Explore 24 Incredible Philodendron Varieties You Should Know About

With over 450 philodendron species worldwide, these highly sought-after tropical plants are grouped by their growth habits: climbing or upright. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and hues, they’re also known for being incredibly easy to care for, which makes them a favorite choice among both novice and experienced gardeners. Ready to immerse yourself in the world of philodendrons? Check out these breathtaking varieties that will enhance your indoor garden.

Essential Tips for Caring for Philodendrons

Generally, philodendrons thrive in partial sunlight. To achieve the best color on variegated leaves, ensure they receive bright, indirect light. As a tropical plant, philodendrons enjoy a warm and humid environment, which you can replicate by positioning the plant in a warm area and using a humidifier or misting it regularly. Loamy, well-drained soil is ideal. Water moderately and keep an eye on the leaves—drooping leaves may indicate overwatering or underwatering. For more specific care tips, explore the varieties listed below.

1. Philodendron Rojo Congo

This striking philodendron boasts vibrant red stems and large, tropical leaves that start off red and transition to green as they mature. The philodendron Rojo Congo thrives in bright, indirect light and is quite resilient, requiring minimal attention. Be careful not to overwater—only water when the top half of the soil has dried out.

2. Philodendron McColley's Finale

The Philodendron McColley's Finale displays bronze-red leaves that gradually turn bright green. It’s a variety that can tolerate low light and requires watering just once every one to two weeks.

3. Philodendron Tortum

The Philodendron Tortum, also known as the fernleaf philodendron, features delicate, fern-like leaves that begin as a copper color before transitioning to bright green. It's an easy-to-care-for plant that thrives in indirect, low sunlight and can handle a bit of neglect.

4. Black Cardinal Philodendron

If you're into dark, dramatic plants, this gothic philodendron is perfect for you. The plant’s foliage features rich maroon and deep purplish-black hues. Keep it in bright, indirect light and water it regularly to maintain its beauty.

5. Golden Violin Philodendron

The vibrant lemon-lime colored leaves can grow up to a foot and a half long, taking on a violin-like shape. This climbing plant can reach heights of over five feet, and, like many philodendrons, it thrives in indirect light and requires watering every one to two weeks.

6. Philodendron White Wizard

This rare philodendron showcases striking white spots and stripes against dark green leaves. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and only requires watering once a week or every two weeks.

7. Ring of Fire Philodendron

If you're searching for a plant that adds a pop of color to your home, the Ring of Fire Philodendron could be the perfect choice. Its leaves display a stunning mix of cream, green, orange, and red hues. As a climbing plant, it may benefit from being trellised. Keep it in medium to bright indirect light for the best results.

8. Philodendron Verrucosum

This striking plant features large, heart-shaped leaves that shine with dramatic light green veins. As a tropical species, the Philodendron Verrucosum thrives in high humidity and a warm environment.

9. Philodendron Gloriosum

This striking variety of the philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light and a drier environment. It's important to note that it grows slowly, so don't expect rapid growth.

10. Philodendron Billietiae

This striking tropical plant may be hard to spot, but it’s definitely worth seeking out for its stunning long jade green leaves. Like most philodendrons, the Philodendron Billietiae thrives in partial sun and well-drained soil.

11. Paraiso Verde Philodendron

This rare beauty is one of our top picks to add to your plant collection. It can grow as tall as 10 feet, so be sure to make room. It flourishes in moist soil and prefers indirect light.

12. Silver Sword Philodendron

The Silver Sword is a climbing variety of philodendron, named for its striking, sword-like silvery leaves. This plant thrives when supported by a trellis and is easy to care for.

13. Heartleaf Philodendron

This beloved trailing philodendron is one of the simplest plants to grow. It adapts easily to different lighting conditions and is quite forgiving if you forget to care for it. Heartleaf philodendron produces fast-growing, heart-shaped leaves that begin as bronze and eventually turn glossy green. These leaves can be anywhere from 2 to 3 inches wide and, if allowed to climb, can grow as large as 8 inches. It's a stunning hanging plant, with vines that can stretch up to 4 or 5 feet indoors.

14. Philodendron Hope Selloum

Renowned for its striking, sculptural leaves, philodendron hope selloum has become a favorite in Instagram photos and high-end interior designs. To keep it healthy, position this plant in an area that receives bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil—just be careful not to overwater. If the plant begins leaning towards the light, rotate the pot every few days to encourage even growth.

15. Imperial Green and Imperial Red

The philodendron imperial green is an upright variety known for its smooth, glossy green foliage. The imperial red variety starts with vibrant red leaves that shift to a deep burgundy-red, eventually turning into dark, glossy green as they mature. Both varieties have large, fan-like leaves that make them striking additions to any space. They thrive in moderate to bright, indirect light but can also adapt to shadier conditions.

16. Philodendron Prince of Orange

Similar to the imperial varieties, the Prince of Orange is an upright-growing philodendron with striking colorful leaves. These leaves begin as a vivid orange and transition to a soft green as they age. This exotic plant forms a tight bunch of leaves around a central stem, with the leafstalks and young leaves appearing in a rich red hue. Prince of Orange thrives in moderate to bright, indirect light but can also adapt to low-light environments.

17. Philodendron Erubescens (aka Pink Princess Philodendron)

Famous for its stunning variegated pink leaves, the Pink Princess Philodendron lives up to its name. To achieve the most vibrant pink hues, ensure this tropical plant receives ample indirect light. It prefers high humidity, so misting the plant or using a humidifier can help it flourish.

18. Philodendron Brasil

This vibrant trailing variety showcases heart-shaped leaves in various shades of green and yellow. Its name comes from the resemblance to the Brazilian flag. The plant's striking variegation thrives in medium to bright indirect light. While it can survive in lower light, the color patterns will fade if it doesn’t get sufficient light exposure.

19. Philodendron Micans

Micans is a trailing variety with heart-shaped, velvety leaves, which has earned it the nickname "velvet leaf philodendron." Depending on the light, its foliage may appear deep green or rich purple, with new growth emerging in bright chartreuse, accented with pink edges. Micans looks stunning cascading from a hanging planter or when trained on a trellis. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light. For those who appreciate striking foliage, Micans is a perfect choice to add to your plant collection.

20. Burle Marx Philodendron

This stunning upright philodendron, named in honor of landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, adds beauty to both your indoor spaces and outdoor landscapes. It produces an abundance of glossy, paddle-shaped leaves with deep lobes and subtle pale veining. When placed in a pot, it serves as a striking statement piece, and it can grow quickly as a ground cover in warmer climates. The Burle Marx variety thrives in bright, indirect light, though it can also adapt to low-light environments.

21. Xanadu Philodendron

Xanadu boasts large, glossy leaves with multiple lobes that sit on long, sturdy stems. The plant grows upright but tends to spread out more than it grows tall, making it an ideal choice for spacious areas, whether inside your home or on the porch. Xanadu thrives in a variety of conditions, is low-maintenance, and offers great value for its size.

22. Philodendron Brandtianum

For lovers of variegation, Brandtianum is a showstopper. This charming vining variety showcases heart-shaped, deep green leaves streaked with silver. The young leaves start off with a yellow-orange tint, which gradually turns into a mix of dark green and silver as they mature. Although Brandtianum is a vining type, it maintains a lush, upright form. It thrives in medium light but will reveal its stunning variegation when placed in bright, indirect light.

23. Philodendron Birkin

Birkins are an upright variety resulting from the cross between philodendron Congo and philodendron imperial green. Its leaves are beautifully marked with white and vibrant yellow stripes, creating a striking contrast with its deep green foliage when placed in optimal lighting. Each leaf showcases its own unique variegation, making this plant a real standout in any space. Birkins thrive best in bright, indirect light.

24. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Often called the mini monstera deliciosa, rhaphidophora tetrasperma shares the signature fenestrated leaves and vining nature of its relative. However, unlike monstera, its leaves remain compact and won't overwhelm your space. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma thrives in bright, indirect light and requires steady moisture to flourish.