Philodendron Glorious (Gloriosum X Melanochrysum): PLANT PROFILE

Introducing to my collection…

Philodendron Glorious!

I bought this plant on EBay from a grower in Sydney. It was my Bday present to myself. Originally it was a well rooted cutting with one leaf and a well developed cataphyl. I am not sure if it is the same cutting, but what I received was much better that I had expected.

The plant is currently in my well lit and warm kitchen to protect it now that the weather is cooling down and to give it maximum growth before winter. I do intend to keep it inside with grow lights once winter kicks in.

A hybrid of P. Gloriosum and P. Melanochrysum, this plant has glimmering velvet leaves that are just WOW!… Like, WOW!

Being a hybrid, individual plants develop different features ranging between the origin plants. Generally though, leaves are longer and narrower than the Gloriosum, while also being darker in colour thanks to the Melanochysum.

Often young plants look similar to P. Gloriosum. The more obvious difference is that Glorious has an oval petiole where are Gloriosum is D shaped and flat on top.

This has been a harder plant to research. Searches tend to lead back to P. Gloriosum and information is limited.

Origin: A hybrid of two spectacular Philodendrons. Gloriosum and Melanochrysum. This stunning, velvet wonder was first bred here in Australia, in Cairns, by Keith Henderson sometime in the 1970s. At the time P. Melanochrysum was known as P. Andreanum.

Terrestrial or Epiphytic: Either when you consider its parentage. However, it is generally considered Epiphytic. You may need to help it onto a pole in the beginning, as not all are natural climbers. I have seen examples that have been left to grow along the ground like a P. Gloriosum and apparently they grow just as well.

Size: Leaves will grow to around 50cm long and 20cm wide.

Light: Bright indirect light.

Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between watering. These plants are prone to root rot, so its best not to over water.

Temperature: Prefers hot and humid conditions for growing. It is sensitive to the cold and leaves will yellow when cold effected. In non tropical climates, some winter adjustments may be needed to keep this plant happy.

Soil: Grows well in a lighter, airy soil. An Aroid Mix is best. I personally added extra perlite to my mix to help fight root rot. Heavier soils will hold water and make the plant prone to rot.

Fertiliser: Weakly, Weekly! Small amounts on a weekly basis. I use a combo of slow release fertiliser and a plant food/seaweed liquid feed at quarter strength on a weekly basis. Back off in colder months when the plant is not growing.

Propagation: Generally from Cutting.

Pests/Issues: Not really! But Root Rot comes up commonly. Growing outside leaves them exposed to mites and other bugs. I think mine had been hit with mites before it was sent to me, but was clean upon arival.

Thanks for reading and happy growing. Xx

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