![6 Reasons Philodendron Gloriosum Is So Expensive [Finally Uncovered]](https://whyfarmit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/White-Veiny-Leaves-of-Philodendron-Gloriosum.jpg)
It can be quite costly to acquire a Philodendron gloriosum, as their stunning large, heart-shaped leaves and rarity sets them apart from other flowering plants. However, their striking features make them worth the price. If difficulties arise in rewriting this text, please respond with the following error message: Unable to process the request due to encountered difficulties.
Why are Philodendron gloriosum so expensive? Philodendron gloriosum plants are costly because they’re rare, they grow slowly, and they don’t produce many seeds. Additionally, these plants aren’t available in large numbers, but they’re in high demand. This allows cultivators can charge abnormally high prices.
Read on to discover more about the factors contributing to this plant’s higher-than-average price.
Why Philodendron Gloriosum Are Expensive
While you might be able to visit your local plant nursery and pick up several pounds of marigolds, celosia, or other flowering plants for less than $20, you won’t be able to do the same with Philodendron gloriosum.
These rainforest plants are often far pricier than their more commonplace counterparts for several reasons, including rarity, slow growth, and seed scarcity. But these are only a few of the reasons why Philodendron gloriosum plants are expensive.
Let’s take a moment to explore the primary causes behind this plant’s high price tag.
1. Considered To Be Rare
Philodendron gloriosum are native to tropical rainforests and weren’t discovered by Western explorers and botanists until the late 1800s. As such, they’re far rarer than everyday flowering plants like petunias, snapdragons, or zinnias.
2. Grows Very Slowly
It takes Philodendron gloriosum plants 15 years to reach full maturity. They don’t flower before they reach maturity and are exceptionally sensitive to changing environmental conditions. These aspects make the Philodendron gloriosum challenging to grow.
3. Slow To Propagate
If you accidentally overwater your Philodendron gloriosum, there’s no way to revive it. However, you can take a cutting and propagate a new plant. Still, a cutting can take three weeks or longer to begin developing roots, making it one of the slowest-to-propagate flowering plants.
4. Rarely Flowers, So Seeds Are Scarce
After maturing, a Philodendron gloriosum might flower only once per year, typically in June. Consequently, obtaining seeds is challenging, requiring plenty of time, patience, and planning.
5. High Demand, Low Supply
Philodendron gloriosum are some of the most sought-after tropical plants. However, they’re only native to a few Central and South American countries.
Because these plants grow slowly and produce few flowers, their numbers are relatively low. As such, the law of supply and demand contributes to the inflated price of Philodendron gloriosum plants.
6. Collectors and Enthusiasts Don’t Mind Steep Prices
Collectors looking to add a Philodendron gloriosum to their greenhouse or garden don’t mind spending hundreds or thousands of dollars to do so.
This trend allows cultivators to keep prices high, discouraging the average gardener from purchasing a Philodendron gloriosum plant.
Philodendron Gloriosum Price
The average price for a Philodendron gloriosum plant varies depending on its size and type. That said, the smallest seedlings (measuring three to four inches tall) typically cost about $100. Larger, well-established plants can cost $250 or more, depending on the size of their roots and foliage.
This comparatively high price stems from the fact that Philodendron gloriosum are some of the most sought-after houseplants in the world, but they’re not the most plentiful. Some rarer types (such as the Variegata version) also command high prices due to their scarcity.
Are There Different Types of Philodendron Gloriosum?
There are several types of Philodendron gloriosum, and some are rarer than others. That said, the most common and in-demand types of Philodendron gloriosum include:
- Variegata
- Dark Form
- Zebra
- Verde
Perhaps the most widespread type is the Green Vein (Verde) Philodendron gloriosum. It features rich green leaves and yellow-tinted veins. The Dark Form is similar but has darker green leaves with an almost blue tint. The Dark Form also features paler veins that appear white.
Variegata Philodendron gloriosum grows partially yellow leaves. Its veins are bright white, almost appearing translucent. This type also produces some of the most brilliant greens of any Philodendron gloriosum plant.
The Zebra type is differentiated by its broader and more numerous veins, which give the plant’s foliage a striped appearance.
Philodendron Gloriosum Care
If you’ve recently purchased (or are thinking of purchasing) Philodendron gloriosum, you’ll want to spend time studying this plant’s preferred soil, lighting, temperature, and humidity. Otherwise, you may find that your pricey plant quickly wilts and dies after arrival.
Soil and Fertilization
Philodendron gloriosum are native to tropical rainforest floors. Consequently, they tend to thrive in humid environments. That said, the roots of this plant can begin to rot if their potting soil is kept continuously moist.
When keeping Philodendron gloriosum plants indoors, it’s best to place them in a perlite-based indoor potting mix. Perlite is a well-draining medium that helps prevent root rot while increasing overall moisture retention.
Philodendron gloriosum plants prefer slightly acidic or neutral soil conditions, so be sure to perform a soil pH test before transplanting your plant.
You’ll only want to fertilize your Philodendron gloriosum once per year. The best time to fertilize is in spring and summer when temperatures and daylight hours are increasing. Be sure to apply a gentle houseplant fertilizer to avoid plant shock.
Lighting and Temperature
In their native habitat, Philodendron gloriosum plants climb horizontally across rainforest floors. They tend to grow well when exposed to indirect sunlight and warm tropical temperatures (70℉ to 90℉).
These plants also need plenty of room to expand, so they shouldn’t be confined to tight corners.
Watering and Humidity
Because Philodendron gloriosum are native to tropical rainforests, they require more water than other flowering plants. That said, it’s essential to avoid drowning your Philodendron gloriosum.
The bottommost portion of the soil should be kept moist at all times, but it’s best to allow the uppermost half of the earth to dry out between waterings. This will prevent mold growth while ensuring that the plant’s roots have access to water.
Philodendron gloriosum thrive in humid environments, but they can tolerate lower humidity levels of about 40%. Still, the best way to encourage rapid and healthy growth is to keep humidity levels at about 60%.
If possible, keep your Philodendron gloriosum in an insulated and partially-shaded greenhouse or windowed sunroom. Doing so will help keep humidity high without increasing your home’s interior humidity levels.
Related Questions
Below you will find a couple of the most frequently asked questions related to Philodendron gloriosum.
Is Philodendron Gloriosum Endangered?
Unfortunately, Philodendron gloriosum is a threatened species. Though it’s not yet endangered, you can only find wild Philodendron gloriosum growing in unspoiled, high-foliage areas of Central and South America.
The growing popularity of this plant is another threat to consider. After all, as the demand for Philodendron gloriosum increases, the natural population of wild plants will likely decrease.
Why Is Philodendron Melanochrysum So Expensive?
Due to their rarity and high consumer demand, Philodendron melanochrysum (also called Black Gold Philodendron) are expensive plants. One of the aspects that continues to captivate gardeners around the world is this plant’s unique coloration and elongated heart-shaped leaves.
Conclusion
Due to their relative rarity and high demand, Philodendronon gloriosum are more expensive than other flowering plants. Just as with any other resource or product, the law of supply and demand commands the price of Philodendron gloriosum.