Philodendron Giganteum: Where to Buy, and Care Tips

Not only does Philodendron giganteum beautiful plant cover up your space, but it also adds a splash of greenery to your corner.

Besides, the plant is not extremely hard to care for. If so, why not get yourself one?

If you are thinking of bringing them to your space, understanding the basics of the plant is a must.

I have incorporated all of the necessary information about their care tips, common problems, and places to buy them in the article.

So hop into the article and know how to better care for your Philodendron giganteum.

Overview of Philodendron giganteum

The general overview of our Philodendron giganteum with its optimum requirements looks like this:

Where to Buy Philodendron giganteum?

Are you worried about where to get yourself a Philodendron giganteum? Well, several sellers sell it both in retail and wholesale.

Besides, you can place your order from an online portal, which, by far, is the easiest and most convenient means.

These portal have expanded their service globally. So, you can place your order from any corner of the world and caress yourself to get the lovely plant.

Here are some of the portals where you can buy Philodendron giganteum.

Plant Guide and Care Tips for Philodendron giganteum

Let me warn you first; Philodendron giganteum is a tropical plant, demanding slightly more care than a normal plant.

So if you are a plant newbie, a tropical plant like Philodendron giganteum might not be a better option.

Anyways, why be afraid of the risk involved? Calm yourself, as I am here to guide you regarding the best care tips for Philodendron giganteum.

In the subheadings below, I will explain the care requirements and favorable conditions required for the Philodendron giganteum.

1. Adequate Sunlight and Proper Location

Tropical plants love to bathe in bright light. However, keep in mind that they are vulnerable to direct sunlight.

In the natural environment, they grow under the canopy of large tropical trees. So, I suggest growing them under shades on the patio or indoors.

Generally, your Philodendron giganteum requires 70-80% of the total light intensity.

It is ideal for providing your Philodendron giganteum with 8-10 hours of bright indirect light.

Place the plant near a window or patio reflecting morning sun or afternoon shades.

In case of insufficient light, you might lose the lush green pigmentation of your plant. In low light, chlorophyll cannot function well, and thus a reduction in chlorophyll pigment causes a loss of green color.

However, extreme exposure to sunlight causes burning and curling of foliage, stunted growth, and a high rate of transpiration.

Tips to Provide Adequate Sunlight

• Place the plant near a window or patio reflecting morning sun or afternoon shades.
• Ensure to rotate, the plant obtains balanced growth.
• You can opt to keep your plant outdoors during winter as the intensity of light indoors is low. However, do not leave them outside on icy cold nights.

  

• Introduce your plants to grow lights like fluorescent lights for 7-10 hours a day.
• Avoid moving the plant from a brighter corner to a low-light corner.
• You can also draw a light curtain to avoid direct sun exposure.

2. Ideal Temperature

Like many other tropical plants, Philodendron giganteum adores a slightly warm temperature.

It is better to keep them under the temperature range of 55 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit (13-27 degrees Celcius). 

You must ensure that the temperature does get low than 55 degrees Fahrenheit as the cellular activities cease and the cell bursts at such a low temperature.

Similarly, avoid high temperatures, which result in the burning of foliage and excessive transpiration.

Tips to Maintain Adequate Temperature

• High humidity balances extremely high temperatures that cause water loss.
• Avoid sunny locations for your Philodendron giganteum.
• You can prevent temperature loss from soil by creating insulation. Cover the topsoil layer with mulch like straw, dried grass, etc.
• Use frost blankets and heating pads to protect plants from cold.
• Developing a greenhouse is the best method to regulate the temperature of plants in winter.
• Avoid placing your plant by windows during winter as the temperature fluctuation is high.
• Do not place your plant in drafty areas, heating and cooling vents like radiators, heaters, etc.

3. Proper Watering

How often do you water your Philodendron giganteum?

In the natural habitat, Philodendron giganteum grows under shades where the soil stays consistently moist. Hence, it is necessary to resemble the same environment for better growth of your plant.

Therefore, it is ideal to water your plant once a week in summer and twice or thrice a month in winter.

How to revive Underwatered Philodendron giganteum?

The first sign you notice of underwatered Philodendron is dry and drooping leaves. Its other signs include browning and discoloration of foliage.

Here is how to revive your underwater Philodendron giganteum.

• Fill a shallow container with normal tap water or tepid water.
• Now, drench your plant in the container.
• Leave the plant for a couple of minutes. You will notice air bubbles forming at the top of the soil. Wait until the bubble stops forming. Once the bubbles stop, take the pot out of the water.
• Then, leave the plant in a well-lit space. Continue the process two or three times to revive your plant. However, ensure that the soil is dry in between repeating the process.
• However, if your plant is huge, it might not be easy to drench the pot. For such, water the plant immediately until the water does not drain out.

How to revive Overwatered Philodendron giganteum?

Overwatering in Philodendron giganteum generally causes limping, drooping, and wilting of leaves. Overwatering also causes root rot and stunted growth in plants.

If your plant is exhibiting these symptoms, here is how to treat them.

• Let the soil dry for 1/2 day. If the plant shows signs of revival, leave it to revive naturally and do not water it.
• However, if the plant exhibits more severe symptoms, take it out of the pot and inspect its roots. If the roots are soggy and limp, it has undergone root rot.
• For such a case, remove all the limp and mushy parts and leave the root to dry in the air.
• At this point, you can spread some of the antifungal power to prevent the further spread of root rot.
• Now, repot the plant in a new potting mix. Ensure the pot you are using has sufficient drainage holes.

Tips for Proper Watering

• Consider watering your plant only after the top 2-3 inches of the soil dries out.
• Avoid complete drying of the soil, as the plant loves consistently moist soil.
• Try using salt-free water, as the accumulation of salts causes root injuries and stunted growth.
• Use water that is at room temperature. Avoid using excessively cold or hot water as it stresses the plant.
• Reduce the watering frequency to half in the winter and rainy seasons.
• Empty the water collected in the saucer as soon as possible to avoid root sitting in the water.
• Thoroughly water the plant till the water drains out of the drainage holes.

4. High Humidity

How is the humidity around your Philodendron giganteum? How to know if your plant is not receiving high humidity?

If you are bewildered by such questions, let me help you out.

If your plant is exhibiting symptoms like curling, wilting, and drooping of the leaves, then it might have been subject to low humidity.

Low humidity in Philodendrons causes a high rate of transpiration. As a result, plants wilts and droop.

Philodendron giganteum adores a humidity higher than 60% of the relative humidity.

Tips to Maintain High Humidity

• The best method to maintain humidity around your plant is to use a humidifier. However, the technique might be slightly costly compared to others.
• Another is to mist the leaves of your Philodendron using spray bottles. But, always ensure to mist them in the early hour of the day.
• You can also increase humidity by grouping your plant. Though, I rarely suggest this method as it increases the chances of disease and pest infestation.
• You can place a wet pebble tray below the pot or near your plant.
• Alternatively, you can keep them near the kitchen or bathroom as the humidity is high.

5. Soil Type

Another important factor in caring for a healthy Philodendron giganteum is using the right soil type.

The quality of soil you use largely impacts the growth and health of your plant. Hence, always be careful with the soil type.

Philodendron giganteum adores light, porous, high nutrient, and consistently moist soil. Hence, try using soil that can retain water for a longer period. Also, try maintaining slightly acidic soil pH.

The ideal soil pH for Philodendron giganteum is between 5.5 and 6.5.

If you are looking for a proper soil mix for Philodendron, I advise you to use an equal ratio of cactus and succulent mix, perlite, and sphagnum moss. 

Also, I advise you to add coconut husk, bark, charcoal, rice husk, dried leaves, coco peat, peat moss, etc., to the potting mix to obtain a lighter combination.

A lighter soil mix reduces soil compaction and thus supports good air circulation for roots.

6. Proper Fertilization

From my experience of growing Philodendron giganteum, I can assure you that they are not a voracious feeder for sure.

However, they repay you with lush green broad leaves if you fertilize them regularly.

Moreover, insufficient fertilization in them causes curling and limping of foliage. It also leads to stunted growth and a dull appearance.

Thus, I recommend you fertilize them once every two months in their growing season. Remember, you need not fertilize them in the winter as the plant goes under dormancy.

It is best to use organic fertilizer as it is slowly releasing.

Alternatively, you can also use chemical fertilizer such as balanced liquid foliage boosting, all-purpose liquid fertilizer, or balanced N.P.K in the ratio 5-5-5.

However, be careful not to overfertilize as it accumulates salts, leading to root stress and stunted growth.

7. Growth Habits

Philodendron giganteum produces large heart-shaped leaves with elongated veins undersides. Seemingly, the leaf appears like an elephant’s ear bulging out of a long stem.

Interestingly, the leaves can reach a length of about two feet.

The plant can reach a height of several feet when grown direct in the ground.

If I were to share my experience with you, I would say Philodendron giganteum is a moderate grower. They generally produce a new leaf ranging from a month to two or three.

You can enhance their growth rate by providing them with the right environmental condition and nutrition.

8. Flowering Habits

Stating about flowers, you would occasionally see them flowering. Philodendron giganteum is better known for its foliage than flowers.

The flowers of Philodendron giganteum are not showy and catchy. Philodendron starts producing flowers only when it reaches maturity which takes about 10-15 years in general.

As the phenomenon is rare it might be exciting to see them bloom but I do not recommend growing flowers in them.

My rule of thumbs to unshowy flowers is ‘Say No to Flowers’. However, you can always let them grow and bloom.

9. Regular Pruning

You might not want to cut back your well-growing Philodendron giganteum. But, hey, it is for their good. Pruning enhances new and healthy growth in plants.

However, good news lies on the side as you do not need to prune them often.

It is sufficient to prune them once in a year or two.

Pruning should be done during late fall as the forthcoming spring will bring new growths and life to the plant.

Here are a few tips to care for while pruning Philodendron giganteum.

• The plant does not need excessive pruning, so trim only the dead, damaged, discolored parts that have less probability of regrowing.
• Know the right time and right way to prune your Plant.
• Make sure to use a sterilized pruning instrument to avoid the spread of infection.
• Prune only 20% of the parts. And ensure to prune old stems and leaves.
• Shape your plant as you desire. And thin down only dense growth.

10. Potting and Repotting

Like other varieties of Philodendron, Philodendron giganteum does not like to be root bound. Thus, it is simple as it sounds, Philodendron giganteum will require frequent repotting if you use a small pot.

However, be cautious not to choose a much larger pot. It affects the plant firstly by retaining water, making soil soggy, and secondly because the plant will invest in root development. Thus the plant might exhibit problems like root rot and stunted growth.

The ideal size pot for your Philodendron giganteum is a pot that is 2 inches larger than the root ball of the plant. Also you can also use a pot that is 6-10 inches in size.

The next equally important factor is the potting material. Consider using a pot that is breathable, can ooze out water, can balance temperature, and has good drainage holes.

I advise you to use a terracotta pot or a clay pot, as both of the pots possess these qualities.

Repotting Philodendron giganteum

You might have been aware that your Philodendron needs to be repotted. So, When is the best time to do so?

Generally, Philodendron giganteum requires repotting once in two to three years.

However, you can also figure it out by inspecting the roots of the plant.

If the roots are entangled and are poking out from the drainage holes, it means the plant is root-bound and thus requires repotting.

Here are a few tips to care for before repotting your Philodendron giganteum.

• Water the plant thoroughly a day before repotting it.
• Take out the plant from the pot by gripping the base of the stem.
• Take a clean pot and layer it with a few pebbles at the bottom.
• Fill the pot with the pointing mix and place the plant at the center of the pot. Here, ensure you put the plant to the same depth as it was in the earlier pot for better adaptation to the new environment.
• Then, fill the pot with the potting mix from the sides. However, try not to fill it up to the brim, as you will need some space to add fertilizer in the forthcoming days.
• Water the plant thoroughly and level it in the same environment as it was earlier.

11. Toxicity of Plant

A threat that plants can pose to you is their toxicity. And, you must be safe from Philodendron giganteum as it contains calcium oxalate crystals.

All parts of Philodendron giganteum are toxic to both humans and pets.

In humans, it shows symptoms like difficulty in breathing and swallowing, swollen lips and tongue, vomiting, irritation and burning sensation in the stomach, etc.

Similarly, in pets, it shows symptoms like drooling, vomiting, irritability, pawing at the mouth, etc.

You should take medical help in case of such symptoms.

Similarly, for pets you can seek help from a local veteran or Call the APCC at (888) 426-4435.

Propagation Methods for Philodendron giganteum

Philodendron gigantuem is a self-header plant that stands stiff and does not require support for climbing. Philodendron giganteum, being a seld header plant, is generally difficult to propagate.

Propagation of climbing Philodendrons is comparatively easier as they can easily be propagated via Stem cuttings.

If you are up for the challenge to propagate Philodendron giganteum, let us move on.

There are generally two ways of propagating Philodendron giaganteum. They are;

• Propagation via Stem cuttings
• Propagation via Air layering

Technically, Philodendron giganteum can also be propagated by seeds. But this will need the plant to bloom which is very rare indoors.

Propagation by seeds is usually adopted by pro nursery growers as the seed needs to be properly processed and packed.

1. Propagation via Stem Cuttings

Philodendron giganteum develops from a single stem, which, only after maturity, elongates indicating that the plant is ready to take stem cuttings.

You can take cuttings from a plant that has reached a height of 7 inches or above. Ensure the small plantlet popping out of the older stem has developed aerial roots.

Now, the plant is ready to be propagated.

Here are steps to follow in order to propagate Philodendron giganteum via stem cuttings.

1. Take sterilized sharp pruning shears or a knife and make an incision just below the node from where the aerial roots are popping out.
2. Let the stem cutting dry for an hour to two.
3. Apply rooting hormone and antifungal power. However, the process is totally optional.
4. Then, fetch a clean pot and layer a little gravel at its bottom.
5. Fill the pot with a proper potting mix or soaked sphagnum moss and fill the pot with half of it.
6. Next, place the plant at the center and fill the pot with the rest of the medium.
7. Water the plant thoroughly if you are propagating in a soil medium.
8. If you are propagating the stem cutting in water, Take a clean and transparent jar filled with tap water.
9. And place the cuttings in water. Ensure to change the water once every 3-4 days.
10. Place the plant in a bright corner.

Within one month or two, the plant will start producing well-developed roots and leaves.

Pro Tip- Make the incision at an angle of 45 as a larger surface area enhances rooting

2. Propagation via Air Layering

The way is pretty much similar to the method of stem cuttings. However, Air layering is a slightly difficult but highly successful method in comparison.

So, let us dive direct into the process of Air layering.

1. Inspect an older stem for aerial roots at the base of the stem.
2. Take a transparent plastic bag of about 6-7 inches and a tying string or thread.
3. Now, poke a few holes at the bottom of the plastic bag and fill it with a handful of wet sphagnum moss.
4. Tear apart the tip portion of the plastic bag into two flaps.
5. Now, using both of your hands, hold the two ends without dropping sphagnum moss.
6. Wrap the plastic of Sphagnum moss around the aerial roots without injuring the roots.
7. Tie the plastic with a string or thread.
8. Ensure to keep the sphagnum moss consistently moist by misting water through the holes.
9. After about a couple of weeks, you will see roots through the plastic bag.
10. When you feel that the roots have developed well, cut the stem below the node.
11. Let the cutting dry up for a couple of hours.
12. Remove the plastic, and then the stem is ready to be planted.
13. Plant the new Philodendron giganteum in a well-draining potting mix, water the plant, and leave it in a bright space.

Also, watch,

Common Problems of Philodendron Giganteum

1. Pest Infestation

As a general rule, the Philodendron giganteum is resilient and robust against pests. That being said, do not chill out. I repeat again, Do not chill out.

If not given proper care and in the plant’s weak state, it might get infected with pests. Thus, you need to sneak a peek at your plant every day to notice the signs of pest infestation and treat them in time.

Here are some of the common pests in Philodendron giganteum and their symptoms.

Solutions

• Remove all the infected parts using sterilized pruning shears.
• You can easily scrape off pests like scales with a blunt knife or blade.
• Spraying soap water is another way to knock off pests.
• Spray the infected part with isopropyl alcohol. Else, dip a cotton ball in the alcohol and gently rub the infected part with it.
• Spray your plants with neem or other horticultural oils.
• You can also use synthetic insecticides and pesticides containing pyrethrin in case of incidence.

Preventive Measures

• Wipe off the plant’s leaf once every 1 to 2 weeks.
• Avoid grouping your plant with other infected plants.
• A shower to the plant once a week is also beneficial as it washes off pests and their eggs.
• Avoid soggy soil as it is a pests hub.
• Regularly inspect plant leaves for insect eggs so you can remove them before it hatches.

2. Common Disease

Here is another piece of information to cheer you up.

Philodendron giganteum is not highly susceptible to diseases. However, unfavorable conditions might yield diseases and infections.

Generally, high moisture, soggy soil, and heat are the major culprits to Philodendron that invites diseases and parasitic infections.

The two major diseases in Philodendron giganteum are root rot and Bacterial Leaf Spot.

Root Rot

Causative agent- Rhizoctonia sp

Symptoms

• Yellowing and browning of the leaves
• Wilting, drooping, and falling off of the leaves
• Degeneration of the lower leaves that gradually spreads to the upper part of the plant
• Mushy roots
• Foul order from the soil
• Stunted growth

  

Bacterial Leaf Spot

Causative agent- Erwinia spp.

Symptoms

• Water-soaked marks develop on the leaves
• On severe infestation, these marks convert into dark lesions
• Drooping and wilting of the leaf, along with black lesions
• Fishy order comes from the leaf

Treatment for infection

• Cut all of the infected parts with sterilized scissors.
• Inspect the root of the plant. Repot it if the roots have started to rot.
• Use a new potting mix and a pot with good drainage holes.
• Spray the whole plant with fungicides.
• Also, apply antifungal powder on the roots that have undergone rotting.
• Sometimes magnesium deficiency can also lead to an infestation. For such a case, use magnesium leaf spray.

Preventive Measures

• Avoid misting your leaves at night. Mist your leaves in the morning, as the water can dry out quickly in daylight.
• Never leave the soil soggy and waterlogged.
• Inspect for signs of diseases in them.
• Spray your plant with a fungicide once or twice a year.
• Avoid overhead watering and aim for a bottom-water approach for optimal watering.

FAQs About Philodendron giganteum

1. Is there Variegated Philodendron gigenteum?

Variegated Philodendron giganteum is a rare variety of large leaf species.

The striking light green or off-white variation in the lush green leaves is what makes it phenomenal. Its leaves can grow broad, and it is a filler that can easily fill and jazz up your space.

2. Is Philodendron giganteum a climbing plant?

Unlike other varieties of Philodendron, Philodendron giganteum is not specifically a climbing plant.

It is classified as a self-header plant that has a strong stem and can stand upright without any support.

But, the plant possesses this feature only till it is young. On maturity, the plant craves some kind of support to climb up. You can even support the plant with a moss stick.