50+ Most Popular Philodendron Species to add to your collection (2021)

Philodendron species are some of the easiest, fastest-growing houseplants out there! Its easy going nature, ease of propagation, and whimsical beauty makes the philodendron one of the best houseplants for beginners.

Hardiness, vigorous growth, ease of care, simple propagation, and a great diversity of leaf forms, colors, textures, sizes, and growth habits are just a few traits to love about Philodendrons. Let’s have a look at 50 of the most stunning Philodendron varieties now on the market — if you only know about the popular Heartleaf variety, you’re in for a treat!

There are many different species of philodendron, and some may appeal to you more than others. Some varieties are common in stores, making them easy (and inexpensive) to add to your houseplant collection. Other varieties are a bit trickier to find and therefore more appropriate for more seasoned, serious houseplant collectors.

Philodendrons, which are part of the Araceae family, typically love the high humidity of the warm tropical rain forest found in Central America. However, many varieties of the plant can work in both as outdoor plants as well as indoor house plants. Many love this plant because of its size, texture, colors, leaf shape, low maintenance, and growth habits.

Philodendron plants are native to South America, along with a bunch of hybrids and cultivars. Some of the key features of the Philodendron genus include their larger leaves, aerial roots, and split leaves.

There are over 450 philodendron species in the world, but let’s take a look at some of the most popular philodendron types as well as some that are harder to find so you can decide which variety is right for you!

As part of the “Aroid Fever” mania, there are upright clumping and climber varieties.

Some of the younger, rarer, or more sought-after Philodendron cultivars can be difficult to find, but there are so many magnificent species and cultivars that lucky finds can be found just about anywhere. Part of the enjoyment is going on a search.

Climbing or Hanging Philodendrons vs. Upright Philodendrons (Philodendron Vine)

Philodendrons can be epiphytic, hemi-epiphytic, or terrestrial. Or they can be a combination of any of these three. Expect numerous aerial roots to sprout from the climbing or trailing stems. Soil roots can also sprout from trailing and climbing stems that find their way to fresh soil.

You can choose between a hanging (vining) Philodendron and an upright Philodendron type, depending on your interior décor. You can choose between a hanging (vining) Philodendron and an upright Philodendron type, depending on your interior décor.

Heart-shaped leaves and lengthy trailing tendrils characterize most climbing or hanging Philodendrons. The lovely long stems of the vining plants can be hung in a basket from the ceiling or placed on a high shelf to make a stunning vertical accent. The variegated Philodendron ‘Brasil,’ ‘pink princess,’ and the green heartleaf Philodendron are all vining plants of the Philodendron family.

Philodendron plants with upright growth feature huge, divided leaves. Green leaves can grow to be so large that they require some support. The upright Philodendrons grow slowly in comparison to climbing Philodendrons. The Xanadu and the Green Congo Philodendron are two types of upright Philodendrons.

Remember that most Philodendron types require the same basic care; we’ll mention any special requirements as we move through the list.

Care for Philodendrons

The ease with which Philodendrons can be cared for contributes to their popularity. Certain species may have unique requirements, although the majority have comparable demands. The door is open once you figure out how to keep one Philodendron happy.

Warm temperatures and open, well-draining soil that is kept slightly damp but never sodden are essential for philodendron care. Before rewatering, let the top inch or two of soil dry off. Yellow leaves are a common symptom of overwatering, so keep an eye out for them.

The plant thrives in moderate to brilliant indirect light, but avoid direct sunlight. Philodendrons with darker leaves may tolerate lower light levels, but variegated plants require more.

They prefer higher humidity as a tropical species, but most can adapt to ordinary conditions. During the spring and summer growing seasons, small monthly feedings with a balanced fertilizer are usually sufficient.

Philodendrons are usually pest-resistant (but not immune). Keep in mind that they are deadly, so keep pets and children away from them.

If you want to purchase some of these lovely Philodendrons, ordering them online is a terrific way to go. They arrive quickly, and the selection is far superior to anything I could find locally.

Read our Philodendron Care Guide to learn the basics here.

1. HEARTLEAF PHILODENDRON (HEDERACEUM )

This is the most common type of philodendron you’ll see at the garden store. You’ll probably recognize its deep-green, heart-shaped leaves and long vines. If you’re ready to try your first philodendron, this is a great choice!

2. The Hairy Philodendron (Philodendron Squamiferum)

The Philodendron squamiferum plant is another eye-catching Aroid. Philodendron squamiferum, often known as hairy plant, Hairy Philodendron or Red Bristle Philodendron, is an uncommon yet attractive garden plant.

This plant is especially popular among houseplant aficionados because of its distinctive oak-shaped leaves.

3. PHILODENDRON PRINCE OF ORANGE

Philodendron “Prince of Orange” is a hybrid with very distinct colorful foliage vibrant compared to other Philodendron species.

The dynamic growth and coloration of the Prince of Orange leaves is so amazing. The new foliage unroll a bright orange or copper-orange color and fades to a pale green color when they mature.

4. ELEPHANT EAR PHILODENDRON (DOMESTICUM)

This upright philodendrons has large, glossy leaves, with a dramatically heart-shape. The leaves start out as grayish but then become more silvery-green as the leaves mature. If you want an impressive floor plant that’s easy to care for and adds an unusual color to your space, look no further!

5. PHILODENDRON ROJO CONGO

Philodendron Rojo Congo (Philodendron red congo plant) is a new and distinct cultivar of Philodendron species. It is a product of the cross or breeding between Philodendron Imperial Red as the female parent and an unidentified cultivar of the Philodendron tatei.

6. PHILODENDRON “MOONLIGHT”

This short, shrubby philodendron is a species of the heartleaf, but instead of deep green, the leaves are a bold lime-green color!

The shiny leaves are also much more elongated and arrow-shaped than the typical heart shape of vining philodendrons.

New leaves are bright yellow and turn bright green as they mature. It’s one of my personal favorites!

6. PHILODENDRON MAMEI

One popular Philodendron species is the creeper, Philodendron Mamei.

Philodendron mamei is a suitable plant for indoor growing. Its medium-green leaves are about 12″ inches long and are triangular in shape. Each corrugated leaf is accentuated with silvery patterns.

Philodendron Mamei Silver

These Philodendrons sport beautifully textured leaves with a unique smooth d-shaped petiole. The leaves have gorgeous streaks of silver. It is a Rambling philodendron. This is a newly discovered undescribed species with no official name just yet and mamei silver is one of the names it’s going by. These grow best in bright indirect or filtered light with ample humidity. Make sure this plant has a well draining, aerated soil and water when dry.

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7. PHILODENDRON BRASIL

Another popular cultivar of the heartleaf, this variegated philodendron species is fairly grower-friendly and a great way to start getting into variegated plants.

The heart-shaped leaves are deep-green with lime-green splashes and sometimes yellow streaks. It’s very easy to maintain, but make sure to give it plenty of bright, indirect light for maximum variegation!

8. Philodendron Dark Lord

Dark Lord Philodendron is a must have for big leaf plant collectors. 

This philodendron’s leaf starts out bright orange, then turns blood red, and finally fades to a deep dark green top with a metallic maroon underneath. 

This plant is very easy to grow and maintaining a relatively small size can be challenging because it is such a vigorous grower. 

9. Philodendron Black Gold (Melanochrysum)

The Philodendron melanochrysum is a beautiful tropical plant. It doesn’t get the credit it deserves. Or the attention it deserves.

The dark green (almost black) crystalline leaves show off a bright yellow vein. The yellow vein traces its’ way through the leaf to form a unique pattern.

It’s these attributes that created the nickname “the “Black Gold Philodendron”. Like many other Philodendron species, it’s a climbing vine plant.

10. PHILODENDRON WHITE KNIGHT 

This rare (and pricey) philodendron species shows off very dark-green leaves with bold blocks of white or green. It even has purple stems!

This plant grows slowly, but it will climb a trellis beautifully and reward you with lots of spectacularly variegated leaves if you give it plenty of bright, indirect light. (That is, if you can find one!) 

11. PHILODENDRON MICANS (HEDERACEUM)

Also called velvet-leaf philodendron, this variety is one of many cultivars of the heart-leaf philodendron species. It looks very similar except for the tiny “hairs” that give the leaves a velvety texture.

These surprisingly colorful and almost iridescent leaves are dark green with lighter veins on top and unexpected, rusty-orange undersides.

This trailing philodendron is easy to care for and looks beautiful in hanging baskets. It’s also fairly easy to find, so it’s a great way to add a different texture to your indoor garden.

12. SPLIT-LEAF PHILODENDRON (BIPINNATIFIDUM)(Lacy Tree Philodendron)

Philodendron Selloum, also known as Lacy Tree Philodendrons or Split-Leaf Philodendron, is a fast-growing, easy-going plant that makes a powerful impression in any setting. 

Not to be confused with monstera deliciosa (which is often mistakenly called a split-leaf philodendron), this large variety grows upright and has large lobed leaves that are slightly ruffled. This variety grows a bit slower than the smaller, trailing varieties, but it can grow quite large and make a bold statement in any space!

This philodendron species likes a bit more humidity than other philodendrons, but otherwise, it is easy to care for.

Continue Reading… Is A Monstera The Same As A Split Leaf Philodendron?

13. PINK PRINCESS PHILODENDRON (ERUBESCENS)

If you’re falling in love with variegated plants, you’ll love this pink princess philodendron: this heart-leaf cultivar is variegated with dark-green and black leaves and splashes of bright pink and red. It’s beautiful!

Also called the blushing or red-leaf philodendron, this variety is a little more delicate than other philodendrons. Make sure to provide lots of bright, indirect light to maintain the colors, and whatever you do, do NOT let this variety get cold. Keep well away from drafts and vents, and make sure to water with room-temperature water, not cold.

Other than that, this member of the philodendron family is fairly easy to maintain and will reward you with lots of spectacular leaves for very little work!

Read How to grow a Philodendron Pink Princess, a Beginner Care Guide.

14. PHILODENDRON GRAZIELAE

This unusual philodendron species sports shiny, rounded, heart-shaped leaves that look like cute little valentines. This short, sturdy variety grows more slowly than other philodendrons and will need some kind of support to keep it upright as it grows. Make sure to keep it away from drafts! Overall, this is an easy-to-care for, adorable plant that will always put a smile on your face.

15. PHILODENDRON GLORIOSUM

This beautiful philodendron species makes a stunning floor plant with its large, deep-green leaves with contrasting white veins. New leaves often have light-pink veins that turn white as the leaves grow.

This plant grows slowly, but it can reach 3 feet in height and grow to several feet wide. Make sure to keep it well away from drafts. This is one of our favorite philodendron varieties!

16. Philodendron Florida Ghost

Read How to grow a Philodendron Florida Ghost, a Beginner Care Guide

17. Philodendron Birkin

Read How to grow a Philodendron Birkin, a Beginner Care Guide

18. Green Congo Philodendron

19. Blushing Philodendron

20. Philodendron Xanadu

The ‘Xanadu’ philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum ‘Xanadu’) is a low grower that matures at a height of three feet.

Philodendron Golden Dragon

How To Grow A Philodendron Golden Dragon, A Complete Beginners Care Guide

Philodendron Hederaceum

Philodendron Paraiso Verde

Spade Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron Prince of Prange

How to Grow a Philodendron Prince of Orange, A Beginner Care Guide 

Philodendron Scandens

Philodendron Ring of Fire

The remarkable ‘Philodendron Ring of Fire’ is one of the most sought-after species of Philodendron. The lovely tropical plant does not have two, three, or even four colors; rather, it is a rare mix of five vibrant colors that appear at different times of the growing season and in different parts of the plant.

The Philodendron Ring of Fire is a unique plant that is gaining a lot of attention all around the world due to its unique appearance and rarity. The fiery, spiky leaves of this plant, which range in color from sunset orange, pink, and red to green and white variegated, are where the name of this plant get its origin. The variation of colors and varied textures of the plant are found in within the leaf of this fire plant.