Philodendron gloriosum 'Dark Form' is a showstopping crawling philodendron, its large velvety heart-shaped leaves a deep, near-black green threaded with striking pale white veins. This selected darker form intensifies the contrast, making every leaf look hand-painted. A true collector's centrepiece that crawls handsomely across the soil surface.
Origins Philodendron gloriosum is native to Colombia, where it creeps along the warm, humid floor of tropical rainforests rather than climbing, its rhizome travelling across the leaf litter.
Soil and Substrate Our Monstera & Philodendron Premium Potting Mix is a chunky, free-draining aroid blend that gives this crawling rhizome the airy, open structure it needs.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Imperfect Philodendron gloriosum 'Dark Form'
Keep me in bright, gentle light away from harsh sun and water me once my top few centimetres feel dry.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About Imperfect Philodendron gloriosum 'Dark Form'
Imperfect Philodendron gloriosum 'Dark Form' is a houseplant that takes a little effort. It needs bright indirect light, watering once the top 2 to 3cm of compost has dried out, a little extra humidity and a minimum temperature of 13°C. It is harmful to pets and small children if eaten.
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.Read moreShow less
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Prefers a little extra humidity
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.Read moreShow less
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.
Keep above 13°C · Happy at normal room temperature
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Yes. Some aroids grow along the surface rather than climbing upward. Its thick rhizome creeps horizontally, producing each new leaf from the growing tip. Use a wide, shallow pot to give it room to move forward, and keep the rhizome sitting on or just above the substrate surface rather than burying it.
Is this plant safe for my pets?
No, this plant isn't pet safe. It can be harmful or cause irritation if chewed, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. If you think your pet has eaten any, ring your vet straight away.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Philodendrons are by far one of our favourite houseplants to grow. With their incredible tropical foliage and relatively low maintenance care requirements, they make excellent additions to any indoor space. These plants belong to a diverse genus with nearly...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
Customers praised these healthy plants with "beautiful velvety leaves" and excellent packaging. Most arrived in "mint condition" with strong growth. A few noted plants were "slightly smaller than anticipated." Shoppers appreciated the "perfect" condition, pest-free quality, and value pricing.
Big and beautiful plants, packaged so well, arrived without a single blemish
The leaves look like velvet, arrived well wrapped and in excellent condition
Perfect specimen arrived, very well packaged, already growing away strongly
5 stars: 16 (80%)
4 stars: 4 (20%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
T
Thomas Mould (United Kingdom)
12cm
Plant arrived well packed, in good condition with fresh growth visible too. Looking forward to see how it grows.
M
Maria R.
Beautiful healthy plant. Perfect leaves.
Beautiful healthy plant. Perfect leaves.
T
Tegan D.
Gorgeous
Very beautiful healthy plant, came pest free (as always) and with a new leave unfurling as well! Which was nice to see.
I will only buy from this company, their service, plants and plant care/accessories are fab!
R
Richard T.
Perfect!
Came in mint condition! Very pleased.
A
Anna D.
Love my new plant Well
Love my new plant
Well packaged no damage :blush:
H
Hayley
Wonderful plants as always
L
Laura Nicholson (United Kingdom)
12cm
Really healrhy plant and good size
A
A.C.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how big and beautiful and perfect these plants were once they arrived. They were packaged so well and arrived without a single blemish.
I was worried that I'd received small, baby plants given the cheap prices i paid, but i was shocked when i saw how mature and established my new plants were! I am so happy with my order and cant wait until i can order again.
K
Katie
Beautiful plant. Healthy, happy and well wrapped for adequate protection. I buy a lot of plants and this is my favourite seller, they wrap their plants carefully and thoughtfully.
K
Katie
Beautiful plant. Healthy, happy and well wrapped for adequate protection. I buy a lot of plants and this is my favourite seller, they wrap their plants carefully and thoughtfully.
D
Darcey B.
Beautiful plant however slightly smaller
Beautiful plant however slightly smaller than anticipated
A
Annette
Smaller than expected but healthy
A
Annette
Smaller than expected but healthy
C
Clare G.
Beautiful and healthy plant good
Beautiful and healthy plant good price and delivered in the wink of an eye
R
Richard H.
Perfect specimen arrived, very well
Perfect specimen arrived, very well packaged and in immaculate condition. It is already growing away strongly. Unlike some other suppliers, a good quality label with the detailed plant information was included. Grow Tropicals are head and shoulders above other plant suppliers in their knowledge, care, and attention to detail - I like to know exactly what I am growing and Grow Tropicals provide me with that confidence.
A
Annette
Perfectly formed. Well packaged
A
Annette
Perfectly formed. Well packaged
Y
Yvonne S.
This plant is beautiful, the
This plant is beautiful, the leaves look like velvet. It arrived well wrapped and in excellent condition. Now all I have to do is keep it alive .
M
Monika Z.
It’s beautiful, velvety and oh
It’s beautiful, velvety and oh so healthy!
E
Ellen P.
Strong planting with beautiful leaves
My purchase was a small planting, just ready for potting up. It arrived in perfect condition, with strong roots and beautiful leaves. Highly recommend!
