Philodendron
The Diverse Family of Easy-Care Tropicals
With over 400 species, Philodendrons offer something for every plant lover. From compact heartleaf varieties to giant split-leaf types, these tropical beauties combine stunning foliage with forgiving care requirements, making them perfect for both beginners and collectors.
Easy
Medium to Bright
Moderate
400+ Species
About Philodendrons
Philodendrons are native to the tropical Americas, where they grow as epiphytes climbing up trees or as terrestrial plants on the forest floor. The name comes from Greek: "philo" (love) and "dendron" (tree)—the tree lover.
These plants are closely related to Monsteras and share many care requirements. They're often confused with Pothos, but Philodendrons have thinner, softer leaves and more pronounced cataphylls (the sheaths that protect new leaves).
Their adaptability, fast growth, and stunning variety of leaf shapes and colors have made them staples in the houseplant community for decades.
Popular Varieties
Heartleaf (Brasil, Micans)
Trailing varieties perfect for hanging baskets. Brasil has yellow variegation, Micans has velvety leaves.
Birkin
Compact with stunning white pinstripes on dark green leaves. Each leaf is unique.
Pink Princess
Highly sought-after for its pink variegation. Needs bright light to maintain color.
Xanadu
Self-heading with deeply lobed leaves. Stays compact and doesn't climb.
Prince of Orange
New leaves emerge bright orange and mature to green. Self-heading variety.
Gloriosum
Crawler with large, velvety heart-shaped leaves and white veins. A collector's favorite.
Light Requirements
Most Philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions. Variegated varieties need more light to maintain their coloration.
Ideal Light
Bright, indirect light from an east or north-facing window, or filtered south/west light.
Variegated Varieties
Pink Princess, Birkin, and other variegated types need brighter light to prevent reverting to solid green.
Learn more in our Light Requirements Guide.
Watering Guide
Philodendrons like consistently moist (not soggy) soil. They're forgiving of occasional missed waterings but don't like to stay too dry for too long.
When to Water
- • When top 1-2 inches of soil is dry
- • Usually every 7-10 days
- • Yellowing lower leaves = overwatering
- • Drooping = needs water (or too much)
Best Practices
- • Water thoroughly until it drains
- • Empty saucer to prevent root rot
- • Use room temperature water
- • Reduce in winter when growth slows
Master watering with our Complete Watering Guide.
Humidity & Temperature
As tropical plants, Philodendrons appreciate higher humidity but adapt well to average household conditions. Velvety-leaved varieties like Micans and Gloriosum prefer more humidity.
Group with Calatheas or Monsteras to create a humid microclimate. See our Humidity Guide for more tips.
Propagation
Philodendrons are among the easiest plants to propagate. Most varieties root readily in water or soil.
Stem Cuttings (Climbing/Trailing Types)
Cut below a node with at least one leaf. Root in water or moist soil. Roots appear in 2-4 weeks.
Division (Self-Heading Types)
Xanadu, Prince of Orange, and similar types can be divided at the roots when repotting.
Air Layering (Large Specimens)
For mature climbing varieties. Wrap a node in moist moss, wait for roots, then cut and pot.