Big Leaf Philodendron

Big Leaf Philodendron Care

Philodendron maximum

Other names: Philo Maximum

What is the plant

Big leaf Philodendron is one the most impressive Philodendrons you could stumble upon. It is, no more and no less, the largest Philodendron in the world. If you were to find a mature plant, you could even hide from the rain under the broad leaves of this giant.

Large leaf Philodendron is a native of tropical wet forests in South America. Its slightly oval and arrow-shaped leaf blades reach 3.6 to 5.4ft (100 to 165 cm) in length when the plant matures. The plant has thick, short stems, but can grow up to 16ft (5m) in height. Identification of the species can sometimes be a problem since there are similar Philodendrons in nature.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Shade

Temperature

15°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

9 - 12

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Philodendrons prefer moderate watering. Water this plant when the top layer of the soil dries out. Reduce watering in winter.
Pruning
If your big leaf Philodendron gets too large, you can prune it with disinfected scissors. The best choice is to cut just above the leaf node. You can also remove yellowing or dead leaves and stems when necessary.
Fertilizer
Water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month is ideal in spring and summer. Reduce fertilizing to once every 6-8 weeks in winter.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Bright but indirect light is ideal. Too much direct light will damage the foliage, and too little light will hinder the plant’s growth.
Soil
Loose and well-draining potting soil rich in organic matter is ideal for Philo maximum. You can add peat and perlite for better drainage. If grown in a container, your Philodendron will need repotting every few years.
Propagation
You can easily propagate your Philodendron from stem cuttings. Cut a 6-inch (15 cm) segment of the stem, and put it in a water container to root. Add more water as it evaporates. Change the water every few weeks. In most cases, roots will develop within two weeks. Then, put the cutting in the newly-prepared soil

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Temperature
Philodendrons like warmth and should not be exposed to temperatures below 55°F (13˚C). Avoid cold drafts. These plants also like high humidity, so mist your Philodendron every few days if the air is dry.
Container
Philodendron maximum is not a common plant in indoor gardens for an obvious reason – it’s very large. If you’d like to keep it in a container, choose a well-draining one. However, a plant this size would feel comfier in a greenhouse.
Fun fact
This plant has one of the clearest Latin names. It is maximum.