Philodendrons are a diverse and fascinating plant family. They’ve won over fans around the globe. With their lush leaves and vibrant colors, they suit all tastes. This guide will show you how to identify philodendron varieties and learn about each one. From the classic Heartleaf Philodendron’s heart-shaped leaves to the Philodendron Brasil’s unique patterns. You’ll see the amazing variety in this plant family. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to gardening, you’ll find the perfect plant for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Philodendrons come in a wide range of leaf shapes, sizes, and colors, including heart-shaped, lobed, and finger-like foliage.
- Philodendrons generally prefer bright, indirect light, although their specific light requirements can vary by variety.
- Proper soil drainage, humidity, and watering are essential for maintaining healthy Philodendron plants.
- Certain Philodendron varieties, such as the Philodendron Brasil, Heartleaf Philodendron, and Tree Philodendron, are known for their air-purifying properties.
- Philodendrons are versatile plants that can be used for interior decoration, gifting, and air purification, depending on the variety.
Types of Philodendron
The Philodendron family is full of over 400 species. There are many types to discover. You can find a Philodendron to match your style, from the red-leaved Black Cardinal to the variegated Philodendron Brasil. Other favorites are the Heartleaf, Xanadu, Pink Princess, and the popular Monstera Deliciosa. In various sizes, they range from small phyllo plants to big, tree-like growers. Philodendrons have unique leaf shapes like hearts, lobes, and fingers. With bold colors or cascading vines, you can find a Philodendron that fits your style and brightens your home.
Philodendron Varieties
| Philodendron Variety | Mature Size | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) | 1-3 ft. wide, 3-13 ft. long | Classic heart-shaped leaves |
| Brasil Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’) | 6-36 inches tall, 12-36 inches wide | Bright green and yellow variegation |
| Philodendron Micans (Philodendron hederaceum var Hederaceum) | 8 inches tall, 24 inches long | Velvety, copper-colored leaves |
| Lemon Lime Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon-Lime’) | 12 inches tall, 6 ft. long | Bright, vibrant foliage |
| Philodendron Birkin (Philodendron ‘Birkin’) | 3 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide | Unique white and green variegation |
| Philodendron Erubescens | Up to 60 ft. long, 16 inches wide | Large, glossy leaves |
| Imperial Green Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Green’) | 3-4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide | Deep, rich green foliage |
| Philodendron Black Cardinal (Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Green’) | 1–20 ft. tall, 1–6 ft. wide | Dark burgundy leaves |
| Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ (Philodendron erubescens ‘Prince of Orange’) | 24 to 35 inches tall | Vibrant orange new growth |
| Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘pink princess’) | 4-5 ft. tall, 2-4 ft. wide | Striking pink and green variegation |
| White Knight Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘white knight’) | 24-36 inches tall, 36 inches wide | Bright white and green foliage |
| Philodendron Green Princess (Philodendron mia) | 8-10 inches tall, 8-10 inches wide | Compact size, dark green leaves |
| Tree Philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum) | 6 ft. tall, 8 ft. wide | Massive, tree-like growth habit |
| Philodendron Xanadu (Thaumatophyllum xanadu) | 4-5 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide | Deeply lobed, tropical leaves |
Philodendron rugosum care guide
The Philodendron rugosum is also called the Ruffle Leaf Philodendron. It has big, deeply ridged leaves. These leaves bring drama to any place. This plant comes from the tropics of Central and South America. It loves warm, humid spots.
To care for a Philodendron rugosum, keep it where there’s bright, indirect light and in moist, well-draining soil. Wait to water until the top soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater to avoid root rot. Misting the plant often is good for it.
Fertilize your plant every two to three weeks in the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble plant food. Cut off any leaves that look bad to keep it neat. This Philodendron can get really big with the right care. It’ll make any garden look beautiful.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Mature size of Philodendron Rugosum | Up to 15 feet tall outdoors |
| Hardiness zones for Philodendron Rugosum | 9-11 (USDA) |
| Optimal temperature range for Philodendron Rugosum growth | 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Suitable humidity level for Philodendron Rugosum | 40 percent or higher |
| Recommended feeding frequency for Philodendron Rugosum during growth phase | Monthly |
| Propagation method for Philodendron Rugosum | Stem cuttings |
| Repotting frequency for Philodendron Rugosum | Every one to two years |
| Common pests affecting Philodendron Rugosum | Spider mites and mealybugs |
| Standard method for addressing common issues with Philodendron Rugosum foliage | Altering light, water, or humidity levels |
The Philodendron Rugosum loves bright, indirect light and not being in a draft. It does well where it’s warm and humid. Keeping the air moist at around 60-70% humidity helps it. A well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter is best for this plant.
Make sure the soil is a bit dry before watering. Thai-grown aroid plants are great because they’re high quality and affordable. They also have special kinds of plants. Philodendron plants are very popular among aroid plant enthusiasts.
Good air circulation is key to keeping this plant healthy. It helps prevent sickness and makes the plant strong.
Philodendron camposportoanum care
The Philodendron camposportoanum, nicknamed Campo’s Philodendron, hails from Brazil. It’s known for its big, shiny leaves, reaching up to 3 feet long. To keep this Philodendron happy, give it bright, indirect light and moisture in its soil. Water it when the top soil dries, but avoid overwatering. It loves humidity, so mist often or use a pebble tray to keep air moist.
Feed the plant every two to three weeks while it grows with a balanced food. Trim any dead or yellow leaves to keep it looking good. With good care, the Philodendron camposportoanum becomes a standout in any collection.
What does a philodendron look like
Philodendrons come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. This makes them a truly diverse and eye-catching plant group. Some common features include:
Philodendron leaves vary from heart-shaped to lobed or even finger-like. They are usually large and glossy. The colors range from deep green to variegated patterns. You can also find bold foliage in burgundy, pink, or silver.
These plants grow differently too. You can get them as compact plants for tables or as tall as trees. Some Philodendrons hang down while others stand upright. This variety lets gardeners pick the right one for their home.
Whether you like the classic Heartleaf Philodendron’s heart-shaped leaves or the colorful Philodendron Brasil, there’s plenty to appreciate. This family of plants offers many options for everyone to find something they love.
How much sun does a philodendron need
Philodendrons love bright, indirect light, but the amount can change by the plant type. They need some guidelines for the sun. Here’s how to figure it out:
Philodendrons tolerate low light levels but do better in bright, indirect sunlight. For instance, Monstera Deliciosa needs this light for its leaves to split nicely. But, too much direct sunlight can harm the plant, causing leaf burn, like with Philodendron micans.
These plants are from the tropics and don’t like cold below 55 degrees. They need room temperature to grow well. It’s best to keep them away from direct sunlight.
Philodendrons grow best in bright, indirect light. They can quickly get leaf burn from direct sun. They prefer places that are well-lit but not directly sunlit.
| Philodendron Variety | Light Requirement |
|---|---|
| Heartleaf Philodendron (P. scandens) | Bright, indirect light |
| Red-Leaf Philodendron (P. erubescens) | Partial sun |
| Philodendron micans | Indirect light, avoid direct sun |
| Monstera Deliciosa | Bright, indirect light for leaf splitting |
Philodendron giganteum care
The Philodendron giganteum is also called the Giant Philodendron. It’s a large and impressive plant from the Philodendron family. It hails from the tropics of Central and South America. This plant can grow really big, with leaves up to 3 feet long. To take care of it, you need the right conditions for its size and health.
This plant likes to be watered every 9 days if it’s not in the sun. Use 0.5 cups of water each time. It’s best to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. This helps prevent the roots from getting too wet and rotting.
The Philodendron giganteum Schott does okay with some light from south-facing windows as long as it’s not too close. But, it really enjoys light from fluorescent bulbs or indirect sunlight the most.
To keep up its nutrients, consider repotting this Philodendron when it grows a lot. This means after it doubles in size, or once each year. The best soil mix for it drains well and has things like coco coir or perlite.
| Care Recommendation | Specification |
|---|---|
| Watering | 0.5 cups every 9 days, soil should dry out between waterings |
| Lighting | Place less than 6 feet from a south-facing window, prefers fluorescent light |
| Repotting | Repot after doubling in size or once a year, use well-draining soil mix |
| Leaf Size | Leaves can grow 4 to 5 feet tall and up to 3 feet across |
| Native Region | Central, South America, and the Caribbean |
Watch for any signs that your Philodendron giganteum Schott is unhappy. Check its leaves, the moisture in the soil, and its light and environment. Make changes to your care to keep the plant healthy and growing strong.
How to get philodendron to climb
Philodendrons naturally like to climb. You can help them along by giving them something to latch onto. This makes them grow up rather than out.
First, you should place a trellis, wire cage, or pole near the plant. It provides a structure for the plant to climb. Then, guide the stems and roots slowly towards this structure.
You can also use clips or ties to gently hold the plant to the support. But remember, don’t tie too tight. You don’t want to hurt the plant’s growth.
If your Philodendron is in a hanging basket, add a totem pole to help it climb. This encourages upward growth.
Keeping your plant in shape is important. Trim any parts that are not climbing the way you want. Then, guide the main stems towards the support.
With the right care, your Philodendron will grow beautifully. It will make your home or garden look stunning with its climbing nature.
Philodendron golden dragon care guide
The Philodendron Golden Dragon is a special plant. It’s known for its large leaves that are a bright yellow at the start. They turn into a glossy dark green as they grow.
To keep your Philodendron Golden Dragon happy, give it bright but not direct sunlight. Placing it less than 6 feet from a sunny window is perfect. It drinks water every 9 days if it’s in a 5-inch pot and not in direct sun.
Replant your Philodendron Golden Dragon when it gets big, or at least once a year. It needs fresh soil to keep growing strong. Use soil that drains well and has things like coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite.
This plant can live in dry places but likes a bit of humidity. Misting it helps keep the air around it moist. Be careful not to overwater, as it may make the roots sick.
Its home is in Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The Philodendron Golden Dragon is a stunning choice for any home. With the right care, it will always look beautiful and bright.
Why is my philodendron turning yellow
There’s a few common reasons why a Philodendron’s leaves might turn yellow. A big culprit is watering issues. Too much water can cause root rot. This makes the leaves yellow and they may fall off. On the other hand, not enough water means the plant is thirsty and its leaves yellow, too. To fix this issue, water your plant only when the top of the soil is dry.
Insufficient light exposure could also be to blame for yellow leaves. Philodendrons need plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. Without enough light, the leaves at the bottom turn yellow. Make sure your plant gets enough light. If natural light is scarce, use special grow lights.
Pests like spider mites or aphids can make leaves yellow, too. It’s important to regularly check your plant for any signs of pests. Look under the leaves, as that’s where they usually hide. If you spot any, use gentle, eco-friendly ways to get rid of them. Things like insecticidal soaps or neem oil work well and are safe for your plant and the planet.
| Reason | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Overwatering | Can lead to root rot, causing yellowing of leaves | Check soil moisture, ensure proper drainage, and water only when the top inch of soil is dry |
| Underwatering | Results in dehydration and nutrient deficiency, also causing yellowing | Water your Philodendron when the top 2 inches of soil are dry and crumbly, on average every 1-2 weeks |
| Insufficient Light | Can cause Philodendron leaves to turn yellow | Provide bright, indirect light; consider using grow lights if natural light is insufficient |
| Pests | Common pests such as spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects can lead to yellowing leaves | Regularly inspect the plant, especially the undersides of the leaves, and use gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests |
| Temperature | Philodendrons require temperatures ranging from 65-80 degrees | Ensure your Philodendron is kept in the optimal temperature range |
| Bright Indirect Light | Philodendrons need bright indirect light to prevent bottom leaves from yellowing | Provide your Philodendron with the right amount of bright, indirect light |
Why are my philodendron leaves turning yellow
Philodendron leaves might turn yellow for several reasons. One common cause is too much water in the soil. This can cause root rot and yellow leaves. To avoid this, make sure the soil dries out a bit between waterings. Water your plant every 1-2 weeks, enough to moisten the top 2 inches of soil.
Another reason for yellow leaves could be not enough light. Philodendrons do best in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can burn the leaves. This burning makes them turn yellow.
Issues like not enough nutrients or pests can also make the leaves yellow. If the plant doesn’t get the right food or if bugs like spider mites show up, the leaves can suffer. Try giving your plant better food and getting rid of any pests to help it heal.
No matter the reason, it’s important to act quickly when leaves turn yellow. Fixing the problem and adjusting care can often bring the plant’s health back. This could stop the yellowing and bring back the vibrant green color you love.
Why are pink princess philodendron so expensive
The Philodendron Pink Princess is a rare and sought-after plant. It costs a lot for a few reasons. First found in 2006, its leaves are dark green but have bright pink spots. This makes it very popular with plant lovers.
The plant is hard to find because it’s hard to grow with the right colors. This makes it even more expensive. The special pink and green mix doesn’t happen easily. This makes each Pink Princess Philodendron special.
Why is it so pricey? Well, the unique pink color is very rare. It’s tough to grow a lot of them. The plant’s popularity on social media also increases its price.
You usually find Pink Princess Philodendrons for sale on special plant websites. Sellers might not know much, so be careful. Look out for fake Pink Princess plants, like the Pink Congo. They might not turn out as you expect.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Price Range | Pink Princess Philodendron can cost as much as $100 for a cutting and up to almost $2,000 for an established plant. |
| Rarity | Pink Princess Philodendrons are rare among growers due to the difficulty in keeping the mutation going. |
| Demand | Prices are driven up due to the rarity and popularity of the Pink Princess Philodendron. |
| Propagation | Propagation of the plant is challenging and costly, contributing to the high prices. |
| Production Costs | Growers need resources and time to reproduce Pink Princess Philodendrons, leading to higher costs. |
| Care Difficulty | Care for Pink Princess Philodendrons is meticulous and difficult, factoring into the price paid for the plant. |
How to care for split leaf philodendron
The Split Leaf Philodendron is famously known as the Philodendron bipinnatifidum. It’s a grand plant with large, deeply lobed leaves. These leaves can reach up to a meter long, making the plant very noticeable. To help your plant grow well, it needs the right care and environment.
This plant loves bright, indirect sunlight. It is best placed three feet from a south- or east-facing window. Here, it gets plenty of light but not direct sun. If your space is dark, adding a grow light can help.
It is important to water this plant correctly. It grows best in well-draining soil that stays moist but not soaked. Only water it when the top inch of soil is dry. Keep the air moist, aiming for at least 50% humidity. You can do this by misting the leaves or using a pebble tray.
Don’t forget to fertilize your Split Leaf Philodendron. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. This gives the plant the nutrients it needs. Cut off damaged leaves regularly to keep your plant looking healthy.
Follow these tips, and your Split Leaf Philodendron will grace your space for a long time. For more beautiful Philodendrons and houseplants, check out Altman Plants, Nature’s Way Farms, and The Succulent Cult.
