Gardening Houseplants Types of Houseplants

25 Types of Philodendron to Grow Indoors

Give your home major jungle vibes with these tropical houseplants.

By
Cori Sears
Cori sitting on a green chair against a white wall. Cori sitting on a green chair against a white wall.
Cori Sears

Cori Sears is a writer with over a decade of experience, specializing in houseplants, gardening, and home decor. She writes about trending news, interior design, houseplants, and gardening for The Spruce. Her expertise in these areas has led her to contribute to other major publications including Better Homes and Gardens and Apartment Therapy.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 07/15/24
Reviewed by
Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller Kathleen Miller
Reviewed by Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and horticulturist with over 30 years of experience in organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
A roundup of popular philodendron houseplants sitting against a white wall. Including p. micans, p. selloum, p. 'imperial green', heartleaf philodendron, and black cardinal philodendron. A roundup of popular philodendron houseplants sitting against a white wall. Including p. micans, p. selloum, p. 'imperial green', heartleaf philodendron, and black cardinal philodendron.

The Spruce / Cori Sears

Philodendron is a large genus comprising over 480 species of plants in the family Araceae. The word philodendron translates loosely to “tree lover," since many plants in this genus are climbing or trailing epiphytes that use trees as natural supports in the wild.

That being said, there are also many types of philodendrons with self-heading or creeping growth habits. These tropical aroids do well in average household temperature and humidity levels, which makes them among the most popular and widely kept houseplants.

Many also prefer bright, indirect light which is usually easy to provide indoors. Ready to turn your space into an indoor jungle? Here are the most popular types of philodendrons for indoor growing.

Warning

All plants in the philodendron genus are considered toxic to cats and dogs. Exercise caution with these plants if you have pets at home.

  • 01 of 25

    Heartleaf Philodendron

    A heartleaf philodendron in a white and beige pot, sitting on a white plant stand with wood legs against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    One of the most well-known and widely available types of philodendron, the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is attractive and easy to grow. It is characterized by small, heart-shaped, jade green leaves and a vining growth habit, making it a great choice for hanging baskets and planters. Choose a location that receives bright to medium indirect light and water once the soil is dry and this philodendron will thrive.

    • Name: Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Green
    • Mature Size: 1-3 ft. wide, 3-13 ft. long
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 02 of 25

    Brasil Philodendron

    A Brasil philodendron in a blue and terracotta-colored pot against a white wall. A Brasil philodendron in a blue and terracotta-colored pot against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Brasil philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’), a cultivator of the popular heartleaf philodendron, is distinguished by its lime green to yellow variegation. As a bonus, it is just as easy to care for! Ensure that you keep this philodendron in a location that receives bright, indirect light as it will lose its variegation in low-light conditions.  

    • Name: Brasil philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Green with lime green variegation
    • Mature Size: 6-36 in. tall, 12-36 in. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 03 of 25

    Philodendron Micans

    A lush philodendron micans sitting on a white and wood plant stand against a white wall. A lush philodendron micans sitting on a white and wood plant stand against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    A truly stunning philodendron, the Philodendron micans (Philodendron hederaceum var Hederaceum) is characterized by small, velvety dark green leaves and a trailing growth habit. It does best in medium to bright indirect light and should be watered once the soil is almost dry. Philodendron micans is also a variety of the heartleaf philodendron.

    • Name: Philodendron nicans (Philodendron hederaceum var Hederaceum)
    • Light: Bright to medium indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Deep green and red/maroon
    • Mature Size: 8 in. tall, 24 in. long 
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 04 of 25

    Lemon-Lime Philodendron

    A lemon-lime philodendron in a orange and white pot against a white wall. A lemon-lime philodendron in a orange and white pot against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Yet another heartleaf philodendron cultivator, the lemon-lime philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon-Lime’), displays bright neon green and yellow foliage that brightens any room. It also has a vining growth habit and looks great growing in hanging planters, or on a tall shelf. Keep its color vibrant by providing your lemon-lime philodendron with bright, indirect light.

    • Name: Lemon lime philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon-Lime’)
    • Light: Bright to medium indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Neon green and yellow
    • Mature Size: 12 in. tall, 6 ft. long
    • Difficulty: Easy
    Continue to 5 of 25 below
  • 05 of 25

    Philodendron Birkin

    Overhead shot of a green and white philodendron birkin in a white pot. Overhead shot of a green and white philodendron birkin in a white pot.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Philodendron Birkin (Philodendron 'Birkin') is a beautiful new hybrid variety of the philodendron Rojo congo that has become especially trendy. Birkins have medium-sized deep green leaves with white pinstripes and variegation. They are characterized by a climbing growth habit and are known for being slow-growing. Place your philodendron Birkin in a location that receives bright indirect light to maintain its variegation.

    • Name: Philodendron Birkin (Philodendron 'Birkin')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Dark green with white pinstripes
    • Mature Size: 3 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 06 of 25

    Philodendron Erubescens

    Philodendron erubescens in a terracotta pot sitting on a wood table against a white wall. Philodendron erubescens in a terracotta pot sitting on a wood table against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Kara Riley

    The Philodendron erubescens is a robust climbing philodendron with large, emerald-green leaves. It is also commonly known as the blushing philodendron due to the back of its leaves which can be shades of red and pink. Popular cultivators of Philodendron erubescens include the pink princess philodendron, Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’, Philodendron ‘Imperial Red,’ and more.

    • Name: Philodendron erubescens
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Green with red/pink undertones
    • Mature Size: 2-60 ft. long, 16 in. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 07 of 25

    Imperial Green Philodendron

    Lush Philodendron Imperial Green with large glossy green leaves in a wicker plant stand against white walls. Lush Philodendron Imperial Green with large glossy green leaves in a wicker plant stand against white walls.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Another cultivar of the Philodendron erubescens, imperial green philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Green’) is a large-leafed plant with smooth deep green leaves. It usually only has five to six leaves at one time, but each leaf can grow up to 18 inches long. This self-heading philodendron will stay relatively compact as long as it is provided with bright, indirect light. 

    • Name: Imperial green philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Green’)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Green
    • Mature Size: 3-4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 08 of 25

    Philodendron Black Cardinal

    Philodendron black cardinal in a white studded pot against a white wall. Philodendron black cardinal in a white studded pot against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The philodendron black cardinal (Philodendron erubescens ‘Black Cardinal’) is a low-maintenance, medium-sized. self-heading philodendron with large, color-changing leaves. New leaves emerge in shades of burgundy, changing to green and then black as they mature. This philodendron does best in bright, indirect light but appreciates some direct morning and evening sun which will help to bring out its black coloration.

    • Name: Philodendron black cardinal (Philodendron erubescens 'Black Cardinal')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Burgundy, green, and black
    • Mature Size: 1–20 ft. tall, 1–6 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
    Continue to 9 of 25 below
  • 09 of 25

    Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’

    A small philodendron prince of orange on a wood table against white walls. A small philodendron prince of orange on a wood table against white walls.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The ‘Prince of Orange’ is a Philodendron erubescens cultivar that gets its name from its golden-orange foliage. This self-heading philodendron pushes out new leaves in shades of yellow that deepen to orange as they grow and eventually settle into a bright green. Mature prince of orange philodendrons can grow up to three feet tall and wide, with individual leaves growing as long as 12 inches each. Keep this plant in a location that receives bright, indirect light to keep its colors bright.

    • Name: Philodendron 'Prince of Orange' (Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Yellow, orange, and bright green
    • Mature Size: 24-35 inches tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 10 of 25

    Pink Princess Philodendron

    A highly variegated philodendron pink princess in a white pot against a white wall. A highly variegated philodendron pink princess in a white pot against a white wall.

    SEE D JAN / Getty Images

    Pink princess philodendron is a cultivar of Philodendron erubescens and is a popular collector's plant that can be difficult to come by thanks to its unique appearance. Striking bright pink variegation contrasts against its dark green or maroon leaves. This philodendron has a climbing growth habit and its variegation requires high humidity and bright, indirect light. 

    • Name: Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Deep green with pink variegation
    • Mature Size: 4-5 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 11 of 25

    Philodendron White Knight

    An overhead shot of a philodendron white knight with pointed leaves and white variegation sitting in a black gift bag. An overhead shot of a philodendron white knight with pointed leaves and white variegation sitting in a black gift bag.

    Zloyel / Getty Images

    Similar to the pink princess philodendron, the white knight is a rare and coveted (not to mention pricey) philodendron plant. Its long, pointed green leaves are splashed with light green and stark white variegation. Its white variegation stays healthy with bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil.

    • Name: Philodendron white knight (Philodendron erubescens 'White Knight')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Deep green with white variegation
    • Mature Size: 24-36 in. tall, 36 in. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 12 of 25

    Philodendron Green Princess

    A small philodendron green princess in an orange pot against a white table. A small philodendron green princess in an orange pot against a white table.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The philodendron green princess (Philodendron mia) is a small, compact plant perfect for window sills and tabletops. This philodendron features glossy, oval green leaves and a self-heading growth habit. While it does best in bright, indirect light, this low-maintenance plant can also tolerate lower light conditions.

    • Name: Philodendron Green Princess (Philodendron mia)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Emerald green
    • Mature Size: 8-10 in. tall, 8-10 in. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
    Continue to 13 of 25 below
  • 13 of 25

    Tree Philodendron

    A large tree philodendron in a basket planter against a white wall and hardwood floor. A large tree philodendron in a basket planter against a white wall and hardwood floor.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Known by many names including tree philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum), philodendron selloum, and philodendron bipinnatifidum, this large-leafed beauty was reclassified in 2018 and officially part of the Thaumatophyllum genus but still commonly referred to as a philodendron. The tree philodendron has large green leaves with irregular splits and a self-heading growth habit. As the plant matures it develops a long bare trunk with aerial roots that reach towards the ground for additional support.

    • Name: Tree philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Green
    • Mature Size: 6 ft. tall, 8 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 14 of 25

    Philodendron Xanadu

    Philodendron xanadu in a large purple pot against a white wall. Philodendron xanadu in a large purple pot against a white wall.

    Bilal photos / Getty Images

    Philodendron Xanadu is now formally a part of the Thaumatophyllum genus but is still commonly referred to as a philodendron, so it is worth including here. This compact, bush-like plant has medium to large lobed oblong leaves that are deeply lobed. It appreciates bright, indirect light and consistent watering.

    • Name: Philodendron Xanadu (Thaumatophyllum Xanadu)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Green
    • Mature Size: 4-5 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 15 of 25

    Golden Goddess Philodendron

    Close up shot of the neon yellow/green foliage of the philodendron golden goddess. Close up shot of the neon yellow/green foliage of the philodendron golden goddess.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The golden goddess philodendron is also commonly known as philodendron malay gold, or lemon-lime philodendron, and is often confused with the heartleaf lemon-lime cultivator. The easiest way to tell these two neon philodendrons apart is by their growth habit and leaf size. The golden goddess philodendron has a climbing growth habit (versus a vining habit) and its leaves are much larger than the lemon-lime heartleaf cultivator. 

    • Name: Golden goddess philodendron (Philodendron 'Golden Goddess')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Yellow-green
    • Mature Size: 6 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 16 of 25

    Philodendron Burle Marx

    Philodendron burle marx with glossy green leaves in a white planter. Philodendron burle marx with glossy green leaves in a white planter.

    Nila Sitoresmi / Getty Images

    This fast-growing climbing philodendron is beloved for its unique foliage and ease of care. Unlike other climbing philodendrons, the burle marx (Philodendron burle-marxii) spreads horizontally rather than vertically, usually topping around 2 feet tall. Its height is good for ground cover in tropical climates. Philodendron burle marx needs bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil for optimal growth.

    • Name: Philodendron burle marx (Philodendron burle-marxii)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Dark green
    • Mature Size: 2 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
    Continue to 17 of 25 below
  • 17 of 25

    Philodendron Calkins Gold

    A small philodendron painted lady with variegated leaves in a terracotta pot against a white wall. A small philodendron painted lady with variegated leaves in a terracotta pot against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The philodendron calkins gold is a rare climbing philodendron hybrid characterized by pointed light green leaves speckled with yellow and lime green variegation. It is a favorite among plant collectors and can be hard to come by in most nurseries and plant shops. Despite this, it's pretty simple to care for indoors, preferring dry soil conditions and bright, indirect light.

    • Name: Philodendron calkins gold (Philodendron erubescens 'Calkins Gold')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Bright green
    • Mature Size: 3 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 18 of 25

    Philodendron Verrucosum

    A large philodendron verrucosum in a wood pot indoors with other foliage in the background. A large philodendron verrucosum in a wood pot indoors with other foliage in the background.

    Firn / Getty Images

    Looking to add some subtle color to your space? The philodendron verrucosum is a great choice with its velvety green leaves, golden ribbing, and bright red/orange stems. This philodendron is generally not considered a beginner plant and is known to be somewhat fussy. It requires precise temperature and humidity levels to thrive indoors. If you are up for the challenge, this climbing plant is a stylish addition to your collection.

    • Name: Philodendron verrucosum
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Deep green, burgundy underside
    • Mature Size: 3 ft. tall, 2 ft. long, 2 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 19 of 25

    Philodendron Lynette

    A small and bushy philodendron lynette with skinny green leaves in a white planter against a white background. A small and bushy philodendron lynette with skinny green leaves in a white planter against a white background.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The philodendron Lynette (Philodendron campi 'Lynette') is a compact, self-heading philodendron with long, thin, highly textured leaves. In its native environment, it lives as a tropical understory plant and it does well indoors as a houseplant when provided with indirect filtered light. This philodendron is sensitive to overwatering and should only be watered once the top half of the soil is dry.

    • Name: Philodendron Lynette (Philodendron campi 'Lynette')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Lime green
    • Mature Size: 30 in. tall, 3 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 20 of 25

    Philodendron Silver Sword

    Close up of philodendron silver sword leaves against a black background. Close up of philodendron silver sword leaves against a black background.

    Firn / Getty Images

    This climbing philodendron gets its common name from its silvery, sword-shaped leaves. Previously, the philodendron silver sword (Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’) was relatively difficult to come by, but it is slowly becoming more widely available as it grows in popularity. When grown indoors it does best in medium light, although it can tolerate lower light. 

    • Name: Philodendron silver sword (Philodendron hastatum ‘Silver Sword’)
    • Light: Medium light
    • Leaf Color: Silvery green
    • Mature Size: 10-15 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
    Continue to 21 of 25 below
  • 21 of 25

    Philodendron Florida Green

    Overhead shot of a philodendron pedatum on top of a white table outdoors. Overhead shot of a philodendron pedatum on top of a white table outdoors.

    Jobrestful / Getty Images

    Characterized by emerald green multi-lobed leaves, the philodendron Florida green (Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum) is another rare climbing philodendron. Due to the shape of its leaves, this philodendron is sometimes also known as the oak leaf philodendron. It does best in warm temperatures; rich, well-draining soil; and indirect light. 

    • Name: Philodendron Florida green (Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Emerald green
    • Mature Size: 5-8 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 22 of 25

    Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’

    Slightly raised view of a Philodendron Florida Ghost plant Slightly raised view of a Philodendron Florida Ghost plant

    The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

    The philodendron Florida ghost (Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum 'Florida Ghost') got its name from the shape of its leaves—and the fact that new leaves emerge white, making them look like little flying ghosts. It is popular as a collector's plant and is considered rare, often with a hefty price tag. If you find one though, they are easy to keep happy indoors. Provide your Florida ghost with bright, indirect light; high humidity, and consistently moist soil. Keep an eye out for the variegated varieties for an extra splash of color.

    • Name: Philodendron Florida ghost (Philodendron squamiferum x pedatum 'Florida Ghost')
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Deep green and white
    • Mature Size: 2-5 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 23 of 25

    Black Gold Philodendron

    A philodendron melanochrysum in a basket planter with other potted plants in the background A philodendron melanochrysum in a basket planter with other potted plants in the background

    Firn / Getty Images

    Also commonly known as black-gold philodendron (Philodendron melanochrysum) this climbing philodendron has a striking shimmery velvet foliage. While it is considered somewhat rare it is surprisingly easy to care for indoors if you find one. Provide it with bright, indirect light, and keep the potting mix consistently moist for best results.  

    • Name: Black gold philodendron (Philodendron melanochrysum)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Dark green with bright yellow veins
    • Mature Size: 3-5 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide
    • Difficulty: Easy
  • 24 of 25

    Philodendron Gloriosum

    A zoomed in shot of philodendron gloriosum leaves filling the frame of the picture. A zoomed in shot of philodendron gloriosum leaves filling the frame of the picture.

    Francisco Herrera / Getty Images

    Philodendron gloriosum has some of the largest leaves in the Philodendron genus, reaching up to 3 feet in diameter at maturity. Not only are its leaves large, but the velvety texture and dark color accented by striking white veins cannot be understated. This Columbian native is a creeping philodendron that spreads by rhizomes, acting as a ground cover in its native environment. When grown indoors, Philodendron gloriosum does best with bright, indirect light, high humidity, and consistent watering.

    • Name: Philodendron gloriosum
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Dark green with white veins
    • Mature Size: 2.5 feet tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
    Continue to 25 of 25 below
  • 25 of 25

    Blotched Philodendron

    How to grow philodendron mamei How to grow philodendron mamei

    The Spruce / Anastasia Tretiak

    Botched philodendron (Philodendron mamei) is beloved for its gorgeous foliage. This climbing philodendron boasts large green leaves that are variegated with shimmery silver. Not only is it attractive but the philodendron mamei is also low-maintenance. Place it in a location that receives bright, indirect light and water once the top couple inches of soil is dry and it will thrive.

    • Name: Blotched philodendron (Philodendron mamei)
    • Light: Bright indirect light
    • Leaf Color: Bright green with silver streaks
    • Mature Size: 3.5 feet tall
    • Difficulty: Easy
FAQ
  • What is the best philodendron plant?

    All philodendron varieties are relatively low-maintenance and easy to grow, so the best one depends on your tastes and preferences. Some philodendrons have colorful leaves, others are pure green, and some are vining.

  • What philodendrons are rare?

    Some rare philodendrons include philodendron splendid, pink princess, white knight, and el choco red. However, even these philodendrons are becoming more common as demand increases.

  • How can I tell if I have a monstera or a philodendron?

    You can distinguish a philodendron from a monstera by the texture of its leaves. Philodendrons have slightly rough and bumpy textures, and monsteras have smooth and glossy leaves.

  • What is the most low-maintenance philodendron?

    The easiest philodendron to care for may be the heartleaf philodendron, P. hederaceum, which tolerates low light. Its leaves curl when thirsty, providing a convenient cue. This plant is easy to propagate and looks great in hanging baskets or cascading over shelves.

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