The Philodendron ‘Summer Glory’ is a hybrid plant known for its appealing foliage. Developed by LariAnn Garner in 2016 through a controlled cross of an unnamed Philodendron hybrid and Philodendron gloriosum, it was bred for distinctive coloration, durability, and pest resistance. This plant brings tropical beauty to indoor spaces.
Characteristics of a Mature Philodendron Summer Glory
Mature Philodendron ‘Summer Glory’ differs from its juvenile form. It can reach 20 inches tall and 24 inches wide indoors, with leaves spanning 30-40 cm. It exhibits an upright and arching growth habit, spreading horizontally rather than strictly vining upwards.
The most striking feature of a mature ‘Summer Glory’ is its leaf transformation. New leaves emerge with a coppery-pink or reddish-bronze hue, often featuring purplish-pink venation and pink undersides. As these leaves age, they transition to a deep, shiny green, sometimes with subtle yellow-green streaking or a reddish margin. The leaves maintain a semi-glossy texture, and their heart shape becomes more pronounced with maturity.
Cultivating Maturity: Essential Care for Robust Growth
Consistent care helps Philodendron ‘Summer Glory’ reach its full mature potential. Optimal light conditions are bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light may lead to leggy growth, smaller leaves, and a loss of vibrant coloration. Placing the plant near an east, west, or north-facing window is suitable.
Consistent moisture is important, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, allowing excess water to drain completely. During the spring and summer growing season, water more frequently; reduce watering in cooler, dormant months.
A well-draining, airy soil mix, such as orchid bark, coconut coir, peat moss, and perlite, ensures proper aeration and prevents root suffocation. This plant thrives in temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) and prefers 60-70% humidity. While it can tolerate average household humidity, increasing it with a humidifier or pebble tray can prevent dry, crunchy, or yellow leaf edges.
Regular fertilization supports robust development during the growing season. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks from March to September, reducing or stopping feeding during colder periods. Vertical support, like a moss pole or trellis, is beneficial. Though a crawling philodendron, support encourages larger leaves and manages its indoor growth.
Maintaining a Mature Philodendron Summer Glory
Maintaining a mature Philodendron ‘Summer Glory’ involves managing its size and health. Repot when the plant becomes root-bound, typically every 1-2 years in spring or summer. Choose a pot one or two sizes larger with adequate drainage, and use fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape, manages its size, and encourages bushier growth. Regular pruning can also rejuvenate the plant and remove any leggy stems. Side shoots can be pruned as needed to keep a compact form or to direct growth along a support structure.
Adjusting the plant’s support structure is important as it grows. Since ‘Summer Glory’ crawls, horizontal planters or wider supports are effective. This allows natural growth, developing new roots along stems and promoting foliage maturation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with consistent care, Philodendron ‘Summer Glory’ may encounter common issues. Yellowing leaves often point to overwatering, especially if accompanied by wilting or rotting, or conversely, underwatering if only lower leaves are affected. Adjusting the watering schedule to allow topsoil to dry between waterings resolves this. Nutrient deficiency can also cause yellowing; a balanced fertilizer can help.
Browning leaf tips and edges signal low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, or ensuring consistent soil moisture, can alleviate this. Pot-bound plants may also display brown leaf tips, indicating a need for repotting.
Stunted growth results from insufficient light, inadequate nutrients, or lack of proper support. Moving the plant to brighter, indirect light, ensuring regular fertilization, and providing support encourages vigorous growth. Poor color development, like a lack of vibrant new leaf hues, indicates insufficient light. Relocating to brighter, indirect light or supplementing with a grow light helps foliage regain coloration.