Velvet Philodendron Plant Care

Velvet Philodendron (Philodendron gloriosum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Velvet Philodendron is native to Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Peru, Ecuador, the Western parts of Brazil, Venezuela. Velvet Philodendron is also known as Philodendron Gloriosum, Anthurium Gloriosum, Creeper Plant.

Velvet Philodendron displays a crawler growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Velvet Philodendron produces spathe and spadix.

Leaf size: approximately 36 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Velvet Philodendron every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Velvet Philodendron thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Velvet Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Philodendron gloriosum tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Velvet Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil containing peat, perlite, charcoal, and orchid bark. Good drainage is essential for Velvet Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Velvet Philodendron every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil containing peat, perlite, charcoal, and orchid bark. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Velvet Philodendron is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 13.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Velvet Philodendron can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Velvet Philodendron while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Velvet Philodendron is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Velvet Philodendron can be propagated through rhizome (stem) propagation, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to velvet leaf philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Velvet Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Velvet Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 13. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Velvet Philodendron is native to Colombia, Mexico, Central America, Peru, Ecuador, the Western parts of Brazil, Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Velvet Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.