Philodendron giganteum is a large, tropical plant that can be found in the rainforest. It is a popular choice for indoor plants because it is easy to care for and has beautiful, heart-shaped leaves. This plant does best in bright, indirect light and prefers moist soil. If you want to know more about this beautiful plant, read on!
What Does Philodendron giganteum Look Like?
Philodendron giganteum is a large, showy plant that is native to the Caribbean and Brazil. It is characterized by its large, lustrous green leaves, which are heart to elephant-ear-shaped and can grow up to 3 feet long. This philodendron can grow quite tall, reaching 4 to 5 feet, and it can spread up to 3 feet wide. Philodendron giganteum common name is Elephant Ear Philodendron because its leaves resemble to elephant ears.
In its natural habitat, this plant grows as an epiphyte, meaning that it uses other plants or trees for support but does not derive its nutrients from them. Instead, it gets its nutrition from the air and rainwater. Philodendron giagnteum size is shorter when grown indoors because it is not receiving the support it needs from other plants.
Other Features
Drought Tolerance
It is drought tolerant, making it a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance plant. If it is not watered for a long period of time, the leaves will begin to droop, indicating that it is time to water.
Air Purification
This plant is excellent at purifying the air. It has been shown to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air.
Aesthetics
This plant is often used as a decoration in homes and offices because of its beautiful leaves. It is also a popular choice for landscaping because it is easy to care for and can add a tropical touch to any space.
Maintenance
It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for and does best in bright, indirect light and prefers moist soil. It is important to water this plant regularly, as it will begin to droop if it is not watered for a long period of time.
Toxicity
This plant is toxic to pets and children if ingested. If you have pets or small children, it is important to keep this plant out of reach.
Dormancy
This plant goes through a dormancy period in the winter. During this time, the leaves will begin to yellow and drop off. The plant will require less water during this time.
Philodendron giganteum Care
Philodendron giganteum care includes watering, fertilizing, and pruning. It should be watered regularly, as it will begin to droop if it is not watered for a long period of time. It prefers moist soil, so be sure to water it well when the soil begins to dry out. This plant does best in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions. It should be fertilized bimonthly during the growing season.
Quick Guide
| Soil | Well-draining potting soil. |
| Light | 70-85% sunlight. |
| Water | Twice a week in the summers. |
| Humidity | 60% or more. |
| Temperature | 65 to 80 F. |
| Fertilizer | Well-balanced organic fertilizer twice a month. |
| Pruning | Just to remove damaged leaves. |
| Repotting | Every two to three years. |
Soil
Philodendron giganteum thrives in well-draining potting soil. It is important to choose a potting mix that will not hold too much water, as this can lead to root rot. A good way to test the drainage of your potting mix is to water it thoroughly and then wait a few hours to see how long it takes for the water to drain out. If the water does not drain within a few hours, you will need to choose a different potting mix.
The ideal potting mix for this plant is one that is made up of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This mix will provide the plant with the drainage it needs while still retaining some moisture.
To maintain the acidity of the soil, it is important to add a layer of peat moss to the top of the potting mix. This will help to keep the pH level of the soil in check and will also provide some nutrients for the plant.
Light
Philodendron giganteum indoor care includes placing the plant in an area that receives 70-85% sunlight. This plant does best in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions. If you are growing this plant indoors, it is important to place it near a window where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
However, if you live in an area that is very hot, it is important to protect the plant from direct sunlight. This can be done by placing it in a room that receives indirect light or by using a sheer curtain to filter the light.
You can also place the plant in a south-facing window to ensure that it receives enough light. You can also use grow lights to provide the plant with the light it needs.
Water
This plant needs to be watered regularly, as it will begin to droop if it is not watered for a long period of time. It prefers moist soil, so be sure to water it well when the soil begins to dry out. This plant does best in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions.
It is important to water this plant twice a week in the summer and once a week in the winter. It is also important to make sure that the pot has drainage holes so that the water can drain out.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may not need to water the plant as often. However, if the air is dry, you will need to water it more frequently.
Humidity
This plant needs a humidity level of 60% or more. This plant thrives in high humidity and will do best if the air is moist. If you live in an area with low humidity, you can increase the humidity around the plant by placing it on a pebble tray or by using a humidifier.
Other methods of increasing the humidity around the plant include placing it in a bathroom or kitchen, as these rooms tend to be more humid than other parts of the house.
Temperature
This plant thrives in temperatures that range from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too cold, the leaves of the plant will begin to turn brown and drop off. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant in a warm room.
If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to grow this plant indoors so that it can be protected from the cold weather.
To lower the temperature, this plant can be placed in a room that receives indirect sunlight or by using a sheer curtain to filter the light.
Fertilizer
Philodendron giganteum care includes fertilizing the plant bimonthly during the growing season. It is important to use a well-balanced organic fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. You can also add a layer of compost to the top of the potting mix to provide the plant with additional nutrients.
Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to ensure that you are using the correct amount.
Pruning Requirements
This plant does not require much pruning, but you can trim off any brown or yellow leaves that may occur. You can also trim off any dead or dying leaves. It is best to prune this plant in the spring so that it can regrow.
If you are pruning the plant to remove a large number of leaves, it is best to do so in the spring or summer. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Repotting Requirements
This plant needs to be repotted every two to three years. When repotting, it is important to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is one size larger than the current pot.
It is best to repot this plant in the spring so that it can begin growing in its new home. Make sure to water the plant well after repotting.
How to Repot Philodendron giganteum?
Here are some signs that your plant needs to be repotted:
- The plant is growing out of the pot
- The roots are coming out of the drainage holes
- The potting mix is dry and crumbly
- There are more roots than potting mix
If you see any of these signs, it is time to repot your plant.
To repot the plant, follow these steps:
- Choose a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is one size larger than the current pot.
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot.
- Place the plant in the new pot and fill in any empty space with the potting mix.
- Water the plant well and place it in a warm, sunny location.
Philodendron giganteum Propagation
This plant can be propagated by division or by stem cuttings.
Propagation via Division
- To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Choose a healthy plant that is in need of repotting.
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot and divide it into two or more sections.
- Plant each section in its own pot and water well.
- Place the pots in a warm, sunny location.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
To propagate by stem cuttings, follow these steps:
- Choose a healthy plant that has new growth.
- Cut a four-inch section of stem from the plant.
- Remove the lower leaves from the stem and place it in a glass of water.
- Change the water every few days and wait for the roots to grow.
- Once the roots are two inches long, plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
- Water the plant well and place it in a warm, sunny location.
Common Problems
There are a few common problems that can occur with this plant.
Leaf Drop
If the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow and drop off, it is usually a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure to water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist.
Yellow Leaves
If the leaves of the plant turn yellow, it is usually a sign that the plant is not getting enough nitrogen. Fertilize the plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and make sure to follow the instructions on the package.
Brown Leaves
If the leaves of the plant turn brown, it is usually a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure to water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist.
Pests and Diseases
This plant is susceptible to mealy bugs, aphids, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
This plant is also susceptible to root rot. This disease can be controlled by making sure the plant has good drainage and by not overwatering the plant.
To prevent pests and diseases, it is important to inspect the plant regularly and remove any dead or dying leaves.
FAQs
This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. It needs 70-85% sunlight, which means it needs a bright location but not direct sunlight.
Yes, this plant is a climber and will need something to climb on if you want it to grow up. You can use a trellis, stake, or wire for this plant.
Yes, this plant is considered rare. It is not commonly found in nurseries or garden centers. However, it is available for purchase online.
Yes, this plant is considered fast-growing. It can grow up to two feet per year.
Final Thoughts
Philodendron giganteum is a beautiful plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. With proper care, this plant can grow to be quite large and will add a touch of elegance to any room. Thanks for reading and happy planting!
