Repotting guide

When & how to repot Philodendron Gigas (Philodendron gigas)

Also called Philodendron Gigas, Gigas, Velvet Giant Philodendron.

More about philodendron gigas

About Philodendron Gigas

Philodendron gigas · also called Philodendron Gigas, Gigas · tropical

Philodendron gigas is a rare climbing aroid from Panama, prized for huge, velvety, deep-green leaves with pale veins. Give it bright indirect light, a chunky aroid mix, high humidity, and a moss pole to climb. It is toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalates), so keep it well out of reach of curious pets.

Mature size: Indoors, typically climbs to around 1.5-2.5 m (5-8 ft) on a support over several years, with individual leaves reaching 30-60 cm or more on mature, well-grown plants. Far larger in its native habitat.

Watch for — 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.

How to tell philodendron gigas needs repotting

Repotting on a calendar is less reliable than reading the plant. For philodendron gigas, watch for these signs:

Roots poking out of the drainage holes or coiling visibly around the inside of the pot.
You are watering far more often than you used to because the rootball dries out within a day or two.
Water runs straight through and out the bottom without soaking in.
Top growth has slowed or new philodendron gigas leaves are noticeably smaller than older ones despite good light.

For the underlying biology of a pot-bound root system and why it stalls a plant, see our guide to spotting and fixing a root-bound plant.

How often to repot philodendron gigas

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast. Philodendron Gigas's growth habit — a vigorous climbing hemiepiphyte: in the wild it scrambles up rainforest trees, and indoors it climbs a moss pole or trellis, putting out progressively larger velvety leaves as it gains height and develops aerial roots. — sets the pace. Philodendron gigas is a rare climbing aroid from Panama, prized for huge, velvety, deep-green leaves with pale veins. Give it bright indirect light, a chunky aroid mix, high humidity, and a moss pole to climb. It is toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalates), so keep it well out of reach of curious pets.

What size pot to step philodendron gigas up to

Step up one pot size — about 2–3 cm (an inch) wider. Philodendron Gigas grows fast, so it will fill that space within a season, but jumping several sizes at once still backfires: the unused soil stays soggy and rots even a vigorous root system. One size at a time, every year or so, is the rhythm.

Not sure of the exact diameter? Our pot size calculator takes the current pot and root spread and tells you the right next size — it deliberately recommends a single step up, never a big jump.

The best time of year to repot philodendron gigas

Early spring, just as new growth restarts, is the ideal window for philodendron gigas. The plant is moving into its strongest growth phase and re-roots into fresh soil quickly. Avoid repotting in winter dormancy or, for flowering plants, while it is in bud or bloom — recovery is slowest then and you risk dropping the flowers.

Step-by-step: repotting philodendron gigas

Time it for spring. Repot philodendron gigas in early spring as growth restarts so it re-roots quickly into the fresh soil.
Choose one size up. Pick a pot about 2–3 cm wider with drainage holes. One step only — a much bigger pot stays soggy and rots roots.
Ease the plant out. Water lightly the day before, then tip philodendron gigas out and gently loosen any roots circling the bottom of the rootball.
Repot at the same depth. Put a layer of fresh chunky, fast-draining aroid mix in the new pot, set the plant so its soil line is unchanged, and backfill, firming lightly.
Water and pause feeding. Water once to settle the soil. Hold off fertiliser for about a month — fresh mix already has nutrients and feeding now burns new roots.

Aftercare

Water philodendron gigas once to settle the soil, then let the surface dry before watering again — fresh mix around the roots stays wetter than the old compacted ball, so the commonest post-repot mistake is overwatering. Keep it out of direct sun for a week or two while roots re-establish. Do not fertilise for about 4 weeks — fresh mix already carries nutrients and feeding freshly disturbed roots scorches them.

The right soil mix for philodendron gigas

Philodendron Gigas wants 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. Always use fresh mix when you repot — reusing old, broken-down soil reintroduces the compaction and poor drainage you are repotting to fix.

Repotting philodendron gigas — frequently asked questions

How often should you repot philodendron gigas?

Every 12–18 months — sooner if roots show fast for philodendron gigas. Repot philodendron gigas roughly every 12–18 months, in early spring as growth restarts. It grows fast and circles its pot quickly, so step up one size (about 2–3 cm wider) into fresh chunky, fast-draining aroid mix. Don't jump several sizes — that soggy excess soil is what rots vigorous roots.

What size pot does philodendron gigas need?

When is the best time of year to repot philodendron gigas?

Can you put philodendron gigas straight into a much bigger pot?

No. Even a fast-growing philodendron gigas should only go up one pot size at a time. A vastly oversized pot holds a reservoir of wet soil the roots cannot reach, which stays cold and soggy and rots the roots — the opposite of what you wanted.

Should you fertilise philodendron gigas after repotting?

Not immediately. Wait about 4 weeks after repotting philodendron gigas. Fresh mix already contains nutrients, and feeding freshly cut or disturbed roots burns them. Resume your normal feeding routine once you see new growth.