In this philodendron gigas care guide we cover all you need to know including humidity, soil, water and light needs, as well as propagation…
Philodendron Gigas Care Summary
| Light needs: | Bright indirect sunlight. |
| Watering needs: | Check weekly, water when the top 50% of soil is dry. |
| Fertilizer: | A balanced feed every 3 or 4 weeks in spring and summer. |
| Soil: | A well draining potting mix. |
| Humidity: | 70%. |
| Temperature: | 12-30°C (54-86°F). |
| Where to buy: | Try our list of Rare Plant Shops or Etsy. |
| Common issues: | Pests on the leaves, over watering. |
Introduction
Originally from Panama, the philodendron gigas is a velvet leaved climbing philodendron with impressive dark green leaves. They look great trained up a moss pole, and are fairly similar to the melanochrysum.
See also: Philodendron Soil, Philodendron Moonlight, Philodendron Atabapoense Care, Philodendron Pastazanum Care, Philodendron Plowmanii Care, Philodendron Mamei Care, Philodendron Billietiae, Philodendron Brandtianum Care, Philodendron Camposportoanum Care, Philodendron Giganteum.
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Light Needs
Bright but indirect sunlight is best for a gigas to get the best growth. They do ok back from the window a bit too.
How Often to Water
Check your plant every week, and water them when the top 50% is dry. After watering tip out any excess water, they must not sit in water logged soil as they get root rot easily.
Tip: underwater this plant rather than overwater it, they must not sit in soggy soil as they get root rot easily. Check the soil and only water if mostly dry, and make sure you don’t leave the pot sat in any excess water.
Philodendron Gigas Fertilizer
Feed a balanced feed every 3 or 4 weeks in spring and summer. Do not feed in colder months.
Soil
You want a rich well draining soil, as a cheap fix you can add 1 part perlite to 4 parts potting compost which will make for a more well draining, less root rot-prone mix. Ideally you can make a mix of equal parts orchid bark, perlite and compost. For more on Philodendron soil see our guide on what to buy or how to make your own: Philodendron Soil.
When To Repot
Repot them when they get root bound, be sure to check in spring so they have space to grow for the year.
Tip: give this plant a moss pole, it not only keeps it growth tidy but it will encourage it to grow larger leaves.
Philodendron Gigas Humidity
70% or even more. They are tropical plants and love a humid environment. You want to get the best out of those leaves and high humidity will help them thrive, where as they can crisp up in lower humidity levels.
Tip: Keep them humid, at least 60% in the day and they’ll be ok with a bit less at night. You can buy a humidity meter (affiliate link) to keep an eye on maximum and minimum levels.
Temperature
12-30°C (54-86°F) is ideal. They will grow quicker towards the warmer end of that range, 12°C (54°F) is a minimum temp at night or in the winter. Ideally aim for 20°C (68°F) in the day.
How To Propagate Philodendron Gigas
You can propagate a philodendron gigas with cuttings and root them in sphagnum moss, water or soil. Make sure you get at least one node and one leaf on the cutting. Let it callous over for half a day so that the open wounds heal over. Then plant it in it’s new medium, then put it in a plastic bag or box to keep the humidity high, leave a hole to keep air moving slightly. Keep it warm and humid and it it should root in a month or so. Gigas cuttings propagate quite well. Once it is rooted and starts to put out growth from the top of the plant you can pot it up into soil.
Is It Toxic To Cats?
They are slightly toxic if ingested, causing vomiting or irritation, so seek vets advice if your pet eats any.
Difference Between Philodendron Gigas And Melanochrysum
The philodendron melanochrysum has a darker green leaf that start off lighter with an orange hue, the gigas is lighter green. The melaochrysum has more elongated leaves too. They are both very similar in looks with their velvety leaves.
See also: Philodendron Melanochrysum Care.
Philodendron Gigas Vs Micans
Although they both have those dark green velvety green leaves, you can easily tell them apart as the micans puts out long vines, where as the gigas does not. Also the micans has much smaller leaves, and they are heart shaped with a thin point. to the end.
See also: Philodendron Micans Care.
Philodendron Gigas Vs Splendid
The are both velvety-laved philodendrons, but the splendid has big, ribbed leaves, while the gigas are smaller and smoothers.
See also: Philodendron Splendid.
Philodendron Gigas Growth Rate
They are a fast growing vining houseplant, sometimes capable of doubling in size in a 12 month period.
Philodendron Gigas Size
They can grow large as longs as they have a pole or trellis to climb up, even up to 3 meters tall (10 feet).
Philodendron Gigas USDA Zone
Zones 9b-11.
Is Philodendron Gigas Rare?
It is not an abundantly sold house plant, but you can find them, there are a few on Etsy at the time of writing both in North America and Europe.
Where To Buy
Try our list of Rare Plant Shops. Or Etsy.
Philodendron Gigas Care FAQs and Common Problems
Check the plant regularly for pests on the leaves so that you can treat them before an infestation takes hold.
Is Philodendron Gigas A Hybrid?
It is not a hybrid, meaning it has not been bred from other philodendrons, but occurs naturally, it grows in the wild in Panama for example.
Additional Resources
Links:
- More info on the Wikipedia page.
- More info on the Kew Gardens plant Page.
- Patent Info.
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