Philodendron gigas

A Panamanian giant of wet tropical forest

In Panama’s wet tropical forest, Philodendron gigas grows as a large vine that climbs high along tree trunks. Thomas Croat described it in 1997.

Care for supported climbing aroids

• Support: Use a tall, sturdy moss pole or climbing board. Leave enough space for very large leaves around the climbing stem.
• Humidity and airflow: Velvet leaves unfurl smoothly when humidity is moderate to high. Protect their surface from rubbing, spraying and stagnant damp air.
• Light: Give it bright indirect light for the energy needed to increase leaf size. Strong sun can bleach or scorch a shade-grown velvet leaf.
• Water: As the upper mix starts drying, water thoroughly and allow fast drainage. Large leaves use substantial water, but the roots still need air and should not remain saturated.
• Temperature: This Panamanian vine prefers steady warmth; avoid chilling and cold wet roots.

Root, stem and leaf problems in Philodendron gigas

• Marks on velvet: Dust, fingerprints, mineral films and rubbing are conspicuous on the dark surface. Use a dry soft brush or cloth; avoid polishing products and repeated wet wiping that can mark the leaf further.
• Copper leaves as they open: Copper or bronze emerging leaves darken as they harden, while pale veins remain visible. This age-related change is different from progressive yellowing or irregular tissue collapse.
• Torn new leaves: A very large leaf may catch on its sheath, support or nearby objects. Do not pull it open; provide clearance and steady moisture, then inspect the fold for thrips scars and black specks.
• Pests on dark velvet: Many pale points, bronzing and webbing below the leaf indicate mites. Scraped silver scars and distorted expansion fit thrips more closely. Check the dark blade under strong light, keep the vine apart and try the intended control on one small velvet area before treating the whole plant.
• Crisp edges on a giant velvet leaf: Drought, low root function, fertiliser salts or dry air can crisp the margin. Check roots and the whole pot before watering more often, and flush salts if the substrate has been fed heavily.
• Wet mix beneath a large climber: The large leaves may suggest high water use even when a dense mix is staying wet around the roots. Yellowing, wilt and dark soft roots call for removal of dead tissue, a more open substrate and a support that does not hold stagnant water against the stem.

Philodendron gigas 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.

Philodendron gigas: name and meaning

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The epithet gigas is Greek for giant.

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

Thomas Bernard Croat first described Philodendron gigas in 1997 in Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, volume 84, page 446.