Philodendron Gigas is a philodendron plant that gives you velvety green leaves. Under ideal growing conditions, it shows multiple colors of green and copper. Only mature leaves turn into green- copper color.
You will not easily find this plant in your local garden store. Because of the high demand, it always remains out of stock. Once you see it in the garden store immediately grab it.
To grow this plant at home you need to learn about its growing requirements. Below is the complete care guide of the philodendron Gigas plant.
About the Plant
If you take care of every single growing need of it. Then your plant can reach 8 to 10 feet height. Its leaves can also grow to a noticeable size near about 2 to 3 feet.
To grow long leaves you must need to fertilize your plants with high-quality fertilizer.
If you like you can grow it in hanging baskets. In the initial stage of growth, the plant leaves only show green color. When they get matured the leaves turn into greenish-copper color.
If you like climbing plants then just give it sufficient support and it will start climbing.
You will surely need to repot it frequently because it is a fast grower.
Light Needs
Philodendron Gigas need low bright light to grow. It has large size leaves. These leaves absorb a high amount of light even in low-light conditions. So, you do not need to arrange special light for it.
But do not put it in the darkroom or in very low light. This will result in stretchy growth and your plant will produce fewer leaves.
And color variation is not possible in dark conditions.
Place the plant pot near the eat-facing window and it will grow happily.
If you want to grow it in your outdoor garden. Then locate a shady place for it. A place that only gets light in the morning and evening.
Arrange some shade for the plant in the afternoon. To protect it from the high intense sun rays.
Note: No need to use grow lights because your normal halogen or ceiling light is enough to full fill its light needs. In the absence of natural light.
Potting Soil
Gigas plant needs soil that retains water for long without being wet or heavy. Therefore, you need to choose soil that contains lightweight materials.
The combinations of orchid bark, perlite, sphagnum moss, and compost make a perfect well-draining soil. This type of soil can hold the water content for a long time.
You can also create your own potting soil for the above-mentioned ingredients. If you do not have enough experience with potting soil. Then you can choose commercial potting soil. Many best potting soils are available in garden stores.
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Watering
Moderation is the secret of watering the philodendron gigas plant. Do not let the potting soil dry or your plant will face serious problems.
Before watering allow the top level of the soil to dry. This will help to prevent water-related issues.
Do not mist water on plant leaves this will increase the chances of leaf fungal diseases.
Do not use water that contains heavy minerals because these minerals get collected on the base of the plant. Then they attach to the roots and block the smooth functioning of roots.
To prevent this condition always use clean water. I use drinkable water for my plants.
Fertilization
Weekly fertilization is suitable for the good health of philodendron Gigas. You should use liquid fertilizers that release their nutrients at a slower rate.
Generally, philodendron plants do not need fertilizers. But when we grow them in containers. They only have a limited amount of soil to absorb nutrients. This increases the chances of nutrient deficiencies.
You will hardly see nutrient deficiencies in the ground-rooted plants. Because they get everything from the ground.
They also share nutrients with nearby growing plants. This is not possible in the case of container gardening.
So, you need to supply them with the nutrients separately.
Temperature & Humidity
For this particular philodendron maintain the room temperature between 55 to 90 degrees F. If it drops below 50 F your plant will not survive.
The sap of the plant starts freezing and the leaves start turning yellow. The cold weather and cold winds damage the internal transportation system of the plant.
For humidity levels maintain it above 60%. If your general home humidity is 50% or above your plant will not face problems.
In case of very low humidity, you need to use an electric humidifier.
Repotting
When the roots are visible over the pot or when you overfertilize your plants. In both cases, you need to repot the plant.
In the first case repot it to the bigger pot because its roots are growing. They need extra space to remain healthy.
In the second case, you do not need to buy a big-size pot. All you need to do is change the potting soil and plant your philodendron gigas in new fresh soil.
Terracotta pots are best to use, they increase the draining powers of the soil.
Propagation
Take a 4 to 6 inches long stem cutting then dip it in the rooting hormone and plant it in the fresh pot. Then put the plant pot in high humidity and give it proper care.
Make sure the cutting is healthy and have one or two leaves at the top section.
You can also use a glass of water instead of potting soil.
Place the stem cutting in a glass of water without dabbing in the rooting hormone. Change the water once it gets dirty. Within a few days you will see new roots growing from the cut.
Once these roots are 1 to 1.5 inches long then you can transfer the plant to its final pot. Give it the proper care and it will grow happily.
Conclusion
Philodendron Gigas is a very rare plant you will be lucky if you find it in your local garden store.
This philodendron needs the same care as its other family members. You do not need to change anything in the care routine.
Protect your plant from overwatering and direct sun exposure. Both these conditions are deadly for the plant.
Indirect bright light, moderate watering, and light fertilization will make your plant a healthy plant.
