Philodendron gigas

🌿 The Philodendron gigas is a stunning tropical climbing plant from the Araceae family, native to the rainforests of Panama and parts of Central America. This species is cherished for its enormous, velvety leaves that can reach impressive sizes in ideal conditions. In its natural habitat, it climbs tall trees using aerial roots, seeking dappled light through the forest canopy. This plant is best suited for intermediate to advanced growers who can provide stable humidity and proper support structures. Fun fact: the underside of its leaves often displays a coppery-red hue that creates a dramatic contrast with the deep green upper surface.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
Philodendron gigas is a vigorous climbing philodendron that develops long aerial roots as it ascends. The leaves are elongated and heart-shaped, sometimes reaching over two feet in length when mature. The upper leaf surface is a rich, dark green with a velvet-like texture that catches light beautifully, while the underside ranges from burgundy to copper-red. The leaves have prominent veining that adds to their architectural appeal, and new growth emerges with a lighter, almost bronzy tone before darkening with age.
FLOWER DETAILS
Like most philodendrons, gigas can produce flowers in the form of a spathe and spadix, though flowering is rare in indoor cultivation. When it does occur, the spathe is typically cream to pale green, and the flowers have little to no fragrance. The aesthetic appeal of this plant comes almost entirely from its foliage rather than blooms. To encourage the rare possibility of flowering, provide bright indirect light, consistent warmth, and high humidity while allowing the plant to mature fully on a support structure such as a moss pole.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light is ideal, about 6-8 hours daily. Avoid direct sun which can scorch the delicate leaves, but too little light will slow growth significantly.
💧 Water: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry, usually once a week in spring and summer, less in fall and winter. Use the soak-and-drain method, ensuring excess water flows out completely.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in 60-80% humidity. Lower levels may cause browning leaf edges and stunted growth.
🪴 Soil: Use a chunky, well-draining aroid mix with orchid bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir for aeration and moisture retention.
🏺 Potting: Choose a pot with drainage holes, at least 10-12 inches deep for mature plants. Terracotta or plastic both work well. Repot every 18-24 months or when roots fill the container.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate to fast with proper care. Expect several new leaves in 6 months, and the plant can grow 3-5 feet per year when climbing. Maximum size can exceed 10 feet indoors with vertical support.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Philodendron gigas is toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and digestive upset if ingested.
WHERE TO PUT IT
This plant does well in living rooms, home offices, or bright hallways where it can climb a moss pole or trellis near an east or north-facing window. Bathrooms with good light can also work thanks to naturally higher humidity. Avoid placing it in low-light corners, drafty areas near doors or vents, or rooms that experience temperature swings. Keep it away from pets and small children due to toxicity.