Philodendron are fabulous houseplants. See some of our favorites—from tried-and-true varieties to new selections you may not have heard of yet.
Brasil Philodendron
Brasil Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum Brasil) was introduced 25 years ago and has become one of the most popular varieties available. It’s loved for its easy-to-grow nature (Brasil Philodendron is a great pick for beginners) and yellow-on-green variegation make it an excellent choice for anyone. It’s a climbing variety with dark-green heart-shaped leaves decorated with a yellow stripe up the center. Like many Philodendron varieties, the leaves get much larger and more eye-catching if you grow it vertically up a pole, trellis, or wall!
Birkin Philodendron
There are several ways to categorize Philodendrons, and one is if they’re climbing or self-heading varieties. Climbing varieties, like their name suggests, are vines that need support (or can trail, depending on variety). Self-heading Philodendrons like Birkin grow more like a mound and don’t require support. This selection shows off dark green leaves fabulously variegated with white pinstripes. It can grow some 3 feet tall and wide as it matures, but inside as a houseplant, it’s a relatively slow grower.
Golden Crocodile Philodendron
Golden Crocodile Philodendron is an especially eye-catching variety that earned its name because its long, narrow leaves have toothed edges—like a crocodile’s mouth. It also has fabulous color—leaves are a coppery shade as they emerge and then unfold to a bright golden-yellow shade you can see from across the room. It’s a self-heading variety so it doesn’t need support, and the leaves can get more than 2 feet long as the plant grows. Despite its exotic looks, it’s an easy-care variety that’s as good for houseplant enthusiasts as it is beginners.
Philodendron tortum
Philodendron tortum is a wild species discovered about 20 years ago that’s just becoming available now. It has a distinctive look that stands out from a lot of the more common Philodendron varieties because the leaves are finely dissected—you might think they look more like a fern or palm frond than the traditional Philodendron. It’s a vining variety that can climb more than 6 feet over time and as it matures, the striking leaves can get more than 12 inches long!
White Knight Philodendron
Enjoy striking variegation and a low-maintenance nature from White Knight Philodendron! This selection sports big, heart-shaped leaves irregularly streaked and marked with crisp white patches. It’s a climbing variety, but I’ve found it’s slower growing than many other vining types. The leaves, as the plant grows (especially if you give it lots of bright light), can get more than 2 feet across!
Philodendron Care
All these Philodendron varieties have similar care needs, so if you grow one, you can grow them all! Light: Philodendron like lots of bright light—the more, the better. They all tolerate lower-light conditions well, however. Colorful varieties like Golden Crocodile will be brighter and more showy in bright light than low.
Water: These Philodendron varieties are drought tolerant, so they’ll forgive you if you forget to water from time to time. Unless you grow them in a self-watering system (like our Wick & Grow system), water them as the top 50 percent or so of the potting mix dries to the touch.
Temperature: Average household temperatures are fine for these varieties—you don’t need to provide special conditions. In general, if you’re comfortable, so are they.
Relative Humidity: Because Philodendron hail from tropical Central and South America, they like average to above-average relative humidity conditions. If your air is extra arid, augmenting humidity can be helpful—but if relative humidity is over about 40 or 45 percent, they should be fine.
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Philodendron are fabulous house plants. And there are a wide range of these plants from tried-and-true varieties to exciting new selections you may not have heard of yet. click here. for a great article from our friend Justin who writes about several of his favorites.
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