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 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.

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Published on 04/21/22
Reviewed by
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.

The Spruce / Cori Sears

Looking to add some tropical vibes to your space? Philodendrons are sure to do the trick! 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 many types of philodendrons with self-heading or creeping growth habits as well.

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 in indoor environments. Ready to turn your space into an indoor jungle? Here are 25 of the most popular types of philodendron 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.

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  • 01 of 25

    Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

    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 is attractive and easy to grow. It is characterized by small, heart-shaped, jade green leaves and a vining growth habit which makes it a great choice for hanging baskets and planters. Put it in a location that receives bright to medium indirect light and water once the soil is dry and this philodendron will thrive.

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Small.
    • Growth Habit: Vining.
  • 02 of 25

    Brasil Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’)

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

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The Brasil philodendron is a cultivator of the popular heartleaf philodendron and is distinguished by its lime green to yellow variegation. As an added 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.  

    • Leaf Color: Green and yellow.
    • Leaf Size: Small.
    • Growth Habit: Vining.
  • 03 of 25

    Philodendron Micans (Philodendron hederaceum var Hederaceum)

    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 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 fully dry. Similar to the Brasil philodendron, philodendron micans is a variety of the heartleaf philodendron.

    • Leaf Color: Dark green.
    • Leaf Size: Small.
    • Growth Habit: Vining.
  • 04 of 25

    Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon-Lime’

    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 displays bright neon green and yellow foliage that is sure to brighten up any room. It also has a vining growth habit and looks great growing in hanging planters, or on a tall shelf. To keep its color nice and bright, ensure you provide your lemon-lime philodendron with bright, indirect light.

    • Leaf Color: Neon green/yellow.
    • Leaf Size: Small.
    • Growth Habit: Vining.
    Continue to 5 of 25 below.
  • 05 of 25

    Philodendron Birkin

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

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Philodendron birkin is a beautiful new hybrid variety of the Philodendron Rojo congo that has become especially trendy over the past couple of years. 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 in order to maintain its variegation.

    • Leaf Color: Deep green with white pinstripes and variegation.
    • Leaf Size: Medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 06 of 25

    Philodendron Erubescens

    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. There are many different popular cultivators of p. Erubescens including the pink princess philodendron, Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’, Philodendron ‘Imperial Red,’ and more!

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium to large.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 07 of 25

    Philodendron Erubescens ‘Imperial Green’

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

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Another cultivator of the Philodendron erubescens, Philodendron ‘imperial green’ is a large-leafed plant with smooth deep green leaves. It usually only has 5 to 6 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. 

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Large.
    • Growth Habit: Self-heading.
  • 08 of 25

    Philodendron erubescens 'Black Cardinal'

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

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The Philodendron '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.

    • Leaf Color: Burgundy, green, black.
    • Leaf Size: Medium to large.
    • Growth Habit: Self-heading.
    Continue to 9 of 25 below.
  • 09 of 25

    Philodendron Erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’

    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 cultivator 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 3 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!

    • Leaf Color: Yellow, orange, green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium to large.
    • Growth Habit: Self-heading
  • 10 of 25

    Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’

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

    SEE D JAN / Getty Images

    Pink princess philodendron is a cultivator of Philodendron erubescens and is a popular collectors 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. 

    • Leaf Color: Dark green/maroon variegated with bright pink
    • Leaf Size: Medium
    • Growth Habit: Climbing
  • 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.

    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. In order to keep its white variegation bright and healthy, this philodendron requires bright, indirect light; high humidity; and consistently moist soil.

    • Leaf Color: Green variegated with white and light green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 12 of 25

    Philodendron Selloum ‘Green Princess’

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

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    A small, compact plant, the Philodendron ‘green princess’ is 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.

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Small.
    • Growth Habit: Self-heading.
    Continue to 13 of 25 below.
  • 13 of 25

    Tree Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)

    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, Philodendron selloum, and Philodendron bipinnatifidum, this large-leafed beauty was reclassified in 2018 and is now officially a part of the Thamatophyllum genus, although it is 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.

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Large.
    • Growth Habit: Self-heading.
  • 14 of 25

    Philodendron Xanadu (Thaumatophyllum xanadu)

    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.

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium to large.
    • Growth Habit: Self-heading.
  • 15 of 25

    'Golden Goddess' Philodendron

    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 which means it is often confused with the heartleaf lemon-lime cultivator. The easiest way to tell these two neon philodendrons apart is 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. 

    • Leaf Color: Neon green/yellow.
    • Leaf Size: Medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 16 of 25

    Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’

    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 some other climbing philodendrons, the burle marx tends to spread horizontally rather than vertically, usually topping out at around 2 feet tall. For this reason it is sometimes used as a ground cover in tropical climates. Philodendron burle marx needs bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil for optimal growth.

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
    Continue to 17 of 25 below.
  • 17 of 25

    Philodendron ‘Caulkin Gold’

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

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    The Philodendron ‘caulkin gold’ is a rare climbing philodendron hybrid that is 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.

    • Leaf Color: Light green with yellow and lime green variegation.
    • Leaf Size: Small to medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 18 of 25

    Philodendron verrucosum

    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 in order to thrive indoors. If you are up for the challenge, this climbing plant is sure to be a stylish addition to your collection.

    • Leaf Color: Green with gold ribbing, red/orange stems.
    • Leaf Size: Medium to large.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 19 of 25

    Philodendron campii ‘Lynette’

    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 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.

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Small to medium.
    • Growth Habit: Self-heading.
  • 20 of 25

    Philodendron ‘Silver Sword’ (Philodendron hastatum)

    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 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 as well. 

    • Leaf Color: Silvery-green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
    Continue to 21 of 25 below.
  • 21 of 25

    Philodendron pedatum

    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 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. 

    • Leaf Color: Green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 22 of 25

    Philodendron ‘Florida Ghost’

    Two philodendron Florida ghost leaves in a glass vase for propagation.

    Tylim / Getty Images

    The Philodendron 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 collectors plant and is considered rare, often with a hefty price tag. If you manage to find one though, they are easy to keep happy indoors. Simply 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.

    • Leaf Color: White to medium green.
    • Leaf Size: Small to medium.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 23 of 25

    Philodendron melanochrysum

    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 are climbing philodendrons with striking shimmery velvet foliage. While they are considered somewhat rare, if you can get your hands on one these philodendrons are surprisingly easy to care for indoors. Provide it with bright, indirect light and keep the potting mix consistently moist for best results.  

    • Leaf Color: Dark green.
    • Leaf Size: Medium to large.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
  • 24 of 25

    Philodendron gloriosum

    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 groundcover in its native environment. When grown indoors, philodendron gloriosum does best with bright, indirect light; high humidity; and consistent watering.

    • Leaf Color: Green with white veins.
    • Leaf Size: Large.
    • Growth Habit: Creeping.
    Continue to 25 of 25 below.
  • 25 of 25

    Philodendron mamei

    Close up shot of the green foliage of philodendron mamei with silver variegation in a brown pot.

    Firn / Getty Images

    Also commonly known as silver cloud or quilted silver leaf, the Philodendron mamei is beloved for its gorgeous foliage. Philodendron mamei is a climbing philodendron that 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.

    • Leaf Color: Green and silver.
    • Leaf Size: Medium to large.
    • Growth Habit: Climbing.
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  1. Merriam-Webster. “Philodendron.” Merriam-webster.com. N.p., n.d. Web.

  2. Philodendron. Pet Poison Helpline.