Photo: Kai SquiresCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Philodendron Gigas Plant Care
Philodendron gigas Croat
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Philodendron gigas is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. It is endemic to Panama, first described in 1997.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Philodendron Gigas?
Water Philodendron Gigas every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Philodendron Gigas Native To?
What Is the Philodendron Gigas?
Philodendron Gigas (Philodendron gigas) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Philodendron Gigas is native to Panama, first described in 1997. Philodendron Gigas is also known as Gigas Philodendron.
Philodendron Gigas displays a vining, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Philodendron Gigas produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Philodendron Gigas?
Philodendron gigas requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Philodendron Gigas Need?
Philodendron Gigas thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Philodendron Gigas in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philodendron Gigas Prefer?
Philodendron gigas grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Philodendron Gigas prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Philodendron Gigas?
Well-draining, aerated potting mix with peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Philodendron Gigas to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Philodendron Gigas?
Feed Philodendron Gigas every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Philodendron Gigas?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Philodendron Gigas?
Philodendron Gigas can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heartleaf philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Philodendron Gigas Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Philodendron species (which includes Philodendron Gigas). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Philodendron Gigas?
Philodendron Gigas is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Philodendron Gigas Need?
Philodendron Gigas grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Philodendron Gigas is native to Panama, first described in 1997. In cooler regions, grow Philodendron Gigas as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Philodendron Gigas is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Philodendron Gigas copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Philodendron Species
Other Philodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philodendron gigas Croat, family Araceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 84(3): 446 (1997).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Philodendron species (which includes Philodendron Gigas) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Kai Squires, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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