Philodendron Gigas

If you’re looking for a truly spectacular houseplant, the philodendron gigas is a rare tropical climbing plant that deserves your attention. Its huge, velvety leaves and fast-growing nature make it a favorite among collectors, but it can be tricky to find and care for. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow this stunning plant in your own home.

Native to the rainforests of Panama, the philodendron gigas is known for its dramatic foliage. New leaves emerge a striking bronze or copper color, slowly maturing to a deep, dark green. The most captivating feature is the texture: the leaves are covered in a soft, velvet-like fuzz that feels amazing to touch. As a climber, it uses aerial roots to attach itself to trees in the wild, and it will happily do the same on a moss pole in your living room.

Why is Philodendron Gigas So Rare?

This plant wasn’t formally described by scientists until the late 1990s. Its natural habitat is quite limited, which contributes to its scarcity. For a long time, it was only available through specialized collectors and was propagated in small numbers. While it’s becoming more common thanks to tissue culture, a mature, well-grown Philodendron gigas remains a prized possession. You won’t typically find it at your local garden center, so you’ll often need to look online or at specialty nurseries.

Essential Care Requirements

Caring for a philodendron gigas is similar to other tropical aroids, but it has a few specific needs. Getting these right is the key to seeing those massive, velvety leaves thrive.

Light: Bright and Indirect is Best

Think of the dappled light under the jungle canopy. Your gigas wants bright, indirect light. A spot near an east or north-facing window is ideal. A south or west window can work if you filter the light with a sheer curtain.

Avoid direct sun, which will scorch and yellow those beautiful leaves.
Too little light will result in small leaves and slow, leggy growth as the plant stretches for light.
Consider a grow light if your home doesn’t have enough natural brightness, especially in winter.

Watering: The Balance is Key

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your plant. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy.

Check the top few inches of soil with your finger.
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches feel dry.
Allow excess water to drain completely from the pot’s holes. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
Reduce watering frequency in the cooler, darker winter months.

Soil and Potting

A chunky, airy, well-draining mix is non-negotiable. The roots need oxygen as much as they need moisture. A standard potting soil will hold too much water and cause root rot.

Make your own mix with equal parts potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, and a handful of horticultural charcoal.
Ensure your pot has excellent drainage holes.
Repot every 1-2 years in spring, sizing up only 1-2 inches in pot diameter at a time.

Humidity and Temperature

As a tropical plant, it thrives in high humidity. Aim for 60% or higher.

Use a humidifier. This is the most effective method.
Group plants together to create a microclimate.
Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (keep the pot above the water line).
Misting provides only a temporary boost and can sometimes promote fungal issues on velvety leaves.

Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.

Support and Training for Growth

Your philodendron gigas is a natural climber. Providing a support structure mimics its natural habit and encourages larger leaf growth.

Choose a support. A moss pole or coco coir pole is perfect because the aerial roots can attach and absorb moisture from it.
Insert the pole carefully into the pot near the main stem when repotting.
Gently tie the stems to the pole using soft plant ties or twine. Don’t tie too tightly.
Keep the pole moist when you water to encourage those aerial roots to latch on.

Fertilizing for Healthy Leaves

Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer). A balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength works well. Apply it every 4-6 weeks. You can use a specialized foliage-promoting fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots, so when in doubt, use less.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, you might encounter an issue. Here’s how to troubleshoot.

Yellowing Leaves

This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and ensure your pot drains well. Older leaves occasionally yellow and die off naturally; just remove them. If new growth is yellow, it could be a nutrient deficiency.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips

Low humidity is the usual culprit here. Increase the humidity around your plant. It can also be caused by using tap water with high fluoride or chlorine; try using filtered or rainwater if possible.

Pests

Watch for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. The velvety leaves can sometimes attract them. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter pests. For infestations, isolate the plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Leggy Growth and Small Leaves

This means your plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (without direct sun) or supplement with a grow light. Also, ensure you are fertilizing appropriately during the growth season.

Propagation: How to Make More Plants

Propagating a philodendron gigas is usually done through stem cuttings. It’s a rewarding way to share this rare plant with friends. Here’s the step-by-step process.

Choose a healthy stem with at least one node (the bump where leaves and roots grow from) and 2-3 leaves.
Using a clean, sharp knife or shears, cut just below a node.
You can root the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Place it so the node is submerged in water or buried in moss.
Put it in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Change the water weekly if using that method.
Once roots are a few inches long (this can take several weeks), pot the cutting in your chunky aroid mix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How fast does a Philodendron gigas grow?

With ideal conditions—good light, warmth, and humidity—it is a relatively fast grower. You can expect several new leaves each growing season, especially if it’s supported by a moss pole.

Is Philodendron gigas toxic to pets?

Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious pets.

What’s the difference between Philodendron gigas and melanochrysum?

They look similar but are different species. Gigas leaves are generally larger, thicker, and have a more pronounced velvet texture. Juvenile melanochrysum leaves are often a brighter yellow-green, while gigas new growth is more bronze-copper.

Can I grow Philodendron gigas in a terrarium?

While it loves humidity, it grows far too large for most terrariums. It’s best suited as a free-standing or climbing houseplant in a room with controlled humidity.

Why are the new leaves on my gigas not velvety?

This can happen if humidity is too low. The velvety texture (known as pubescence) develops best in high-humidity environments. Ensure your plant is getting enough moisture in the air.

Adding a philodendron gigas to your collection is a rewarding project. Its stunning appearance is a real conversation starter. By providing the right light, a careful watering routine, and plenty of humidity, you’ll be able to enjoy this rare tropical climbing plant for many years to come. Remember, patience is key, especially if your plant is young. Give it the support it needs, and you’ll watch it develop into a truly magnificent specimen.