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Philodendron gigas
Philodendron gigas is a hemiepiphytic climber — a vining plant that starts compact and later climbs — prized for very large, velvety dark green leaves that develop a noticeable copper‑reddish underside as they mature. Juveniles stay compact indoors but will climb vigorously with a strong vertical support and higher humidity, so it suits collectors who can give space and time; the plant is toxic if ingested.
- height Height
- 5 cm
- swap_horiz Pot Size
- 5 cm
- volunteer_activism Care
- Medium
- wb_sunny Light Needs
- Bright indirect light
- water_drop Watering Needs
- Medium
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Quick care table
Plant care at a glance
| Care factor | Philodendron gigas |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Philodendron gigas |
| Common name | Philodendron gigas |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Humidity | Medium |
| Best for | Hallway, Office, Bedroom, Kitchen, Bathroom, and Living room |
Velvety, copper‑undersided philodendron with large dark leaves
Deep, velvety foliage is the first thing you notice: thick, somewhat leathery blades that sit dark green on top and develop a visible copper to reddish sheen beneath as they age. Leaves are broadly ovate to oblanceolate with a slightly paler midrib and a soft, minute pubescence that gives the surface a plush appearance — an effect that becomes more pronounced on mature leaves of Philodendron gigas.
This plant starts compact as a juvenile with much smaller leaves and then changes markedly as it climbs. Given a vertical support it becomes a vigorous climber, producing much larger leaves and stronger underside colouration; left trailing the leaves remain smaller. Compared with Philodendron melanochrysum, P. gigas usually shows larger, more oblanceolate blades and the coppery undersides rather than the black‑gold, pale‑veined look of many melanochrysum forms.
Real ownership means planning for humidity and support: it prefers higher humidity than typical dry indoor air and benefits from a firm moss pole to reach its dramatic leaf size. Expect gradual development — notable leaf colour and texture deepen with age — and be aware it is toxic if chewed. One trade‑off is that lower humidity and poor drainage quickly reduce leaf quality, so it rewards attention to air moisture and substrate.
Best for shelves, glass cabinets or a vertical display where it can climb. Available as a small “Baby” grow‑on option suitable for a small shelf or desk; larger nursery sizes (medium) suit a fuller display and more immediate visual impact when offered.
Shipping Information
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- All orders are subject to a €25 minimum order value requirement
- All orders are hand-picked and shipped from the Netherlands
- Plastic-free materials when possible
- Orders are usually processed in 1-3 working days and shipped via DPD and their international partner carriers
- At times, orders may take up to 7 days to ship
- Orders to Germany Free shipping over €60. Free shipping all other EU countries* at €100 (Except Malta and Cyprus)
- Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on delivery country:
See our FAQ and Shipping Guarantee for any further Questions!
Size: Baby- P5 H5
Plant questions, answered
How does Philodendron gigas differ from similar velvety philodendrons like P. melanochrysum?
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Philodendron gigas is distinguished by very large, velvety dark green blades and a noticeable copper/reddish underside on mature leaves. Compared with Philodendron melanochrysum, P. gigas typically has larger, more oblanceolate leaves and less contrasting venation. Practical implication: correct ID and the full visual effect usually require mature, climbing material rather than juvenile leaves.
Is Philodendron gigas suitable for small apartments or terrariums?
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Philodendron gigas can work in small apartments when purchased as a juvenile baby plant, which stays compact on a small shelf or desk while you grow it on. However, it is a hemiepiphytic climber and will need vertical space and support as it matures, so confined terrariums will limit its characteristic large-leaf development.
What light, humidity and support does Philodendron gigas need to develop its characteristic foliage?
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Philodendron gigas prefers bright, indirect light, higher-than-normal indoor humidity and a strong vertical support to produce large, velvety leaves. It tolerates moderate light but leaf size, colour and texture improve with strong filtered light; a moss pole encourages larger mature leaves. Avoid waterlogged substrate and let the upper mix dry slightly between waterings.
Is Philodendron gigas toxic to pets or children?
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No — Philodendron gigas is toxic if ingested. Like other Philodendron species, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral and throat irritation; handle with care and keep Philodendron gigas out of reach of children and animals. This is a standard safety precaution for the genus.
Why is Philodendron gigas considered a collector’s plant and how rare is it?
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Philodendron gigas is sought by collectors for its very large, velvety dark leaves and the copper/reddish underside reported on mature foliage. It is relatively uncommon in mainstream retail, endemic to Panama, and usually available from specialist nurseries; expect variable availability and pricing compared with common garden-centre philodendrons.
What size will I receive and how does the plant’s size affect placement?
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You will typically receive the Baby size (labelled P5) when available; the Medium P12 option is currently unavailable. The Baby arrives as a small grow-on plant in a 5 cm pot suitable for a small shelf, desk or grow-on box, while a medium plant (when offered) would be better for a fuller display and greater visual impact.
Plant care guide
Light
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Water
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Soil and repotting
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Humidity and temperature
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Feeding
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Growth and support
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Common concerns
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Watch for yellowing from overwatering or poor drainage, brown leaf edges from low humidity or cold drafts, and pest issues such as spider mites or thrips in dry indoor air.