A very attractive and easy-to-grow plant, the Philodendron is a houseplant that features different species from the same Araceae family.
There are many indoor plants, but the rate at which indoor growers favor the Philodendrons is very alarming. Surely there's more to Philodendrons than catches the eyes.
However, with so many Philodendrons in today's plant world, selecting the best for you can be quite challenging.
Hence, we have highlighted some of the most popular types of Philodendron, including exciting prospects like the Heartleaf, Imperial Green, Brasil, and Burle Marx, amongst other varieties, to help ease your decision-making.
Table of Contents
What is Philodendron?
A member of the Araceae family, the Philodendron is a huge genus flowering indoor plant that is made up of more than 489 popular species, excluding those yet to be discovered or known. Some of them have taken from their natural tropical habitat into our homes.
Generally, we have two main varieties of Philodendrons, namely, Vining/Climbing and Non-Climbing varieties.
Unlike the non-climbing varieties, the climbing philodendron varieties brace against any support they see, even on the ground. Using its roots, it pushes itself onto a woody vine or adjoining tree in its native jungle.
Most of these Philodendron types look so similar that you can hardly tell one from the other. Their most notable differences come from the sizes, shapes, and sometimes even the colors of their leaves.
We have highlighted some of the most popular types of Philodendron to help in your decision-making and erase your confusion.
Different Types of Philodendron
1. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Hederaceum)
The Heartleaf Philodendron is a very popular and attractive variety. It is renowned for its trailing vines that grace windowsills and hanging baskets all over the world.
Due to its easy maintenance, it can be owned by a beginner, adapt to different kinds of light or humidity conditions, and tolerate neglect, excluding the overwatering factor.
This variety is a fast-growing plant called heart-shaped Philodendron because of its heart-shaped leaves, which grow two to three inches wide when trailing, yet, can grow to over eight inches wide if they're allowed to climb.
Juvenile types probably have lighter bronze-toned leaves.
It is also a beautiful hanging plant, featuring vines that get up to four or five feet indoors. Multiple individual plants are regularly potted together to make for a fuller look.
Suppose you prune once in a while if leggy or bald on top isn't a bad idea and won't cause any disastrous effect. It also allows for easy propagation.
The Heartleaf Philodendron was initially called Scandens, Oxycardium, or Cordatum and is sometimes still sold under those names. In other words, most people still know them with those names. Meanwhile, it has many appealing varieties.
Read Also: Tropical Rainforest Plants
2. Philodendron Xanadu (Thaumatophyllum Xanadu)
Also known as Thaumatophyllum Xanadu, the Philodendron Xanadu is a perennial plant that belongs to the Arum family Araceae and the genus, classified initially under the Meconostigma subgenus of Philodendron.
It originated in Brazil as the Winterbourn Philodendron but was renamed Xanadu by houseplants of Australia in 1988. It is a straight-growing fan lover and an attractive prospect for your home.
This upright-growing crowd-pleaser has recently been reclassified to a separate and very similar Thaumatophyllum genus, but it retains the Philodendron moniker as an official synonym. The Philodendron Xanadu can be grown indoors or outdoors.
It prefers to spread its toothed foliage wider instead of growing uprightly, at times, growing up to 5 feet wide, but it will not spread as much if grown indoors. It is planted as a landscape plant in tropical, subtropical, and warmer parts like Florida, South Africa, Australia, etc.
The Xanadu has broad, shiny leaves with multiple lobes (15 to 20 per leaf) perched on long, sturdy stems. It is usually wider than tall and tops out below four feet (a dwarf Golden variety reaches only a foot in height).
This Philodendron also functions as a landscaping groundcover in warm climates; indoors, it thrives on a little extra bright, indirect light.
Hardy and tolerating, it adapts to different conditions and is an easy maintenance plant, as long as you copy its tropical condition. It is also cheap and easy to find.
Read Also: Philodendron Mayoi Vs Xanadu
3. Tree Philodendron (Philodendron Selloum)
The Philodendron Selloum, popularly called tree or lacy tree philodendron, is a houseplant grown in most U.S regions. It is a tropical plant native to South America, and when you grow it outdoors, it can grow up to 15 feet tall.
Its primary feature is the large, glossy, deep green leaves that deliver the main accent in a bigger room or protect a group of smaller plants.
It is a very popular and attractive Philodendron variety, which grows up to 4 to 5 feet in both height and width. Also, you will notice the dark green leaves, which feature frilled edges.
The trunk supports the structure of the plant and is wholly covered by foliage. It has a beautiful look that makes it an exciting prospect for home growers.
4. Prince of Orange Philodendron (Philodendron' Prince of Orange')
The Prince of Orange Philodendron is a small shrub-type hybrid cultivar, which is self-heading and can develop to almost 20 to 24 inches tall.
It is a very attractive variety that features foliage that is light green colored but can produce new leaves, which tend to appear in an appealing shade of orange.
Its petioles and new leaves spears are very colorful and deep red. It grows in an upright style and grows a tight cluster of leaves all over a central stem.
However, unlike other varieties, it doesn't require staking because it will always remain tidy and grow to become an amazing plant up to 2 feet high and wide.
The most appealing feature of this plant is that it stays ever new with its maturity. Like most other Philodendrons, the Prince of Orange is an easy maintenance plant, which requires some attention and care from owners. It is a popular variety that is very affordable and easy to find.
Read Also: Philodendron Hope Vs Selloum
5. Philodendron Silver Stripe (Philodendron 'Brasil')
Also known as Philodendron Cream Splash, the Philodendron Brasil is another philodendron type, native to tropical climates, and is a usually overlooked cultivar under the Heartleaf variety.
Its heart-shaped leaves are green-colored and feature a white, cream, or lime-colored strip in between the leaves.
Another feature that makes this plant interesting is the beauty of its stem, which stands out with a pink-colored view.
Although the Philodendron Brasil can tolerate low light, it grows best under partial bright sunlight. Still, unlike most varieties, it can also demand a brighter light condition to help maximize its amazing variegation.
Meanwhile, its leaves will revert to all-green in low light conditions, which doesn't spell well for the plant.
It is also a fast-growing vine that looks great, trailing from a hanging basket in any sunny location. It is very affordable and easy to find, hence making it an enticing prospect for houseplant lovers.
Read Also: Philodendron Vs Monstera
6. Velvet-leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Micans)
Native to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Southern USA, the Philodendron Micans are Philodendrons with a trailing vine and heart-shaped leaves. It has a velvety texture and feel, which is why it is popularly called Velvet-leaf Philodendron.
It also has greenish-bronze-colored leaves, which have rust-colored undersides that are appealing.
As it matures, it can develop a height of 6 feet, which is why it needs a large, spacious room. It is an easy maintenance plant that requires proper care, including adequate light condition.
7. Oakleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Pedatum)
Popularly known as Oakleaf Philodendron, the Pedatum is an unusual climbing plant with green leaves that change their shape with maturity.
They begin with a small oval shape and mature with deep lobes, and finally grow close to 9 inches in length.
Like some other Philodendrons, the Pedatum is a climber with an exotic, airy, open structure, capable of growing more than 3 feet in height.
It is a plant that possesses hardiness and evergreen nature indoors. Like some other varieties, it is an easy maintenance plant that requires proper care for its best growth.
You can wipe its leaves periodically to help it breathe and ward off pests. Its leaves have this tendency of naturally shining. Watering should be done regularly, but not excessively, to avoid causing any disastrous effect.
8. Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron Hastatum)
Also known as Silver Sword Philodendron, the Philodendron Hastatum is a strong variety that features long, arrowhead-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 9 inches wide and close to 2 feet long, while it has vines that can span over 10 feet long.
The Hastatum has gray-green foliage that has a metallic sheen. The plant thrives in indoor and outside conditions and tends to consume space or mix well with others.
Though it's a rather thirsty plant, the Hastatum is subject to root rot; therefore, endeavor to keep its pot snug and consider a terra cotta container that breathes.
It is very responsive when you pinch it back early in the season. Incidentally, this Brazilian plant is always at risk in the jungle, but it's such a renowned indoor that its existence is not endangered. It's good to know gardening plays a significant role in wildlife preservation.
The Silver Sword Philodendron, also called a Spadeleaf, or its official taxonomy is a bit confusing.
It is incorrectly described as a Domesticum, Glaucophyllum, Elongatum, or Hastifolium (and possibly others). There's a narrow-leaf version and other variegated hybrids, including Silver and 'Lemon Lime.'
Read Also: Philodendron Selloum Vs Xanadu
9. Red Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)
Nicknamed the Pink Princess, the Red Leaf Philodendron is a bold, evergreen vining plant that can grow close to 4 meters high.
It is also the most beautiful Philodendron variety, hence earning its nickname, The Pink Princess. It is one of the best philodendron types.
It is native to Columbia and Costa Rica and has large coppery foliage, one of its distinctive features. The Red Leaf has dark green foliage on the upper area and pink on the lower surface.
As it grows older, the whole plant flowers into pink. It is poisonous, and intake could result in discomfort for humans and pets.
10. Moonlight Philodendron (Philodendron 'Moonlight')
The Moonlight Philodendron is a unique clump-forming variety with its electric, lime-green leaves, which have broad, pointed foliage that can light up any bright area.
Because it is not a climbing variety, it is unlikely to grow on trellises but will work very well in a pot, nonetheless.
It is one of the best Philodendron types and features new leaves, which unfurl a bright, yellow color and gradually fade with maturity.
Freshly growing shoots possess shades of red. Meanwhile, bright indirect light will allow the plant's foliage to shine vibrantly.
It would be best if you also allowed the soil to dry moderately before you water. The Moonlight Philodendron is a rapid grower and would not require any form of support, as it produces a small shrub that typically remains at less than 2 feet in height.
11. Fiddleleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Bipennifolium)
Originated from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay to the tropical rainforests of South Brazil, the Fiddleleaf Philodendron is a huge vining plant that brings its tropical trait indoors.
It possesses trippy-looking long leaves that can grow up to 15-18 inches in length and have interesting horse-head looks.
Since it is very capable of trailing uncontrollably, you can stop it from flopping by tying it with a stake. It also grows too large, hence requires very spacious environs.
This plant has leaves that can actively turn to light; hence, you can rotate the plant once in a while to keep it moderate.
The most distinctive feature of this plant is its appealing leaf shape, which makes it one of the best Philodendron types and a very popular and exciting prospect.
It has other similar hybrids, like bright yellow-hued Aurea, the blue-gray Glaucous, and the Green Dragon (the most sought after).
12. Philodendron Green Congo (Philodendron' Congo Rojo')
A bushy Philodendron, the Congo Rojo philodendron type, is a new kind of cultivar that can adapt to any condition, excluding cold. It possesses rigid, slightly elongated, heart-shaped leaves that can grow thickly from a central stem.
Its glossy, dark green leaves grow nearer to each other, that you can almost lose sight of its stem. It has a stiff stem that protects the plant from standing straight as it matures.
The Congo Rojo is a stunning tropical centerpiece that needs little shaping to remain beautiful and full.
It is an easy and low-maintenance plant that thrives under warm temperatures; hence should be protected from cool temperatures under 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius). It is a very exciting prospect that may not be available in a local nursery but is surely seen online.
13. White Knight Philodendron (Philodendron 'White Knight')
Nicknamed the White Wizard, the White Knight Philodendron type is a prized asset among the Philodendron collectors. In other words, it is a very beautiful and rare commodity.
Even though it is a slow grower, its appealing features make it an exciting prospect that you won't mind.
It is a climbing philodendron type that has existed for some time now but has become scarce due to current demands.
The plant is so beautiful, and a look at it reveals its appealing features, including heart-shaped leaves that are spectacularly variegated with blocks of dazzling white opposing shades of solid green.
Its leaves can possess white strips or become partly or fully white. Though they are slow vining plants, they can grow some feet high with support.
The White Knight has stems that are purple-brown colored and cream-colored with white splotches on its dark green leaves.
Read Also: Philodendron Jungle Boogie Vs Xanadu
14. Paddle Shape Philodendron (Philodendron Sharoniae)
It is nicknamed the Paddle Shape Philodendron because of its elongated paddle-shaped leaves, which possess pleated horizontal ridges and a high-drama, drooping growth pattern.
It has foliage that can grow not more than 3 feet long outdoors but remains at a restricted size indoors.
It is a tropical variety that is easy to maintain and requires well-draining soil. It features virtually everything you will expect from your favorite botanical plant, which is why it's a bit scarce and a much-prized asset to their collectors.
15. Mayoi Philodendron (Philodendron 'Mayoi')
The Mayoi Philodendron type is an attractive variety that features very beautiful foliage, which possesses several lobes coming out of the main stem, which resembles algae.
It is a climbing and trailing plant; hence growing them close to walls and structures can make it look like vines.
The Mayoi Philodendron has thick leaves and has a beautiful light-green color, which makes it hard to overlook. A very significant feature of the plant is how effortless it grows. It is also an easy maintenance houseplant that requires warm and humid temperatures.
It can thrive in indoor and outdoor conditions as long as it has enough space to grow. You can consider adding this wonderful Philodendron variety to your collections, as it helps to give your home a new look as possible.
16. Philodendron Gloriosum (Philodendron 'Gloriosum')
The Philodendron Gloriosum is a variety that features very large heart-shaped leaves that can extend up to amazingly 3 to 4 feet diameter, and is smooth and fleshy, which makes it an exciting prospect. The leaves are emerald green with white patterns, which give them lovely looks.
The plant can thrive indoors and can be moved outdoor during summer for fresh air. Its oval, heart-shaped leaves dense foliage that works as soil cover. Even the Gloriosum doesn't grow more than 3 to 4 feet; it still develops many stems.
You can see it as an upright plant, even though it is a low-growing variety. This feature makes it a little picky.
It is an easy maintenance plant and requires a steady warm temperature and well-draining soil to grow well. The plant's most striking feature is that as the leaves develop, they boast a light-green tone with pink veins.
Read Also: Philodendron Mayoi Vs Xanadu
17. Florida Ghost Philodendron (Philodendron' Florida Beauty)
The Philodendron Florida Beauty is one of the strangest-looking Philodendron varieties ever. It is a small upright type of Philodendron that grows between 3 to 4 feet.
It possesses variegated leaves that have a unique shape. It has light-green tones with little touches of cream color, in addition to little specks all over.
Its color truly works perfectly with the leaves; hence, giving them a bright and fleshy appearance.
The most exciting feature of Florida Beauty is its ability to thrive in the moistest area with an insufficient amount of sunlight. It can also survive when grown in soggy soil and indoors.
Another significant feature of this plant is that the leaves change colors throughout its life span, ranging from light green at its tender age to more creamy looks as it matures. In other words, the more sunlight it gets, the more variegated it becomes.
18. Brandi Philodendron (Philodendron Brandtianum)
Most people refer to it as the Silver-Striped Philodendron because of its silver color looks. In other words, it features a few silver splashes that cover the leaf's surface, hence producing a unique beauty.
Mixed up with its dark-green body, it gives your room a different and amazing feel.
It is one of the best Philodendron types you can find around, as it can oppose several times indoors in low-light conditions. It is a vining plant that can grow more than 10 feet long. You have to be careful, as it is toxic to kids and pets.
19. Black Gold Philodendron (Philodendron Melanochrysum)
The Black Gold Philodendron is one of the most beautiful Philodendron types. It features dark-green leaves that have light veins all over its surface.
The surface, meanwhile, has dots with white-colored tones, which make it all the more beautiful. It has a long and stylish shape.
The plant is a little pickier than other Philodendron types because it needs much-dried soil to thrive and requires regular exposure to sunlight.
It is also a vining plant that requires sufficient space to spread to almost 6 feet high. When it matures, leaves can reach over 2 feet and turn dark instead of being red when young.
20. Naugahyde Philodendron (Philodendron Rugosum)
The Naugahyde Philodendron type is a popular variety, featuring simple foliage with a heart-shaped form and a light-green color. It has leathery leaves, which adds to its density and beauty. It can thrive both indoors and outdoors and can reach over 5 feet tall.
Another striking feature of the plant is that it is a regular climber and trailer and can easily climb over fences and other available structures.
Indoors, its leaves can become blue-green tones. It is an easy maintenance plant that requires proper care, just like other varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify my Philodendron?
Philodendrons can be identified by their physical appearance. Their foliage is usually green but may be purplish, coppery, or red; parallel leaf veins are often green, white, or red sometimes. And it produces a white to orange berry fruit.
What is the rarest Philodendron?
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is the rarest Philodendron variety. It’s an endangered species and very unique, with only a handful of it in the wild. It’s also one of the costliest Philodendron varieties you can find.
Do I have a monstera or Philodendron?
Split-leaf Philodendron is often mistaken to be monstera. In fact, it’s often sold under the name “Monstera deliciosa,” and it can be very easy to get both of them mixed up. The only difference between the two plants is the size and shape of the leaves.
What is the most beautiful Philodendron?
Philodendron gloriosum is one of the most beautiful and striking of all philodendrons varieties. It is characterized by its velvety green leaves, which have a heart shape and are permeated by white veins (which are also pale green or pink sometimes).
What is the darkest Philodendron?
Philodendron 'Dark Lord' is the darkest type of Philodendron with some of the darkest leaves. The leaves are triangular in shape and have a beautiful bronze color but quickly harden off the jet black. This is undoubtedly the Philodendron for you if you love dark plants.
Why are Philodendrons so expensive?
The high demand, scarcity, geographical location, and variegation are the primary reasons why philodendron plants are usually very expensive.
What is a pink princess philodendron?
With the botanical name Philodendron erubescens, the Philodendron Pink Princess is a trailing plant that belongs to the family of ‘Araceae.’ The plant is identified by large waxy leaves, and it also has splendid dark green and pink leaves, which can grow up to 9 inches (22 cm) long and 5 inches (12 cm) wide.
Is a pothos a philodendron?
Lots of houseplants out there are usually referred to as Philodendron; however, most of them are probably actually pothos. They are both vining plants with green leaves, but they actually differ in several ways.
Is Philodendron an indoor plant?
Yes, Philodendron is a common species of plant that is mostly used for indoor decoration. They require less maintenance and have fewer pest problems, making them an excellent indoor plant.
Does Philodendron like to be misted?
Yes, some philodendron types, such as Philodendron Xanadu, will endure the level of humidity found in many homes, but high humidity encourages shiny foliage and lush growth; therefore, it is advisable to mist the plant regularly.
Conclusion | Philodendron Varieties
We could go on and on, as there're other notable Philodendron types, which we couldn't fully capture in this article (we have about 489 species).
However, the above gives you the best representation of an ideal Philodendron that will ease your decision-making on the plant add to your indoor collections.
