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20 Philodendrons to Grow Indoors

Since their arrival in our homes in the second half of the 19th century, philodendrons have become very popular with gardeners. They quickly proved to be very easy to grow. With several hundred species and varieties available, it can be difficult to choose! Philodendrons range from practically unkillable plants to rarities that sell for several hundred dollars.

So here are my current favorites: Philodendrons that are relatively easy to grow and can be purchased at a fairly reasonable price! In a previous article, we covered all the general growing requirements of Philodendrons. Let’s just mention relatively warm temperatures, high humidity, dense roots and good light. For each variety presented here, I will only mention growing conditions that differ from these general guidelines.

#1 Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

The heartleaf philodendron is on almost every beginner’s plant list. In its natural habitat, it’s a vine that grows along tree trunks. Indoors, it’s often grown in a hanging basket. Depending on your preference, you can let the stems hang down or twist them and point them toward the ceiling. This is the kind of plant that you can use to circle the entire room, supporting it with hooks! Since this philodendron likes humidity, it is also suitable for bathrooms with moderate lighting.

Philodendron hederaceum. Photo: Greg Weaver sur Wikimedia Commons.

#2 Philodendron ‘Brasil’ (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’)

Introduced in 2002, ‘Brasil’ philodendron is a variegated form of heartleaf philodendron. The variegation often appears as a solid cream-colored stripe down the center of the leaf. Occasionally the leaf may be half green and half cream. Like its parent (#1), it can produce vines up to two meters long. To get good variegation, the plant needs decent indirect light. Sometimes it reverts and the plant becomes all green again. These all green stems should be cut back as soon as they are noticed.

Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’. Photo: Feey sur Unsplash.

#3 Micans Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum)

Often marketed as Philodendron ‘Micans’, this is actually a subspecies of the Heartleaf Philodendron. It is called ‘Micans’ because that was its old botanical name (P. micans), but it could also be called velvet-leaved philodendron. It is true that the surface of the leaves is a little duller and appears velvety on the surface. This philodendron develops young reddish or brown leaves that turn green with age. It’s also a vine that works well in a hanging planter.

Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum. Photo: Julie Boudreau.

#4 Golden Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Aureum’)

This is the lime-green version of the heartleaf philodendron. Yet another beautiful plant for hanging baskets. To be successful with this variety, it must be placed in a location with just enough light to enhance its beautiful golden foliage. Too much direct sunlight can damage the foliage. Once this requirement is met, it is just as easy to grow as the green species.  

Philodendron hederaceum ‘Aureum’. Photo: National Gardening Association

#5 ‘Imperial Green’ Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Green’)

The blushing philodendron (Philodendron erubescens) has given rise to several varieties that are highly prized by collectors. All have very decorative foliage. In the case of ‘Imperial Green’, however, the main color is… green! This is an upright plant that can reach over a meter in diameter and height. It’s a beautiful large plant to grow in a large container, placed on the floor. At maturity, each leaf can measure more than 40 cm (15 inches) long and 25 cm (10 inches) wide. This strain was developed in 1998.

It should be noted that the species (P. erubescens), as found in nature, is a climber. However, it is rather rare to observe the climbing character in cultivars grown as houseplants.

#6 ‘Imperial Red’ Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’)

It is mainly grown for its beautiful red leaves! The young leaves of this philodendron are a beautiful red that turns to burgundy and then dark green as it ages. The leaves are glossy. It is a slightly less imposing plant than ‘Imperial Green’, but is still a good-sized plant. Imperial Red’ was developed in 1988.

Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red’. Photo: Millzero Nishan sur Unsplash.

#7 ‘Rojo Congo’ Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Rojo Congo’)

Rojo Congo was obtained by crossing Philodendron tatei and ‘Imperial Red’. Its great interest is in its size, a little smaller than the old varieties from the blushing philodendron (P. erubescens). ‘Rojo Congo’ reaches a maximum of 90 cm in height and width (3 feet). This variety develops dark green and burgundy red leaves that make the plant interesting.It is often marketed under the name ‘Congo Rojo’, ‘Red Congo’ (because rojo means the color red… in Spanish!) or simply ‘Congo’.  

Philodendron erubescens ‘Rojo Congo’. Photo: Forest and Kim Starr sur Wikimedia Commons.

#8 ‘Birkin’ Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Birkin’)

This variety is more popular than the others, probably because it’s easy to find in stores. Its dark green foliage with gold stripes is very decorative. Philodendron ‘Birkin’ is a cross between ‘Rojo Congo’ and ‘Imperial Green’. Birkin’ is also interesting because it appears to be more compact. It reaches 60 cm (2 feet) in height and width. Mine has been stuck at 20 cm (9 inches) for three years! This variety is sensitive to excess water. You need to let the soil dry out between waterings. Unfortunately, it is a somewhat unstable variety that tends to return to its green form. There is nothing to do if the plant decides to revert, except enjoy the new plant!

Philodendron erubescens ‘Birkin’. Photo Igartonosdb sur Pixabay.

#9 Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ (Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’)

Developed in 1989, this philodendron is an orange variant of ‘Imperial Red’. In fact, the new leaves appear scarlet-red or dark orange. Then they seem to fade before turning dark green at maturity. Of all the philodendrons with colored foliage, this is undoubtedly the one that offers the most beautiful variations on the same plant. It’s a beautiful medium sized plant with an upright growth habit. The right amount of light will give you the most beautiful foliage colors.

Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek sur Wikimedia Commons.

#10 ‘Pink Princess’ Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’)

It is a mixture of dark green, dark pink and light green that is found on this variety. All the leaves are mottled with small dots or pink spots. The result is splendid! This variety tends to resume its climbing habit more quickly than the others. It is not uncommon to see mature specimens trained on coconut fiber stakes.

Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’. Photo: Feey sur Unsplash.

#11 ‘Black Cardinal’ Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Black Cardinal’)

The blushing philodendrons show us many colors! This time it’s black that takes center stage. The leaves go from red to bronze to this very dark chocolate brown. The leaves are very broad but develop on a medium-sized plant.

Philodendron erubescens ‘Black Cardinal’. Photo: Julie Boudreau

#12 ‘Golden Goddess’ Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Golden Goddess’)

Of lesser-known origin, Philodendron ‘Golden Goddess’ has remarkable foliage that is all gold. It is a plant with a more upright appearance than the varieties from the blushing philodendron. The leaves are also more elongated. As with golden philodendron, keep it out of direct sunlight, but give it good light to enhance its color.

#13 Selloum Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)

This giant Philodendron is often confused with the Monstera (Monstera deliciosa). It is true that Monstera used to be classified in the genus Philodendron. However, the leaves of Selloum Philodendron are not perforated. It’s called Selloum Philodendron because that was its old Latin name. And while we’re getting lost in Latin, there’s a little debate and some identify it under the name Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum.

Regardless, this is a fabulous plant that tolerates low light. The Selloum Philodendron is definitely easier to grow than the Monstera. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a large and easy-to-grow plant.

Philodendron bipinnatifidum. Photo: Julie Boudreau

#14 Xanadu Philodendron (Philodendron xanadu)

Impossible not to think of the 1980s movie, starring Olivia Newton-John! This philodendron is almost a little twin brother of the Selloum philodendron and yet it’s a completely separate botanical species. It is also a bulky plant with deeply lobed leaves.  

Philodendron xanadu. Photo: Julie Boudreau.

#15 Silver Sword Philodendron (Philodendron hastatum)

Beautiful silvery lance-shaped leaves! Often sold as a small, docile potted plant, this philodendron quickly regains its climbing nature. Therefore, it must be given a place where it can grow vertically and send out slender adventitious roots. It’s particularly fond of high humidity. A bright bathroom would be a good location for this plant.

Philodendron hastatum. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek sur Wikimedia Commons.

#16 ‘McColley’s Finale’ Philodendron (Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’)

Robert McColley was an important philodendron hybridizer in the 1950s, and this variety is named in his honor. It is easy to mistake this cultivar for “Prince of Orange” as it also has leaves that change from scarlet to brown to green. But in the case of ‘McColley’s Finale’ there is no orange tint to the foliage. Overall, it is an excellent plant with good resistance.

#17 Burle Marx Philodendron (Philodendron burle-marxii)

This one was named after the Brazilian landscape architect and artist Roberto Burle Marx. At first glance, it could easily be mistaken for a Colocasia. The leaves are dark green and glossy, shaped like an arrowhead. The vein in the middle of the leaf is quite prominent. This variety has a slight preference for warmer temperatures.

Philodendron burle-marxii. Photo: Katherine Wagner-Reiss sur Wikimedia Commons.

#18 Brandi Philodendron (Philodendron brandtianum)

A lovely climbing plant with heart-shaped leaves that are mottled with gray. It is a beautiful subject for a hanging planter, where the plant is attached to the ceiling! The young stems and new leaves take on a light bronze or reddish color.

Philodendron brandtianum. Photo: plantNet.

#19 Squamiferum Philodendron (Philodendron squamiferum)

The leaves of this species have a very peculiar shape. They resemble the leaves of the edible fig tree (Ficus carica). It takes its name from its leaf stalks, which are covered with shaggy hairs. Ultimately, it is a vine that will be interesting to climb on a coconut fiber stake.

Philodendron squamiferum. Photo: Feey sur Unsplash.

#20 Black Gold Philodendron (Philodendron melanochrysum)

And I’ll end with a personal favorite, or rather my next acquisition! It’s a climbing philodendron with large, very dark green leaves with lighter veins. The surface of the leaves has a velvety appearance. In its natural environment, the leaves can reach almost a meter in length. As far as I know, when grown as an indoor plant, the leaves barely exceed 30 cm (1 foot). I’ll have to find out!

Philodendron melanochrysum. On my wishlist! Photo: Feey sur Unsplash.

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Julie Boudreau is a horticulturist who trained at the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec. She’s been working with plants for more than 25 years. She has published many gardening books and hosted various radio and television shows. She now teaches horticulture at the Centre de formation horticole of Laval. A great gardening enthusiast, she’s devoted to promoting gardening, garden design, botany and ecology in every form. Born a fan of organic gardening, she’s curious and cultivates a passion for all that can be eaten. Julie Boudreau is “epicurious” and also fascinated by Latin names.

3 comments on “20 Philodendrons to Grow Indoors

  1. Maryl discuillo

    Why is the monstera not on the list?

  2. Although they can be purchased at a fairly reasonable price, some of these cultivars are quite rare, and no nursery will provide more than a few of these cultivars at any one time.

  3. Thank you for this fantastic list of philodendrons to grow indoors It is always exciting to discover new varieties and learn more about what makes each unique Your guide makes it easier to choose the right ones for different spaces and lighting conditions I am inspired to add a few more to my indoor collection

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