There are over 450 philodendron varieties in the world. These very popular tropical plants are classified by their growth habit: climbing or upright. Available in countless colors, sizes, and textures. Best of all, they're extremely easy to grow, making them a popular houseplant choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. If you're ready to dive into the world of philodendrons, check out these amazing varieties that make great additions to your indoor garden.
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Philodendron care tips
Generally, philodendrons prefer partial sun exposure. For the best color with variegated leaves, make sure the plant receives bright, indirect light. Philodendrons are tropical plants that prefer warm, humid environments. You can mimic this by placing your houseplants in a warm spot and adding moisture with a humidifier or plant sprayer. Loamy, well-drained soil is best. Give the plant an appropriate amount of water and observe the leaves. Drooping leaves may indicate over- or under-watering. For more specific Philodendron care tips, check out the varieties below.
If you have pets, the philodendron plant can be poisonous to them. Be sure to keep it out of reach or consider other pet-friendly plants instead.
Philodendron Rojo Congo
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This dramatic philodendron features bright red stems and large tropical leaves that start out red but turn green as they grow. Philodendron Rojo Congo grows in bright indirect light. Avoid overwatering this plant. Water only when the top half of the soil is dry.
Philodendron Macquarie finale
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Philodendron Macquarie's finale is characterized by bronze-red leaves that gradually turn bright green. This is a philodendron that can tolerate low light conditions and requires watering only every 1-2 weeks.
Philodendron Totum
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Forodendrom totum (also known as fern-leaf philodendron) has lacy, fern-like leaves that are initially copper-colored and then turn bright green. It is easy to grow and can tolerate some neglect as it requires low indirect sunlight.
black cardinal philodendron
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If you're into dark drama in your plant collection, this gothic philodendron is for you. The leaves of the plant are characterized by maroon and dark purple hues. It is best to keep it under bright indirect light while watering it regularly.
golden violin philodendron
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The lemon-lime-hued leaves grow nearly 1.5 feet long and are slightly violin-shaped. This is a climbing plant that can grow over 5 feet tall and, like many philodendron plants, requires indirect light and water for 1 to 2 weeks.
philodendron white wizard
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This unusual philodendron has dramatic white spots and stripes against its dark green leaves. Philodendrons can handle medium to bright indirect light, and weekly or biweekly watering is sufficient.
ring of fire philodendron
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If you're looking for a plant to add a little color to your home, the Ring of Fire philodendron may be just what you need. Its leaves come in a variety of colors, including cream, green, orange, and red. This plant is a vine, so it's a good idea to grow it on a trellis. Store in medium to bright indirect light.
Philodendron Vercosum
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This bold plant features large, heart-shaped, glossy leaves with dramatic light green veins. A tropical plant, Philodendron vercosum prefers humid and warm conditions.
Philodendron gloriosum
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This bold variation of philodendron continues to thrive. Bright, indirect light and a dry environment. It's a slow-growing plant, so don't expect it to grow rapidly.
Philodendron billiettiae
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You may have to look hard to find this dramatic tropical plant, but it's worth it when you see its gorgeous long jade-colored leaves. Like other philodendrons, Philodendron billietia grows in partial sun and well-drained soil.
Paraiso Verde Philodendron
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This is one of our favorite unusual plants to add to your plant collection. It can grow up to 10 feet tall, so give it space. Grows in moist soil and indirect light.
silver sword philodendron
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Silver Sword is a philodendron vine that gets its name from its sword-shaped silver leaves. Provide an easy-to-maintain trellis for this vine.
heart leaf philodendron
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This classic trailing philodendron is one of the easiest plants to grow. Adapts to different light conditions and can be ignored. Heart Leaf His Philodendron is characterized by fast-growing heart-shaped leaves that are bronze in color and quickly turn glossy green. The leaves are 2 to 3 inches wide and can grow to more than 8 inches wide if they can climb. Indoors, it makes a beautiful hanging plant with vines that reach 4 to 5 feet.
Philodendron Hope Cerium
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Popular for its eye-catching, sculptural foliage, Philodendron hope sellome has become a common sight on Instagram feeds and in designer homes. To aid growth, place this houseplant in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Rotate the pot every few days as the plant begins to lean towards the sun.
imperial green and imperial red
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Philodendron Imperial Green is an upright variety prized for its smooth, glossy green leaves. In the Imperial Red variety, the young leaves are bright red, mature to a burgundy red-purple, and eventually turn a dark glossy green as they mature. Both types feature large leaves that fan out in all directions, making them attractive ornamentals for any space. Both imperial varieties prefer medium to bright indirect sunlight, but can also tolerate shady environments.
Philodendron Prince of Orange
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Like Imperial, Prince of Orange is an upright variety with colorful leaves that turn bright orange and turn pale green at maturity. This exotic-looking plant produces dense clusters of leaves around a central stem, and the petioles and new leaf spears are a colorful deep red. Orange Prince prefers moderate to bright indirect sunlight, but can also tolerate shady conditions.
Philodendron elbecens (also known as Pink Princess Philodendron)
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Known for its stunning pink variegated leaves, it's easy to see where the name 'Pink Princess Philodendron' comes from. For the most vibrant colors, make sure this tropical houseplant receives plenty of indirect sunlight. Since it grows in high humidity, consider using a humidifier or misting the plant regularly.
philodendron brazil
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This delightful follower variety features heart-shaped leaves in varying shades of green and yellow. The subsequent plant got its name from its close resemblance to the Brazilian flag. Brazil shows its variegation best in medium to bright indirect light. It can survive in low light conditions, but will lose its variegation if there is not enough light.
Philodendron Micans
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Mandarin oranges are a heart-shaped trailing variety characterized by leaves with a velvety texture, giving the plant the nickname “velvet-leafed philodendron.” Its leaves appear either deep green or dark purple depending on the light, and new leaves emerge a bright chartreuse color edged with pink. Mandarin oranges look graceful and cascading in hanging planters, but they are equally beautiful when grown on a trellis. Prefers medium to bright indirect light. If you're a fan of plants' exciting foliage, Micans are a great addition to your collection.
Baal Marx Philodendron
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Named after landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, this stunning upright philodendron looks great in both outdoor landscapes and indoors. This plant produces large amounts of paddle-shaped, glossy green leaves with deep leaves and delicate pale veins. It makes a nice presence when grown in pots and is a cover plant that grows quickly in the landscape (in warmer climates only). Burle Marx grows in bright indirect light, but can also live in low light.
Xanadu Philodendron
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Xanadu has wide, glossy leaves with multiple leaves on long, sturdy stems. This plant has an upright growth habit, but is wider than it is long, making it ideal for large spaces in the house or on a balcony. Xanadu is adaptable to a variety of conditions, easy to grow, and inexpensive for its size.
Philodendron Brantianum
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If you're a fan of variegation, brandtianum won't disappoint. This beautiful vine features heart-shaped, deep green leaves with beautiful silver stripes. The emerging leaves are characterized by a yellowish-orange hue, changing to dark green and silvery hues as they mature. Brantianum is a climbing variety, but it has a plump and upright nature. This philodendron grows well in medium light, but its variegation stands out in bright indirect light.
Philodendron Birkin
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Birkin is an upright cultivar developed as a cross between Philodendron Congo and Philodendron Imperial Green. The leaves have white and bright yellow stripes that stand out against the colorful green leaves when the light hits them. Additionally, each leaf has a unique mottled pattern, making this plant a gorgeous eye-catcher in any room. Birkin grows best in bright, indirect light.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
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Rhaphidophora tetrasperma, also known as mini Monstera deliciosa, is characterized by similar fenestrated leaves and a vine-like growth habit. However, unlike monstera, the leaves remain small, so they do not take up space as quickly as it seems. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma grows in bright indirect light and constant humidity.