Philodendron giganteum variegata

Variegated background and wild range of Philodendron giganteum

Where this variegated form first appeared is not known. Philodendron giganteum itself is native from the Caribbean through northern South America to Pará in Brazil.

It comes from warm, rain-rich tropical forest, where plants can use trunks and surrounding vegetation for support while building their broad crown.

Growing Philodendron giganteum variegata indoors

Start with the light. Place it in bright, indirect light, away from strong midday sun. The cream and yellow-green sections scorch sooner than the green parts, so introduce any brighter spot gradually.

Check deeper than the surface before watering. A large pot can still be damp lower down even when the top looks dry. Wait until the top few centimetres are dry and the pot has lost some weight, then water well and empty the runoff.

Give the roots plenty of air. Use a coarse, free-draining potting mix and a container that stays stable as the crown widens. If the main stem starts leaning, support the stem without fastening the leaf stalks.

Warmth helps the big leaves open. Moderate to higher humidity is useful, but keep air moving around the crown and avoid water collecting inside folded new growth.

Changes and problems in Philodendron giganteum variegata

• Brown patches form on the pale parts: Marks on the window-facing side usually call for softer light. If the root ball recently dried out completely, shorten the next watering interval a little.
• Lower leaves turn yellow while the pot remains heavy: Stop watering for now and remove any water sitting in the outer pot. If the pot stays wet for an unusually long time, check the roots. Repot into a fresher, airier mix only if the current material has compacted.
• A large new leaf opens creased or torn: Make sure it has enough space to unfold. Silver marks or tiny black specks inside the fold can point to thrips; otherwise repeated contact with nearby objects may be the cause.
• You see fine speckling, webbing or silver scarring: Webbing usually fits spider mites, while silver marks with black dots fit thrips. Separate the plant from its neighbours, inspect the newest leaves and undersides, then use the appropriate treatment for the pest present and follow its label directions.

Philodendron giganteum variegata 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.

How the name Philodendron giganteum came about

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.