30 Stunning Types of Philodendron Varieties To Grow Indoor: Pics, Care Tips

There are a many stunning and beautiful types of philodendrons that can grow in many places around the world…and many which can be grown both outdoors and indoors to bring serene greenery inside your space.

But many people want to know which types philodendrons will work best for their specific application, and also as many care tips as possible for keeping their philodendron plants healthy and thriving.

This complete growing guide outlines 30 types of philodendron plants that grow in rainforests around the world, many of which you can use to introduce a touch of the tropics into your life.

But, be aware that although flowers bloom when these plants are in their native environment, very rarely will any types of flowers appear on indoor philodendrons.

How To Identify Philodendron and Philodendron Varieties

In reality, there are over 400 species to choose from that have blue-green to gray-silver foliage and more, yet they all fall into just two main categories – vining and non-climbing.

Related Reading: How Many Tree Species Are There?

These traits are accurate modes of identification, with vining Philodendra needing a support structure to grow upright, while the non-vining type can stay erect on its own.

Philodendron Types and the Philodendron Growing Zone

Rainforests that are hot and humid are the optimal growing zones for most types of Philodendrons. But even under the same conditions, all the species do not grow in the same manner.

Related Reading: Forest Ecosystem Guide: Boreal vs Deciduous vs Coniferous vs Temperate

There are 3 distinct ways that they grow, and each couldn’t be more different from the other considering that it is the same species of plant.

Epiphytic

This method of growing refers to any plant that grows disconnected from the soil, attaching itself to another structure, be it a tree or a wall, for support. Nutrients and water are derived from rainfall or moisture, and food is collected from any type of leftover organic remnants.

These plants are often referred to as ‘air plants’.

Terrestrial

This is a more traditional method of growth where the roots establish themselves in the ground. Nutrients are drawn through the taproot and the plant lives directly from the land.¹

Hemiepiphytic

Seeds from these plants start their lives attached to a tree and gradually extend their roots toward the ground. On contact, the roots take hold and the entire plant migrates to its new home on terra firma.

Secondary hemiepiphyte is the process where the roots of the plant begin in the soil but slowly ascend up the trunk of a tree, climbing higher to search for sunlight, eventually breaking contact with the ground below.

Philodendrons make perfect house guests, as long as you select one that isn’t going to be creeping or crawling around your house when you close your eyes for the night, that is.

Types of Philodendron Plants for Your Home (Varieties To Grow Indoor: Pics)

Here are certain types of Philodendrons that are more sought after than others as they are easier to care for, and are more appealing in the looks department.

Here is a brief sample of just 7 with similarities in sizes, and differences in leaf designs.

Philodendron vs Pothos

These two plants belong to the same Araceae and are very often mistaken for each by amateurs and professionals alike as both have heart-shaped leaves.

The main differences are

• Pothos’ heart leaves are less pointed than Philodendrons.
• The sheen differs on the leaves with Philodendrons being less shiny.
• Philodendron roots are thin, while Pothos roots are thicker and more aggressive as they vine upwards.
• The stems differ in thickness, with Pothos stems being a lot chunkier and also similar in color to the shade of the leaves.
• Within the Pothos species, there are more types of plants with variegated leaves than those in the Philodendron species.

The differences between the two close family members are not the easiest to spot. It won’t be the end of the world if a Pothos plant is purchased instead of a Philodendron, but let’s have a look at a few more so that that mistake doesn’t come to pass.

Philodendron Vine: Stunning Types of Philodendron

If purchasing Philodendrons to grow as vine plants is your intention, it can’t hurt to be able to tell the difference between a climber and a crawler.

Just check out our list of attractive plants to see which one will be decorating the far corner of your room.

Philodendron Identification of Variegated Heart Leaf Philodendron

Variegation in plants refers to the presence of distinct colored patterns on leaves in any corner of the world. This can also appear on stems as two-toned or multi-tonal colors in the form of stripes, dots, circles, and splotches.

These additional markings enhance an already impressive plant with designs an artist would find hard to beat.

Large Philodendrons and Large Philodendron Leaves

Growing huge Philodendron plants indoors can bring numerous advantages to homeowners. These types of indoor plants can provide fresh air by absorbing pollutants and are also visually appealing, bringing a touch of elegance to your home.

Pick a spot that will allow them to grow and see below which type of Philodendron catches your eye.

Rare Philodendron (Philodendron rugosum)

Some types of Philodendron are so rare that they are referred to as the Black Gold Philodendron, such as the Philodendron melanochrysum, because of their dwindling existence growing in the wild, threats to the ecosystems, or the difficulties associated with growing them in a controlled environment.

Another often overlooked aspect is that cultivars can be patented for up to 20 years and the owner may not want to create multiples of their prized possession to maintain a higher price tag.

Planting Tips for Philodendrons (Philodendron Seeds)

The 3 methods of propagating and growing Philodendrons differ slightly but are easy to do.

Apart from choosing the preferred method of propagation, selecting the correct potting soil that drains well is crucial as is having the actual pot itself with adequate drainage holes just in case of overwatering.

Consider using mist for plants, too, to avoid overwatering.

(Image: David J. Stang¹⁰)

Before doing anything else be aware of the following

• Growing Philodendron from a cutting can take about 2 weeks before the first shoots appear
• Growing Philodendron from a seed will take anywhere from 2-8 weeks for the germination process to end
• Growing Philodendron from a seedling is the fastest method of growing philodendrons as the germination period has already elapsed

Once the plants are established, they are remarkably easy to care for whether your fingers have a tinge of green or not.

1. Place the pot in bright yet indirect sunlight
2. Every 7-14 days water thoroughly
3. Prune dead leaves so new ones can grow in their stead
4. If the leaves appear paler than they should be, use a water-soluble fertilizer to deliver the nutrients they are missing
5. As the Philodendron grows, transplant it carefully into a larger pot

When planting outside consider what companion plants for growing Philodendron can be used, and how far apart to plant Philodendron to prevent any leaf wars, and you’ll be halfway there to having your own forest.

Growing Zones for Philodendron: Where To Grow for All Types of Philodendron

Although there are some Philodendron plants that have been cultivated to withstand less-than-ideal conditions than what they are accustomed to, as houseplants prefer regulated humidity levels that can create environments with temperatures ranging between 65° to 85° F.⁷

How far apart to plant philodendrons will depend on the species, but as a rule, when planting outside, a distance of about 5 feet between plants is recommended. But when to plant Philodendron for the best yield?

To get the best results plant, cuttings, or seeds between the period of spring to summer.

Philodendron Disease Prevention for All Types of Philodendron

Philodendron plants are incredibly versatile, yet they are also vulnerable to bacterial plant diseases. The most common health issue they face is diseases that attack the leaves.

Some of the most prevalent ones are leaf spot, bacterial blight, Xanthomonas leaf spot, tip burn, and Pseudomonas leaf spot.

Indoor plants are frequently harmed by improper watering and insufficient lighting which can cause the roots of the plants to decay, and the foliage to droop and discolor.

Knowing how to stop Philodendron disease begins with maintaining good conditions and not overwatering. Be careful and vigilant and these diseases have less chance of taking hold.

If they do, treatment begins with pruning the infected leaves and spraying the plants with natural fungicides to prevent the spread to other plants.

Common Pests of the Philodendron (Natural Pest Control for Philodendron)

While most types of Philodendron are not plagued by pests, there are still a few of them that can become problematic. The ones to keep a sharp eye out for and the bug spray at the ready are

• Aphids: These tiny insects hide under leaves and attack the stems to extract as much sap as they can before they are spotted.
• Fungus Gnats: Hiding in the soil, their larva consume the roots and weaken the plant.
• Scales: Disguising themselves under a protective brown shell, they will gnaw at your pride and joy until all the sap has been sucked from the leaf.
• Spider Mites: Often too small to spot, this marauding horde can cause significant damage to the leaves despite their size.

When spraying insecticides to eliminate infestations from spider mites and other pests in an indoor setting,⁸ the more natural the ingredients the better.

Mixtures of neem oil and dish soap are highly effective and safe for the household’s occupants, including pets.

Tropical Plants: Philodendron Facts

Philodendrons are fascinating plants. They are perhaps not the most flashy or colorful, yet they have an unmistakable tropical feel to them whether climbing, hanging, or crawling around the house.

(Image: Stefan Schweihofer¹¹)

But they are more than just their big, green, and sometimes variegated leaves

• Philodendrons are toxic. If ingested by children or pets they will cause burning around the mouth, drooling, and vomiting.
• If an epiphyte Philodendron falls from its support structure, a tree for example, it will just dust itself off and start to climb back toward the light again.
• Flowers on Philodendrons attract pollinators by emitting an irresistible pheromone.
• If properly cared for, some types of Philodendron can live for decades.
• Philodendrons are fantastic at removing carbon dioxide from the interior of homes and purifying the air. In the fight against climate change, it is a small step but if every household in every country did the same.

If you’re looking for a stylish plant for a corner of your office space or a backdrop in your home, you can start by picking any one of the 30 stunning types of Philodendron varieties to grow indoors and be amazed at the results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Philodendron