Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendron Plant Features
Philodendron is a classic, and practically no-fail houseplant because it's so easy to grow. Happily, this makes it a pretty common indoor plant to find at your local garden center. The philodendron family is a pretty big one, too -- so you can find a variety of plants that grow in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Many of the traditional philodendron varieties are vines perfect for growing on a totem, up a trellis, or in a hanging basket and some offer pleasing variegated foliage. These are counted as some of the most easy to grow houseplants of all time. Upright-growing philodendrons are just as easy, but typically have larger leaves.
Note: Scientists are always looking at plant relationships and sometimes they reclassify plants. That's why you'll sometimes see some species of Philodendron also called Thaumatophyllum.
Philodendron Questions?
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Philodendron Growing Instructions
Grow philodendrons just about anywhere. As houseplants they're that easy to keep! The plants grow best in medium or bright-light spots, but tolerate low light exceedingly well.
Water philodendrons enough when the soil surface dries. They're tough enough plants they don't mind if you forget to water them now and again. Just take care not to overwater your philodendrons. They will rot if they're kept too wet.
You typically don't need to fertilize philodendrons much, if at all, but they appreciate a feeding once or twice a year in spring and summer. Use any houseplant fertilizer (available from your local garden center) and follow the packaging directions carefully.
Vining philodendrons are relatively slow growers, but can be cut back at any time to keep them compact and bushy.
Note: Philodendrons are not meant for human or animal consumption.
Special Care
Outdoors in warm-weather climates, some philodendrons are grown as tropical perennials. These varieties typically do best in partial shade or shade and in moist, well-drained soil.
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Light
Indoors: High light
Indoors: Low light
Indoors: Medium light
Outside: Part sun
Outside: Shade -
Colors
Green, Variegated
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Water
Medium water needs
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Special Features
Purifies the air
Super-easy to grow
Complement your Philodendron with these varieties:
Pothos is a close relative of philodendron; they grow well together.
Both red aglaonema and philodendron are among the easiest houseplants to grow -- plus, red aglaonema's colorful foliage is a fun accent.
Norfolk Island pine is a no-fuss houseplant with a soft texture that makes a lovely accent to philodendron's larger leaves.
Question
While philodendrons tolerate being root bound a little better than most houseplants, they don't actually like being root bound. Your plant will be happiest and healthiest if you do
Varieties: Our Favorites
Birkin Philodendron
Philodendron 'Birkin'
Birkin is a stunning newer selection that shows off large, dark green leaves heavily streaked in crisp white. Each leaf is unique, adding beauty and drama to the home or office. It can reach 3 feet tall and does not climb (it is self-supporting).
Trending Tropicals®
Brandi Philodendron
Philodendron brandtianum
Brandi is a beautiful species of this easy-growing vine that offers rich green leaves marbled in silver.
Exotic Angel® Plants
Brasil Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
Brasil philodendron is a patented and especially fun vining type that has green leaves variegated with golden-yellow. US plant patent 12,956.
Exotic Angel® Plants , O2 for You®
Golden Goddess Philodendron
Philodendron 'Golden Goddess'
Golden Goddess is a sport of the popular variety 'Thai Sunrise' that features golden-yellow leaves on climbing stems.
Trending Tropicals®
Green Congo Philodendron
Philodendron 'Congo'
Green Congo philodendron is a large, upright-growing variety with shiny green leaves
Green Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
This easy-to-grow houseplant has dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It's excellent for hanging baskets.
Exotic Angel® Plants , O2 for You®
Micans Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum micans
Micans is a lovely variety that has purple-flushed green leaves that have a satin-like texture.
Exotic Angel® Plants
Moonlight Philodendron
Philodendron 'Moonlight'
This upright grower offers fantastic new growth; the leaves emerge bright chartreuse before fading to deep green.
Philodendron grazielae
Philodendron grazielae
Philodendron grazielae is a unique species that shows off heart-shaped leaves and thick stems. It's a hard-to-find species that's delightfully easy to grow.
Exotic Angel® Plants
Prince of Orange Philodendron
Philodendron 'Prince of Orange'
Prince of Orange is a large, shrubby variety that has new leaves that emerge a rich coppery-orange color. It can reach 24 inches tall or more.
Rojo Congo Philodendron
Philodendron 'Rojo Congo'
Rojo Congo is an upright variety that has dark green leaves and new leaves that emerge flushed with purple-red.
Selloum
Philodendron selloum
A large houseplant indoors, selloum philodendron is often grown outdoors as a perennial in warm-winter regions. It has dark green leaves with frilly edges. Note: You may also see it sold as Thaumatophyllum.
Super Atom Philodendron
Philodendron 'Super Atom'
Super Atom philodendron looks like a miniature version of its cousin, selloum. It has ruffled leaves and a tight, compact shape. It's also slower growing. Super Atom reaches 3 feet tall and wide over time.
Xanadu Philodendron
Philodendron 'Xanadu'
This larger philodendron has dark green leaves and ruffled edges. It's often used as a perennial in frost-free climates like South Florida and is also called 'Winterbourn'.