Philodendron gloriosum dark form

Dark-form background and the home of Philodendron gloriosum

The cultivated origin of the dark form is unknown. Philodendron gloriosum itself is native to Colombia’s Andean and Orinoco areas.

In its natural habitat, Philodendron gloriosum grows in wet forest at roughly 350–700 m elevation. The thick stem travels horizontally through vegetation near the ground.

Care priorities for Philodendron gloriosum dark form

Keep the stem moving across the pot. Use a wide container and leave open mix in front of the creeping tip. Repot before the stem has nowhere left to go.

Use bright indirect light for the deepest foliage. The velvet leaves can mark in strong sun, so avoid sudden exposure to intense rays.

Let the pot lose some moisture between waterings. Once the surface has dried and the pot is lighter, water thoroughly. A loose, free-draining mix is especially important around the low stem.

Give the base some air. Warmth and moderate humidity are useful, and gentle airflow around the creeping stem helps the surface dry normally between waterings.

Reading changes in Philodendron gloriosum dark form

• A fresh leaf looks much lighter than the rest: New foliage often darkens as it hardens. Give it time; only review light and root health if the leaf also stays unusually small.
• The low stem turns dark, wet-looking and soft: Let the area dry, uncover any buried stem and improve airflow. Remove a section only when it is clearly rotten and the damage is advancing.
• Tiny pale pinpricks stand out on the dark leaf: Look underneath for mites and fine webbing. Set it apart from nearby plants and treat the mites if you find them.
• New growth shows silver scarring with dark specks: This combination often means thrips. Inspect the folded leaves and bases of the leaf stalks, then act if pests are present.

Philodendron gloriosum dark form is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What does Philodendron gloriosum mean, and who first published it?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Gloriosum comes from Latin and means glorious or splendid.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Édouard-François André first described Philodendron gloriosum in 1876 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 23, page 194.