In the late 19th century, the French botanist Édouard André embarked on a journey through the tropical regions of Colombia and Central and South America, regions teeming with undiscovered plant life. During his explorations, André encountered a remarkable plant with sprawling, heart-shaped leaves that seemed to epitomize the lush beauty of the tropics. In 1877, he formally described this plant as Philodendron gloriosum, a name that reflects its striking and regal appearance.


Philodendron gloriosum quickly became a symbol of the rich biodiversity found in these tropical regions, captivating the imagination of botanists and collectors alike. As a species native to Colombia and parts of Central and South America, it has since gained worldwide popularity for its stunning foliage and unique growth habit. Today, Philodendron gloriosum is celebrated not just for its beauty but also for the diversity within the species, with several recognized types that display distinct characteristics. This exploration of the various types and variegation patterns of Philodendron gloriosum will delve into what sets them apart and discuss whether these forms are considered true varieties of gloriosum.

The Classic Philodendron Gloriosum

The classic Philodendron gloriosum is perhaps the most recognized, with its large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 36 inches in length under optimal conditions. The leaves are velvety to the touch, with a dark green upper surface that contrasts beautifully with the prominent white to pale green veins. The classic form is widely accepted as the standard by which other variations are compared.

Philodendron Gloriosum ‘Dark Form’

The ‘Dark Form’ variant is known for its deeper, more intense green foliage, sometimes appearing nearly black in certain lighting conditions. It is considered a true variety of gloriosum because it retains all the defining morphological characteristics of the species, including the heart-shaped, velvety leaves and the growth habit. The difference lies in the pigmentation, which is within the range of natural variation seen in Philodendron species. However, some botanists argue that this form could simply be a phenotypic response to specific environmental conditions rather than a distinct variety.

Philodendron Gloriosum Dark Form
From Brian's Botanicals

Philodendron Gloriosum ‘White Vein’

The ‘White Vein’ variety, with its pronounced white venation, is often prized for its aesthetic appeal. Like the ‘Dark Form,’ it is considered a legitimate variety of Philodendron gloriosum because it maintains the core characteristics of the species. The pronounced veining is a naturally occurring trait within the gloriosum population and is not the result of hybridization or genetic manipulation. This form is generally accepted as a variety rather than a separate species due to its consistent morphological traits.

Philodendron Gloriosum White Vein
From Plantamani's Etsy Store

Philodendron Gloriosum ‘Round Form’

The ‘Round Form’ is distinguished by its rounder leaves and more compact growth habit. There is some debate in the botanical community about whether this is a true variety or simply a phenotypic variation within the species. The differences in leaf shape and growth habit could be attributed to environmental factors, such as light intensity or nutrient availability, rather than genetic divergence. However, the consistency of these traits in cultivated specimens supports the argument that this is a distinct variety of gloriosum.

Philodendron Gloriosum Round Form
From Ken's Philodendrons

Variegated Types

Variegation in Philodendron gloriosum has led to the emergence of several visually stunning forms. These variegated types are often the result of spontaneous mutations that alter the distribution of chlorophyll in the leaves, leading to patterns of white, yellow, or even pink. The question of whether these variegated forms should be considered true varieties is complex.

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated ‘Type 1’

‘Type 1’ variegation, characterized by a marbled pattern of creamy white and green, is generally considered a stable mutation. While it retains the core characteristics of gloriosum, some botanists argue that variegation, being a mutation, does not constitute a true variety but rather a cultivar—a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding. Nevertheless, many in the horticultural community accept it as a variety due to its stability and reproducibility.

Philodendron Gloriosum Type 1
Image from Rare Plant Fairy

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated ‘Type 2’

‘Type 2’ variegation, with its consistent pattern of white or yellow along the veins, also straddles the line between variety and cultivar. This form is highly prized for its predictable pattern, but like ‘Type 1,’ it is often considered more of a cultivated form than a naturally occurring variety. However, its consistency and the fact that it can be propagated while maintaining its variegation lend support to its classification as a variety by some collectors and horticulturists.

Philodendron Gloriosum Type 2
Image from Rare Plant Fairy

Philodendron Gloriosum Variegated ES ‘Snow Leopard’

‘Snow Leopard’ variegation is the most unpredictable and rarest among the gloriosum variegated types. Its diverse patterns make it a highly sought-after plant, but this unpredictability also raises questions about its status as a variety. Some argue that because this variegation is less stable and more likely to revert to green, it should be classified as a mutation rather than a variety. Others believe that the uniqueness of each leaf and the rarity of the mutation justify its recognition as a distinct variety, albeit an unstable one.

Additional Types

Beyond these commonly recognized forms, there are other types of Philodendron gloriosum that have garnered attention among collectors. These include:

  • Philodendron Gloriosum ‘Pink Back’ : Known for the pinkish hue on the underside of the leaves, this form is often debated among botanists. Some consider it a distinct variety due to the consistent coloration, while others see it as a phenotypic expression influenced by environmental factors.

  • Philodendron Gloriosum ‘Silver’ : This variant, with its silvery sheen, raises similar questions. The silver coloration is a notable trait, but whether it is sufficient to classify this form as a variety or simply as a unique individual within the species is still a matter of debate.

  • Philodendron Gloriosum ‘Red Back’ : Similar to the ‘Pink Back,’ the ‘Red Back’ is often regarded as a variety due to its distinct coloration. However, the possibility that this coloration results from environmental conditions rather than genetic divergence complicates its classification.

  • Philodendron Gloriosum ‘White Back’ : The ‘White Back’ variant, with its pale underside, is sometimes considered a variety, but like the other forms with unique undersides, it may also be the result of specific growing conditions rather than a true genetic variation.

  • Philodendron Gloriosum ‘Yellow Vein’ : The yellow-veined gloriosum is rare and highly sought after, but the classification as a variety depends on whether the yellow venation is a stable trait or a temporary response to environmental factors.

Conclusion

The exploration of Philodendron gloriosum types reveals the complexity of plant classification. While some forms are widely accepted as true varieties, others straddle the line between variety, cultivar, and phenotypic variation. The debate over what constitutes a variety within Philodendron gloriosum reflects broader discussions in botany about how to define and categorize the incredible diversity found within a species.


Understanding these distinctions not only deepens the appreciation for Philodendron gloriosum but also highlights the importance of careful cultivation and propagation practices. Whether recognized as a variety, a cultivar, or a unique phenotypic expression, each form of Philodendron gloriosum offers something special to the world of rare plant collecting.

Karen Horn