Philodendron giganteum

Natural range and habitat of Philodendron giganteum

Philodendron giganteum is native across the Caribbean and into northern South America as far as Pará in Brazil. It grows in warm, wet tropical forest, often using trees for support.

Indoor care for Philodendron giganteum

• Space and stability: Allow plenty of room around the plant and use a heavy pot that will not tip as the leaves gain size. Add sturdy support if the main stem starts leaning or climbing.
• Light: Use bright indirect light and keep the broad leaves away from strong direct sun through glass.
• Water: Water thoroughly once the top layer has dried. In a large pot, check a little deeper into the mix because it can stay moist for longer.
• Potting mix: Use a chunky mix that stays airy in a large container. Avoid moving a small root system into an oversized pot filled with fine, wet compost.
• Temperature and humidity: A steady 18–29 °C range is suitable; keep extended exposure under 15 °C to a minimum. Keep humidity around 50–60%.
• Leaf care: Support each large leaf while wiping away dust.
• Feeding: During a flush of new growth, apply a modest complete feed; then taper applications as the plant becomes less active.
• Repotting: Move to a larger pot once roots are crowded; if the plant or its support wobbles, stabilise that at the same time.
• Propagation: Take a healthy cutting with at least one node; keep any aerial root already attached to that node.

Troubleshooting a large Philodendron giganteum

• The crown begins to lean as the leaves grow: The weight of the foliage can pull a healthy plant off centre. Stabilise the pot and support the main stem before it leans farther.
• A large leaf splits along an edge but remains firm: Handling, rubbing or movement can tear broad foliage. Remove the source of friction and leave the leaf unless damaged tissue starts to decay.
• Lower leaves yellow while a large pot stays wet: Let the mix dry further between waterings and improve drainage. Check the roots if the plant continues to decline and remove only roots that are clearly rotten.
• Fine speckling appears across the leaves: Check the undersides for spider mites. Isolate the plant, rinse the leaves thoroughly and use a suitable mite treatment according to the label.

Philodendron giganteum is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

About the name Philodendron giganteum

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The Latin epithet giganteum means gigantic or giant.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described Philodendron giganteum in 1856 in Synopsis Aroidearum, page 89.