Philodendron giganteum, commonly known as Elephant Ear, is a perennial herb native to the dense rainforests and swampy areas of the Caribbean and South America. It is a member of the Araceae family and was first described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1856. This thermogenetic plant can reach up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) in height and width, with each leaf potentially growing over 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length, giving it a striking tropical appearance. The leaves are glossy, deep green, and heart-shaped, and the plant emits a sweet odor when flowering, although the flowers are not particularly showy.

Elephant Ear is valued for its impressive foliage and is often used as a focal point in tropical-themed gardens, conservatories, and as a potted houseplant. It is also appreciated for its air-purifying qualities when grown indoors. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist, well-drained soil and thrives in partial to full shade. While it prefers high humidity, it can adapt to less humid environments if kept well-watered. It is not drought-tolerant and should be protected from strong winds to prevent leaf damage.CC BY-SA 4.0