12 Varieties of the Trendy Philodendron Plant You Should Know

philodendron brasil trailing down high shelf with tchotchkes against white wall

Black and Blooms

Oh-so-lush and green, philodendron houseplants are always in style. From trailing types to ruffle-edged stunners, these tropical members of the Araceae family are beautiful and easy to grow.

In general, different types of philodendrons need similar care: a warm, humid climate; bright, indirect light; and soil that's evenly moist. Keep in mind that because philodendron leaves contain calcium oxalate, they're toxic to cats, dogs, and humans when consumed. Be sure to display your plants out of reach of curious kids and pets.

With so many philodendron types to choose from, you can find the perfect philo to grow in a hanging basket, beautify your desk at work, or fill an oversized floor planter. Here are 12 of our favorite philodendron types you can use to green your space.

01 of 12

Heartleaf Philodendron

heartleaf philodendron plant on hanger with white tapestry in background

@botanicalbrunette_

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum
  • Sun Exposure: Low to bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

If you're new to philodendrons, why not start with the classic heartleaf variety? True to its name, this plant has heart-shaped leaves and a trailing growth habit that sometimes leads it to be confused with pothos.

Heartleaf philodendrons are beautiful and easy-growing, perfect for hanging baskets or trailing down from a high shelf.

Potted heartleaf philodendron on a stool next to a glass of water
Bloomscape Philodendron Heartleaf $35.00
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02 of 12

Philodendron 'Xanadu'

large philodendron xanadu in black pot on wood floor in front of black and white art

@mariterew

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron selloum or Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
  • Sun Exposure: Low to bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

Seeking a big, beautiful plant to fill that empty corner? Look no further than Philodendron 'Xanadu,'—also known as Philodendron 'Winterbourn'—with big, shiny, serrated leaves and an upright, elegantly arching growth habit. This plant can grow up to four feet tall and six feet wide, so it makes an excellent statement floor plant.

03 of 12

Philodendron 'Xanadu' Golden

philodendron xanadu gold in brown pot on blue and white wooden tile tray

@peperodendron

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron selloum 'Golden' or Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum 'Golden'
  • Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

Love the ruffle-edged look of Philodendron 'Xanadu' but want a brighter color that contrasts with dark shades or other dark-green plants? Seek out the 'Golden' cultivar, which offers a similar look in a cheery, spring-green shade.

The Xanadu variety has been recently reclassified with a new botanical name, but it's still commonly referred to as a philodendron.

04 of 12

Philodendron 'Burle Marx'

philodendron burle marx in white pot against white wall

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  • Botanical Name: Philodendron imbe 'Burle Marx'
  • Sun Exposure: Low to bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

Named for the Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, who first popularized the use of native plants in landscape design, Philodendron 'Burle Marx' is known for its low-growing habit and long, shiny, heart-shaped leaves.

This upright philodendron can grow up to two feet tall and spread as wide as four feet. It's also easy to propagate via stem cuttings.

05 of 12

Lemon Lime Philodendron

philodendron lemon lime in macrame hanger

@amandaandtheplants

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime'
  • Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

For a pop of bright, cheerful color, this variety is the philodendron species' answer to vivid neon pothos. Another vining variety, lemon lime philodendron can be trained up a pole, trellis, or other support, or it can trail down from a hanging basket, wall planter, or high shelf.

These colorful plants are easy to root from stem cuttings in water, especially in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.

Urban Jungle Philodendron Cordatum
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06 of 12

Velvet Leaf Philodendron

velvet leaf philodendron closeup

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  • Botanical Name: Philodendron micans
  • Sun Exposure: Low to bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

With richly textured, deep green leaves and contrasting copper-colored stems, velvet leaf philodendron is as elegant as they come. Let its dark colors pop against a white wall or blonde wood shelf. Like other philodendron types, it's also easy to propagate via stem cuttings.

07 of 12

Philodendron 'Birkin'

philodendron birkin in terra cotta pot on low wooden table with gray knitted blanket

@my_green_mess

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron 'Birkin'
  • Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

With its wide, heart-shaped leaves and compact, upright growth habit, Philodendron 'Birkin' makes a charming houseplant for just about anywhere in your home. As with other variegated philodendron types, giving the plant brighter light will make its contrasting stripes more pronounced.

Give your plant's leaves an occasional rinse in the shower or wipe them gently with a damp cloth to remove dust buildup.

08 of 12

Philodendron 'Golden Ring of Fire'

philodendron golden ring of fire in white pot on white background

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  • Botanical Name: Philodendron 'Golden Ring of Fire'
  • Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

This bright, vivid philodendron is a rare gem, earning its name from the many colors its variegated leaves take on throughout the growing season.

You'll see shades of green, red, yellow, pink, and orange on a single plant depending on the time of year—and with leaves reaching two feet long at maturity, it's really a sight to behold. Because it's so rare, this plant is considered a collector's item and priced accordingly.

09 of 12

Philodendron 'Florida Beauty'

small philodendron florida beauty plant in pot held by white person's hand

@houseofmonstera

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron 'Florida Beauty'
  • Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

Another colorful, variegated philodendron hybrid is 'Florida Beauty,' with splashes of color ranging from dark green to light green to pale yellow on its multi-lobed leaves.

As with other variegated philodendron types, give this specimen bright, indirect light to keep its coloring looking bright. This one is a climber, so support it with some structure like a trellis or moss pole.

10 of 12

Philodendron 'Brasil'

philodendron brasil plant in hanging basket

@plantmadsisters

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
  • Sun Exposure: Bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

For a variegated philodendron with a trailing growth habit, bring home a Philodendron 'Brasil,' with dark leaves streaked with different shades of green, ranging from Kelly to neon.

A similar cultivar, 'Brasil Tricolor,' includes pale yellow to creamy tan shades in the mix. This easy-to-grow philodendron can be kept in soil or in a vase or glass of water. More light will make its colors brighter.

Philodendron Brasil
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11 of 12

Oak Leaf Philodendron

philodendron pedatum in small terra cotta pot with wooden stake

@terrapod

  • Botanical Name: Philodendron pedatum
  • Sun Exposure: Low to bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

At maturity, this climbing philodendron can grow as tall as 10 feet, with its multi-lobed, oak leaf-like foliage reaching up to 12 inches long.

This low-maintenance plant is easy to care for—just give it dappled light, keep its soil evenly moist, and feed it with houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once per month during the spring and summer growing season.

12 of 12

Philodendron 'Schott'

white person's hand holding leaf of philodendron bipennifolium schott plant in white pot against white background

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  • Botanical Name: Philodendron bipennifolium 'Schott'
  • Sun Exposure: Low to bright, indirect light
  • Soil Type: Rich, loose potting mix
  • Soil pH: 5.5-6.0

This philodendron variety is known for its unique, wavy-edged leaves, which can be shaped like a horse's head or even a violin.

Another climbing philodendron, this plant will do best with a moss pole, trellis, or other support—or you can grow it in a hanging basket and let the leaves and stems trail down. Take stem cuttings in the spring or summer to propagate this plant.

Article Sources
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  1. Philodendron. Clemson University Cooperative Extension. January 15, 2016