Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)


Philodendron Plant Features

Philodendron is a classic, and practically no-fail houseplant because it's so easy to grow. Happily, this makes it a pretty common indoor plant to find at your local garden center. The philodendron family is a pretty big one, too -- so you can find a variety of plants that grow in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Many of the traditional philodendron varieties are vines perfect for growing on a totem, up a trellis, or in a hanging basket and some offer pleasing variegated foliage. These are counted as some of the most easy to grow houseplants of all time. Upright-growing philodendrons are just as easy, but typically have larger leaves.

Note: Scientists are always looking at plant relationships and sometimes they reclassify plants. That's why you'll sometimes see some species of Philodendron also called Thaumatophyllum.

Philodendron Questions?

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Philodendron Growing Instructions

Grow philodendrons just about anywhere. As houseplants they're that easy to keep! The plants grow best in medium or bright-light spots, but tolerate low light exceedingly well. 

Water philodendrons enough when the soil surface dries. They're tough enough plants they don't mind if you forget to water them now and again. Just take care not to overwater your philodendrons. They will rot if they're kept too wet.

You typically don't need to fertilize philodendrons much, if at all, but they appreciate a feeding once or twice a year in spring and summer. Use any houseplant fertilizer (available from your local garden center) and follow the packaging directions carefully. 

Vining philodendrons are relatively slow growers, but can be cut back at any time to keep them compact and bushy. 

Note: Philodendrons are not meant for human or animal consumption. 
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Low light

    Indoors: Medium light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Shade

  • Colors

    Green

    Variegated

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air

    Super-easy to grow


Complement your Philodendron

Pothos
Pothos is a close relative of philodendron; they grow well together.

Norfolk Island Pine
Norfolk Island pine is a no-fuss houseplant with a soft texture that makes a lovely accent to philodendron's larger leaves.

Colorful Aglaonema
Both red aglaonema and philodendron are among the easiest houseplants to grow -- plus, red aglaonema's colorful foliage is a fun accent.


Q&A

Do philodendrons like to be root bound?
While philodendrons tolerate being root bound a little better than most houseplants, they don't actually like being root bound. Your plant will be happiest and healthiest if you do repot regularly. Get tips for repotting your houseplants.


Our favorite varieties

Green Congo Philodendron

Green Congo Philodendron

Philodendron 'Congo'

Green Congo philodendron is a large, upright-growing variety with shiny green leaves

Brasil Philodendron

Brasil Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'

Brasil philodendron is a patented and especially fun vining type that has green leaves variegated with golden-yellow. US plant patent 12,956.

Micans Philodendron

Micans Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum micans

Micans is a lovely variety that has purple-flushed green leaves that have a satin-like texture.

Moonlight Philodendron

Moonlight Philodendron

Philodendron 'Moonlight'

This upright grower offers fantastic new growth; the leaves emerge bright chartreuse before fading to deep green.

Prince of Orange Philodendron

Prince of Orange Philodendron

Philodendron 'Prince of Orange'

Prince of Orange is a large, shrubby variety that has new leaves that emerge a rich coppery-orange color. It can reach 24 inches tall or more.

Rojo Congo Philodendron

Rojo Congo Philodendron

Philodendron 'Rojo Congo'

Rojo Congo is an upright variety that has dark green leaves and new leaves that emerge flushed with purple-red.

Green Heartleaf Philodendron

Green Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

This easy-to-grow houseplant has dark green, heart-shaped leaves. It's excellent for hanging baskets.

Selloum

Selloum

Philodendron selloum

A large houseplant indoors, selloum philodendron is often grown outdoors as a perennial in warm-winter regions. It has dark green leaves with frilly edges. Note: You may also see it sold as Thaumatophyllum.

Xanadu Philodendron

Xanadu Philodendron

Philodendron 'Xanadu'

This larger philodendron has dark green leaves and ruffled edges. It's often used as a perennial in frost-free climates like South Florida and is also called 'Winterbourn'.

Brandi Philodendron

Brandi Philodendron

Philodendron brandtianum

Brandi is a beautiful species of this easy-growing vine that offers rich green leaves marbled in silver.

Philodendron grazielae

Philodendron grazielae

Philodendron grazielae

Philodendron grazielae is a unique species that shows off heart-shaped leaves and thick stems. It's a hard-to-find species that's delightfully easy to grow.

Super Atom Philodendron

Super Atom Philodendron

Philodendron 'Super Atom'

Super Atom philodendron looks like a miniature version of its cousin, selloum. It has ruffled leaves and a tight, compact shape. It's also slower growing. Super Atom reaches 3 feet tall and wide over time.

Birkin Philodendron

Birkin Philodendron

Philodendron 'Birkin'

Birkin is a stunning newer selection that shows off large, dark green leaves heavily streaked in crisp white. Each leaf is unique, adding beauty and drama to the home or office. It can reach 3 feet tall and does not climb (it is self-supporting).

Golden Goddess Philodendron

Golden Goddess Philodendron

Philodendron 'Golden Goddess'

Golden Goddess is a sport of the popular variety 'Thai Sunrise' that features golden-yellow leaves on climbing stems.

Philodendron tortum

Philodendron tortum

Philodendron tortum is a climbing variety with finely divided leaves. Because of this, it's sometimes called Fernleaf Philodendron.