Philodendron giganteum aka Giant Philodendron
Taxonomy
Philodendron giganteum is a species of plant in the Araceae family first described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1856. Philodendron giganteum is thermogenetic and emits a sweet odor. One of its larger varieties, the Variegated type, is often called the Elephant Ear due to its large, elephant ear-shaped leaves. While it originates from the Caribbean, this plant can also grow in tropical forests with little sunlight, making it a great choice for homes and gardens. Philodendrons are capable of growing to over 20 feet tall and their leaves can grow larger than a dinner plate. The fact that this plant has been around for at least 30 million years, since South America was still connected to Antarctica, is fascinating! However, it is toxic to humans and pets so precautions must be taken.
Common names
Giant Philodendron, Chinabush, Elephant EarHow to care for Giant Philodendron
Difficulty
If you're an experienced gardener looking to push your limits, Giant Philodendron will provide you with a rewarding and challenging experience.
Water
Giant Philodendron should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Giant Philodendron loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Giant Philodendron prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
The Giant Philodendron does not display a conventional dormancy pattern. If the growth rate slows significantly, verify that the plant is receiving adequate amounts of sunlight and water for healthy growth.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Giant Philodendron does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
Once the Giant Philodendron has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Giant Philodendron’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Philodendron Genus
Philodendron tripartitum
Philodendron lynamii Philodendron Lynamii
Philodendron mexicanum
Philodendron plowmanii Philodendron Plowmanii
Philodendron brandtianum Philodendron Sodiroi
Philodendron heleniae Philodendron Heleniae
