Gabby Philodendron

Gabby Philodendron Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

This rather interesting houseplant is one type of philodendron solely grown for homes. Gabby philodendron is every owner’s dream, which is one of the reasons it is highly regarded. But, this is not the only reason many have fallen in love with this plant.

Its unpredictable variegation and easy care routine has made it desirable to many plant collectors. Read more on this article to know the many fascinating things about Gabby philodendron and how to raise it in your home!

What is Gabby Philodendron?

Gabby Philodendron is called a lot of things, and one of the things it definitely is, is different. This plant is a bright tropical plant with foliage and rare variegated patterns so that each leaf has different variegated forms. And a leaf may possibly have no variegation at all.

It is also called Gabby port, and it has a contrast of white, cream and green colors. It is a ‘sport’ of Philodendron Brasil, which means it developed from a faulty chromosome replication of its parent plant.

However, this plant is different from its parent plant and has various distinctive features. It is considered a plant most suitable for a controlled environment, which makes it an excellent indoor plant. It is an ornamental perennial plant that survives in humidified environments.

Philodendron Gabby, otherwise called, may be mistaken often with Philodendron Cream splash and Philodendron Brasil (its parent plant). However, there are different unique features that distinguish the three. This and more, is what we will be discussing in this article.

Origin and Classification 

Gabby philodendron is a perfectly variegated tropical climbing plant. It was discovered by a family-owned gardening company named ‘Gabriella Plants’ in Oviedo, Florida, which earned this plant its name, ‘Gabby Philodendron’.

It is otherwise called Gabriella plant, Gabby port, Hederaceum Gabby or Philodendron Gabby. So many names, yes? This plant is like an infamous precious little pet.

It is a sport of Philodendron Brasil, also known as Heart leaf Philodendron, and was thus created from taking stem cuttings of the plant for some generations, and placing them differently from other plants. It is of the Philodendron genus of the Araceae family, and is native to South America, like its parent plant. 

Features 

Studying this plant is exciting, and living with it is even more enthralling. This ornamental wowing plant has distinct features that sets it apart from its sister plants. And who knows, you may discover your most favorite attribute of this plant and the key to buying it in your home;

1. Leaves and Foliage

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Gabby philodendron has quite a dramatic variegation. It prides itself with its awesome variegated colors of white, light green and cream. Sometimes, the plant surprises you and has no variegation at all.

Well, it’s less of a surprise now, since 80% of collectors scamper to buy the bunch of variegated Gabby Philodendrons, and would have its colors brighten up their room. Either way, this plant is simply elegant however form it takes, andt has a nice feel that complements its appearance. 

Unlike Philodendron Cream splash it has more cream than green, which is the opposite in Philodendron cream splash. And its rounder heart-shape makes it different from its parent plants. This is helps to identify the plant separate it from others.

2. Growth Rate

It is an herbaceous plant that grows vines and is regarded as a climber. It grows relatively fast and into a well-rounded heart shape with beautiful foliage patterns.

 3. Size

Quite distinct from other philodendrons, it manages to grow just a few inches; about 4-6 inches in height, and grows just about 2-6 inches wide. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a pleasing appearance and always looks happy if taken care of well. It grows into a full short colorful plant.

4. Toxicity

This plant is toxic, as it contains Calcium Oxalate in its stem and leaves, which is found in most Philodendrons. When eaten, it may cause certain reactions like ‘raphides’. Hence, it’s best to keep out of the reach of children and animals. 

 5. Care Routine

This is one of the many reasons the Gabby Philodendron is a popular plant; it does not give you so much worry regarding its care routines. And even if you’re a busy bee, you can grow and maintain this plant well.

Its care routine is quite easy to keep up with and will make growing the plant a lot more fun. An important factor in its care routine is its sunlight, humidity and soil requirement.

Basic Care of Gabby Philodendron

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Gabby Philodendron allows you to follow a pattern when caring for it. And considering its less-demanding maintenance, it is easy to make caring for it a proper culture and incorporate it into your everyday living.

Philodendron Gabby grows well in a well-lit and humidified environment. It requires certain other maintenance guides like watering, soil nourishment and fertilization. This gives the plant a happy look and enriches it to become a rewarding decorative gem. These caring tips will help you keep your plant in good shape.

1. Light and Placement Conditions

Place this plant near a window facing west or east, where it can get bright direct sunlight for up to 6-8 hours a day. Consider placing your plant 6 feet away from the window and ensure that there is no way of getting direct sunlight, as it will scorch the leaves and ruin its variegation.

Also, do not put the plant in areas with no light; doing this will likely affect the plant. During the winter or in periods where indirect sunlight is almost unachievable, you can aid the plant by using artificial lights, like a LED lamp or fluorescent light.

2. Soil

The Gabby Philodendron requires a potting mix that has a well-drained soil and good aeration. The soil is the source of food to the plant, so it will need to be enriched with proper organic components. |A good potting mix should include perlite, orchid bark and peat moss or coconut coir.

Peat moss and coir helps to hold in moisture and supply mild nutrients to the soil. Perlite gives the soil good drainage, and orchid bark serves as good organic material.

Another important element in the soil is the presence of PH. The soil should contain 5.5-7.0 PH. If you get a standard commercial potting mix, you do not have to worry about the pH level because it will already be present. Your soil should have a neutral level or acidic pH. You can identify the pH value with pH testers.

3. Watering

Houseplants like to drink enough water to enhance their growth and health. The Gabby philodendron can tolerate a slightly dry soil but should never be allowed to dry out completely. The soil has to dry out 40% between watering, and must not be watered when moist.

To check if the soil is moist, deep your finger into the soil, and if the first 2 inches into the soil is dry, then you should water. A cup of water in 10 days will be sufficient for the plant if it still retains moisture.

Your watering practice depends on how quickly the water evaporates, and also, the size of the plant. The Gabby philodendron will need frequent watering during its growing season (summer and spring), precisely once weekly. In winter seasons, the plant will need to be watered less.

You can reduce watering to once every two weeks. An additional tip is using rain water or filtered water to irrigate the plant.

4. Temperature

This plant mostly thrives in warm temperatures, preferably between 20-27 degrees Celsius (70-80 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature fosters the growth of its foliage and variegation.

So endeavor to place your plant in a place where this requirement can be met, and try to keep the plant away from air conditioners and heaters, to avoid dry leaves.A low temperature is likely to kill the plant, so always keep the plant warm

5. Humidity

Gabby Philodendron is a plant that needs high humidity to grow, as its condition in natural habitats. A humidity level of 50-60% is a convenient condition for the plant’s growth. However, make sure it is not overly high as this may affect the plant.

Likewise, low humidity will lead to certain conditions like drooping leaves, wilting and curling. You can supply the plant with humidity by misting plants, that is, putting tropical plants in a tray of water and pebbles. Or, invest in a humidifier. If properly humidified, the plant can reach a size of 1ft!

6. Fertilization

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Fertilizers provide the plant with essential micronutrients. Fertilization is significant to increase the chances of the plant’s variegation. But, this plant will prefer a mild fertilization; this means that you should not over-feed your plant.

The plant’s fertilization requirement is limited to once every month during growing seasons (spring and summer), and even less during winter. Use organic fertilizers diluted in water, or natural fertilizers containing manure, worm castings, and compost and fish emulsions.

7. Potting

Gabby Philodendrons are beauty plants, so you should provide them with containers and support that allows them to grow upwards as climbers. You could use a small-sized pot or a basket, and a moss pole for support. Meanwhile, you do need to fuss about repotting your plant all the time.

Philodendron Gabby will accommodate a slight condition of root bound. Re-pot once in two years when your plant has started to grow really big.

How To Propagate Gabby Philodendron

The most effective and straightforward method of propagating the Gabby Philodendron is stem cutting. Here are some guidelines you should follow in its propagation process;

Step One

Water the plant a day or a couple of days before propagation.

Step Two

Cut a rigid or woody stem from the plant with a sharp knife or clean shear. Cut between two nodes.

Step Three

Get rid of the leaves beneath the stem, and leave only the few leaves at the top, in order for the root to grow well. Then, leave the cut to thicken for 12 to 24 hours. 

Step Four

Prepare the potting mix of well-drained soil in a small pot, and water thoroughly. 

Step Five

Put the cut stem in the middle of the potting mix, and place the pot in a warm temperature room with indirect light. New roots will start to emerge in 2-3 weeks; an indication of new growth is an indication of new shoots

Common problems In Caring For Gabby Philodendron

This plant is not completely immune to pests and diseases, so some problems may arise while caring for it. Here are some examples of these problems and some helpful measures in tackling them:

1. Pest Attack

This is not an uncommon issue in Gabby Philodendrons, as pests are attracted to its leaves and juicy sap. It may get infested with pests like spider mites, thrips, scale, aphids and mealybugs. They cause discoloration to the leaves, wilting, rust and yellow leaves

A helpful solution to this is washing the plant in warm water thoroughly, in a sink, tub or outdoors. If this doesn’t help much, then you should apply low-toxic insecticides, horticultural oil or neem oil. Also, to prevent these pests spreading to other plants, quarantine the plant until the infestation is dealt with.

2. Diseases 

Certain diseases such as rust spots, root rot, and fungal infection, are common enemies of Gabby Philodendrons. To dislodge this disease, starting by removing the affected leaf from the rest of the plant in the case of root rot. If the decay is slight, then reduce watering for some time, and apply fungicides with low toxicity. Then, ensure that you maintain good watering schedules while paying attention to the plant’s moisture. 

3. Leggy Stem

Leggy leaves are as a result of low light conditions, so make sure your plant has access to bright indirect sunlight at all times.

4. Brown Leaves

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The root cause of this is intense or direct sunlight. When this plant is too exposed to sunlight, it burns the plant and changes it to brown. So when you notice, adjust the position of your plant to a place where it receives bright but indirect sun exposure. Other causes of this include, lack of humidity, and excessive fertilization.

5. Drooping Leaves

This is an indication of overwatering, excessive light exposure and low humidity. Adjust caring schedules when this appears to your plant.

Learn more about philodendrons: Philodendron Atabapoense Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

Buying Options

If you wish to buy the Gabby Philodendron, then you can get a wide variety on Etsy at different prices. Refer to the link below to choose your desired plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can low variegation in Philodendron be reverted?

No, it can’t. Low variegations indicate a failed propagation process or unfulfilled growth conditions. So, make sure to keep your game up when propagating or caring for Gabby Philodendrons.

Is Philodendron Brasil the same as Philodendron Gabby?

No, although Philodendron Brasil is its parent plant, they have quite distinct features and growing patterns.

Can Philodendron Gabby be obtainable in nurseries?

Yes, this is not impossible. But to have a higher chance of purchasing them, search on garden websites or etsy as recommended above. When buying, make sure you buy from reliable sources and that your plant is not a disguised Gabby, as there are other plants that look closely like it.

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