Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' – Sculptural Foliage, Effortless Style
Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' is a striking cultivar known for its finger-like, deeply divided leaves and compact climbing growth. With lobes that mimic outstretched hands, this rare aroid adds texture and movement to shelves, moss poles, or trellises. Easy to grow and visually dynamic, it's a sculptural statement for any modern plant setup.


Key Features of Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands'


 
Leaf Form: Deeply pedatisect leaves resemble outspread fingers, creating an airy, graphic silhouette.
 
Foliage Texture: Semi-glossy, slightly leathery leaves shift from medium to deep green as they mature.
 
Growth Habit: Appressed climber with short internodes — ideal for vertical training and compact spaces.
 
Petiole Detail: Reddish, linear-striate petioles with a rounded cross-section add subtle contrast.
 
Leaf Size: Mature leaves can reach 25–35 cm, developing more complex lobes when given vertical support and bright indirect light.
 
Toxicity: Like most aroids, contains calcium oxalate crystals — toxic if ingested by pets or humans.


Natural Background and Cultivar Traits


Philodendron pedatum originates in the tropical forests of northern South America. It grows as a hemiepiphyte, rooting into the forest floor before climbing trees with aerial roots. The 'Glad Hands' cultivar is a horticultural selection prized for its exaggerated leaf divisions and compact growth habit — ideal for indoor climbing displays and limited space environments.


Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' – Care Guide


 
Light: Bright, indirect light brings out defined lobes and compact growth. Tolerates medium light but may become leggy.
 
Watering: Let the top 2–3 cm of substrate dry before rewatering. Avoid soggy conditions.
 
Humidity: Performs best at 55–70 % humidity. Moderate household levels are usually sufficient.
 
Temperature: Thrives in 20–27 °C. Avoid cold drafts or abrupt temperature drops.
 
Substrate: Use a well-aerated mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir.
 
Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth.
 
Support: Use a moss pole or trellis to guide upright growth and bring out mature, deeply lobed foliage.
 
Repotting: Every 1–2 years, or when roots begin to circle the container base.
 
Propagation: Stem cuttings with at least one node root easily in moss, water, or loose substrate.
 
Hydroponics: Adapts well to LECA or pon in semi-hydro systems with stable moisture levels.


Common Issues and Solutions


 
Yellowing Leaves: Caused by excess water or poor drainage. Improve substrate and reduce frequency.
 
Pests: Spider mites and mealybugs may appear in dry air. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil at early signs.
 
Root Rot: Prevent with fast-draining substrate and consistent watering habits.
 
Legginess: Move plant to a brighter location and offer vertical support.


Etymology of Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands'


 
Genus: “Philodendron” comes from Greek “philo” (love) and “dendron” (tree), referring to its climbing nature.
 
Species: “pedatum” means “foot-like” — referencing the deeply lobed leaf structure.
 
Cultivar Name: ‘Glad Hands’ reflects the cheerful, gestural form of the leaves, like fingers in mid-wave.
 
Taxonomic Authority:Philodendron pedatum (Hook.) Kunth, published in Enum. Pl. 3: 49 (1841).


Order Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' – A Living Sculpture with Personality


Add Philodendron pedatum 'Glad Hands' to your collection and enjoy a rare, hand-lobed climber that brings sculptural charm and visual movement to your indoor jungle. Rarely offered in shops, this collector-worthy cultivar is easy to care for and endlessly rewarding in form. Order now while stock lasts.