Do you wish to ‘phil’ the empty void in your heart as well as in your indoor spaces? Philodendrons are the way to go! Belonging to the family of Araceae, these are beautiful and exotic household plants. They boast of more than 450 varieties and have myriad shapes, colours, and textures. One of their strange habits is that they bloom more in the outdoors. Yet are loved for indoor purposes due to their rich and gorgeous foliage. Literally translating to ‘Lover of trees’, they embrace the tree trunks in the South American rainforests. Do you have more conviction or are you ready to embrace various varieties of these beauties? Here is a list of 17 Philodendron Varieties.
1. Philodendron Birkin
Nature would have been an artist to design this diva of a plant! This upright variety is compact and requires low maintenance. It grows at an unhurried pace up to 3 feet in height. They thrive best in bright but indirect light. The radial pattern on a dark green shade makes it the favourite choice for interior decorators. You try keeping it with syngonium varieties to add more colour.
2. Philodendron Burle Marx
Do you sneeze due to allergies to pollens? Burle Marx is the solution! This ornamental philodendron does not generate pollen. Blessed with elongated heart-shaped leaves, ranging in colour from light green to red, the Burle Marx is excellent for making wreaths and usage in foliage creations.
3. Philodendron Verrucosum or Velvet Leaf
This velvet-leaf philodendron exhibits heart-shaped dark green leaves with reddish hues, and enveloping light veins. This plant is a climber and thrives well in humidity and medium-to-low light.
4. Philodendron Billietiae
If you are a fan of long leaves then Billietiae won’t disappoint you! This philodendron will impress you with its three feet long and 10 inches wide leaves. The horizontal veins on the dark green leaves are the cherry on the cake. This plant also thrives on humidity, hence make sure to mist them regularly if the climate is dry.
5. Philodendron Florida Ghost
Afraid of ghosts? Not anymore! This eye-catching plant has leaves which resemble a caricaturist ghost. Apart from the shape, the leaves change color from shiny white to yellowish-green, and finally to dark green upon maturity. Unlike a real ghost, this philodendron thrives well in continuous lighting. If you are lucky enough, you might witness ‘Florida Ghost’ blooming with bright-purple flowers.
6. Philodendron Micans
Micans have velvety heart-shaped leaves covered with tiny hair giving them an iridescent hue- hence changing colors on how the light hits them. Sometimes light green. Sometimes bronze. Their leaves become smooth upon maturing. The vines reach up to six feet in length.
7. Philodendron Gloriosum
Flimsy as a child. Sturdy and attractive as an adult. We are talking about the Gloriosum. This variety sports enormous heart-shaped dark emerald, green leaves, and its foliage can expand up to 3 feet in width. They do not tolerate cold weather and standing water and are suitable for large spaces if you keep it as an indoor plant.
8. Philodendron Joepii
This specimen is absurdly unique and sadly nearing extinction. Its leaves are strangely three-lobed and might look like someone chewed into them. Well, it is what it is! You can expect the leaves to reach up to 27 inches in length. The plant also blooms with flowers ranging in color from white to purple.
9. Philodendron Hastatum
This variety is also known as the Silver Sword philodendron because of the metallic sheen of the leaves, which mature into an arrowhead-like structure. Hastatum loves water, but is also susceptible to root rot, hence a thrives well in terra cotta garden pots allowing it to breathe. It is a popular houseplant hence its existence is not being threatened.
10. Philodendron Brandtianum
This attractive plant has olive-coated leaves with wide silver bands in between its veins. Best suited as a tabletop centerpiece this variety can thrive well indoors with warm temperatures and humidity. It rarely blooms.
11. Philodendron Melanochrysum
This variety is also known as Black Gold for its shimmery, green, and velvety leaves with yellowish veins. The plant, when a juvenile, is a creeper and has oval reddish leaves which mature into dark-green color. With appropriate conditions, this variety blooms with green and white flowers.
12. Philodendron Brasil
Nature painted this magnificent cultivar with splashes of green and yellow colors on its dark green leaves. What’s not to like? Appropriate for hanging baskets? Good. Has heart-shaped leaves and blooms in bright light? Goood! Low-maintenance, inexpensive, and easy to find? Goooood! This philodendron can win anyone’s ‘hearts’
13. Philodendron Moonlight
This hybrid philodendron stands out for its broad lime-green leaves, electrifying the corners of your house. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor gardens, this variety is a fast grower. It thrives greatly in bright but indirect light- keeping the foliage vibrant.
14. Philodendron Xanadu
For all the philodendron fans out there, check this variety out. Know for its wide leaves, this is an upright type. It sports wide leaves with 15-20 lobes per leaf- with sturdy stems, and grows up to only 4 feet in height. Owing to their versatile nature, they also act as landscape groundcovers in warmer climates. These are easy to find and easier to maintain.
15. Philodendron Squamiferum
Want to live in the jungle but are afraid of the wild animals? Squamiferum is the solution. The bold foliage grows up to 2 feet in length and also sports furry stems with red bristles. They look magnificent on a pole or a trellis. Though difficult to find, they are easier to maintain and can give your home a jungle-feel
16. Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’
Is orange your favorite color? If yes, then you would love this stunner of a cultivar! This cute philodendron exhibits orange leaves which turn into various shades of green upon maturing. If you wish to witness various shades of orange, including the copper color, then nurture it but loads of indirect sunlight. It grows up to 2 feet tall best suited for indoors.
17. Philodendron Camposportoanum
These gorgeous shapeshifters are small-growing tropical pants with beautiful heart-shaped leaves which into three-lobed shapes upon maturity. If you feed them with ample humidity and bright light then they will surprise you with reddish-pink leaves. These philodendrons are excellent for decorative purposes.
They love bright indirect sunlight and suit best as hanging plants on windows witnessing indirect light. Now pick up your ‘interior desinger hat’ and get this handsome plant to beautify your windows and verandahs!