Philodendron ‘Glorious’ (gloriosum x melanochrysum)

Glorious: Keith Henderson’s 1975 cross

Glorious was released in 1975 after Keith Henderson crossed Philodendron gloriosum as the seed parent with Philodendron melanochrysum as the pollen parent. Michael Pascal supplied the cultivar name.

Both parents come from Colombia. Philodendron gloriosum runs along the ground in humid forest. Philodendron melanochrysum climbs in humid tropical forest.

Care for supported climbing aroids

• Climbing direction: Philodendron ‘Glorious’ grows upwards as it matures. Keep its nodes and aerial roots against a vertical surface and guide the lengthening stem.
• Light on velvet leaves: Use bright diffused light. Shield the soft surface from sudden sun, rubbing and water left standing on the leaf.
• Moisture through the pot: Maintain reasonably even moisture while the upper mix dries lightly between waterings. Air spaces must remain open around deeper roots.
• Humidity and airflow: Moderate, steady humidity helps fresh leaves open, while moving air prevents moisture from lingering on them.

When Philodendron ‘Glorious’ (gloriosum x melanochrysum) needs attention

• Pale veins and velvet: Prominent pale veins and a matte surface are normal. Mineral marks, fingerprints and rubbing show clearly, so check beneath the leaf for mites, webbing, thrips or black specks before treating a surface mark.
• Wet lesions: Move the Philodendron ‘Glorious’ away from other plants if soft damage continues to expand. Keep the leaves dry and avoid taking cuttings if decay reaches the crown or climbing stem.
• Soft roots: A Philodendron ‘Glorious’ that wilts while its mix remains wet needs root inspection. Remove dead, softened roots and renew potting mix that has lost its open texture.
• Velvet edges turn brown: Check for dry pockets, salts, heat, sudden light and root damage. A dry stable boundary suggests exposure or rubbing. A damp widening edge warrants moving the Philodendron ‘Glorious’ away from neighbouring plants and avoiding water on the blade.
• A leaf sticks or scars: A soft blade damaged while rolled can open with a large crease or dry patch. Do not pull it free. Inspect the following growing point and address any pest or uneven-moisture problem before the next leaf expands.
• Smaller climbing growth: Philodendron ‘Glorious’ climbs as it matures. Without a support, it may produce smaller or differently proportioned leaves. Guide the nodes onto a vertical surface and assess later growth.

Philodendron ‘Glorious’ (gloriosum x melanochrysum) 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.

The meaning and history of the names Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron melanochrysum

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Gloriosum comes from Latin and means glorious or splendid. Melanochrysum combines Greek melas or melanos, black or very dark, with chrysos, gold.

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.

Jean Jules Linden and Édouard-François André first described Philodendron melanochrysum in 1873 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 20, page 198.