Philodendron Summer Glory: A Special Summer Hybrid

Philodendron summer glory is a hybrid philodendron plant. It is a hybrid of an unnamed Philodendron (female plant) and a Philodendron gloriosum (male plant), patented by LariAnn Garner of Aroidia Research. This plant was created in 2016 and was reproduced in 2020 using tissue culture.

This unique plant is now available for the public to add to their indoor and outdoor gardens. And, in this article, we’ll cover some exciting details about this plant and provide various care tips to keep your plant healthy and beautiful.

There are a variety of philodendron plants available in nature. However, the philodendron summer glory plant is one of a kind. It is a hybrid of two philodendron plants but does not entirely resemble them.

The summer glory plant features more glossy and colorful leaves than its male parent ‘gloriosum’. It also has red cataphylls (a leaf that does not develop fully) that it took from its parent plant. The heart-shaped leaves of this plant are its striking features.

This plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. But the cultivars created this plant to achieve the goal of creating a more cold-tolerant philodendron plant, so philodendron summer glory can survive in near-freezing winter conditions (30-34 Fahrenheit).

Philodendron summer glory care is easy and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. However, this plant is more suited for indoor environments while in outdoor conditions it might need some protection from the sun and frost in winter.

Light Requirements:

Philodendron summer glory grows best in bright and indirect sunlight. That is why it is recommended to provide shade to the plant when grown outside or indoors. Make sure that the plant is getting adequate sunlight as too much light can burn leaves and too little light can result in leggy and slower growth of the leaves.

Water and Fertilization:

It is suggested to water this plant frequently but avoid overwatering and make sure that the top inches of the soil are dried out between waterings. Overwatering the philodendron summer glory can lead to root rot. Use a pot with drainage holes to remove any excess water. The frequency of watering can be reduced in the winter.

A balanced water-soluble fertilizer is ideal for this plant. Feed the plant once every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid feeding in the cold season as minimal growth takes place in this season.

Soil Requirements:

Use a well-draining soil mix for philodendron summer glory care. The mixtures with orchid bark, coconut coir, peat moss, and perlite are recommended as they are good in drainage and lightweight. The proper composition of the soil is required so that the roots don’t suffocate.

Temperature and Humidity:

The temperature requirement for the philodendron summer glory plant is ideally 65℉ to 85℉ (18℃ to 29℃). Though it can also tolerate a little cooler conditions, avoid any cold drafts or temperatures under 55℉ (13℃). For colder regions, it is recommended to grow this plant indoors. This plant will do well in normal indoor temperatures.

Since this plant is native to tropical regions, it loves high humidity levels. So aim for at least 60% humidity around the plant. Using a humidifier or grouping the summer glory with other plants can help in achieving this.

Pruning and Propagation:

Regular pruning keeps the plant healthy and ensures new growth. For the Philodendron Summer Glory care make sure to follow these steps while pruning:

• Use sharp pruning tools and remove any dead or yellowed leaves by cutting from the base of the stem.
• Since this is a trailing plant you can cut any long vines to maintain a preferred shape of the plant.
• Because of their large size, the leaves of this plant can accumulate dust and debris. So it is important to clean the leaves by gently wiping them with a soft and damp cloth.

Propagating the Philondedron Summer Glory plant can be done through two methods:

• Stem Cuttings: Cut a stem with a few nodes and place it in a soil mix or water. Place the stem in bright light and after a few weeks it will develop roots. Then you can transfer the plant to any suitable growing medium.
• Air layering: Make a cut on the layer of a stem exposing the inner tissue of the plant. Remove the outer layer of the stem and cover the exposed area with rooting hormones. Then surround the exposed stem with sphagnum moss and cover it up with plastic wrap. After some time it will produce roots and then you can remove the stem from the plant to pot in a new container.

Common Pest and Disease Problems:

Philodendron summer glory is a hybrid and is cultivated to reduce some of the diseases that normal philodendrons are prone to. But still, this plant is prone to a few pests and plant diseases infections such as:

• Aphids: These pests are small-bodied and feed on the sap of the plant causing yellowing and distortion. You can remove them by spraying soapy water on the infested areas, neem oil is also helpful.
• Mealybugs: These cotton-like pests suck the sap of the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that causes sooty mold and stunted growth. Mealybugs can be removed by using soap solutions or insecticidal oils.
• Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing of leaves and webbing. Furthermore, they feed on the plant juices. Increasing the humidity levels and regularly misting the plants can prevent spider mites. Use miticides for severe infestations.
• Fungal Infections: Fungal infections are very common when the plant is exposed to excessive moisture and less air circulation. However, these infections can be prevented by improving the airflow and maintaining humidity levels.
• Root Rot: This plant disease can be caused by overwatering and poor drainage and can lead to root rot. Avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper drainage is the solution to root rot.
• Leaf Spot: This infection is caused by bacterial or fungal pathogens and leads to black or brown spots on the leaves. Remove every infected leaf and avoid overhead watering. Use fungicides in severe cases.

It is recommended to regularly inspect the plants and maintain a routine of adequate watering for plant care. Provide all the suitable conditions for the plant and ensure proper sanitation by removing dead or decaying leaves. With these practices, you are sure to protect your plants from various pests and diseases and take better philodendron summer glory care.

Conclusion