Philodendron giganteum variegata

Origin of Philodendron giganteum variegata

Where this variegated form first appeared remains unknown. Philodendron giganteum itself occurs naturally 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 readily in strong light, so introduce any brighter spot gradually.

Temperature, humidity and airflow. Keep the plant between about 18 and 29 °C during normal growth, with protection from sustained temperatures below 15 °C. Target a humidity range of about 50–60%. Keep air moving around the crown and avoid water collecting inside folded new growth.

Check deeper than the surface before watering. A large pot can still be damp lower down even when the surface looks dry. Wait until the mix has partly dried and the pot has lost some weight, then water well and empty the collected water.

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

Feeding. Feed with houseplant fertiliser at moderate strength during active growth and reduce applications when the plant slows down.

Repotting. Increase the container size a little once the roots have filled the present pot. Replace mix that has broken down and drains slowly. Keep the pot stable and secure the stem support when needed.

Propagation: To propagate Philodendron giganteum variegata, once a basal shoot has roots it can be separated; healthy stem sections with an active node can also establish.

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.