Welcome to the lush, leafy world of types of Philodendron – the indoor gardener’s dream ticket to a tropical paradise! With over 450 species and counting, these vibrant and versatile plants have more personalities than a Hollywood blockbuster.
Whether you’re seeking a majestic centerpiece or a whimsical vine to trail from your bookshelf, there’s a Philodendron to suit every taste and space. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on an adventure through the enchanting world of types of Philodendron varieties for your indoor garden!
23 Philodendron Varieties in a Single Web Story
Crave visual inspiration? Dive into my web story, it’s packed with Philodendron-powered eye candy!
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Key Takeaways
Explore the captivating world of Philodendrons!
Transform your home into a jungle with these amazing vining and non-climbing Philodendron varieties, some of which are truly rare!
Get ready for an adventure – learn how to care for and protect your indoor garden full of lush, vibrant philo foliage!
Exploring the World of Philodendrons
Philodendron, also known as “tree hugger,” boasts about 450 species. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, perfect for jazzing up any indoor space. Let’s dig deeper into the world of Philodendrons – no shovel required!
Origins and Distribution
Philodendrons are the life of the plant party in the lush rainforests of South America, from Mexico to Argentina. They’ve mastered the art of adapting, living as tree-huggers, ground-lovers, and even the confused ones that can’t decide, so they start on trees but send roots down to the ground.
Classification and Types
Philodendrons are generally divided into two main categories based on their growth patterns: those that climb and those that don’t.
With an astonishing 450 species recognized, their foliage can have many shapes, including oval, lance-shaped, or spear-like, and may even be lobed, incised, or pinnate.
Let’s now take a closer look at the unique characteristics of both climbing and non-climbing Philodendron varieties that truly set them apart.
Vining Philodendron Varieties
Vining Philodendron varieties are perfect for hanging baskets, indoor spaces, or simply letting them roam free in your living room.
We’ll introduce several popular vining Philodendron varieties in this section:
Philodendron Micans
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron Cordatum
Philodendron Brazil
Philodendron Lemon Lime
Prepare to navigate through the fascinating world of Philodendrons!
Philodendron Micans (My Favorite)
The Philodendron Micans is my absolute favorite among the Philodendron varieties and it is highly sought-after by indoor plant enthusiasts. It’s particularly renowned for its lush, velvety leaves.
Due to its unique leaves, the Philodendron Micans requires a higher humidity level than most other vining Philodendrons.
Scientific Name: Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum ‘Micans’
Other Names: Velvet Leaf Philodendron, Hederaceum Micans
Origin: Native to the Caribbean and Central America
Plant Size: Can grow up to 3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 4 inches in length
Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions
Leaf Color: Iridescent deep green to bronze
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Heartleaf Philodendron
The Heartleaf Philodendron is an evergreen perennial vine that is one of the most popular vining philodendrons. It has lovely heart-shaped, glossy leaves and is often confused with its look-alike Pothos.
Scientific Name: Philodendron hederaceum
Other Names: Sweetheart Plant (due to its heart-shaped leaves), Philodendron Scandens
Origin: Native to Central America and the Caribbean
Plant Size: Can grow up to 4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 3 inches in length
Leaf Color: Rich, deep green
Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions
Speed of Growth: Fast-growing
Philodendron Cordatum
The Philodendron Cordatum bears a striking resemblance to the Heartleaf Philodendron, but it distinguishes itself with its larger leaf size. It’s perfect for someone who’s looking for a big impressive plant.
Scientific Name: Philodendron Cordatum
Other Names: Often referred to as the Heartleaf Philodendron
Origin: Native to South America
Plant Size: Can grow up to 4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 4 inches in length
Leaf Color: Deep, solid green
Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Philodendron Brazil
The Philodendron Brazil is a variegated variety that’s easy to maintain. It features lime-green center strips on its heart-shaped leaves.
Scientific Name: Philodendron Hederaceum Brazil
Other Names: Philodendron Green Brazil
Origin: Native to South America
Plant Size: Can grow up to 4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 4 inches in length
Light conditions: Bright indirect light conditions to maintain variegation
Leaf Color: Variegated leaves with lime-green center strips
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Philodendron Lemon Lime
The Philodendron Lemon Lime, also known as the ‘Philodendron Lemon,’ is a cultivar of the Philodendron hederaceum. With its chartreuse foliage in shades of bright yellow to lime green, it is often confused with Neon Pothos.
This vine-style plant has a zesty charm and it requires the same easy care as the Heartleaf Philodendron.
Scientific Name: Philodendron Hederaceum Lemon Lime
Other Names: Lemon Lime Philodendron, Philodendron Lemon
Origin: A cultivar of the Philodendron hederaceum, which is native to Central America and the Caribbean
Plant Size: Can grow up to 4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 4 inches in length
Speed of Growth: Fast-growing
Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions
Leaf Color: Chartreuse foliage in shades of bright yellow to lime green
Non-Vining Philodendrons
Non-vining Philodendrons, also known as self-heading or bushy Philodendrons, are a group of Philodendrons that grow upright.
Unlike their vining counterparts that love to climb and trail, these varieties grow in a more compact, bushy manner. They are perfect for those who want a more structured, less sprawling plant.
Non-vining Philodendrons are characterized by their large, broad leaves that grow from a central stem.
They often have a more rounded, robust appearance compared to vining types. While they can still get quite large, their growth is more contained, making them a great choice for smaller spaces or for adding a focal point to a room.
Here, I will talk about the following non-vining philodendrons:
- Philodendron Narrow
Philodendron Jose Bueno
Philodendron Burle Max Variegated
Tree Philodendron
Philodendron Paraiso Verde
Philodendron Golden God
Philodendron Imperial Red
Philodendron Birkin
Philodendron Narrow
The Philodendron Narrow stands out with its long, slender leaves that bring an elegant and tropical flair to any indoor space. Its foliage gracefully arches, creating a visual dance of greenery that is both calming and captivating.
- Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Narrow’
- Other Names: Philodendron Narrow Escape, Narrow Leaf Philodendron, Philodendron Tiger Tooth, Philodendron Jungle Boogie
- Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
- Plant Size: Can grow up to 3-5 feet in height indoors
- Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 7-9 inches in length
- Leaf Color: Deep green with a glossy finish
- Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions
- Speed of Growth: Fast-growing
Philodendron Jose Bueno
Philodendron Jose Bueno is a unique hybrid variety. This plant is renowned for its large, dark green leaves that sometimes have variegation.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Jose Bueno’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 4 feet in height indoors
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 6-8 inches in length
Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions
Leaf Color: Deep emerald green
Philodendron Burle Max Variegated
The Philodendron Burle Max Variegated is a hardy plant known for its elongated, glossy green leaves with deep lobes and attractive variegation. It has large, glossy, variegated leaves that look very attractive.
Scientific Name: Philodendron Burle Max Variegated
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Native to the Brazilian rainforest
Plant Size: Can grow up to 3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 8-10 inches in length
Leaf Color: Glossy green leaves with deep lobes and variegation
Light conditions: Bright light conditions to maintain the variegation
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Tree Philodendron
The Tree Philodendron is a large tropical plant with big, bold leaves that can grow into a tree-like form. It has a single trunk and multiple branches, just like a real tree.
Because of its large, glossy leaves and a tree-like growth habit, the Tree Philodendron can be often confused with Monstera plants.
Scientific Name: Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Other Names: Lacy Tree Philodendron, Cut-Leaf Philodendron, Hope Philodendron
Origin: Native to South America, particularly Brazil
Plant Size: Can grow up to 15 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 3 feet in length
Leaf Color: Deep, glossy green
Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderate to fast-growing
Philodendron Paraiso Verde
Philodendron Paraiso Verde is a unique variegated hybrid with green leaves. This rare and stunning tropical vine is easy to care for and features large leaves that can be variegated. The leaves start as lemon yellow and turn into a bright light green.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Paraiso Verde’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 3-4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 5-7 inches in length
Leaf Color: Varies from dark green to variegated with dark and bright green
Light conditions: Can tolerate low-light conditions but the variegated type needs bright light to maintain variegation
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Philodendron Golden Goddess
Philodendron Golden Goddess is a bushy plant with golden-yellow leaves.
Let the Philodendron Golden Goddess bring a ray of sunshine into your home and watch as it transforms your space into a tropical paradise, reminiscent of the vibrant colors found in the Ring of Fire.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Golden Goddess’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 4-6 inches in length
Leaf Color: Golden-yellow
Light conditions: Medium to bright-light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Philodendron Imperial Red
The Philodendron Imperial Red is a low-maintenance plant with glossy burgundy leaves, red leaf stems, and pinking green new leaves.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 8-10 inches in length
Leaf Color: Deep burgundy to almost black
Light conditions: Medium to bright-light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Philodendron Birkin
The Philodendron Birkin is true showstopper. Its glossy, pinstriped leaves create a dramatic display and can be paired with plants with plain leaves.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Birkin’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 5-7 inches in length
Leaf Color: Dark green with white pinstripes
Light conditions: Medium to bright indirect light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Rare and Unique Philodendron Varieties
For those who crave a touch of the extraordinary, rare, and unique Philodendron varieties are perfect for that.
In this section, we’ll explore nine rare and unique Philodendron varieties:
Philodendron Caramel Marble
Philodendron Cobra
Philodendron Summer Glory
- Philodendron Emerald Red
Philodendron Bipennifolium Aurea
Philodendron Moonlight
Philodendron White Princess
Philodendron Pink Princess
Philodendron Sun Red
Philodendron Golden Crocodile
So, get ready to discover some of the most sought-after and captivating Philodendron varieties from around the world.
Philodendron Caramel Marble
The Philodendron Caramel Marble is a true showstopper. It is known for its beautiful, unique, marbled foliage that displays a blend of caramel, cream, and green hues.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Caramel Marble’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 5-7 inches in length
Leaf Color: Dark green with white pinstripes; new leaves are bright yellow
Light conditions: Bright indirect light conditions to preserve variegation
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron Cobra
The Philodendron Cobra is an unusual plant with unique, variegated leaves shaped almost like a a cobra head hence its name.
- Scientific Name: Philodendron Cobra
- Other Names: Monstera Standleyana ‘Albo’, Philodendron Standleyana, Five Holes Plant
- Origin: Native to the rainforests of Central America
- Plant Size: Can grow up to 3 feet in height indoors
- Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 6 inches in length
- Leaf Color: Variegated green, cream, and yellow
- Light conditions: Bright-light conditions to preserve variegation
- Speed of Growth: Slow-growing
Philodendron Summer Glory
Philodendron Summer Glory is a hybrid with large, glossy leaves and a climbing growth habit. Its leaves mature from a reddish copper color to a deep emerald green.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Summer Glory’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 3-4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 5-7 inches in length
Leaf Color: Dark green when mature and reddish green for the new leaves
Light conditions: Moderate to bright light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron Emerald Red
The Philodendron Emerald Red is a rare gem in the Philodendron family, boasting deep emerald green leaves that are infused with a subtle red hue, giving it a regal and luxurious appearance. This variety’s elegance is only matched by its rarity, making it a coveted plant among collectors.
- Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Emerald Red’
- Other Names: Not commonly known by other names
- Origin: Believed to be a hybrid variety, with exact origin unknown
- Plant Size: Can reach a height of 2-4 feet indoors
- Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 8-12 inches in length
- Leaf Color: Lush emerald green with hints of red
- Light conditions: Moderate to bright light conditions to maintain its vibrant coloration
- Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing under the right conditions
- Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron Bipennifolium Aurea
The Philodendron Bipennifolium Aurea is a trippy-looking plant with horse-head shaped leaves and various color varieties perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your indoor garden.
This rare and exotic species of Philodendron boasts eye-catching neon yellow-green leaves that will make your friends green with envy. Bring home the Philodendron Golden Horsehead and let its unique appearance add a touch of the exotic to your indoor garden.
Scientific Name: Philodendron Bipennifolium Aurea
Other Names: Golden Horsehead Philodendron
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 5-7 inches in length
Leaf Color: Neon yellow-green
Light conditions: Bright light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron Moonlight
Philodendron Moonlight is a clump-forming hybrid with electric green leaves that can brighten up any room. This stunning variety is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your indoor garden, as its leaves unfurl from reddish skins in a mesmerizing display of color.
Bring this striking, rare Philodendron into your home and let it light up your indoor garden like a moonlit night.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Moonlight’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 8-10 inches in length
Leaf Color: Bright, electric green
Light conditions: Medium to bright light conditions
Speed of Growth: Fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron White Princess
The Philodendron White Princess is a rare variety that adds a striking contrast to any indoor garden with its white-splotched green leaves. This easy-to-care-for plant is a unique addition to any collection, with its partially red stems adding an extra dash of color. This plant is not just beautiful, but also a symbol of royal elegance in your leafy kingdom.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘White Princess’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 8-10 inches in length
Leaf Color: Variegated green and white
Light conditions: Bright light conditions to preserve variegation
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron Pink Princess
The Philodendron Pink Princess truly lives up to its royal name, with its vibrant pink leaves adding a regal touch to any indoor garden. Its easy maintenance and striking appearance make it a favorite among both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Scientific Name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 2-3 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 5-7 inches in length
Leaf Color: Dark green and bubblegum pink variegation
Light conditions: Bright light conditions to preserve variegation
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Vining
Philodendron Sun Red
The Philodendron Sun Red is a hybrid variety with leaves that resemble the shape of a paddle. Their lime green color, bordered by dark green edges, makes them a perfect addition to any indoor garden, bringing a tropical vibe. This stunning variety is easy to care for, thriving in medium to bright indirect light.
Invite the Philodendron Sun Red into your home and watch it illuminate your space with its vibrant and captivating hues.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Sun Red’
Other Names: Not available
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 3-4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 8-10 inches in length
Leaf Color: Lime green bordered by dark green edges
Light conditions: Medium to bright light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron Golden Crocodile
The Philodendron Golden Crocodile, also known as the “Golden Crocodile Philodendron,” is a unique, variegated variety with golden-yellow leaves and a crocodile-like texture.
Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’
Other Names: Golden Crocodile Philodendron
Origin: Hybrid variety, exact origin unknown
Plant Size: Can grow up to 3-4 feet in height indoors
Leaf Size: Leaves can grow up to 8-10 inches in length
Leaf Color: Golden-yellow with a crocodile-like texture
Light conditions: Medium to bright indirect light conditions
Speed of Growth: Moderately fast-growing
Growth Type: Non-vining
Philodendron Care Tips and Tricks
Caring for your Philodendron plants is a straightforward process. These tropical beauties thrive in warm temperatures with medium to bright indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions.
They prefer a well-draining soil mix and need to be watered only when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.
Humidity is also a key factor in the health of your Philodendron. They enjoy a humid environment, so consider using a pebble tray or a humidifier, especially during drier months.
Remember to feed your Philodendron with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to ensure vibrant growth.
Pruning can also help maintain the shape and size of your plant and promote bushier growth.
For more detailed information on how to care for your Philodendron, refer to my comprehensive guide on Philodendron Care.
Common Philodendron Pests and Diseases
Philodendrons, like any other plants, can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases.
Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids, which can cause yellowing or wilting of leaves. Diseases such as root rot and leaf spot can also affect the health of your Philodendron.
For a thorough understanding and solutions to these problems, refer to my comprehensive well-illustrated post on Common Philodendron Pests and Diseases.
Summary
In conclusion, Philodendrons are the multi-tool of the plant world, ready to jazz up your indoor scenery.
Whether you’re a fan of sprawling vines, stately non-vining types, or hunting for unique, head-turning varieties, there’s a Philodendron waiting for you!
And if you’re looking for Philodendron doppelgängers (look-alikes), check out this post.
With some love and care, you can have your own indoor jungle, minus the tropical mosquitos! So, dive into the Philodendron world. They say variety is the spice of life, and these plants are sure to add some ‘thyme’ to your life… get it? Thyme…time…never mind.
