Plant care
Philodendron Gigastemperature & humidity
Philodendron gigas
More about philodendron gigas
Ideal temperature for philodendron gigas
Temperature kills fewer philodendron gigas plants than you'd think. What kills them is the micro-climate within a normal-temperature room — a leaf pressed against single-glazed winter glass, the hot dry updraft directly above a radiator, the cold blast from an AC vent. The thermostat reading at 18-27 C (65-80 F) is fine; the spot you put the plant in matters more. Below roughly 18°C the damage starts — soft blackened patches, translucent leaves, sometimes overnight.
Cold tolerance & winter care
Philodendron Gigas is frost-tender (USDA 10-12 (outdoors); grown as a houseplant elsewhere, RHS undefined). It cannot survive a frost, so in most of the US and UK it lives indoors year-round or summers outside and comes back in well before the first autumn frost — once nights drop toward 10-12°C is the cue, not the first frost warning. Acclimate it over a week when moving between indoors and out so the leaves do not shock.
Humidity for philodendron gigas
Philodendron Gigas sits happiest at around 60% or higher relative humidity. 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. The usual low-humidity tell is crisp brown leaf tips and edges while the soil moisture is fine — a sign the air, not the watering, is the problem. If you need to raise it, the reliable methods are grouping plants together, standing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles (the pot above the waterline, never in it), or running a small humidifier in winter when indoor heating dries the air most. Misting is the least effective — it raises humidity for minutes, not hours.
Philodendron Gigas temperature & humidity — frequently asked questions
What temperature is best for philodendron gigas?
Philodendron Gigas grows best between 18-27 C (65-80 F). Keep it out of cold draughts, off freezing windowsills in winter, and away from the hot dry air directly above radiators — the extremes matter far more than the average room temperature.
How cold can philodendron gigas tolerate?
Philodendron Gigas starts to suffer below roughly 18°C. It is frost-tender and will be damaged or killed by a frost, so bring it indoors once nights fall toward 10-12°C.
What humidity does philodendron gigas need?
Philodendron Gigas prefers about 60% or higher relative humidity. 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.
How do I raise humidity for philodendron gigas?
Group it with other plants, stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles (kept above the waterline), or run a small humidifier in winter. Misting only helps for a few minutes, so it is the weakest option for a plant that genuinely needs more humidity.
Can philodendron gigas live outside?
Philodendron Gigas is rated for USDA zone 10-12 (outdoors); grown as a houseplant elsewhere. Outside that range it must come indoors before the first frost — treat any outdoor stint as a summer holiday, not a permanent home.
More philodendron gigas care
In the UK? Keeping philodendron gigas warm in a UK home covers the radiator, single-glazing and heating-season humidity angle. Temperature and humidity are one piece. See the full philodendron gigas care guide, its cold-hardiness guide, and watering schedule — humidity and watering problems are easy to confuse.