Philodendron gloriosum

Not a climber. Not sorry.

Philodendron gloriosum is a terrestrial aroid species in the Araceae family, native to Colombia. Unlike most philodendrons, it grows horizontally rather than vertically—making it a true crawler. It’s part of a rare group of philodendrons that develop along a rhizome, pushing each leaf upward as the plant moves sideways, not up.

The broad, velvety, heart-shaped leaves are what it’s known for—each one detailed with thick white to pale pink venation that contrasts sharply against its deep green backdrop. These aren’t just decorative: those veins are part of the plant’s vascular system, distributing water and nutrients through photosynthetically efficient surfaces.

This rare, velvet-leaf houseplant is highly sought after by aroid collectors and tropical foliage enthusiasts. It’s ideal as an indoor tropical foliage plant, especially for growers who appreciate slow, steady development and showy, grounded architecture. If you’ve been wondering which philodendrons don’t climb—this is your answer.

All plants ship fully rooted in aroid potting mix, not sphagnum or water props. We offer two options:

• Exact Plant – The plant you see is the one you receive. Rooted, stable, and already producing growth.

• Grower’s Choice – A healthy, rooted plant from our gloriosum stock. All have strong venation and are actively growing, but expect natural variation in leaf shape, size, and tone.

Shipping Note:
This plant ships rooted in soil and is packaged carefully, but gloriosum leaves are broad, soft, and prone to cosmetic wear in transit. You may see some edge bruising, minor tearing, or leaf yellowing upon arrival. These do not impact the health of the plant and do not qualify as damage. Soil may shift in the pot and can be gently resettled upon unpacking. As long as roots are intact and conditions are stable, new growth will follow.

Philodendron gloriosum Care Overview