30 Best Types of Philodendrons to Grow at Home (2024)

Philodendrons are stunning, low-maintenance houseplants perfect for a host of interior living spaces. What’s more, they also provide some amazing uses and benefits, including purifying the air. In this article, I’ll explore 30 popular types of philodendrons to grow at home.

1) Philodendron ‘Birkin’

The Philodendron ‘Birkin’ is a gorgeous philodendron variety with glossy dark green leaves. These lovely heart-shaped leaves are decorated with creamy-white lines. As such, these variegated philodendrons are sometimes sold as the Philodendron ‘White Wave’.

Philodendron ‘Birkin’ is actually derived from a hybrid philodendron called Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’ or ‘Red Congo’. Interestingly, Philodendron ‘Birkin’ has more of an upright growth habit than most other types of philodendrons.

2) Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’

Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ is a hybrid philodendron derived from Philodendron squamiferum and Philodendron pedatum. This hybrid was created during the 1950s and has since become a rare but popular houseplant.

The philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’ has glossy leaves with several deeply divided lobes. When they first unfurl, the leaves are almost entirely white. Moreover, the leaves gradually turn pale green or creamy-green but may retain some variegation. These leaves emerge from the stem on hairy red stalks.

3) Philodendron ‘Golden Dragon’

The philodendron ‘Golden Dragon’ is a stunning but rare philodendron. This fast-growing philodendron is originally native to Central and South America tropical rainforests.

This intriguing type of Philodendron has glossy medium-green to yellowish-green leaves with golden-yellow patterns. The leaves are almost fern-like and are divided into several lobes. The lobes gradually form as the plant matures. When viewed from above, these leaves can resemble a dragon’s head.

4) Philodendron ‘Green Congo’

Philodendron ‘Green Congo’ is a beautiful philodendron variety with glossy dark green foliage. I love that these philodendrons have elongated arrow-shaped leaves. Philodendron ‘Green Congo’ has more of an upright growth habit than other philodendrons and rarely trails downwards.

Like other types of philodendrons, Philodendron ‘Green Congo’ is easy to care for. These upright philodendrons grow up to 3 or 4 feet tall once mature. Philodendron ‘Green Congo’ is originally native to parts of South America.

5) Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’

Few philodendrons have as much instant impact as Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’. This stunning philodendron variety reaches a reasonably large size and has gorgeous tropical foliage. Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’ is another philodendron variety with an upright growth habit.

Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’ has large, glossy, dark green leaves that are best described as paddle-shaped. These stiff leaves have prominent ribs. Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’ also grows up to 4 feet tall and approximately 4 feet wide.

6) Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’

Another type of philodendron with instant visual appeal is Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’. This variety is native to tropical regions of South America. These large, low-maintenance houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light or partial shade.

Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ has large, oval-shaped leaves that are bright red when they first unfurl. Over time, the leaves turn a dark burgundy-green color before turning a pure dark green. The leaves always have a glossy, leathery appearance.

7) Philodendron ‘Moonlight’

Philodendron ‘Moonlight’ is also known as the lime philodendron. This is due to the bright lime-green color of its glossy, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves also have a slightly fleshy texture. Philodendron ‘Moonlight’ has a clumping habit but may also trail downwards.

Philodendron ‘Moonlight’ is originally native to tropical parts of South America. As such, it needs warm, relatively humid conditions when grown indoors.

8) Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’

Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ is a hybrid variety of Philodendron erubescens that is originally native to Colombia. These philodendrons have glossy, dark green leaves with gorgeous pink variegation. The leaves are oval to heart-shaped.

Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ is a rare philodendron variety that’s now popular as a striking houseplant. Despite its rarity, Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ is still a no-fuss, low-maintenance houseplant, even for inexperienced houseplant owners. I think they’re a perfect addition to any pink houseplant collection.

9) Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’

Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ is a captivating hybrid philodendron with unusually colored leaves. New leaves are yellowish-orange when they first unfurl. Gradually, the leaves turn light green. However, older leaves can turn yellow again.

Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ has elongated, arrow-shaped leaves that emerge from the center of the plant. As such, this philodendron has a more upright growth habit than some other philodendrons.

10) Philodendron ‘Red Congo’

Also known as Philodendron ‘Rojo Congo’, these gorgeous philodendrons are actually hybrids. They were bred by crossing Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ with Philodendron tatei. These plants are originally native to South America.

Philodendron ‘Red Congo’ has large, oval-shaped glossy leaves with a burgundy-green color. This philodendron has an upright growth habit but won’t need additional support. These impressive philodendrons can grow up to 3 feet tall.

11) Philodendron ‘Xanadu’

Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ is a scene-stealing philodendron with impressive leaves. These philodendrons have large, glossy, medium-green leaves. The leaves have deeply divided lobes and are almost fern-like. Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ is originally native to Brazil but also spread to Australia.

This beautiful philodendron is closely related to Philodendron bipinnatifidum. However, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ has an upright growth habit, whereas its relative has more of a climbing habit.

12) Philodendron atabapoense

Philodendron atabapoense is a striking type of philodendron with unusual leaves. These philodendrons have elongated arrow-shaped leaves with rounded tips and slightly wavy margins. The glossy medium-green leaves also have dark reddish-purple or maroon undersides.

Philodendron atabapoense is native to parts of Brazil and Venezuela, where it thrives in tropical rainforests. This gorgeous philodendron also makes an excellent low-maintenance houseplant. It also has a climbing or trailing growth habit.

13) Philodendron billietiae

Philodendron billietiae is another outstanding philodendron with distinctive foliage. This plant showcases elongated arrow-shaped leaves that have a glossy, wavy texture. These attractive leaves are dark green and unfurl from yellowish-orange stalks called petioles.

These plants were discovered in French Guiana in the 1980s but are native to Brazil and Guyana. Although initially rare, Philodendron billietiae is now widely cultivated as a gorgeous houseplant.

14) Philodendron bipinnatifidum

Philodendron bipinnatifidum is more commonly known as the split-leaf philodendron or tree philodendron. These impressive philodendrons are native throughout South America. Philodendron bipinnatifidum has an upright growth habit and can easily reach 10 to 15 feet tall.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum has large, drooping leaves that are deeply lobed. The surface of these deep green, fern-like leaves has a glossy, leathery feel. Each leaf can grow up to 3 feet long.

15) Philodendron brandtianum

Philodendron brandtianum is an attractive philodendron species native to parts of Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia. This philodendron is an epiphyte and has a climbing habit. In the wild, Philodendron brandtianum climbs nearby trees to reach up to 15 feet tall.

In my opinion, they stand out for their beautiful heart-shaped leaves decorated with silvery-white variegation. As such, Philodendron brandtianum is also known as the silver leaf philodendron.

16) Philodendron burle-marxii

Philodendron burle-marxii is a beautiful philodendron with bright, cheery leaves. I love this plant’s glossy, bright to, medium-green foliage. The cordate leaves resemble an elongated heart shape with prominent central ribs.

Philodendron burle-marxii is native to parts of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador. These philodendrons have an active climbing habit and love having a moss pole for support.

17) Philodendron elegans

Philodendron elegans is also known as the finger-leaf philodendron due to its attractive leaves. This philodendron has large, fern-like leaves that are deeply divided into slender, finger-like lobes. The leaves are dark green and have a glossy finish.

Philodendron elegans is native to parts of Brazil and Colombia but is also cultivated as a houseplant. These rare philodendrons can grow up to 15 feet tall.

18) Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’

Philodendron ‘Red Emerald’ is a cultivar derived from Philodendron erubescens; the blushing or red-leaf philodendron. These gorgeous philodendrons have glossy, dark green heart-shaped leaves and deep red stalks.

Philodendron ‘Red Emerald’ is a large variety of philodendron that grows up to 6.5 feet tall indoors. These philodendrons are originally native to parts of Colombia but are now cultivated as houseplants.

19) Philodendron esmeraldense

Philodendron esmeraldense is an attractive type of philodendron, also known as the broadleaf philodendron. As its name suggests, this philodendron sports beautifully broad leaves. These leaves are dark green and have a glossy appearance.

These types of Philodendron were first discovered in Ecuador in 2008. Since then, it has become popular as a low-maintenance houseplant. It can also be grown outdoors in Zones 9 to 11.

20) Philodendron gloriosum

Philodendron gloriosum is an unusual philodendron with breathtaking medium-green leaves. These large, heart-shaped leaves have pink veins and a velvety texture similar to some anthuriums. This philodendron can be easily confused for an anthurium.

These philodendrons are native to tropical forests in Colombia. Philodendron gloriosum has a creeping habit and needs a wide pot. It’s also highly sought after as a low-maintenance houseplant.

21) Philodendron hastatum

Philodendron hastatum is more commonly known as the silver sword philodendron. This attractive species has silvery-green elongated arrow-shaped leaves with noticeable veins. Some specimens may have elliptical leaves.

Philodendron hastatum can easily bring exciting color and texture into your home. These philodendrons are native throughout South America and inhabit tropical rainforests. As such, they need warm, humid conditions indoors.

22) Philodendron hederaceum

Also known as the heartleaf philodendron or sweetheart plant, Philodendron hederaceum is one of my favorite types of philodendrons. These wonderful philodendrons have heart-shaped dark green leaves that can also be variegated. Philodendron hederaceum also has a climbing or trailing habit.

These types of Philodendron are native to parts of Central America and the Caribbean. It is sometimes sold as Philodendron scandens and is extremely popular thanks to its low-maintenance requirements.

23) Philodendron Hope Selloum

Philodendron Hope Selloum is very closely related to the split-leaf philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum). This philodendron has an upright growth habit and can grow between 6 and 12 feet tall. However, achieving this size can take up to 20 years in optimal conditions.

Philodendron Hope Selloum has large, glossy, fern-like leaves with deeply divided lobes. These philodendrons are native to parts of South America, such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil.

24) Philodendron mamei

Philodendron mamei is more commonly known as the silver cloud philodendron. This philodendron variety is named after the gorgeous silvery-gray variegation on its dark green, heart-shaped leaves. Despite their striking appearance, these popular houseplants are very low-maintenance.

These types of Philodendron are native to Ecuador and has a creeping, spreading habit. However, it can be grown as a climbing houseplant using a moss pole or similar support.

25) Philodendron melanochrysum

Also known as the black-gold philodendron, Philodendron melanochrysum stands out thanks to its gorgeous foliage. Philodendron melanochrysum has large, dark green heart-shaped leaves with prominent yellowish-green veins. The velvety leaves also have golden-yellow speckles once they mature.

Philodendron melanochrysum is native to parts of Colombia. These philodendrons thrive in warm, humid conditions but can also be grown outdoors in Zones 9 to 11.

26) Philodendron melinonii

Philodendron melinonii is a gorgeous but rare philodendron that provides a beautiful color transition as it ages. These philodendrons have dark green, elongated heart-shaped leaves that have prominent ribs. Young leaves have red undersides when they first unfurl but gradually turn green.

These types of Philodendron are native to parts of South America, including Brazil and French Guiana. These philodendrons can have a climbing or upright growth habit. This flexibility allows you to choose how they grow.

27) Philodendron micans

Philodendron micans is a beautiful philodendron that’s also known as the velvet philodendron. This is due to the velvety texture of its dark green, heart-shaped leaves. Philodendron micans is actually a subspecies of the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum).

Philodendron micans is native to parts of Central America and the Caribbean. This attractive philodendron has a climbing or trailing growth habit and will happily climb a moss pole.

28) Philodendron pedatum

Philodendron pedatum is more commonly known as the oak leaf philodendron, thanks to its distinctively shaped foliage. This type of philodendron has glossy medium-green leaves that resemble the lobed leaves of an oak tree.

Philodendron pedatum is native to parts of South America but is also cultivated worldwide as a houseplant. These impressive philodendrons can grow up to 10 feet tall and 1 foot wide.

29) Philodendron rugosum

Philodendron rugosum has some of the most attractive leaves of any philodendron. These tropical houseplants have elongated heart-shaped medium to dark-green leaves. These leaves have a waxy feel rather than the glossy appearance of other philodendrons.

These types of Philodendron are native to Ecuador. Sadly, it’s now threatened in its native range due to habitat loss. However, it’s widely cultivated as a houseplant.

30) Philodendron squamiferum

Philodendron squamiferum is an impressive philodendron species with unusual foliage. Philodendron squamiferum is a rare philodendron variety originally native to Brazil and other parts of South America.

The dark green leaves of these philodendrons have five distinct lobes and look similar to oak leaves. These leaves emerge from scaly red stalks or petioles covered in stiff hairs.

Popular Types of Philodendron – Wrapping Up

Philodendrons are a gorgeous, diverse group of tropical houseplants known for their beautiful heart-shaped or fern-like leaves. Most types of Philodendron are also low-maintenance houseplants that are ideal for beginners. Some of my personal favorite philodendrons include philodendron ‘Birkin’ and heartleaf philodendrons.

Further reading: the amazing uses and benefits of philodendron plants.