Hey there, plant enthusiasts! Get ready for an incredible deep dive into the world of philodendron varieties – one of the most popular and versatile indoor plants you can grow. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be exploring the many different types of philodendrons, showcasing their unique features and stunning foliage. We’ve got everything from the classic Heartleaf Philodendron to the dramatic and eye-catching Philodendron Elegans. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned plant expert or just starting your green journey.
But that’s not all – we’re also sharing the essential care tips you need to ensure your philodendrons thrive in your home. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to pick the perfect philodendron variety and confidently care for it.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of philodendrons and transform your indoor space? Let’s get started and uncover the amazing diversity that awaits you. Happy growing!
Related: Find rare philodendron houseplants
General look of Philodendrons
At their core, philodendrons are all about the foliage. Originating from the tropical Americas and the Caribbean, these plants boast an impressive array of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s this variety that sets them apart from other houseplants and adds a dynamic visual element to your indoor space.
Now, let’s talk features. One of the key distinctions among philodendron varieties is whether they’re vining or non-vining. Vining philodendrons, such as the popular Heartleaf Philodendron, are natural climbers that can trail beautifully from a hanging pot or be trained to climb a support structure. On the other hand, non-vining philodendrons, like the striking Philodendron Xanadu, grow in a more upright, bushy manner, making them ideal as floor plants or tabletop centerpieces.
Another significant aspect of philodendron variety is leaf morphology. You’ll find everything from the classic heart-shaped leaves to the highly sought-after, deeply lobed leaves of the Philodendron ‘Elegans.’ And if you’re into variegation, varieties like the Philodendron ‘White Princess’ or ‘Brasil’ offer stunning patterns that can elevate the visual appeal of any space.
To sum it up, when exploring the world of philodendrons, it’s essential to consider growth habit, leaf shape, and coloration. By understanding these key features, you’ll be well-equipped to select the perfect philodendron to complement your style, brighten your home, and bring a touch of the tropics to your everyday life. So go forth and experiment, for there’s a philodendron out there just waiting to become your next favorite houseplant!
Philodendron Plant Care Guide
In this section, we’ll dive into the general care requirements and distinct features of various philodendron varieties. By understanding their unique characteristics, you’ll be better equipped to choose the perfect philodendron for your space and provide the optimal conditions for it to thrive.
- Light: Provide medium to bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Humidity: Maintain moderate to high humidity levels; use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase humidity around the plant.
- Temperature: Keep the temperature between 65-80°F (18-27°C); avoid drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix; a mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark works well.
- Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season; reduce fertilizing in winter.
- Pruning: Trim back leggy or overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth and maintain the desired shape.
- Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current pot; choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
- Pest Control: Inspect regularly for pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
- Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings placed in water or moist soil; roots should develop within a few weeks.
- Toxicity: Philodendrons are toxic to pets and humans; keep them out of reach of children and animals.
By following these care tips, your philodendron will thrive and become a stunning addition to your indoor plant collection.
30 Types of Philodendrons for Growing Indoors
Philodendron ‘Brasil’
This vibrant beauty sports stunning, variegated leaves with yellow and green patterns. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a pop of color in your space. Brasil is a hardy plant that can tolerate various light conditions, making it ideal for busy individuals.
Easy to grow, this trailing philodendron is perfect for hanging baskets or climbing. Its trailing habit makes it a fantastic addition to any room, providing an element of natural beauty.
- Mature size: 3-6 ft long (vine)
- Leaf color: Yellow and green variegated
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Heartleaf’
The quintessential philodendron, Heartleaf is a classic, featuring charming heart-shaped leaves. As an evergreen, it brings life and color to your space year-round. The lush green foliage creates a sense of calm and tranquility in any indoor setting.
Adaptable and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for beginners. Whether you’re new to the plant world or a seasoned expert, Heartleaf is a delightful addition to any collection.
- Mature size: 4-6 ft long (vine)
- Leaf color: Green
- Sunlight: Low to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
Create a lush, tropical look with Xanadu’s deeply lobed, glossy leaves. This compact, bushy plant is perfect for adding structure and interest to your indoor garden. Its unique foliage brings a sense of the tropics right into your home.
With a little care, Xanadu will reward you with stunning growth. The perfect choice for plant lovers who want to make a statement without sacrificing too much space.
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall and wide
- Leaf color: Green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Birkin’
A collector’s dream, Birkin boasts striking white-striped leaves that become more pronounced with age. This slow-growing beauty thrives with a little extra care, making it a statement piece for any indoor space. Its variegated leaves are a conversation starter, drawing the eye and capturing attention.
Ideal for experienced plant enthusiasts, Birkin adds a touch of elegance to your collection. Its striking foliage is worth the extra attention it demands.
- Mature size: 1-2 ft tall and wide
- Leaf color: Green with white variegation
- Sunlight: Medium indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’
With its fiery orange new leaves that mature to green, Prince of Orange is a showstopper. The plant’s self-heading growth makes it an ideal centerpiece for your indoor garden. The eye-catching color change creates visual interest and adds a dynamic element to any space.
Low-maintenance and high-impact, Prince of Orange is an excellent choice for those who want to make a statement with minimal effort.
- Mature size: 2 ft tall and wide
- Leaf color: Orange to green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’
Make a statement with Imperial Red’s large, deep red and green leaves. This large, self-heading philodendron creates a dramatic focal point in any room. Its bold foliage adds depth and warmth, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Relatively low-maintenance, Imperial Red is an excellent choice for busy plant enthusiasts who want to make an impact with minimal effort.
- Mature size: 3-4 ft tall and wide
- Leaf color: Deep red and green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Micans’
Velvety, iridescent leaves in hues of bronze, green, and purple make Micans an irresistible addition to your collection. Its trailing habit and stunning foliage create a sense of romance and sophistication. With its heart-shaped leaves, Micans is both captivating and versatile.
Perfect for hanging baskets or allowing to climb, Micans brings a touch of luxury to any indoor space. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a unique philodendron with a touch of elegance.
- Mature size: 3-6 ft long (vine)
- Leaf color: Bronze, green, and purple
- Sunlight: Low to medium indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’)
The Pink Princess is an eye-catching philodendron known for its striking variegated foliage. Dark green leaves are splashed with pink, making this variety highly sought after. It’s a slow-growing plant that can climb or trail, depending on your preference.
The Pink Princess is ideal for those who love bold colors and unusual plants. It’s an excellent conversation starter and adds a pop of color to any space.
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green and pink
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Lemon Lime’
Lemon Lime is a vibrant philodendron with electric green-yellow leaves that give it a unique and eye-catching appearance. As the leaves mature, they develop a slightly darker green color, adding depth to the overall look. This variety can be grown as a trailing or climbing plant, making it versatile for various displays.
Ideal for bringing a burst of energy to your indoor garden, Lemon Lime adds excitement and brightness to any room.
- Mature size: 2-6 ft long (vine)
- Leaf color: Green-yellow
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Silver Sword’
The Silver Sword, also known as Philodendron hastatum, is an elegant variety with elongated, arrow-shaped leaves that have a unique silvery-blue hue. This climbing philodendron adds a touch of sophistication to any indoor space.
Its striking foliage and climbing habit make it a fantastic choice for those seeking a visually appealing and relatively easy-to-care-for plant.
- Mature size: 3-5 ft tall
- Leaf color: Silvery-blue
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘White Knight’
The White Knight is a rare and sought-after philodendron known for its striking variegated foliage. Each leaf is a masterpiece, featuring a mix of dark green, white, and cream colors. This slow-growing, climbing plant is a true collector’s item.
For those who appreciate unique and rare plants, the White Knight is an exciting addition to any indoor garden.
- Mature size: 3-5 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green, white, and cream
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Gloryosum’
Gloryosum is a captivating philodendron with large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves in a deep, dark green color. Its dramatic foliage and terrestrial growth habit make it a standout addition to any indoor garden.
Ideal for those who love bold foliage and unique plants, Gloryosum is sure to impress.
- Mature size: 2-3 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green
- Sunlight: Low to medium indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Moonlight’
Moonlight is a hybrid philodendron with stunning, chartreuse-colored leaves. As the leaves mature, they transition to a darker green. This non-vining, upright variety makes a fantastic statement piece in any indoor space.
For those seeking a pop of color and a unique, eye-catching plant, Moonlight is a perfect choice.
- Mature size: 2-3 ft tall
- Leaf color: Chartreuse, transitioning to darker green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Mamei’
Mamei is a rare philodendron with large, silver-splashed, heart-shaped leaves. This terrestrial variety has a robust growth habit and makes a stunning addition to any indoor garden.
Perfect for collectors and enthusiasts, Mamei is a conversation starter that adds beauty and intrigue to your space.
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green with silver splashes
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Florida Beauty’
Florida Beauty is a hybrid philodendron with uniquely shaped, dark green leaves featuring striking white variegation. This climbing variety is a rare find and an impressive addition to any plant collection.
Ideal for those who love distinctive and rare plants, Florida Beauty is a true gem in the world of philodendrons.
- Mature size: 4-6 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green and white
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Jose Buono’
Jose Buono is a large, climbing philodendron with broad, green leaves that feature striking white veins. A statement-making plant, it adds drama and sophistication to any room.
Jose Buono is an excellent choice for those who want a showstopper philodendron with visual interest.
- Mature size: 4-6 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green with white veins
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Red Emerald’
Red Emerald is known for its long, slender, glossy green leaves with red stems, adding a touch of color to your space. This climbing philodendron is easy to care for and adapts well to various conditions.
Red Emerald is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance, colorful plant that can brighten up any space.
- Mature size: 4-6 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green with red stems
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’
Rojo Congo is a self-heading philodendron with broad, dark green leaves and striking red stems. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginners and adds a pop of color to any room.
For those who love bold colors and drama, Rojo Congo is an ideal choice.
- Mature size: 3-5 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green with red stems
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’
Black Cardinal is a stunning self-heading philodendron with dark green, nearly black leaves that emerge as a coppery-red color. It adds a moody, sophisticated touch to your indoor garden.
Ideal for those who want a low-maintenance plant with a darker color palette, Black Cardinal is sure to impress.
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green, nearly black
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Velvet’
Velvet is a rare, climbing philodendron with velvety, heart-shaped leaves that have a soft, fuzzy texture. It’s perfect for plant enthusiasts who want something unique and eye-catching.
For those who love plants with unusual textures, Velvet is a must-have addition to your collection.
- Mature size: 3-6 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green with velvety texture
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Plowmanii’
Plowmanii is a self-heading philodendron with large, deeply lobed leaves that create a dramatic, tropical look. It makes a great focal point in any room and is easy to care for.
Perfect for those who want a statement plant that’s low maintenance, Plowmanii is an excellent choice.
- Mature size: 3-5 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Golden Goddess’
Golden Goddess is a self-heading philodendron with bright, lime-green leaves that add a vibrant pop of color to any space. It’s a low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for beginners.
For those who want a colorful, easy-to-care-for plant, Golden Goddess is a great option.
- Mature size: 2-3 ft tall
- Leaf color: Lime-green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Little Phil’
Little Phil is a compact, self-heading philodendron with small, glossy green leaves that form a dense mound. It’s perfect for small spaces and adds a touch of lush greenery without taking up too much room.
Ideal for those with limited space or who want a low-maintenance, petite plant, Little Phil is a great choice.
- Mature size: 1-2 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Imbe’
Philodendron Imbe is a stunning vining plant with large, heart-shaped leaves that display vibrant green colors. This variety is an excellent choice for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant on a support structure.
Adding a touch of tropical elegance to your space, Imbe is an attractive and easy-to-grow philodendron.
- Mature size: 3-5 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Splendid’
Philodendron Splendid is a rare hybrid with velvety, dark green leaves featuring silver streaks. This vining plant can be grown in hanging baskets or on a support, making it an eye-catching addition to your indoor garden.
Bring a touch of luxury to your home with this beautiful and unique philodendron.
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green with silver streaks
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Gloriosum x Melanochrysum’
This exciting hybrid combines the best features of its parent plants, Philodendron gloriosum and Philodendron melanochrysum. It has large, velvety, dark green leaves with prominent white veins, creating a bold visual impact.
Add an exotic flair to your space with this stunning and rare hybrid.
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green with white veins
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: Yes
Philodendron ‘Painted Lady’
The Painted Lady is a beautiful, eye-catching philodendron with variegated leaves displaying shades of green and cream. Its leaves have an unusual, elongated shape, and it’s a self-heading variety that forms a compact, bushy plant.
Brighten up your indoor garden with this colorful and attractive philodendron.
- Mature size: 2-3 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green and cream variegation
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Atom’
Philodendron Atom is a compact, self-heading variety with deeply lobed, dark green leaves. Its dense growth habit makes it an ideal plant for small spaces or to use as a tabletop centerpiece.
Add structure and interest to your indoor plant collection with this unique philodendron.
- Mature size: 1-2 ft tall
- Leaf color: Dark green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Green Congo’
Green Congo is a self-heading philodendron with large, glossy, arrow-shaped leaves. It forms an upright, bushy plant that’s perfect for filling empty corners or as a focal point in your space.
Embrace the jungle vibes with this lush and vibrant philodendron.
- Mature size: 3-5 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
Philodendron ‘Elegans’
Elegans is a striking philodendron with deeply lobed, pinnate leaves that create a dramatic, feathery appearance. It has an upright growth habit, adding architectural interest to your indoor plant collection.
Make a statement in your home with this eye-catching and unusual philodendron.
- Mature size: 3-4 ft tall
- Leaf color: Green
- Sunlight: Medium to bright indirect light
- Vine: No
FAQ
Are all philodendrons suitable for indoor growth?
Yes, most philodendrons are well-suited for indoor growth. Some varieties may require more care than others, but overall, they’re adaptable plants that can thrive in a range of indoor conditions.
Can I grow philodendrons outdoors in my garden?
Absolutely! Just ensure that they’re planted in a location with the right lighting and temperature conditions, and they’ll do great. Keep in mind that some varieties may not tolerate extreme temperatures or frost.
What are the best potting mixes for philodendrons?
A well-draining, peat-based potting mix is ideal for philodendrons. You can also add perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir for improved drainage and aeration.
Do philodendrons need a support structure for growth?
Climbing philodendron varieties benefit from a support structure like a moss pole, trellis, or even a nearby piece of furniture. Non-climbing varieties typically don’t require support.
Are there any fast-growing philodendron varieties?
Yes, some philodendron varieties like the ‘Heartleaf’ and ‘Brasil’ are known for their fast growth rates.
How can I tell the difference between a pothos and a philodendron?
Pothos usually have thicker, waxy leaves, while philodendron leaves are thinner and more delicate. The leaf shape and growth pattern can also help differentiate between the two.
Related: More information on photos vs philodendron plants
Can I grow philodendrons in a terrarium or vivarium?
Definitely! Many philodendron species can thrive in the humid environment of a terrarium or vivarium. Just make sure to provide proper lighting and temperature conditions.
How do I know if my philodendron needs more light or water?
If your philodendron’s leaves are turning yellow, it may need more light. Wilting or drooping leaves can indicate underwatering, while yellowing leaves with black spots can be a sign of overwatering.
How do I choose the right philodendron for my home?
Consider factors like available space, lighting conditions, and your personal preferences for leaf shape and color. Research different varieties and select one that matches your needs and aesthetic.