I am a plant lover and I have been for as long as I can remember. My mom had a really big garden in our backyard so growing up my siblings and I helped her with it every weekend.
We would weed the garden and help her separate the flowers from the vegetables. There were always so many different types of plants and flowers that she had planted, but what caught my attention were these tall green plants with massive green leaves.
One day, one of these plants fell over and broke off at the stem. It seemed to be struggling to get back up, but eventually, we decided to pot it in a plant and nurse it back to health indoors. This sparked my passion for these beautiful plants.
Philodendron varieties have over 450 species. They are stout-stemmed climbing types of the family Araceae, native to tropical areas. Many philodendron species begin as vines and transform into epiphytes.
The younger plants are tolerant to low light intensities in rain forests; hence, they thrive best as home potted plants.
Most philodendrons are climbers which grow upwards while wrapping their roots around trunks of more enormous trees. Once they are up the canopy, they transform into epiphytes. This phenomenon is called secondary Hemi-epiphytes.
The foliage is ordinarily green but also available in copper, red and purple colors. These plants vary considerably in size, shape, color, and leaves texture, making them popular.
The juvenile and adult phases also differ, hence challenging to identify a species during the early stages. They are also unique because seedlings grow towards tree trunks instead of sunlight. They strategically position in light-seeking areas while climbing up the trunks with their modified roots.
23 Philodendron Varieties
1. Philodendron Hederaceum (Green Heartleaf Philodendron)
The Philodendron Hederaceum is also known as the sweetheart plant, the most popular and classical species.
It is a vine whose leaves take the shape of a heart with bright green foliage. It is an ideal bathroom plant because it loves humid and low-light places.
This species grows up to 20 feet tall in the wild and can be shorter indoors because it is also easy to prune.
2. Philodendron Erubescens
Red-leaf Philodendron is a stout, evergreen climber that may grow up to 4m high. This tropical plant is originally from Columbia and Costa Rica. It is also toxic, and ingestion may cause discomfort for both humans and pets.
It has glossy foliage that is dark green on the upper surface and red-purplish on the lower surface. When mature, this plant flowers into red-purple.
3. Philodendron Bipinnatifidum
Also known as Philodendron Xanadu, this type has unique looks with long dark green leaves. The foliage is strong and thick, forming a beautiful sculpture with deep lobes.
The Philodendron Xanadu is a non-vine with 2-4 feet tall and 3-5 feet width.
4. Philodendron Micans
This type of Philodendron is also called the Velvet Leaf Philodendron. The leaves have a velvety texture and are heart-shaped. The upper surface of the leaves is greenish bronze, while the lower sides are reddish-brown.
The leaves grow from the vining stem into long and graceful surfaces. It is poisonous and must be kept away from children and pets.
5: Philodendron Prince Orange
This subtype of Philodendron is also called Philodendron’ Prince Orange’. The leaves are colorful, broad, and pear-shaped.
The leaves varying colors ranging from bright green, bright orange, copper, and different shades of orange.
The orange shades are achievable when the plant is positioned to receive indirect bright light. The size ranges from 2 feet tall and 3 feet breadth. It is not suitable for the outdoor.
6. Philodendron Gloriosum
The Philodendron Gloriosum has striking large, smooth, and fleshy leaves that make it stand out.
It has large heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are emerald green with white patterns, which give them a lovely appearance.
One of its striking features is the vast leaves measuring three by four feet. The plant is suitable indoor and can be moved outdoor during summer for fresh air.
7. Philodendron Crassinervium
The Philodendron Crassinervium leaves are oval, and they look like an orchid or clivia. This species is originally from Brazil. In its natural habitat, this plant species is enormous. However, indoor, they are a bit short.
The sizes are approximately 13 by 18 feet with light emerald green leaves. They can be grown both indoors and outdoors, especially in tropical garden beds.
8. Philodendron Lanciniatum
This is a multi-branched climber with glossy and extremely lobed leaves which look like it has three parts, a muzzle with two horns.
They are smooth, textured with decorative veins and shiny bright colors. The size of Philodendron Lanciniatum leaves measures 3 feet tall and 90 cm wide. It is semi-vine, which is only suitable for indoors but can be moved outside during summer.
9. Philodendron’ Congo Rojo’
This variety of Philodendrons has elegance, and the original color of the leaves has a striking beauty.
The plants are brown to purplish with green undertones. They grow into shrub-like clumps because they grow upright and form an arch.
The leaves are long, elliptical, and shiny. They are suitable for minimalists and modern artistic rooms. In size, they are about 1-2 feet by 2-3 feet. The colors vary from purple, brown to blackish. It is also unsuitable for outdoors.
10. Philodendron Esmeraldense
This type of Philodendron was discovered as late as 2008 in Ecuador. It has long leaves that take the shape of a long heart.
The leaves are bright green with a leathery feel. They attach to the stem and hang down with the tips, almost touching the ground. They fall under the vine philodendron that thrives well indoors but also grown outside in USDA zones.
11. Philodendron Grazielae
This variety looks playful and very sweet. The leaves are glossy, hear-shaped, and bright green. This Philodendron grows while facing down, and as such, they are more beautiful when grown in a hanging basket.
They grow up to 30 feet tall, and they are suitable as indoor plants but can do well in USDA zones outside.
12. Philodendron Brandtianum
This type of Philodendron has variegated leaves that make it unique and outstanding. This species is almost similar to the heartleaf philodendron in terms of leaf shape and habits.
The difference is in the coloring as this category is olive green in color with stripes of silver between the veins.The elegance and the beautiful pattern make this plant ideal for modern settings and offices where the class factor is prioritized.
In size, they are approximately 4-5 feet with 120-150 cm. They are also not suitable for the outdoor.
13. Philodendron Birkin
These have pin stripes starting from the heart towards the edge of the leaf. The stripes have intense light or dark green shades.
The plant grows upright with a stem from where the leaves attach. They are three by two feet in size and not suitable for outdoor.
14. Florida Ghost Philodendron
New leaf says hello?✨
(Philodendron florida ghost) pic.twitter.com/qEIzikXdhw
— ○ (@maruti_bitamin) December 1, 2020
These are also known as the Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost‘. The leaves vary in shape from lance to lobe.
Just as the shapes, the color is also surprising as it alters a lot. You can find an emerald green, variegated; others are green with cream patterns, while others are white. The plant has a surreal quality, and it measures about 2 feet. It is not ideal for the outdoor.
15. Window Leaf Philodendron
The leaves of Window Leaf Philodendron are rubbery, huge, lobed, shiny with beautiful veins. The foliage reflects light with beautiful effects and with fringy edges.
In the wild, the plants are huge and can grow up to 70 feet while indoors, it remains 4-6 feet in size.It is a vine that is suitable both indoors and outdoors.
16. Philodendron Majesty
Forgot if it's Philodendron red emerald or red majesty. She just unfurled a new leaf, older leaves got burned from the sun since i planted directly on soil and getting direct sun. I'm planning to have some plants grow freely on the wall. Planning also to plant pink princess next. pic.twitter.com/dPg8NTHdEe
— dominique ? (@kingdominique10) June 14, 2021
This variety has elongated heart-shaped leaves that are dark purple and shiny. The leaves are so dark that they are almost black.
It is about 6-15 feet in size and not suitable for outdoors. The undersides are red, although the younger ones tend to be copper-red.
17. Philodendron Bipinnatifidum
This is commonly called tree Philodendron, a large and non-climbing type that is shiny, wavy-margined, and huge.
The leaves are highly dissected. It is native to the tropical part of Paraguay and Brazil. It matures to 15 feet tall in the natural habitat. However, as indoor plants, they are much smaller in size. It is also suitable for filling up substantial indoor spaces.
18. Philodendron Minima Variegata
Philodendron minima variegata pic.twitter.com/SbezvXffnJ
— purunarada (@GTPurunarada) June 13, 2021
This is a type of Philodendron that has four leaves and yellow variegation on each of the leaves. This particular plant is unique, rare, and quite expensive among other species of the same genus.
It is hard to grow them, and they don’t grow naturally in any habitat. The green part of the leaves allows for photosynthesis.
19. Philodendron Maximum
They have glossy leaves about 3-4 feet long with rich veins that are cream in color. They can be grown as houseplants in pots and hanging baskets or even outside in mild climates.
They are easy to recognize because the leaves are huge, strong, and shiny. The colors vary in tone from light to hunter green.
20. Philodendron Plowmanii
#NewWeekNewLeaf on the #Philodendronplowmanii. Looks like it’s going to be a big one! pic.twitter.com/G4wjEXLGUu
— terrapod (@terrapod_sg) May 3, 2021
This type of Philodendron is described as a terrestrial creeper that grows on the ground. It produces large leaves that are emerald green in color with beautiful veins.
It has a maximum length of 8 feet, and it is also toxic when ingested. The plant is a bit costly, and it isn’t recommendable for outside.
21. Philodendron Moonlight
It is a type that small in size and suitable for both indoor and outdoor. It is originally from South America, and it has pop colors. Due to the small size, it is simpler to set it up in small pots.
22. Philodendron White Knight
Philodendron White Knight/White Wizard pic.twitter.com/uoTChHS2u7
— romy (koch institut) (@urIaubaufketa) September 17, 2019
Like the Philodendron moonlight, this plant species is originally from South America. They are small with cream-colored stems. These plants tend to climb, and this can be halted through clipping.
23. Philodendron Rugosum
These native Ecuador plants are medium-sized in shape and can grow both indoors and outdoors.
They are not easy to acquire but are a great addition to indoor plants collection because of their outstanding beauty. The leaves differ in shape, pattern, and color. What a beautiful plant with its green color!
How To Care for Philodendrons
Those looking forward to having philodendron houseplants or interior gardens must learn a few facts on the care of this species. A motivated grower needs to cultivate the right conditions, whether it’s warm climates, indirect light, medium light, or brighter light.
- Caring for these plants requires common things like light, water, potting soil, and fertilizer- especially for an indoor garden.
- You should also set the plants in a place with bright but indirect sunlight. The sunrays shouldn’t touch the foliage; hence, strategically place them near the windows.
- Leave the top inch of the soil to dry out before the next watering. Inserting the index finger into the soil is one of the best ways to check moisture levels. The leaves get droopy when the plant is either getting excess or inadequate amounts of water.
- Another strategy is feeding the plants with houseplant fertilizers containing macronutrients. This ought to happen monthly during spring and summer. In winter, it usually occurs in a span of six to eight weeks.
- You should know the plant isn’t getting enough fertilizer when the leaves are smaller than usual, pale and growth slowed.
- When considering vining philodendrons, ensure there is a climbing structure or post to support the growth. For non-climbers, provide enough elbow room because the width can be twice the height, hence more space.
- The ideal temperatures range between 65-78°F and around 60°F during the day and at night, respectively. It is also worth noting the toxicity associated with the lacy philodendrons.
- You can enjoy the greenery while keeping everyone safe.
- The plants are not prone to insects but sustain mealybugs and aphids once in a while. Use insecticidal soapy water and wipe the leaves with cotton dropped in alcohol once in a while to keep such insects at bay.
- The species also do well at an alkaline P.H ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.
- Philodendrons are also tropical plants that thrive in humid environments. You will notice a lush growth with shiny leaves when the humidity levels are higher. The leaves may turn brown when the humidity levels are too low.
- Wipe the leaves with a clean damp cloth to keep off dust and prevent the pores from getting clogged. This might stagnate the growth.
- For lacy tree philodendrons, it is recommendable that you repot every few years to prevent the pots from bursting. It is also wise to rotate the plants regularly to maintain a good shape.
- When all these are observed, you will enjoy some jungle-like beauty with improved air quality within the space.
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
