Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated: Best Grow & Care Guide

There are many varieties of Gloriosums in the market, but the rarest and most expensive has to be Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated.

Although a low-maintenance plant, primary care is a must to ensure prolonged variegation!

Continue reading to learn more about plant care if you fear losing its signature patchy leaves.

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated

Philodendron Gloriosum V. or Variegated is not much different from other Gloriosum varieties.

In fact, Philodendron Gloriosum V. belongs to the same family, displays heart-shaped leaves, and comes from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

However, as a variegated species, Philodendron Gloriosum V. displays a striking mixture of green with white or yellow on the leaves.

Here is a list of basics that you should know about Philodendron Gloriosum V.

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated –Grow & Care Guide

Philodendron Gloriosum V. is a regular Gloriosum plant that experienced genetic mutation, resulting in variegated leaves.

Caring for Gloriosum V. is not much different, except it requires more bright light to maintain its signature foliage shade and careful pruning.

The challenges of maintaining variegation make it a slightly tricky Philodendron, often presenting hurdles even to experienced gardeners.

Here is the primary care guide.

Let us talk about the Philodendron Gloriosum V. grow and care in detail.

1. Sunlight & Temperature

Remember, the variegation on Gloriosum leaves results from fluctuations in chlorophyll present in different sections of the plant.

Place 3-4 feet away from the south or west-facing window to ensure ample lighting. A few hours of direct morning (6-8 am) sunlight will do well.

If leaves start to show signs of burning or fading, it indicates too much sunlight. If new growth appears leggy or pale, it might need more light.

Similarly, these tropical plants do well in the temperature range of 65-80°F (18-27°C) during spring and summer.

A bright spot at home will do the needful.

Supplement Lighting and Protection

Otherwise, compensate for the lack of lighting with an LED grow light for 8-10 hours, especially if your region experiences minimum sun time.

Note: Never expose their velvety leaves to direct sunlight, nor place them in complete darkness, as both will change back the variegation.

Similarly, move them away from the open spaces in late fall and winter to protect them from cold drafts.

Using a heating mat and mulching with pine leaves may also help retain the warmth.

2. Watering & Humidity

Keep the soil regularly moist by watering the container (about one inch of water) every 7-10 days in spring and summer.

Alternatively, check whether the top inch of soil has dried out between waterings to prevent soggy conditions.

Hence, cut back on watering if the leaves start appearing yellow and wilted and lower stems look pale and mushy, indicating overwatering.

As tropical species, Philodendrons require medium to high humidity levels, around 60-80%, to maintain ideal transpiration.

• Better place them close to naturally humid places, like grouping the houseplants or close to the bathroom and kitchen.
• Otherwise, use a room humidifier to maintain and change the humidity level.
• Mist the leaves sometimes or use humidity trays during summer to moisten the surrounding air.

3. Soil Type & Fertilizer

You can copy the same tropical condition at home by introducing well-draining potting materials.

Variegated Philodendrons do well in a well-draining soil mix that releases excess moisture.

However, this potting mix will lack nutrients, which you can compensate for by adding organic compost or bone meals.

Some reliable packaged potting mixes include Premium Monstera Potting Soil, House Plant Potting Soil, and Espoma Organic Potting Mix.

Similarly, you can fertilize them to provide a quick nutrient boost.

Apply balanced, liquid fertilizer, such as Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 or Jobe’s Organics 4-4-4, diluted to half strength, every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer.

However, apply directly around the roots but over the leaves to stop potential leaf burn.

Pale or faded leaves, small-sized foliage, and slow growth indicate a lack of fertilization.

Note: Run the soil with plain water sometimes to reduce fertilizer buildup and avoid burned leaf tips, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves.

4. Potting & Repotting

Always use a pot with multiple holes at the bottom to prevent water from collecting inside.

You can choose from plastic, clay, or terracotta pots with multiple drainage holes. A wooden, ceramic, or cemented pot does not harm, but strictly avoid using metal or glass pots.

Similarly, depending on its growth, you can repot your plant every 1-2 years.

Tell-tale signs for Repotting

• The soil looks too dry and sterile after a year.
• Plant roots are visibly poking from the drainage holes.
• The growth looks stalled with smaller new leaves.

Steps to Repot Philodendron Gloriosum V.

• Consider repotting in early spring by choosing a new pot at least two inches larger than the previous one.
• Remove the variegated plant from the pot and check for signs of root decay.
• Cut away the browned or dark portions and apply some fungicide.
• Prepare the same soil mix as before and fill one-third of the pot.
• Place the plant with roots first into the pot and fill the rest with the same soil mix.
• Leave about an inch at the top, and immediately water to help the plant settle quickly.

Choose the same spot as before to place the pot to prevent the risk of repotting shock.

5. Occasional Grooming

Remember, Philodendron Gloriosum V. does not frequently require grooming as it only displays a handful of leaves.

Keep grooming to the active growing season and remove only dead, decayed, damaged, or diseased foliage.

Similarly, plants pests like spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, and scales can also damage leaves.

Look for signs like yellow rust-colored spots, silky webs, and cotton-like substances under the leaves.

Hand-pick the visible pests and drop them in a soapy water solution or spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill them immediately.

Treating pest problems in time will save the leaves from visible damage, which may help keep them from being pruned.

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated: Growth Habits

Philodendron Gloriosum V. is a decoration plant primarily grown for variegated leaves.

However, not all leaves will display the variegation, creamy white or yellow on green.

Like any Philodendron, it will produce small white flowers once it matures.

However, your best bet is to cut them off immediately to help keep the foliage growing.

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated Propagation Methods

The variegation in Philodendron Gloriosum is unstable, and you cannot grow the named variety through seeds.

Although you can try obtaining and sowing seeds, the likelihood of getting variegation is almost nil.

Therefore, your best bet is to propagate the stem and rhizome cutting in spring or summer.

1. Propagation via Stem Cutting

It is an exciting method of propagating stem cutting by choosing a stem with at least one leaf.

Select a healthy-looking stem with a leaf, preferably a variegated leaf.

• Cut it just above the ground or rhizome around the leaf bud.
• Next, apply some rooting hormone on the cut end and place it in a glass of fresh water.
• Keep the glass or container in bright, indirect sunlight, and change the water weekly.

In 4-6 weeks, the stem cutting will produce thin roots. Allow them to grow about an inch or two before moving into a new pot.

• Alternatively, you can directly sow the cutting into the potting mix.
• Prepare a small pot with a well-draining soil or potting mix and insert the stem into it.
• Water the mix to moisten it and continue watering every week or when the soil dries slightly.
• Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight.

You will notice new stem or leaf growth in about 6-8 weeks if everything goes right.

2. Propagation via Rhizome Cutting

A mature Philodendron Gloriosum V. produces healthy rhizomes, which grow along the soil surface.

• Cut the rhizome below the node and ensure it has at least one stem with a leaf.
• Let it out in the air for a few hours to develop thickened skin.
• Optionally, you can apply some fungicide on the cut part to prevent fungal growth and heal the wound.
• Place the cutting in a moistened sphagnum moss and perlite mix.

• To ensure enough moisture, you can lock it inside a tight container.
• Remember to open the lid once a day to allow air circulation.
• The cutting will begin growing roots, reaching about 2-3 inches long within a month.

Now, you can transplant it into a potting mix.

Toxicity of Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated

Your Philodendrons are poisonous, and you should always keep them away from children and pets.

All Philodendron varieties contain active calcium oxalate crystals in their stems, roots, and leaves.

When accidentally consumed, it causes irritation in the throat, swelling of the mouth, and some gastrointestinal discomfort.

You will see drooling, nausea, and vomiting in severe cases, followed by immobility.

Your best bet is to call your physician, emergency line, or pet poison helpline in case of pet poisoning.

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated For Sale

Propagating Philodendron Gloriosum V. is the best bet to get new plants with the likelihood of variegation.

Otherwise, you can always consider buying them from the seller and propagating them quickly.

Here are a few online sellers if you are ready to welcome this rare plant into your home.

Gloriosum V. Vs. Gloriosum Vs. X Maximum Variegated

Philodendron Gloriosum has many varieties and cultivars, which may confuse new gardeners.

In fact, many Gloriosum varieties are confused with each other because of their similar size, appearance, and color.

Here is a table describing some noticeable differences between the three.

FAQs About Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated

Does Variegated Gloriosum Revert?

There is a good chance that the Gloriosum V. leaf will change back when deprived of sunlight.

If the variegated leaf starts to fade, the best approach is to remove the said stem entirely because it is unlikely to grow the variegated leaf again.

When buying a new plant, always choose one with the maximum display.

Will Variegated Gloriosum Climb?

Not really; Gloriosum V. are creepers and do not necessarily climb even when provided with trellises or poles.

Instead, grow each plant in a large container to allow root growth.

Similarly, cut long growths and propagate them in a new container.

Is Variegated Gloriosum Rare?

Philodendron Gloriosum V. is rare because the variegation may occur only rarely.

Many propagated plants may fail to get the variegation, making them unsuitable for sale.

The limited variegated variety can easily fetch over $1,000.