Philodendron – Popular species and care tips
Philodendron plants are perennial, tropical, flowering plants originating from the rain forests of South America. These plants belong to the Araceae family. Philodendron means in Greek “who loves trees” because these plants cling to the trunks of large trees thanks to their aerial roots.
Currently, there is over 480 type of philodendron. Some are climbers and used to beautify entire walls, others are upright and can easily pass as miniature indoor trees. Also, these ornamental plants can have different leaf shapes depending on the species. They can have small heart-shaped leaves, a dense tuft of medium leaves with lobed edges, large deeply indented leaves, robust and branched liana or large heart-shaped and cut leaves…
Philodendron plants are very popular houseplants because they are suitable for everyone, even novice gardeners, they are easy to grow and care for and also they have depolluting abilities.
Warning! All philodendrons are toxic to animals and so should be kept out of reach of pets and children.
Popular Philodendron species
1- P. selloum
Philodendron selloum, known commonly as Lacy Tree or Hope Plant, is a bushy shrub with evergreen foliage that originated in South America. This easy to care plant has large, shiny, waxy and deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to 1.5 meters long. Also, The dimensions of its leaves make it very effective in air depolluting. Moreover, this tropical beauty emits aerial roots not only to hang on but also to capture the humidity in the air. After 15 to 20 years beautiful blooms appear to add a magic touch to your interiors.
Warning! This plant is poisonous if ingested, so keep it away from children and animals.
2- P. Erubescens
Philodendron Erubescens, also known as Philodendron Pink Princess or blushing Philodendron, is a flowering perennial native to Costa Rica and rainforests of South America. This climbing houseplant has long, narrow green leaves with red highlights and red wine coloured stems. Sometimes, this unique plant can have black leaves with hot pink variegation. Then, as a vining plant, it should be grown on a stake or trellis. Also, this easy and fast-growing is highly recommended for those looking for a flashier indoor plant.
Warning! This plant is poisonous if ingested and can be skin and eye irritant, so pay attention!
3- P. hederaceum
Philodendron hederaceum, named also green heartleaf Philodendron, is a very popular houseplant. This wonderful indoor plant has long and creeping vines, dark green heart-shaped leaves and several small adhesive aerial roots. Also, this attractive houseplant is easy to grow and easy to multiply and can be very suitable as a hanging plant. However, mature heartleaf Philodendrons infrequently bloom indoors, but still widely grown for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions typical of many homes and offices, and also for their lush foliage. This species is known to be toxic to mice and rats but the current literature is conflicting with regards to its toxicity in cats. However, its possible toxic effects on humans are currently unknown.
4- P. Rugosum
Rugosum Philodendron, named also Naugahyde Philodendron, is a flowering perennial endemic to Ecuador. This very weird plant has a particular leaves texture and shape. They are heart-shaped, thick with a patterned rough texture and look like alien pig ears. Moreover, the odd texture and colour of Philodendron rugosum almost give it the appearance of a plastic plant. Unfortunately, this beauty is now officially designated as a “near threatened” species, so if you decide to acquire this rare plant, give it the best care possible.
5- Philodendron “Moonlight”
Philodendron “Moonlight”, named commonly lime Philodendron, is an evergreen climbing cultivar known to be suitable for outdoor and indoor gardens that can make a welcome addition to your spaces. Its fluorescent lime-green leaves grow as sunny-yellow leaves that gradually darken as they age. Also, this low growing and shrub-like hybrid variety blooms in white spadix almost completely surrounded by a pink to red spathe that lasts a month or more.
6- P. Gloriosum
Philodendron gloriosum, is a creeper evergreen plant native to Colombia and other tropical parts of the world. This wonderful species sports velvety, green, heart-shaped leaves with cream coloured contrasting vines. The leaves reach up to 90 cm in the wild while the stem remains Underground. Furthermore, a mature Gloriosum produces white flowers around every May to July.
Warning! This plant is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. So pay attention!
7- P. Hastatum
Philodendron Hastatum, known commonly as silver sword Philodendron, is an easy to grow climbing plant that will make a unique and wonderful addition to your home collection. It has elongated leaves that change from blue/grey to grey/green with maturity. The leaves have also sword shape, hence the name of the plant.
8- P. Prince of Orange
Philodendron Prince of Orange is a shrub-like hybrid variety characterized by large coppery-orange leaves. They change color and gradually turn to darker shades of green at maturity. Indeed, the combination of the orange and green leaves gives the plant a stunning appearance. Furthermore, this wonderful-looking plant is great for planters or hanging baskets.
9- Philodendron White Knight
Philodendron White Knight is one of the rarest philodendrons with dark green and white variegated leaves. Indeed, this easy-to-grow tropical plant has the most unusual stems of all philodendron, which are purple-brown and cream in color. This Philodendron cultivar will thrive when positioned in bright indirect light with moderate humidity.
Philodendron care tips
Before getting a Philodendron plant you have to know what is Philodendron and the basic care requirements to make sure you have the best chance at keeping it happy and healthy. Philodendrons not only are easy to grow plants but can also be grown in pots, hanging baskets or outdoors as a ground cover or beautiful tree wrap.
As mentioned before, Philodendrons are tropical plants which mean that they don’t like direct sunlight in their natural environment, same indoors. They don’t like total shade either. So put them in a bright location in your home or office, out of reach of direct sunlight. Moreover, These beauties thrive in moist soil with good drainage and high organic matter.
moderate watering is also required, let the Philodendron soil dry partially between two waterings. Fertilize your Philodendron plants once a month during the growing season then stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows down.
Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!