Philodendron Gabby: Care & Propagation Guide

Philodendrons are native to the lush jungles of Central and South America, so you know they’re pros at thriving in humid environments.

And now, on to our star of the show! Philodendron Gabby, also known as the “Gabby,” was first discovered by botanist Gabby Garcia, hence the oh-so-clever name.

But here’s the twist: the Gabby is actually a hybrid variety, created by combining two other Philodendron species. Talk about a genetic powerhouse!

Despite its recent creation, the Gabby has quickly become a fan favorite for its unique, intricate leaves and effortless growth habit. This plant is the equivalent of a green thumbed gymnast, performing splits and stunts with ease.

Philodendron Gabby Sunlight Requirements

A little bit of morning or evening sun is a-okay for Philodendron Gabby, but too much mid-day sun can scorch those gorgeous leaves. So, if you’re thinking about moving Gabby from room to room, make sure to keep it away from direct sun.

If you live in a sunny spot, don’t fret! Philodendron Gabby can handle a bit of sun but just make sure to protect it with some sheer curtains or blinds.

Philodendron Gabby Soil Requirements

Gabby is a low maintenance diva who loves well-draining soil. No soggy roots for her! She likes to stay moist but not soaking wet, so make sure you use a pot with good drainage holes and add a layer of rocks at the bottom to prevent water buildup.

When it comes to the type of soil, you can use a standard potting mix or mix in some perlite or orchid bark to improve the drainage. And don’t forget, a little bit of love and attention goes a long way! Regular fertilizing is important to keep Gabby happy and healthy, so add a balanced fertilizer to her soil every month or so.

Philodendron Gabby Water Requirements

Philodendron Gabby loves to drink! But don’t just pour any old H2O on her, she’s got a specific taste. Gabby likes her water to be fresh and room temperature, so if you’re getting it straight from the tap, let it sit for a bit before you serve it to her.

Now, the question on everyone’s mind: how often should I water my Gabby? Well, the frequency of watering really depends on the conditions she’s living in. If she’s living in a warm and dry environment, you’ll need to water her more often than if she’s living in a cooler and humid environment. To test if it’s time for a drink, stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

But, here’s a tip from me to you: don’t water Gabby to the point of drowning! The soil should be moist, not soaked. Over-watering can lead to root rot, and nobody wants that!

Philodendron Gabby Humidity Requirements

Keeping Philodendron Gabby’s humidity in check is easier than you think. Just mist it with water once or twice a week, and it’ll be good to go! But here’s the catch – don’t overdo it. Too much misting can actually make the plant unhappy, so remember, less is more!

And if you want to go the extra mile, you can even place a humidity tray near your Philodendron Gabby.

Philodendron Gabby Temperature Requirements

A comfortable range for our Philodendron Gabby would be between 60°F and 90°F. Any temperature below 60°F will make it shiver, and above 90°F, well, it might start feeling the heat!

So, if you’re thinking of giving your Philodendron Gabby a home, make sure the temperature stays in the sweet spot. And if it starts to feel a little chilly, just give it a warm hug, or better yet, place it near a sunny window. It’ll be basking in the warmth in no time!

Do I Need Fertilizer for Philodendron Gabby?

Now, when it comes to fertilizing Philodendron Gabby, less is more. Over-fertilizing can lead to fertilizer burn, and nobody wants that. So, it’s important to only fertilize once every two to four weeks during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall.

And what kind of fertilizer should you use for Philodendron Gabby? Well, a balanced water-soluble fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 is just what the doctor ordered. Or, in this case, the plant whisperer.

When applying the fertilizer, make sure to dilute it according to the instructions on the package. And remember, always water your plant before applying the fertilizer to avoid root burn.

Philodendron Gabby Growth Rate

Just how fast can Philodendron Gabby grow? The answer is… drumroll please… it depends! But on average, you can expect this beauty to add a couple inches of growth per month under ideal conditions.
Think of it this way: if you were to measure Philodendron Gabby’s height on January 1st, by December 31st, you could have a plant that’s nearly a foot taller! How cool is that?

But here’s the thing, growth rate can also depend on the size of the pot you have your Philodendron Gabby in. So, if you want to give it a little boost, make sure you’re repotting it into a bigger pot as it grows.

Philodendron Gabby Pruning

The best time to prune is during the growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer months. All you’ll need is a sharp and clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.

When pruning, make sure to cut just above a node (that’s the little bump on the stem where the leaves grow from). This will encourage new growth to sprout from that spot. And don’t worry, Philodendron Gabby is pretty hardy, so it can handle a good pruning session.

Repotting your Philodendron Gabby

If you notice your trusty sidekick starting to look cramped and cooped up, it might be time to give ’em some more room to stretch those green leaves. Or, if you’re anything like me, and you just love to play in the dirt, you might want to repot just for fun! (Hey, there’s no shame in our plant-loving game!)

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of the repotting process. You’re going to want to make sure you have all your supplies ready to go before you start. Grab a pot that’s about an inch or two larger than your Gabby’s current home, some fresh potting soil, and maybe a pair of gloves if you’re not too fond of dirt under your nails.

Here’s the part that’s sure to make you giggle – the actual repotting process. It’s like a scene straight out of a comedy movie, I tell ya! Start by gently removing your Gabby from its current pot. (Don’t worry, it won’t feel a thing, I promise!) Then, place it in its new pot and fill in the gaps with your potting soil. And, just like that, you’re done! (I know, it’s almost too easy, right?)

Now, let’s talk aftercare. Give your Gabby a good drink of water to help settle the soil and, voila! You’ve got yourself one happy, well-potted Philodendron Gabby!

How to propagate your Philodendron Gabby?

You’ll need a sharp pair of scissors (or a machete, if you’re feeling adventurous), a pot with well-draining soil, and some rooting hormone. Yes, you heard that right, rooting hormone! This magical substance will make your Philodendron Gabby army grow at lightning speed.

Once you have all your materials, it’s time to start the fun part. Cut a stem from your Philodendron Gabby, making sure it’s at least 4-6 inches long. Then, dip the cut end into the rooting hormone and plant it in the soil. Give it some love and TLC by making sure it gets plenty of light and water.

Within a few weeks, you should start seeing new growth! And just like that, you have a new little Philodendron Gabby plant! And who says you have to stop at one? The more, the merrier!

Where to Buy?

You can find an affordable option by visiting Etsy, there you can find also cuttings. I get most of my plants from there. You can check out the prices and sellers’ reviews and decide if you want to try this option instead of other places where you will be paying much more.

Philodendron Gabby: Common pests & ilnesses

Spider mites are the most common, and they love to suck the life out of your Gabby’s leaves. Mealybugs are another troublemaker, and they like to hide in the crevices of your plant’s leaves and stem. And finally, scale insects can be a real problem, and they can be hard to spot because they look like tiny brown bumps on your plant’s stems and leaves.

To fight off pests, the best defense is a good offense. Keep your Gabby healthy by giving it the right amount of water, light, and fertilizer, and try to keep its leaves dry. If you do see pests, you can use a mixture of water and dish soap to blast them off, or you can use an insecticidal soap. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for new pests, because the earlier you catch them, the easier they are to get rid of.

Now, let’s talk about illnesses. Your Gabby may not be able to catch a cold, but it can still get sick. Root rot is a common problem, and it’s caused by overwatering. Yellow leaves can also be a sign of a problem, and they can be caused by a lack of light or a nutrient deficiency. And finally, wilting can be a sign of a problem, and it can be caused by a lack of water or a problem with your Gabby’s roots.

Is Philodendron Gabby toxic?

Philodendron Gabby is actually considered to be non-toxic to both humans and animals.

That’s right, this beautiful botanical buddy is safe for all members of the family, making it a great addition to any home. So, whether you’ve got a curious cat or a playful pup, you can rest easy knowing that your Philodendron Gabby won’t bring any harm their way.

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