forget to poke holes in the plastic to allow aeration.
• Place the pot in an area that receives warm, indirect light with a temperature around 70°F (21°C).
• Check for new roots after two weeks. Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, they are suitable for growing further.

Note: Philodendron Gabby is a self-header plant that can grow without needing any support.

Step 4: Using Hydroponics (Water medium)

Propagating the stem cutting in water is another way to go with propagation.

Also known as Hydroponics, it encourages rooting in water without a potting medium.

• Get a small jar or clear glass for water propagation.
• Start with using distilled water instead of regular tap water.
• Submerge the cutting into the jar and place it in warm surroundings.
• Replace the water every five to seven days with fresh water.
• You would witness new roots within two weeks.
• Check for a healthy set of new roots at least 1 inch long.
• It is time to transplant the cutting into a potting medium.

Read our article about propagating a variegated tropical such as Philodendron Pink Princess.

Toxicity of Philodendron Gabby

Philodendron Gabby is known to be toxic to humans and pets. Eating the leaves can cause a burning sensation and induce vomiting or diarrhea.

The plant stems and leaves contain calcium oxalate in varying concentrations with mild to severe toxicity.

According to the ASPCA, most Philodendron species contain harmful chemicals that are toxic to pets and maybe humans.

Keep young children, cats and dogs away from the plant.

Also, keep them away from the sap of your Philodendron, as it may cause skin irritation and several other problems.

Where to Buy Philodendron Gabby?

Thanks to their strange yet unique variegations, Philodendron Gabby is a rare plant to get your hands on.

Let us look at the places you can buy this plant.

FAQs About Philodendron Gabby

What is the difference between philodendron Rio and Gabby?

Although both philodendrons have similar variegations, the ones in Rio are consistent.

Whereas Gabby has inconsistent variegations, which depend on the care condition it gets.

What is the difference between Philodendron Gabby and cream splash?

Philodendron Gabby has more green than cream color in its leaves.

On the contrary, the Philodendron cream splash inclines more to the creamy side than the green side in its leaves.