10 Best Philodendron Varieties with Names and Pictures

Philodendrons are the stars of indoor plants, and for good reason! They’re not only beautiful but also incredibly versatile. If you’re a newbie plant parent or a seasoned pro, there various philodendron varieties out there that’ll capture your heart. Let’s explore some of the most popular types of philodendron and find out which one (or more!) deserves a spot in your home.

Heartleaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum) is a true classic among all the philodendron varieties. Its trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves make it perfect for hanging baskets or cascading off a bookshelf. Known for being low-maintenance, this philodendron is a great choice for beginners. It thrives in low light and can tolerate a bit of neglect (though it’s best not to push your luck). Heartleaf philodendron care is fairly straightforward—just give it some water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

One of the best things about the heartleaf philodendron is its versatility. You can let it trail, train it to climb a trellis, or prune it to keep it compact. It’s also easy to propagate! Simply cut a healthy vine below a node, pop it into water, and watch the roots grow. Propagate heartleaf philodendron with ease and share it with friends! Plus, there are gorgeous variegated heartleaf philodendron varieties that add even more visual interest with their mix of green and creamy yellow leaves.

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Thrives in low to medium light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Propagation: Simple to propagate in water or soil

Philodendron ‘Birkin’

If you love plants with bold, variegated leaves, the Philodendron ‘Birkin’ should be at the top of your list of the best philodendron varieties. This stunning plant is known for its unique white-striped leaves that bring a modern flair to any indoor space. As the Birkin matures, its leaves develop more intricate striping, making it a true showstopper. While this plant is easy to care for, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure your Birkin thrives.

Birkin philodendron care involves providing bright, indirect light to maintain those beautiful white stripes. Too little light can cause the variegation to fade, while too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. Keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy is key to preventing root rot. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with Philodendron Birkin propagation by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in water or soil.

One thing to note: the Birkin philodendron is toxic to cats, so if you have furry friends, it’s best to place this plant in a spot where they can’t reach it.

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light for best variegation
• Water: Keep soil slightly moist, but allow the top layer to dry between waterings
• Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings
• Caution: Philodendron Birkin is toxic to cats

For another striking plant with gorgeous foliage, take a look at our guide on Philodendron El Choco Red care.

Philodendron Xanadu

For a bold, tropical feel, look no further than Philodendron Xanadu. With its deeply lobed, lush green leaves, the Xanadu philodendron brings a dramatic presence to any room. This plant grows in a more upright and compact shape compared to its trailing cousins, making it an ideal option for floor pots or large containers. If you’re aiming for a tropical vibe in your home, Philodendron Xanadu outdoor care is easy in warm climates, as this beauty can thrive both indoors and out.

To keep your Philodendron Xanadu happy, provide bright, indirect light and water it when the top few inches of soil feel dry. This plant appreciates slightly higher humidity levels, so misting the leaves or placing it near a humidifier can help it thrive. Plus, Philodendron Xanadu propagation is simple—divide the root ball during repotting to create new plants.

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry
• Humidity: Higher humidity preferred but not essential

Looking for a philodendron that’s both beautiful and low-maintenance? Check out the ultimate care guide for Philodendron Ruizii.

Philodendron Bipinnatifidum

Also known as the Lacy Tree Philodendron, Philodendron Bipinnatifidum is a dramatic addition to any home. Its deeply lobed, large leaves make it a true statement plant. This plant can grow quite large, so it’s ideal for spacious areas like living rooms or offices where it can have plenty of room to spread out. With the right care, Philodendron Bipinnatifidum can grow up to 5 feet tall indoors.

Caring for Philodendron Bipinnatifidum involves placing it in a spot with bright, indirect light. It also enjoys regular watering, but like most philodendrons, it doesn’t like sitting in water. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out between waterings, and make sure to use a well-draining potting mix.

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep the soil moist, but allow the top to dry out between waterings
• Size: Can grow quite large, so give it space!

If you’re looking for more large-leaved varieties, the Philodendron McDowell is a stunning choice. Check out our comprehensive guide on Philodendron McDowell care.

Philodendron Erubescens ‘Pink Princess’

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Instagram’s plant community, you’ve probably come across the stunning Philodendron Erubescens ‘Pink Princess’. This is among the best philodendron varieties and is famous for its dark green leaves splashed with shades of pink. The variegation is unpredictable, which makes each leaf a unique piece of art. Pink Birkin philodendron, often mistaken for the ‘Pink Princess’, is another beautiful variety, though the Pink Princess stands out for its rich, deep pink coloring.

The Pink Princess thrives in bright, indirect light—too much direct sunlight can scorch those beautiful leaves. Like other philodendrons, this plant prefers slightly moist soil and higher humidity levels. Be patient, though—Philodendron Pink Princess grows more slowly than some other varieties, but it’s well worth the wait!

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant pink variegation
• Water: Keep soil slightly moist and allow the top layer to dry between waterings
• Humidity: Appreciates higher humidity

If you’re looking for more tips on taking care of this rare beauty, check out our full guide on Pink Princess Philodendron care.

Philodendron Brasil

For a philodendron that adds a pop of color to your home, the Philodendron Brasil is a fantastic choice. With its bright green and yellow variegated leaves, this trailing plant is a real eye-catcher. It’s fast-growing, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to add some quick greenery to your space. You can train it to climb a trellis or let it cascade from a shelf or hanging pot.

Philodendron Brasil is low-maintenance and adaptable, thriving in low to medium light conditions. It’s also easy to propagate—just snip a vine, place it in water, and watch the roots grow!

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Tolerates low light but prefers medium light for vibrant colors
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out
• Propagation: Simple to propagate in water

Philodendron Micans

If you’re a fan of lush textures, the Philodendron Micans is a must-have. Its velvety, heart-shaped leaves come in a stunning deep green with hints of burgundy and copper, giving it a unique shimmer under the right lighting. This trailing plant is perfect for hanging baskets or letting it cascade from shelves. It thrives in low to medium indirect light, making it an ideal plant for rooms with limited natural light.

Philodendron Micans is also easy to propagate by cutting just below a node and placing it in water or soil. Within a few weeks, you’ll have new roots and another beautiful plant to share or keep.

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Low to medium indirect light
• Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
• Propagation: Easily propagated through cuttings

Philodendron Gloriosum

The Philodendron Gloriosum is adored for its large, heart-shaped, velvety leaves that feature striking white veins running through the deep green surface. This slow-growing, crawling philodendron is perfect if you want a bold statement plant without the need for vertical climbing. Its dramatic foliage and luxurious texture make it a centerpiece in any room.

The Gloriosum prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It thrives in higher humidity but is relatively forgiving if humidity drops occasionally. Be cautious about overwatering, as this philodendron is susceptible to root rot.

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal.
• Water: Water when the top few inches of soil are dry.
• Growth Habit: Crawling growth pattern, so it needs room to spread horizontally.

You can also check out our detailed guide on how to propagate Monstera Thai Constellation.

Philodendron Imperial Green

If you’re looking for philodendron varieties that are hardy and low-maintenance, the Philodendron Imperial Green is an excellent choice. With its large, glossy, dark green leaves, this plant is both sturdy and elegant. It grows in a rosette pattern, making it perfect for tabletops or as a focal point in your indoor garden.

This variety does well in lower light conditions but will thrive with bright, indirect light. It’s highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a perfect choice for those who want a low-fuss but gorgeous plant.

Key Care Tips:

• Light: Low to bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top two inches of soil are dry
• Resilience: Resistant to pests and diseases

If you’re fascinated by trailing plants, you might also enjoy learning about Begonia maculata propagation.”

Philodendron Moonlight

Philodendron Moonlight is a hybrid variety that stands out due to its bright, lime-green leaves. Unlike the deep greens and darker hues of many philodendrons, the Moonlight adds a pop of color that brightens up any space. Its leaves are broad, smooth, and grow from a central stem, making it ideal for tabletop displays.

The Moonlight enjoys bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate low light conditions. However, providing more light will enhance its signature bright colors. Like most philodendrons, it prefers well-draining soil and slightly moist conditions.

Should you buy pothos or philodendrons?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide whether you should buy Pothos or Philodendron based on your preferences and plant care habits:

Buy Pothos if:

• You want a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant.
• You have limited light in your home or office.
• You prefer a plant with larger, thicker, and waxier leaves.
• You want a fast-growing plant that trails beautifully.
• You like a more structured look for your indoor décor.

Buy Philodendron if:

• You prefer softer, heart-shaped leaves and a more delicate look.
• You want a plant that can easily climb or trail.
• You enjoy plants that are slightly more forgiving with overwatering.
• You’re interested in trying different varieties, like the variegated or climbing Philodendrons.
• You like experimenting with propagation and creating new plants easily.

Both are fantastic choices, but Pothos tends to be hardier and more forgiving for beginners, while Philodendrons offer a bit more variety in terms of shape and growth habits.

Key Differences between Pothos and Philodendrons

Feature	Philodendron	Pothos
Leaf Shape	Heart-shaped, thinner, softer leaves	Larger, thicker, waxier, elongated leaves
Texture	Smooth and soft	Rigid and textured
Growth Habit	Delicate vines, more likely to climb with aerial roots	Thicker vines, trails more, climbs less without support
New Leaf Growth	New leaves emerge with a papery sheath	New leaves grow directly from the vine without a sheath
Petiole	Round, smooth	Grooved or indented
Care	Prefers bright, indirect light; more sensitive to drying out	Tolerates lower light, more drought-tolerant
Toxicity	Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)	Toxic to pets (cats and dogs)

For outdoor gardening enthusiasts, don’t miss our guide on growing Greek Oregano, a perfect addition to your herb garden.

FAQs

1. What is the easiest philodendron to care for?

The Heartleaf Philodendron is often considered the easiest to care for. It thrives in low to medium light, is tolerant of occasional neglect, and is easy to propagate, making it a great choice for beginners.

2. Can philodendrons grow in low light?

Yes, many types of philodendron, such as the Heartleaf Philodendron and Philodendron Brasil, can tolerate low light conditions. However, they will thrive better in bright, indirect light.

3. What is the rarest type of philodendron?

The Philodendron Erubescens ‘Pink Princess’ is one of the rarest and most sought-after varieties due to its striking pink variegation. It can be difficult to find and often comes with a higher price tag.

4. Are philodendrons toxic to pets?

Yes, philodendrons are toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing in pets. Keep them out of reach of curious animals.

Wrapping Up

All these philodendron varieties offer an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them one of the most versatile houseplants around. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate trailing vines of the Heartleaf Philodendron or the bold stripes of the Birkin, there’s a philodendron for everyone. With the right care, these plants can thrive and add a touch of nature to any indoor space.

Ready to expand your collection? Start with one of these stunning varieties, and you won’t be disappointed!