Philodendron Gigas (Gigas) care

Light

Philodendron Gigas is what florists mean by "bright spot, no direct sun" — close enough to a south or east window to feel the brightness, with a sheer curtain or a few feet of distance keeping the sun off the leaves. Bright, indirect light (an east-facing window or a few feet back from a brighter one is ideal). Avoid direct sun, which scorches the velvety leaf surface; in too little light, growth stretches and new leaves stay small. A phone lux-meter at the leaf surface should read 1,500-3,000 lux at noon.

Watering

Water philodendron gigas when the top 1-2 inches of mix are dry, roughly weekly in summer and less in winter. The actual day count varies with pot size, light, and season — the finger test (or lifting the pot to feel its weight) is more reliable than a fixed calendar. Empty any drainage saucer afterwards so the pot isn't sitting in water. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, then let the top 1-2 inches of the aroid mix dry before watering again. Both overwatering and prolonged dryness cause wilting and yellowing; never leave the roots sitting in water.

Soil and pot

Philodendron Gigas grows best in chunky, fast-draining aroid mix. Use an airy aroid blend of orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and a little horticultural charcoal. This holds moisture while keeping oxygen around the roots. Standard dense potting soil stays too wet and invites root rot. A pot with a working drainage hole is non-negotiable for this species — even free-draining mix will turn soggy in a closed planter. If you love the look of a decorative pot without a hole, use it as a cachepot around an inner nursery pot you can lift out to water.

Humidity and temperature

Philodendron Gigas sits happiest at around 60% or higher humidity and 18-27 C (65-80 F). A high-humidity lover; aim for 60%+ (it tolerates 50% but leaf edges may brown). Consistent humidity from a humidifier or pebble tray encourages larger, healthier leaves and prevents crispy margins. If you keep the room above 18 year-round and avoid placing the plant near a cold draught, a hot radiator, or an air-conditioning vent, you have already handled the two biggest indoor stressors.

Fertilising

Feed philodendron gigas sparingly. Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Stop or greatly reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows, to avoid a buildup of mineral salts that can scorch roots and yellow the leaves. Skip fertiliser entirely on a stressed, recently-repotted, or actively wilting plant — fertiliser salts make damage worse, not better. Wait for a round of healthy new growth before resuming a feeding rhythm.

Common problems

Below are the issues we see most often on philodendron gigas in the Growli community. Each is annotated with the most common cause so you know where to start.

• Yellowing leaves — Usually overwatering or soggy mix; also possible with nutrient shortage or over-fertilizing. Check that the top inches dry between waterings and that the pot drains freely.
• Brown, crispy leaf edges — A sign of low humidity or letting the plant dry out too far. Raise humidity to 60%+ and keep watering consistent.
• Faded or scorched leaf patches — Direct sun bleaches and burns the velvety surface. Move to bright indirect light behind a sheer curtain.
• Spider mites and thrips — The large velvety leaves attract sap-sucking pests, especially in dry air. Inspect regularly, wipe leaves, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem if found.
• Mealybugs and scale — Appear as white cottony tufts or brown bumps along stems and leaf joints. Dab with diluted alcohol and treat repeatedly until cleared.
• Root rot — Caused by dense, waterlogged soil. Use a chunky aroid mix, ensure drainage, and repot into fresh mix if roots turn brown and mushy.

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings: take a cutting with at least one node (and ideally a leaf), then root it in water, damp sphagnum moss, or a moist aroid mix until new roots form before potting up. Keep humidity high and warmth steady while it establishes. Propagation is the cheapest, most satisfying way to expand a collection — and it doubles as insurance against losing a mature plant to an accident. Take a backup cutting once the parent is established and healthy.

Toxicity to pets

Philodendron Gigas is toxic to pets. Toxic to cats and dogs. Philodendron gigas is not individually named in the ASPCA database, but ASPCA lists multiple Philodendron species (e.g. heartleaf, tree, split-leaf) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, and no Philodendron is listed as non-toxic. Chewing causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting; keep out of reach and verify with your vet if ingested. If you keep cats, dogs, or curious children in the house, weigh placement carefully — a high shelf or a hanging planter is enough for casual safety. For severe ingestion incidents, call your local vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (in the US, 888-426-4435).

Pet-safety status is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, which catalogues the most-asked-about plants for cats, dogs, and horses.

Philodendron Gigas deep-dive guides

Every aspect of philodendron gigas care, each with its own calibrated guide:

• Philodendron Gigas watering schedule
• Philodendron Gigas light requirements
• Best soil mix for philodendron gigas
• Philodendron Gigas fertilizing guide
• When to repot philodendron gigas
• How to propagate philodendron gigas
• Philodendron Gigas growth rate & size
• Philodendron Gigas cold hardiness
• Philodendron Gigas temperature & humidity
• Is philodendron gigas toxic to cats & dogs?

Related guides

Philodendron Gigas is also known as Philodendron Gigas, Gigas, and Velvet Giant Philodendron.

• Types of philodendron — varieties identified, with care and pet-safety
• Monstera care — light, water and common problems
• Pothos care — light, water and common problems
• Fiddle leaf fig care — light, water and common problems
• All 609 plant care guides in the Growli library