All the Philodendron Gabby Care Tips You Should Know

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Introduction

Philodendron Gabby is a tropical, easy-to-care-for plant that will spruce up any indoor garden. This houseplant is well-loved in the community of plant collectors because of its distinctive appearance and feel.

In this post, we’re sharing the most essential tips and tricks you’ll need to know to successfully raise a Philodendron Gabby!

If you wish to get one for yourself, we have a few low-cost choices for you to consider. Continue reading to discover more about the fascinating characteristics of this Philodendron.

What Is Philodendron Gabby?

The Philodendron Gabby– also called Gabby Port, Hederaceum Gabby, and Gabby Philodendron– is famous for its cream-colored variegation.

This tropical plant is a perennial that thrives in humid conditions, and it grows well near an east or west-facing window indoors.

The Philodendron Gabby is more than just a houseplant, and it may be cultivated outdoors in some conditions, and Hardiness zones 9-11 are the most ideal locations for this plant.

Origin And Family

Gabby Port is a ‘sport’ grown by Gabriella Plants, a family-owned nursery in Oviedo, Florida. If chromosomes aren’t correctly replicated in plants, they can change their DNA and become different types of plants, which is called “sport.” It was produced by taking cuttings from the same plants for a few generations without mixing with others. For Philodendron Gabby was believed to be a sport of Philodendron Brasil, also known as the Heart Leaf Philodendron. P. Brasil plant is a native in the rainforests of South America. Gabby Port belongs to the Philodendron genus in the Araceae family.

Gabby can easily be mistaken for its sister Philodendron Cream Splash. These popular houseplants are both cream or light green variegated philodendron hederaceum plants. However, the Cream Splash has more green on its leaves, whereas the Gabby has more cream than green, meaning it’s predominantly cream. Gabby is also very similar to its plant parent, but you can quickly tell which is because of Gabby’s rounder heart-shaped leaves.

Rule of thumb: If the plant is predominantly green with a cream center, it is most likely the cream splash.

Where To Buy

This uncommon Philodendron may be purchased in a nursery or a home improvement shop, but you’ll probably receive a significantly better value if you buy one from a U.S.-based Etsy seller.

The Philodendron Gabby’s reasonable high prices are between $200 for cuttings to $300+ for variegated mature ones.

Philodendron Gabby Plant Size

As a houseplant, the Philodendron Gabby grows to a height of 4-6 inches and spreads to a width of 2-3 inches. It’s a fast grower that flourishes when placed near an east or west-facing window.

Philodendron Gabby Care Needs

Your Philodendron Gabby will thrive when it’s properly cared for. It likes to grow in relatively dry soil and bright indirect light.

In most situations, you’ll want to water your Philodendron when the first two inches of the soil is dry. Heavily drench the ground until you see water seeping out from the bottom of the pot. As a humidity-loving plant, it will be in its best health when provided abundantly with this requirement.

We’re making it easier for you to care for your Philodendron Gabby with the extensive list of tips below.

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Hederaceum Gabby is typically easy-to-care-for. The primary growth factors for this plant are the quantity of sunshine and the well-draining soil.

Growth Rate

The Gabby Philodendron can flourish, but it takes a long time. Inside, it will grow to be 4-6 inches tall.

Potting

Philodendron plants generally prefer a pot with good drainage. A medium-sized plastic, terracotta, or clay pot works fine. Drainage holes are essential to keep excess water from drowning the roots of your Gabby Port. A moss pole can also support the growth of this indoor plant.

Repotting

To maintain your plant healthy, transfer it to a larger container that can support the plant’s size. You see roots pushing out of the drainage system; you’ll know it’s time to repot.

On average, Philodendron Gabby grows fast and needs to be repotted every two years. Because soil loses its natural nutritional components over time, it’s best to repot using ordinary commercial potting soil.

Soil

For the Hederaceum Gabby, a standard commercial potting soil is a suitable choice. Add components such as perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss to make your own soil mix. Take note that this plant likes a medium that is quite dry.

Make sure the soil you choose allows for enough drainage and aeration so the roots can breathe.

We recommend the following potting mixes:

pH

For the Gabby Philodendron, you’ll want your soil to have a neutral to acidic pH, approximately between 5.5-7.0. A standard commercial potting soil has a pH level near that range, so you won’t need to be overly concerned.

If your soil’s pH has to be raised, you may use calcitic lime or dolomitic lime, wood ash, or baking soda.

There are ways to lower the pH level if the pH is too high, and you can do this with sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

To identify the soil’s pH value, use standard soil moisture meter devices, which double as a pH tester.

Water

Proper watering is essential for houseplants. If you use too much, you may encourage problems like root rot and fungal infections. The plants may have browned, undernourished leaves if there is insufficient water. Gabby Port likes slightly dry soil for best health.

One way to see if the pot is full of water is to put your finger in. When the first two inches of the soil is dry, you’ll know it’s time to give your plant a drink.

Drainage holes and aerated soil are must-haves for Gabby Port. You don’t want your plant to be submerged in water for too long.

Avoid putting your Philodendron Gabby in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Light

Philodendron Gabby loves 6-8 hours of bright indirect light every day. Remember, you’re attempting to replicate its growth circumstances in South American jungles. Placing this plant near an east or west-facing window works well in most situations.

You’ll know your Philodendron Gabby is getting too much light when it may lose its variegation, and the cream parts of its leaves may get crisp. However, if it doesn’t get enough light, it might droop and have long, thin stems.

Fertilizer

Feed your Hederaceum Gabby if you want to give it some extra nutrient boost. The optimum periods to apply water-soluble fertilizer once a month to assist your plant is thriving are in the spring and summer.

Here are some plant food options you can use:

In wintertime, when growth naturally slows down, you don’t need to fertilize.

Propagating Philodendron Gabby

It is possible to propagate a Gabby Port with the proper methods. Here are various techniques for propagating this tropical houseplant.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Directly putting stem cuttings into the soil is one of the most straightforward ways to grow a Gabby Port. It’s possible to buy a cutting of this plant on Etsy or on Facebook Marketplace in your area if you don’t already have this plant.

It is ideal for propagating in the early spring to summer months so that your plant can recuperate from transplant shock.

1. Remove. Cut a healthy portion of the plant off with clean shears. A three-inch-tall cutting with a few leaves and nodes is ideal.

2. Plant. The stem’s nodes should be buried in a pot or container filled with damp potting soil so that they don’t dry out. Pin the dirt around the plant’s stem or use wooden skewers to keep the plant where you want it. There can be a problem with root growth if there is too much moving around.

3. Maintain. Place your container near a window that lets in a lot of light but not too much. Keep the soil moist.

4. Wait. You should see new roots in about 2-3 weeks, and an emerging shoot is the best way to tell if your cutting has grown roots.

Stem Cuttings In Water

To propagate Hederaceum Gabby cuttings in water, follow these steps:

1. Cut. Cut a piece of your plant about 4-6 inches long. There is a chance that cuttings that are too long could become lanky.

2. Submerge. It’s time for the cutting to grow roots. Let it sit in a glass of water. To avoid rot, remove leaves that are below the water level.

3. Refill. Fill the glass with clean water every three to five days. The plant’s nodes should be submerged to help it root faster.

4. Transplant. When the roots are long enough, transplant your cutting into a sterile potting mix. Moisten your plant frequently to help the roots transition into the soil.

Air Layering Technique

Air-layering is typically the safest way to propagate rare, expensive, sensitive plants. Unlike the usual soil and water propagation methods, air-layered cuttings will grow roots before they’re severed from the mother plant.

Here are the steps in air-layering your Gabby Philodendron:

1. Choose a section to propagate. Find the area of the stem you want to grow into a new plant. Make sure it has a node.

2. Wrap the stem. You can wrap the stem with sphagnum moss and cling wrap. You can also fill a plastic pot or a paper cup with soil, cut it in half, then tape it back together with the stem sandwiched in the middle.

3. Wait for roots. Depending on the temperature, humidity, and the health of your chosen section, it might take 2-4 weeks to grow roots. You will need to keep your chosen medium moist (but never soggy).

4. Cut and plant. When the new roots are poking through the substrate layer, you can detach the cutting and directly plant it into the soil.

Division Technique

A Gabby Philodendron may be grown by separating stem clusters with entangled root systems.

1. Dig up. Tap on the sides of the pot with your shovel to get the soil out. Pull-on the plant until it comes out.

2. Separate. You should be able to see where each stem meets the ground. Remove them with your hands. Make sure you don’t cut the main root balls.

3. Repot. Keep the same soil used for the plants in each new pot.

Humidity And Aeration

Philodendron Gabby is a rare perennial that loves high humidity. We recommend keeping the air humidity levels around 60%-70% for best results.

Your plant will need sustenance from the moisture in the air and receiving water via its roots. You may keep bowls of water around to evaporate, or you can invest in a humidifier, which will provide more regular humidity for your plant.

Temperature

Your Gabby Philodendron will prosper in a warm area, keeping the temperature between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like most Philodendron plants, this tropical houseplant will appreciate consistent temperatures throughout the year. Avoid using hot or cold water when watering your plant. Keep it away from heat (furnaces and vents) and cold (open windows during the winter).

Toxic

Handle this plant responsibly if you have tiny children or pets in your home. The Hederaceum Gabby is toxic to animals, including cats, dogs, and people. If ingested, you can expect the following symptoms: swelling of the tongue, lips, and throat, pain, and irritation. In most cases, this plant isn’t deadly.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Overall, I believe the Philodendron Gabby is susceptible to disease and pests. Here are some fast ideas for treating joint problems and some general recommendations for keeping this plant healthy.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are an unwelcome but widespread problem on houseplants, particularly in Gabby Philodendron. Spider mite damage appears initially as little brown or yellow dots on your plant’s leaves. When the infestation is severe, you might notice delicate, sticky webs crawling with red bugs.

To dislodge the spider mites, begin by thoroughly washing off every nook and cranny of your Gabby Philodendron. You will need to do this on a sink, tub, or outdoors. If that doesn’t work, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to suffocate the spider mites.

Spider mites can spread if you have a lot of plants in your home. You might need to quarantine your sick plants while getting rid of them.

Scale Insects

Scale insects may emerge as lumps on your Philodendron Gabby’s stems or leaves. These tiny bugs, green, gray, brown, or black in color, usually remain sedentary once they’ve latched onto a plant.

If the infestation isn’t too bad, you can use a teaspoon of neem oil mixed with four cups of water to keep scale insects away from your plant. Take a spray bottle and squirt the plant all over.

Neem oil and horticultural oils may not kill the pests but will undoubtedly cause some damage to them. There are numerous insecticide sprays against scales regarded as safe to use indoors.

Aphids

Aphids are usually found as a cluster of bugs on your Hederaceum Gabby. They could be colored green, black, red, brown, yellow, orange, or white. They multiply extremely fast and can weaken your plant within days!

Aphids are particularly attracted to new shoots, flower buds, and new growth areas. They will leave behind unsightly black and white splotches as they feed on the sap.

If you spot these icky crawlers, immediately isolate your infected plant from the others. Give your plant a strong water spray to dislodge the aphids, but remember to cover the soil with plastic to catch any falling bugs and their eggs. Dispose of the plastic somewhere far away from your garden.

A spray of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil can take care of the problem, but you may need to repeat this several times until you’re sure that the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs can potentially infest your Gabby Philodendron. They leave a white powdery film, and they secrete honeydew which causes black sooty mold on the leaves. Plants infested with mealies will have yellow dropping leaves.

Remove adult mealies using a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol, and they usually die and turn an orange color upon contact. Proceed to spray the rest of the leaves with diluted alcohol.

There are so-called root mealies that will bury themselves and target the roots. Dehydrate them by sprinkling Diatomaceous Earth powder on the topsoil in between waterings. You can also add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide when you water.

Brown Leaf Tips

Many causes may cause browning edges on your Gabby Port’s leaves. Lack of humidity, extensive exposure to intense light, salt and mineral buildup from chemically treated tap water, and fertilizer burn are all possible causes.

Drooping Leaves

A wilting, droopy appearance on your Philodendron Gabby indicates distress. Possible causes of drooping leaves are overwatering, underwatering, excessive light exposure, lack of light, and low humidity.

Yellow Leaves

Sometimes, you may see yellow leaves on your Hederaceum Gabby, which can be a sign of trouble. Factors that cause this problem include moisture stress, improper lighting, nutrient imbalance, inconsistent temperatures, insect infestations, bacterial or viral infections, etc.

When you try to figure out what’s wrong, you’ll need to think about any changes in the weather or how you care for your plant.

Root Rot

Root rot is a prevalent cause of death for Gabby Philodendron. Soil that is too compact will become water-logged and eventually rot your plant’s roots. Because this disease is difficult to stop, prevention is the best course of action.

The simplest way to prevent root rot is to reduce the amount and frequency that you water your Philodendron. Before giving your plant a drink, always check to see if the first 3 inches of the soil are dry. If not, your plant can most probably wait a little longer!

In terms of potting material, porosity is a property that allows air to pass through and dry the soil while also allowing excess moisture to escape. Porous pots can be clay, baked terracotta, ceramic (unglazed), or concrete. Make sure you choose one that has drainage holes at the bottom!

Similar Plants

Love Gabby Port? Here are some additional plants that are similar that you should try:

Philodendron Pedatum: This multi-lobed beauty is great for interior decor and will provide a splash of color to any indoor garden made even better by its simple plant care routine.

Philodendron Pastazanum: This plant, sometimes known on social media as “My Pasta,” has terrific vein patterns. Each deep fissure is formed by a focal point that extends out drastically over the whole leaf.

Philodendron Mayoi is an accent plant that may be utilized in various settings. Because it takes little to no upkeep, it will appeal to beginners and specialists.

Philodendron Mamei: This Philodendron makes a gorgeous potted plant. It also takes little maintenance, allowing you to appreciate the plant’s beauty for a long time without exerting too much effort.

Conclusion

With its cream variegation, Philodendron Gabby is a unique plant for your home. It’s easy to grow this plant if you follow our care guide.

Do you have a Philodendron Gabby? We want to see it, too! Take a picture and email it to [email protected], and we might put it on our blog.

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