Philodendron Maximum (Maximum Philodendron) care

Light

Bright but filtered. Philodendron Maximum burns within days in unfiltered south-facing summer sun, and stops growing within months in deep shade. Bright indirect light fuels the largest leaves and best leaf texture. It tolerates medium light but stays smaller. Keep out of harsh direct sun, which scorches the broad glossy surfaces of the oversized leaves. If you only have a south window, set the plant back 1.5 m or hang a sheer curtain — both knock the intensity down into the right range.

Watering

Watering philodendron maximum: when the top 2-3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. The number that matters isn't the day of the week — it's how dry the top 2-3 cm of the pot feels. A finger in the soil tells you more than a watering app. After every watering, tip the saucer. Water thoroughly until it drains, then let the top of the mix dry before watering again. This large, fast grower drinks heavily in warm bright spells but must never sit waterlogged; reduce watering in winter.

Soil and pot

Philodendron Maximum grows best in well-draining aroid mix. A chunky blend of potting soil, orchid bark, perlite and coco coir gives the drainage and aeration this vigorous giant needs. Its robust root system dislikes dense, water-retentive soil that stays soggy. 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 Maximum sits happiest at around 60-80% humidity and 18-29°C (65-85°F). High humidity supports the largest, cleanest leaves; below about 50% the broad foliage can brown at the edges and grow smaller. Use a humidifier or pebble tray, or site it in a humid room, to keep the giant leaves developing well. 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 maximum sparingly. Feed every 3-4 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half strength to fuel its vigorous, large-leaved growth. Reduce or stop in winter. This heavy grower benefits from consistent feeding during the active season. 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 maximum in the Growli community. Each is annotated with the most common cause so you know where to start.

• Smaller-than-expected leaves — Without a sturdy climbing support, ample light and high humidity, leaves stay small. Provide a strong moss pole, bright indirect light and humidity above 60% to develop the giant foliage.
• Yellowing leaves — Typically overwatering or poor drainage. Let the top of the soil dry between waterings and confirm the pot drains freely.
• Brown leaf edges — Low humidity or salt buildup on this large-leaved species. Raise humidity above 60% and flush the pot periodically with clean water.
• Toppling or unstable plant — Its heavy mature leaves can make the plant top-heavy. Use a strong, well-anchored support and a substantial pot to keep it stable.

Propagation

Propagate from stem cuttings taken just below a node, each with at least one node and ideally an aerial root. Root in damp sphagnum moss or a chunky aroid mix in warm, very humid conditions; the large species roots reliably but needs space as 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 Maximum is toxic to pets. Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA, which classifies the Philodendron genus as toxic due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes intense oral burning and irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep this large plant well out of reach of pets and children. 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 Maximum deep-dive guides

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

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

Featured in these plant shortlists

Philodendron Maximum qualifies for 4 curated Growli shortlists — each one filtered objectively from our structured plant-care library, so the selection is consistent and checkable:

• Best plants for a north-facing window — Houseplants for a north-facing window: bright, even, indirect light and no scorching direct sun. Each pick verified against its documented light needs.
• Best trailing & climbing houseplants — Vining and trailing houseplants for shelves, hanging pots, and moss poles — selected by growth habit.
• Best humidity-loving houseplants — Houseplants that thrive in a bathroom, kitchen, or by a humidifier — selected by documented humidity preference.
• Houseplants toxic to cats & dogs — The common houseplants the ASPCA lists as toxic to cats and dogs — the ones to keep out of reach, each with its symptoms and a safe alternative.
• Browse all 29 plant shortlists — pet-safe, low-light, drought-tolerant and more

Related guides

Philodendron Maximum is also commonly called Maximum Philodendron or Giant Philodendron.

• Types of philodendron — varieties identified, with care and pet-safety
• Snake plant care — light, water and common problems
• Dracaena care — light, water and common problems
• Peperomia care — light, water and common problems
• All 2464 plant care guides in the Growli library