Philodendron Gigas

If you’re looking for a truly spectacular houseplant that feels like a living piece of art, the Philodendron gigas is a top contender. This rare tropical houseplant is known for its stunning, velvety foliage that can grow to an impressive size, making it a centerpiece in any collection.

Finding reliable information on caring for this rarity can be tricky. This guide gives you clear, practical steps to help your Philodendron gigas not just survive, but truly thrive in your home.

The Philodendron gigas hails from the rainforests of Panama. It’s a climbing aroid, meaning in its natural habitat it would use its aerial roots to ascend trees towards the canopy. What sets it apart is its breathtaking leaves. Juvenile leaves start a bright, coppery-green but mature into large, elongated hearts of deep green with a pronounced velvety texture that seems to glow.

The leaf surface is covered in tiny hairs called trichomes, which give it that soft sheen. As the plant matures, the leaves develop beautiful, contrasting light green to silvery veins. It’s a slow to moderate grower, but each new leaf is an event to look forward to.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Recreating a slice of its tropical home is key. Your goal is to provide consistent warmth, humidity, and bright, indirect light. Dramatic swings in any of these will stress the plant.

Light Requirements

Think dappled sunlight under a jungle canopy. Your Philodendron gigas needs bright, indirect light to maintain its growth rate and stunning leaf color.

Avoid direct sun, especially harsh afternoon rays, which will scorch the delicate, velvety leaves.
An east-facing window is often perfect. A few feet back from a south or west window with a sheer curtain also works well.
If light is too low, growth will become extremely slow and leggy, and the leaves will lose their vibrant color.

Temperature & Humidity

This plant dislikes the cold. Aim to keep your home between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Never let it sit in temperatures below 60°F (15°C), as cold drafts from windows or air conditioning vents can cause damage.

Humidity is where many indoor growers face a challenge. The Philodendron gigas prefers humidity levels of 60% or higher. Average home humidity (around 30-50%) is often too low.

Use a humidifier: This is the most effective and consistent solution.
Pebble tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles, ensuring the pot base sits above the water line.
Group plants together: This creates a beneficial microclimate as they release moisture.
Misting: A light mist can help, but it’s a temporary boost and shouldn’t be relied upon alone. Avoid over-misting, which can promote fungal issues on those velvety leaves.

Planting and Potting Mix

Getting the soil right is crucial for healthy roots. Your Philodendron gigas needs a mix that retains some moisture but drains exceptionally well to prevent root rot.

A good, airy aroid mix is ideal. You can make your own with simple ingredients:

Start with a base of high-quality potting soil (2 parts).
Add orchid bark or coconut chips (1 part) for chunkiness and aeration.
Mix in perlite or pumice (1 part) for drainage.
A handful of horticultural charcoal can help keep the mix fresh.

Choose a pot with ample drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they wick away excess moisture. Repot every 1-2 years in spring, or when you see roots circling the pot’s bottom. Only size up 1-2 inches in pot diameter at a time; a pot that’s too large holds wet soil for too long.

Watering and Feeding Your Plant

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your Philodendron gigas. The goal is to keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy.

Watering Routine

There’s no fixed schedule. Watering needs change with seasons, light, and temperature. Always check the soil first.

Insert your finger about 2 inches into the soil.
If the top 2 inches feel dry, it’s time to water.
Water thoroughly until it runs freely from the drainage holes.
Empty the saucer or cache pot after 15 minutes so the plant isn’t sitting in water.
In winter, reduce watering frequency as growth slows and soil takes longer to dry.

Fertilizing for Growth

During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your plant to support those large leaves. Use a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.

Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
An occasional dose of a fertilizer with a slightly higher nitrogen content can support leaf development, but isn’t strictly necessary.

Remember, it’s better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize, which can burn the roots.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning is mostly for aesthetics or to remove any old, yellowing leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. You can cut back any excessively long or leggy vines to a node (the bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge) to encourage bushier growth.

Propagation allows you to create new plants from your Philodendron gigas. The most reliable method is stem cuttings.

Identify a healthy stem with at least one node and 1-2 leaves.
Cut just below a node using a sterile tool.
You can root the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Place the node in the medium, but not the leaf.
If using water, change it weekly. For moss, keep it consistently moist.
Place in bright, indirect light and wait for roots to develop (several weeks). Once roots are a few inches long, pot it up in your aroid mix.

Common Problems and Solutions

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

Yellowing Leaves

This can have a few causes. Older leaves yellowing and dying off is normal. Several leaves yellowing at once often points to overwatering. Check your soil moisture and ensure the pot drains well. Yellow leaves can also indicate a need for fertilizer, but check watering first.

Brown Leaf Edges or Tips

This is typically a sign of low humidity. Increase the moisture in the air around your plant using the methods described earlier. It could also be caused by using tap water high in salts or chemicals; try using filtered or rainwater if possible.

Pests

Philodendron gigas can sometimes attract common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. The velvety leaves make it important to check regularly.

Isolate any new plants for a few weeks before placing them near your gigas.
Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and allow you to spot pests early.
If you see pests, treat immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applying it to all leaf surfaces, especially the undersides.

FAQ About the Philodendron Gigas

How big does a Philodendron gigas get?
Indoors, with good support, leaves can reach over 2 feet long. The plant itself can climb or trail several feet.

Is the Philodendron gigas toxic?
Yes, like all Philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious cats, dogs, and children.

Why are the new leaves on my gigas smaller than older ones?
This usually points to insufficient light. Try moving the plant to a brighter location (with indirect light) to encourage larger leaf growth.

What’s the difference between Philodendron gigas and melanochrysum?
They are often confused. Gigas leaves are more elongated and have a finer, more velvety texture with lighter, silvery veins. Juvenile melanochrysum leaves are often more bronze-colored and the mature leaves have a slightly different shape. The care for both is very similar though.

Should I provide a moss pole for my Philodendron gigas?
Absolutely. As a natural climber, it will appreciate a moss pole or other sturdy support. Aerial roots will attach to it, and the plant will grow larger, more mature leaves faster. Without support, it will grow in a more trailing habit.

Caring for a Philodendron gigas is a rewarding experience. By paying attention to its light, water, and humidity needs, you’ll be able to enjoy its magnificent foliage for years to come. Its slow, steady growth makes every new leaf a special achievement in your plant care journey.