Types of Philodendron
Philodendron is a large genus in Araceae with more than 500 accepted species, ranging from tiny climbers to massive self-headers with leaves three feet across. They are native to the tropical Americas and split into two main growth habits: climbing (vining) species like P. hederaceum (Heartleaf) and self-heading (upright) species like P. selloum and P. xanadu.
How to tell Philodendron varieties apart
The biggest divide is climbing vs. self-heading growth habit. Beyond that, varieties differ in leaf shape (heart, arrow, lance, dissected), variegation (Birkin's pinstripes, Pink Princess' pink sectors, Brasil's lime stripe), leaf surface (velvet vs. glossy), and petiole color (orange in Billietiae, deep red in Erubescens).
Which Philodendron should you buy?
For beginners: Heartleaf Philodendron or Philodendron Brasil (very low-care vining). For showy upright: Philodendron Birkin. For collectors with bright light: Pink Princess. For statement floor plants: Philodendron Gloriosum (creeping rhizome) or Selloum/Hope (upright). For velvet texture lovers: Philodendron Micans.
Every Philodendron variety in this guide
- Pink Princess PhilodendronPhilodendron erubescens · cultivar
Dark green to nearly black arrow-shaped leaves with irregular bubblegum-pink variegation.
- Philodendron BirkinPhilodendron 'Birkin' · cultivar
Compact upright Philodendron with dark green oval leaves striped with thin, creamy-white pinstripes radiating from the midrib.
- Philodendron BrasilPhilodendron hederaceum 'Brasil' · cultivar
Heart-shaped trailing leaves with a lime-green to chartreuse stripe down the center of dark-green leaves.
- Philodendron Micans (Velvet-Leaf Philodendron)Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum · variety
Small heart-shaped trailing leaves with a velvety, almost iridescent surface that shifts from bronze-green to deep maroon depending on the angle and light.
- Philodendron Ring of FirePhilodendron 'Ring of Fire' · hybrid
Long, jagged-edged leaves with dramatic variegation that emerges orange/red, ages to yellow/cream, and matures to green and white.
- Philodendron GloriosumPhilodendron gloriosum · species
Large, heart-shaped velvety leaves with bright white or pink veining against a dark olive-green surface.
- Philodendron BillietiaePhilodendron billietiae · species
Long, narrow, arrow-shaped leaves with wavy edges on bright orange petioles — the orange stems are the signature ID.
- Silver Sword PhilodendronPhilodendron hastatum · species
Long, narrow, arrow-shaped leaves with a metallic silver-blue sheen on top and a pale silver-green underside.
Botanical reference: Missouri Botanical Garden — Philodendron
For care that applies to all Philodendron varieties — watering, light, repotting, pests — see the Philodendron care guide.