Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' – Unique Foliage and Easy Care
Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' is an exceptional cultivar of Philodendron pedatum, celebrated for its intricate, deeply lobed foliage. With its narrow, finger-like segments and elegant climbing habit, this rare aroid adds architectural interest to any indoor plant collection. Compact yet dynamic, it thrives with minimal effort and rewards growers with sculptural, ever-changing leaves.
Key Features of Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands'
- Leaf Shape: Deeply pedatisect (divided like outspread fingers), creating a refined, airy silhouette.
- Leaf Texture: Sub-coriaceous (slightly leathery) and semi-glossy, shifting from medium to dark green tones.
- Growth Habit: Appressed climber with short internodes, ideal for moss poles and vertical displays.
- Petiole Characteristics: Linear-striate, slightly reddish petioles with a terete to subterete cross-section.
- Size Range: Leaf size varies with maturity, giving the plant a lively, textured appearance.
Natural Origin and Traits
Philodendron pedatum is native to tropical rainforests of northern South America. It grows as a hemiepiphyte, starting near the forest floor and climbing trees with its aerial roots. The 'Glad Hands' cultivar brings this wild elegance indoors, thriving in stable, humid environments with bright filtered light.
How to Care for Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands'
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Can tolerate moderate light but may become leggy without sufficient brightness.
- Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm of substrate dries out. Avoid soggy conditions to prevent root rot.
- Humidity: Thrives best at 55–70%. Increase humidity for larger, healthier foliage.
- Temperature: Ideal range: 20–27°C. Keep away from cold drafts.
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix with orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during active growth phases.
- Support: Provide a moss pole or trellis to encourage upright growth and defined leaf lobes.
- Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when roots circle the container.
- Propagation: Propagate via stem cuttings with at least one node. Root easily in water, moss, or soil.
- Hydroponics: Adapts very well to semi-hydroponics (LECA, pon) with stable moisture supply.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
- Yellow Leaves: Typically from overwatering or poor drainage. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Root Rot: Prevent by using airy substrate and proper watering practices.
- Leggy Growth: Move to a location with brighter indirect light to encourage tighter, fuller growth.
Etymology of Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands'
The genus name Philodendron is derived from Greek: "philo" (love) and "dendron" (tree), describing its climbing nature. The species epithet "pedatum" refers to the distinctive, foot-like spread of the divided leaves. Philodendron pedatum was officially described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1856. 'Glad Hands' is a cultivar selection, named for its cheerful, hand-like leaf structure.
Order Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' Today!
Turn your plant shelf into a living sculpture! Order Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' today and experience the rare charm of fingered foliage in your home.
Philodendron 'Glad hands' (quercifolium)
Philodendron pedatum 'Glad hands' comes in following sizes:
M – comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot and is approximately 30 cm tall
L – comes in a ⌀ 19 cm pot and is approximately 65 cm tall
