Explore the diverse world of philodendrons, a beloved genus cherished for its striking foliage and range of care needs. From easygoing staples perfect for new plant keepers to rare specimens sought after by collectors, this guide highlights 25 distinct philodendron varieties. Learn key traits, care tips, and what makes each type unique, helping you appreciate or select the perfect plant for any setting.
1. Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
A classic beginner’s favorite, the Heartleaf Philodendron features glossy, heart-shaped leaves that trail beautifully. It’s tolerant of low light and inconsistent watering, making it nearly foolproof for new growers. Similar to pothos in care needs, its adaptability has made it a common household choice. See the Missouri Botanical Garden profile for in-depth care guidance.
2. Philodendron selloum (Tree Philodendron)
Known for its deeply lobed leaves and impressive size, Philodendron selloum brings a tropical statement to interiors. Its large, sculptural foliage resembles split-leaf monstera, but with finer divisions. Compared to vining types, this philodendron is self-heading and stands upright as it matures. Learn more about its characteristics via University of Florida IFAS Extension.
3. Philodendron gloriosum
Admired for its velvety, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white veins, Philodendron gloriosum grows as a terrestrial crawler rather than a climber. Its lush, striking leaves can span over a foot, providing dramatic accent. Unlike the easier heartleaf, gloriosum prefers higher humidity and well-draining substrate. For care details and stunning images, check Houseplant Central’s guide.
4. Philodendron micans
Philodendron micans captivates with its iridescent, velvety leaves that shift in hue from green to bronze. A trailing variety, its soft foliage feels almost plush to touch, setting it apart from glossy-leafed relatives. Micans thrives in lower light and compares to heartleaf philodendron but with unique texture. For more, see The Sill’s micans overview.
5. Philodendron xanadu
Compact and bushy, Philodendron xanadu features deeply lobed, glossy leaves forming a dense cluster. It grows upright rather than vining, making it ideal for tabletop or floor displays. Unlike the larger tree philodendron, xanadu maintains a manageable size. Detailed care instructions are provided by RHS Gardening.
6. Philodendron brasil
A vibrant cultivar of heartleaf philodendron, ‘Brasil’ is marked by bold yellow-green variegation along its leaves. Its streaked foliage makes each vine unique, and care is nearly identical to the classic heartleaf. Brasil is both forgiving and decorative, great for low-light rooms. Explore more at Gardening Know How’s guide.
7. Philodendron hastatum (Silver Sword)
Famed for its silvery-blue, arrow-shaped leaves, the Silver Sword is a showstopper among philodendrons. It climbs vigorously with support and contrasts sharply with green-leaved types. Care is similar to other climbing varieties but it prefers brighter, indirect light for best coloration. Reference BBC Gardeners’ World Silver Sword feature.
8. Philodendron birkin
Notable for its striking white pinstripes on deep green, rounded leaves, Philodendron birkin is a relatively new cultivar that has surged in popularity. Its bushy, upright habit resembles xanadu but remains smaller. Pinstriping can vary per leaf, making each plant unique. Learn more about birkin’s care in Better Homes & Gardens’ profile.
9. Philodendron melanochrysum
Recognized for its long, velvety leaves with gold-flecked veins, Philodendron melanochrysum is treasured by collectors. Leaves can grow over two feet with proper support, developing a shimmering effect in light. Its care mirrors gloriosum in humidity needs, and it’s best compared to the dark-leaved ‘micans’. Find detailed tips at Bloomscape’s guide.
10. Philodendron erubescens (Red Emerald)
Red Emerald is admired for its striking red stems and glossy, deep green leaves. This climbing philodendron is easy to grow, showing off its colored petioles against supporting poles. It’s often likened to the ‘Rojo Congo’ but is more vining. View a care review at NC State’s plant database.
11. Philodendron pink princess
Philodendron pink princess is coveted for its bubblegum-pink variegation on deep green, heart-shaped foliage. Each leaf is unique, creating a truly show-stopping display. This hybrid is a standout among variegated plants, requiring bright indirect light to maintain color. Learn about cultivation and variegation in the University of Wisconsin’s explainer.
12. Philodendron ring of fire
Noted for its spectacular mix of cream, orange, and green colors, Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’ is a highly decorative, rarer cultivar. Its serrated, lance-shaped leaves make a dramatic impact, resembling exotic ferns. It thrives under similar conditions as other self-heading philodendrons. Read more about its appeal and growth at Plantura’s guide.
13. Philodendron verrucosum
Native to Ecuador, Philodendron verrucosum boasts velvety, dark green leaves with bright veins and fuzzy, reddish petioles. Its vibrant coloration and unique stem texture make it desirable for plant enthusiasts. Compared to melanochrysum, it’s fussier about humidity and warmth. Further details at University of Connecticut’s plant resource.
14. Philodendron billietiae
Philodendron billietiae stands out thanks to its elongated, narrow leaves and chunky, orange petioles. This climbing philodendron is prized for both its leaf shape and vivid stem color, a contrast rarely seen in other species. It’s likened to the ‘bipennifolium’ for leaf silhouette but with a vibrant twist. Discover care advice at The Spruce’s houseplant guide.
15. Philodendron bipinnatifidum (Lacy Tree Philodendron)
This species is celebrated for its massive, deeply lobed, lacy leaves and upright, tree-like habit. Often confused with selloum, bipinnatifidum is used in landscapes as well as large interiors. Its grandeur sets it apart from bushier types. For growth and care tips, review The Sill’s informative page.
16. Philodendron squamiferum
With quirky, deeply lobed leaves and signature hairy red petioles, Philodendron squamiferum brings texture and drama. The stems’ fuzzy covering is a rare trait among houseplants, setting it apart from similar-shaped bipinnatifidum. It’s moderately challenging but highly rewarding. Learn more at Epic Gardening’s species summary.
17. Philodendron sodiroi
Philodendron sodiroi is distinguished by its silvery, heart-shaped leaves with shimmering marbled patterns. This vining species offers dramatic, reflective foliage, making it a collector’s favorite. Compared with gloriosum, sodiroi’s leaves are thinner and more metallic. For more, see GardenTags’ sodiroi overview.
18. Philodendron domesticum (Elephant Ear Philodendron)
Known for its large, arrow-shaped leaves, Philodendron domesticum can quickly become a dominant feature in any room. The glossy green foliage resembles that of the classic elephant ear plant, but with narrower blades. It is robust and comparable to selloum in ease of growth. Additional care details at Missouri Botanical Garden.
19. Philodendron atabapoense
This rare climbing philodendron features long, slender leaves with maroon undersides, providing contrasting color as it trails or climbs. Its foliage is especially elegant and sought after by fans of elongated varieties. Compared to billietiae, atabapoense has subtler stem color but similar dramatic form. Find more at Foliage Factory’s species page.
20. Philodendron Florida Ghost
Renowned for its morphing, creamy-colored leaves that mature to green, the Florida Ghost’s unique coloration is caused by a natural mutation. Its irregularly lobed foliage resembles that of squamiferum but with an otherworldly aura. Explore its quirks and care needs with Bloomscape’s Florida Ghost spotlight.
21. Philodendron camposportoanum
This small philodendron is magical thanks to its color-shifting, tri-lobed leaves that shimmer with copper or pinkish hues when young. As the leaves mature, they turn deep green, contrasting beautifully with new growth. It’s less demanding than other rare types. Further reading at Gardening Brain’s camposportoanum collection.
22. Philodendron majesty
With dramatic, dark purple to nearly black foliage, Philodendron majesty is a modern hybrid bred for its moody appearance. The broad, elongated leaves set it apart from lighter-leaved cultivars. Its adaptable care echoes erubescens varieties. For background and plant details, check Plantophiles’ majesty feature.
23. Philodendron patriciae
Recognizable by its rippled, pendant leaves that cascade dramatically, Philodendron patriciae is a sought-after species for those who favor architectural plants. The leaves’ texture and length set it apart from other climbing philodendrons. Considered more advanced due to specific humidity needs, patriciae is described at International Aroid Society’s description.
24. Philodendron subhastatum
Philodendron subhastatum captivates growers with its dual-tone foliage: green on top, vivid red underneath. This climber reveals its hidden color most clearly when placed on a moss pole. While visually similar to atabapoense, its undersides can be even more intense. For more on its habitat and care, read The Houseplant Guru’s post.
25. Philodendron imperial green
Ideal for modern interiors, the Imperial Green is a non-vining, upright philodendron with large, wide, shiny leaves that emerge light and mature deep green. Its clean, architectural lines make it particularly eye-catching in minimalist spaces. For a comparison of imperial varieties and care, visit Gardener’s World plant guide.
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