Philodendron 'Glorious' (gloriosum x melanochrysum)

Philodendron 'Glorious'

Philodendron 'Glorious' is a velvet-leaved climbing hybrid made from Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron melanochrysum. It combines the broad, heart-shaped influence of gloriosum with the climbing growth of melanochrysum, producing large dark green leaves, pale veining and a soft velvety surface.

This hybrid changes noticeably when given vertical support. Young plants may spread loosely at first, but once the stem anchors to a moss pole or coir pole, the leaves usually become larger, flatter and more mature in shape. The velvety surface can show water marks, dust and physical damage clearly, so careful placement and handling matter.

Hybrid traits at a glance

• Hybrid parentage: Philodendron gloriosum x Philodendron melanochrysum.
• Growth habit: Climbing Philodendron that develops best with a tall, stable support.
• Leaf shape: Broad to elongated heart-shaped leaves with a soft velvet texture.
• Leaf colour: Deep green mature leaves with clear pale veining and a dark, velvety surface.
• Indoor behaviour: Mature leaves develop best when the stem is trained upward.

How the climbing stem matures

Philodendron 'Glorious' develops from a jointed climbing stem with aerial roots at the nodes. These roots help the plant anchor and take up moisture from its support. A dry pole can hold the stem in place, but a slightly moisture-retentive support encourages stronger attachment and better mature leaf development.

New leaves emerge softer and lighter, then harden into a deeper green with stronger contrast between blade and veins. The fine surface texture gives the foliage its velvet finish, so the plant should have enough space for the leaves to open freely.

Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron melanochrysum are both wet-tropical Colombian species. Their hybrid responds well to warmth, filtered light, airy root conditions and steady moisture. Indoors, the aim is to copy the forest-edge balance: enough light for strong leaves, enough air around the roots to prevent stagnation, and enough humidity to support smooth leaf expansion.

Care for velvet Philodendron leaves

• Light: Give bright indirect light. Gentle morning sun can be tolerated after acclimation, but harsh midday or afternoon sun can mark the velvet leaves.
• Watering: Water thoroughly, then let the upper part of the mix dry before watering again. The plant dislikes a permanently wet root zone but also reacts poorly to long dry stretches during active growth.
• Substrate: Use an airy aroid mix with bark, coco chunks, perlite or pumice and a moisture-holding organic component. The mix should drain quickly while staying lightly moist around the roots.
• Support: Add a moss pole, coir pole or similar vertical support early. Tie the stem loosely until aerial roots attach by themselves.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity supports cleaner leaf unfurling. A humidifier or a grouped plant setup is better than wetting the leaves.
• Temperature: Keep warm, ideally above 18°C, and avoid cold draughts or chilled wet substrate.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during active growth with a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Reduce feeding when growth slows.
• Repotting: Repot only when roots have filled the pot. Move up one pot size and keep the support stable during the change.

Troubleshooting velvet leaf growth

• Small new leaves: Usually linked to weak light, lack of support or a dry pole. Move the plant brighter and train the stem onto a stable support.
• Brown edges: Often caused by irregular watering, dry air during leaf expansion or salt build-up in the mix. Check root moisture before adjusting humidity.
• Yellow lower leaves: One old leaf can age naturally, but several yellowing leaves suggest overwatering, poor drainage or a cold root zone.
• Torn or stuck new leaves: Usually linked to low humidity, abrupt drying or mechanical pressure. Keep conditions steadier and avoid touching emerging leaves.
• Pest marks: Fine speckling, dull patches or sticky residue can point to mites, thrips or scale. Inspect leaf backs, petioles and new growth closely.

Philodendron 'Glorious' benefits from enough vertical room. Repeated cutting keeps the plant smaller and delays the larger leaves that develop on a supported mature stem. For the best shape, guide the main stem upward and let each new leaf face the light.

Pet safety and handling

Philodendron 'Glorious' is not pet-safe. Like other Philodendron, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth, throat and digestive tract if ingested. Sap may also irritate skin, so wash your hands after pruning or handling cut stems.

Hybrid origin and name

Philodendron belongs to the Araceae family. The genus name comes from Greek elements commonly translated as “loving” and “tree”, a reference to the tree-climbing behaviour seen in many species. Philodendron 'Glorious' was created by Australian hybridiser Keith Henderson from Philodendron gloriosum x Philodendron melanochrysum; later naming is attributed to Michael “Miguel” Pascal.

On a stable support, Philodendron 'Glorious' can develop broad velvet leaves with pale veining and a darker mature surface.