Luxurious Philodendron gloriosum ‘Andre’ 12 / 14cm

🌱 Care: Philodendron gloriosum ‘Andre’ is a regal diva that hates soggy roots—overwatering causes yellow leaves and root rot, so use well-draining soil and check dryness before watering. Brown leaf edges, common in SA’s dry winters, signal low humidity; mist daily or use a pebble tray to keep its velvety leaves lush. Direct sun burns its soft foliage, so stick to filtered light. Trim damaged leaves at the base to maintain its grandeur and encourage new growth. Check for pests like spider mites and wipe leaves gently to restore shine.

🌞 Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light, like a lounge or office 1–2 m from a window with sheer curtains to soften SA’s intense sun. A humid bathroom with filtered light is ideal for its tropical charm. Avoid low light to prevent leggy growth and faded veins.

💧 Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry, roughly every 7–10 days in SA’s warm spring/summer, less in winter; use rainwater to avoid mineral buildup. Overwatering leads to root rot, so ensure pots have drainage holes and avoid waterlogged trays.

🌡️ Temperature: Prefers 18–26°C, ideal for South African homes, but protect from cold drafts below 12°C or heat above 30°C, common in summer.

🍽️ Feeding: Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer like Talborne Nourish 7:1:2 (5 ml per litre) every 4 weeks in spring and summer to boost its velvety foliage. Reduce to every 8 weeks in autumn and winter when growth slows in SA’s cooler months. Slow-release granules can be used sparingly at planting to support steady growth.

🐾 Pet Friendly? ❌: No—toxic to cats, dogs, and humans/children if ingested, causing mouth irritation; keep away from pets and fish tanks.