Huge in every way, Philodendrons live up to their monstrous moniker. This plant is a member of the Araceae family of plants. Most people grow them to increase a room’s visual density or conceal an unsightly landscape feature with dense foliage.
As the plant matures, its glossy green leaves spread out into enormous elephant-ear formations, sometimes measuring over a foot in length. The mature plant can swiftly grow to a height of several feet under optimal conditions.
If you want to get the most out of Philodendron giganteum, which is both enormous and beautiful, you should cultivate it in a large vacant place, indoors or out.
Philodendron Giganteum Varieties
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More than 450 distinct species of Philodendron exist. Consequently, the Philodendron Giganteum is the best choice if you prefer large-leaved indoor tropical plants. If not, perhaps you’ll find the following list of plant kinds and alternatives interesting:
Philodendron Giganteum Variegated Cultivar
This particular variety is a climbing plant that becomes very large and bears many leaves, like elephant ears. If you clip it back twice a year, it can keep its bushy shape.
Philodendron Giganteum Blizzard
Philodendron giganteum blizzard is a tropical plant native to. Its leaves can become as tall as 6 feet. It lives on land, but it can also scale vertical surfaces. Its indoor growth habit means that it won’t crowd its surroundings. However, a lot of room is required for this plant. Some of its leaves have white spots on them.
Philodendron Hederaceae
The hederaceae has heart-shaped leaves. It is very likely the most well-known species of Philodendron. It’s an aroid that climbs and can be found in South and Central America. The vibrant, colorful leaves of this plant are perfect for imparting a taste of the tropics to any space.
Pink Princess
The Pink Princess, also known as the Philodendron erubescens, is a unique plant species found in the remote regions of the Amazon. This aroid climber features dark green leaves with pale pink spots that are reminiscent of a pink panther.
In no way should you purchase a Philodendron that has only pink leaves. You might mistake these lovely plants for Pink Princesses, but their proper name is Philodendron Pink Congo. Chemicals are injected into pink Congo plants, changing the color of their leaves to pink for a short period of time; after several months, the leaves will return to their natural green.
Weeping Philodendron
The beauty of this aroid is unparalleled. It’s a climber with distinctively tall, bright red stems that are covered in fine, red hairs, known as pubescence. With its attractive, oak-shaped foliage and many lobes, this plant is a breeze to cultivate.
Specifications for Philodendron Giganteum Roots
Growing a Philodendron Giganteum in a pot requires a soil mixture rich in sphagnum peat moss and organic matter that drains well and is well-aerated.
Simple solutions include using a succulent or cactus mix. Add perlite and peat moss to it. Its roots thrive when given something to encircle, so coconut husk, bark, or even brick chunks are perfect additions to the soil.
If you want to cultivate Philodendron Giganteum with a lot less hassle, plant the seeds outside in your yard.
The soil only has to drain well, so pretty much anywhere will suffice. Make sure to add enough leaf mulch and sterile compost to assist the soil in retaining some moisture. Remember that this plant does best in organic matter-rich soil.
Philodendron Giganteum Care
The following are some regular aspects of caring for the Philodendron giganteum:
Soil Requirements to Grow the Philodendron Giganteum
Philodendron giganteum plants thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich potting soil with a high percentage of sphagnum peat moss. Mixing perlite or peat into your succulent or cactus soil is a fantastic idea.
pH Should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for this Giant Philo to thrive. If you’re using commercial potting soil, you probably won’t need to worry about the pH of the soil for this plant.
Temperature Requirements to Grow Philodendron Giganteum
Philodendron giganteum needs to be treated as a tropical plant. Growth is optimal around the equator because of the plant’s preference for heat. Therefore, temperatures between 15 and 27 degrees Celsius are ideal for its growth.
Growing this plant is easy, and anyone can do it as long as they don’t let the temperature drop below 13 degrees Celsius at night. Bring the plants indoors during colder months.
Humidity Requirements to Grow Philodendron Giganteum
It is important to provide Philodendron giganteum with enough humidity, as you would with any other tropical plant. These plants find the mist soothing and appreciate how it keeps them clean.
Maintaining a relative humidity of around 60% is recommended for optimal plant development and health.
Leathery leaves can be sponge-washed to restore their glossy appearance. In dry winters, mist them as often as three or four times a week.
You can utilize humidifiers to provide the ideal conditions for your Philodendron giganteum during the dry months.
Toxicity of Philodendron Giganteum
Like all Philodendrons, this exotic plant is hazardous to animals and humans because of the calcium oxalate crystals it contains. It can cause painful burning and swelling of the tongue, mouth, and throat upon ingestion. It might also result in skin irritation.
Therefore, it’s best to wear gloves if you have to handle this giant. Ingestion of this plant is usually not fatal; however, it is still important to seek medical attention if someone has consumed it.
Philodendron Giganteum Repotting
When the plant’s roots outgrow the container, they’ll begin to poke through the openings. The next step could be to repot them.
The giganteum is the largest member of this family. However, it thrives in small containers since their roots don’t expand. Therefore, it’ll work out great if you throw some stone and brick shards into the soil. If the plant’s roots are beginning to protrude through the drainage holes, it’s time to repot it.
The plant’s root ball should be dug up and transferred to a slightly larger pot. There may be a three-year window after your plant reaches maturity before it needs a new home. Repotting in the spring and summer is a great time to multiply your plant.
Lighting Conditions for the Philodendron Giganteum
Caring for a Philodendron giganteum is relatively easy. This large-leafed philodendron requires around 85% of direct sunlight. The massive size of its green leaves suggests that it needs access to a lot of light for photosynthesis.
Because of the deep green color of the leaves, it is clear that they require a lot of sunlight. Their size and scope demonstrate how well these ground-level plants have adapted to life in the shade cast by the rainforest’s towering tropical trees.
Plants have a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll and sunlight allow plants to create their own food.
Philodendron giganteum can be grown in partial shade, although it will lose some of its leaf colors and grow more slowly. They thrive in filtered bright light, they thrive.
Due to the sun’s drying effects on the leaves, direct sunlight is not ideal for these plants.
Watering Requirements for Philodendron Giganteum
Establishing a regular and sufficient watering schedule is the cornerstone of successful Philodendron giganteum cultivation.
This plant is susceptible to too much and too little water in the substrate. It has to be watered every week during its growing season and about every ten days when it’s dormant.
Check the substrate with your fingertips before watering again, as the specific water requirements of your plants will vary depending on various factors. Water the plant if the soil is dry to a depth of 2 inches. Don’t water if you can still feel the moisture in the substrate after touching it.
How to Bring a Drowned Philodendron Giganteum to Life
Philodendron’s dry and drooping leaves are the first visible evidence that the plant has been submerged in water. Foliage browning, and discoloration are further symptoms.
Follow these steps to give your submerged Philodendron giganteum a second chance at life.
Pour room temperature or tap water into a shallow container.
Douse your plant’s container with water.
Walk away for a minute or two, and the plant will be OK. The soil surface will begin to develop air bubbles. Please hold off until the bubble formation has ceased.
Leave the plant in a bright room. Repeat the technique twice or thrice if you want your plant to survive. For best results, wait until the soil is dry before starting over.
It may be difficult to submerge the pot if your plant is large. If this is the case, water the plant promptly until water no longer runs out.
How to Save a Philodendron Giganteum That has been Overwatered
Leaves on Philodendron giganteum plants typically wilt, droop, and limp when they are overwatered. Root rot and poor development are other symptoms that the plant has been overwatered.
Here’s what to do if your plant develops these symptoms.
Wait half a day for the soil to dry up. Leave the plant alone and let it recover naturally if it shows signs of life again.
Take the plant out of the pot and check the roots if the symptoms are severe. There has been root rot if the roots are mushy and limp.
In that situation, you should cut out any soft or mushy sections and let the roots air dry. The antifungal power can now be dispersed to stop the spread of root rot.
Take the plant out of its current pot and place it in a new one containing fresh potting soil. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes in the pot you’re using.
Fertilize Philodendron Giganteum Plants
The nutrient-hungry Philodendron giganteum quickly grows to enormous proportions. As a result, it requires consistent fertilizing.
During the active growth period, feed it twice monthly with a liquid fertilizer designed specifically for leafy houseplants. Organic fertilizers like worm castings or mature compost are also viable choices; however, these fertilizers have a benefit over slow-release ones because the nutrients are available faster, which is more in accordance with the rapid metabolism of this plant. The plant’s nutritional needs can be met by incorporating a couple of handfuls of this kind of material into the substrate at the start of the growing season.
Organic fertilizer shouldn’t make up more than about 1/10 of the substrate’s total mass; the exact amount may vary depending on the size of the plant and the container.
The Philodendron Giganteum is an indoor plant that requires a high-organic-matter soil mix with low fertilization. Regular fertilizer is best; it helps digest bark and leaves in the soil, which is good for your plant.
Indoor cultivation of the plant requires balanced organic fertilizer. Do not continue feeding it in the winter; utilize it only during the growing season. Winter is not a time to slack off on moisture management.
Due to slow release and safety, organic fertilizers should be your first choice. However, if you insist on using chemicals, use only a pH-balanced liquid. Using just one can reduce the concentration even further, guaranteeing that the final product is half as thick as before.
Grow Philodendron Giganteum
You can grow a Philodendron giganteum by following the instructions given below:
Large space is needed for this enormous plant.
It’s more of a filler than an accent or focal point plant. Its big, green leaves are perfect for filling up awkward spaces indoors or out.
If you insist on growing your Philodendron indoors, make sure to select a very large and durable container for it to flourish in. Use bricks or a platform to elevate the container for better drainage.
Plant your Philodendron gigantum in a container or in the ground to get a self-starting plant.
Many people start their plants in containers and eventually move them outside.
Propagate Philodendron Giganteum
One of the reasons Philodendron giganteum is so hard to come by and is costly is that it is difficult to propagate. Cuttings from the tops of the other Philodendron climbers can be grown in water or planted in the ground.
For years, this philodendron can remain in its bushy shape before the central stem elongates and the aerial root forms below the nodes of the new leaves. It doesn’t mean you can’t try to propagate the plant, but you’ll have to wait till it’s mature enough. To ensure success with your propagation efforts, follow the instructions given below:
Get a 6 inches wide bowl.
Place some coarse gravel or broken tile over the drainage hole at the bottom.
Cover the bottom with coconut shells or bark, and fill the remaining space with a mixture of perlite, substrate, or sand.
Water the plant and let it sit for an hour so that it can absorb the water and the aerial roots may relax.
Cut the top of the stem at a 45-degree angle, right below the nodes, using a sharp, sanitized knife.
For best results, dry the cut in the shade for a few hours. Applying rooting hormone powder to the incision site is optional. This method promotes root growth and protects against stem rot and infections caused by cuts.
If a scab forms at the incision, you can plant the cutting in a pot and protect it from flopping over by bending the cutting’s aerial roots.
If the plant is leaning, add more substrate and gently press the soil with your fingers. Assuming the cutting contains a bud from which a new leaf will emerge, raise it so that its upper two-thirds are above the substrate.
You should water the plant and top it off with substrate if it starts to lean.
Put your fresh Philodendron giganteum somewhere that gets indirect sunlight. Wait until at least one new leaf has appeared on the plant before fertilizing it.
Philodendron Giganteum Diseases
Things can go wrong occasionally, even when extreme caution is taken. Common pests, diseases, and other everyday difficulties periodically rear their ugly heads. The Philodendron Giganteum, like many other plants, is susceptible to pests and diseases, but it is especially vulnerable to a handful of these problems. Look out for the following:
Fungal Infection
Fungus gnats are relatively harmless common pests, but their larvae will eat your Philodendron plants’ roots. They produce offspring in the soggy ground.
Reduce watering your plant if you notice these gnats. Not so much as to kill the plant, but enough to lengthen the intervals between each watering.
Spray one cup of hydrogen peroxide in four cups of water over the grime if the problem persists.
whiteflies
The Philodendron giganteum could attract whiteflies, which are gnat-like insects that feed on plant sap. Their presence is bothersome because they deposit eggs on the upper surfaces of your leaves, which hatch into larvae that eat the undersides of your plant.
Whiteflies can be dealt with using a pesticide. Either you can find one to buy online or make one on your own.
ScaleS
Insects called scales can cause bumps to grow on the Philodendron Giganteum’s main stem or branches. The tiny bugs, which can be any shade of green, brown, grey, or black, tend to stay put once they adhere to a plant.
Take one teaspoon of neem oil diluted in four cups of water and apply it to the soil around this vibrant houseplant if the infection is not too severe.
Even though neem oil solution isn’t 100% effective, they nevertheless inflict some damage to these insects.
Aphids
Pests called aphids might be responsible for the discoloration and eventual death of your plant’s leaves.
Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or even a dish detergent to eliminate aphids. Try to find something with no artificial colors, flavors, or fragrances added to it.
Stir the soap and water together. Start with one teaspoon per gallon and increase as necessary. Ensure that the undersides of the leaves are properly sprayed on all of the plants.
Mealybugs
The Philodendron giganteum in your home could have a mealybug problem. These microscopic parasites can be identified by the presence of white fluff on the stems. It must be treated immediately before the parasites spread.
First, wet a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Use this to get rid of any pests you can see on the leaves and stem of a Philodendron giganteum elephant ear.
Combine one teaspoon of dish soap, one cup of rubbing alcohol, and water in a spray container.
Spray it on your Philodendron giganteum elephant ear until the mealybugs are gone.
You can also apply a spray made from neem oil as a prophylactic measure.
Yellowing Leaves
Overwatering, heavy soil or both can be blamed for the yellowing of the leaves of your Philodendron giganteum. Before watering again, ensure the top few inches of soil are dry and that the plant is rooted in a well-draining soil mixture.
Browning Leaves
If the soil is dry, and the leaves of a philodendron giganteum start to wilt and become brown at the tips, the plant is probably being overwatered. However, the plant should perk up when you water it, even though the browning spots won’t recover.
Although Philodendron giganteum may tolerate short periods of drought and neglect, it will not thrive under these conditions if they occur frequently.
Conclusion
The Philodendron Giganteum is a large plant and a fantastic option for those with a green thumb, thanks to its glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are an especially vivid shade of green.
It requires high humidity, moderately dry soil, and warm temperatures and grows well in strong indirect light, although it can withstand low light levels.