Philodendron gloriosum 'White Vein Pink Back'

🌿 The Philodendron gloriosum 'White Vein Pink Back' is a stunning cultivar of the species Philodendron gloriosum, belonging to the Araceae family. Native to the rainforests of Colombia, this terrestrial philodendron is known for its crawling growth habit and its ability to thrive on the forest floor in dappled light. This particular variety has gained attention for its unique leaf colouration, featuring bold white veins contrasted against deep green foliage with pinkish undersides. While the standard P. gloriosum is considered an intermediate-level plant, this cultivar requires a bit more attention to maintain its striking appearance, making it better suited for someone with a bit of growing experience. A fun fact about this plant is that it's actually a terrestrial creeper rather than a climber, meaning it grows horizontally along the ground or substrate rather than scaling upward like many of its philodendron cousins.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
This philodendron has a creeping, terrestrial growth habit, with thick rhizomes that spread horizontally across the soil surface. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and velvety to the touch, often reaching 30 to 45 centimetres in length at maturity. The top surface of each leaf displays deep green colouration with prominent white or pale pink veining that creates a dramatic contrast. The underside of the leaves is where this cultivar really shines, showing off shades of pink to burgundy that add an extra dimension of colour. The velvety texture gives the foliage a soft, luxurious feel, and new leaves emerge rolled up before unfurling to reveal their full beauty.
FLOWER DETAILS
Like most philodendrons, the gloriosum 'White Vein Pink Back' produces flowers in the form of a spathe and spadix, though flowering is quite rare indoors. When it does bloom, the spathe is typically a creamy white or pale green colour, surrounding a central spadix. The flowers are not particularly fragrant and are often considered secondary to the plant's stunning foliage. Indoor flowering is uncommon, but if it does occur, it's usually a sign that the plant is very happy with its growing conditions. To encourage flowering, provide consistent warmth, high humidity, and avoid moving the plant once it's settled into a good spot. Most growers focus on the foliage rather than trying to coax out blooms, as the leaves are the real showstopper here.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the delicate velvety leaves. Aim for around 6 to 8 hours of filtered light daily. An east or north-facing window works well.
💧 Water: Water when the top 3 to 5 centimetres of soil feel dry. In spring and summer, this may mean watering once a week. In autumn and winter, reduce frequency to every 10 to 14 days. Bottom watering or watering around the rhizome helps prevent rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers high humidity, ideally between 60% and 80%. Use a humidifier or place the pot on a pebble tray if your home is dry, especially in winter.
🪴 Soil: A chunky, well-draining mix is essential. Combine potting soil with orchid bark, perlite, and a bit of peat or coco coir. The soil should stay lightly moist but never soggy.
🏺 Potting: Use a shallow, wide pot rather than a deep one, as the rhizomes spread horizontally. Terracotta or plastic both work. Repot every 1 to 2 years in spring, or when the rhizome outgrows the pot.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to slow. Expect 2 to 4 new leaves over six months under good conditions. In a year, the plant may produce 5 to 8 leaves. Mature plants can spread to 60 centimetres or more across.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Skip fertilizing in autumn and winter when growth slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Philodendron gloriosum 'White Vein Pink Back' does best in a warm room with stable temperatures and good humidity, like a bathroom with a window, a bedroom with a humidifier, or a bright living room away from drafts. Place it on a plant stand, shelf, or tabletop where its creeping growth can be admired and where it has room to spread out. Avoid placing it in direct sun, near heating vents, air conditioners, or cold windows in winter, as temperature swings and dry air can damage the leaves and slow growth. Keep it away from high-traffic areas where the delicate foliage might get bumped or touched frequently.