20 Philodendron Types for Your Collection

Philodendrons are among the most rewarding houseplants, ranging from foolproof trailing vines to prized collector specimens. The huge variety of philodendron types means there is something for every grower, whether you want an easy green companion or a rare, velvety showpiece. The twenty varieties below are grouped by habit and style, with notes on their looks and care, to help you build a collection that grows with your confidence.

Classic Climbing Philodendrons

These vining types are the backbone of most collections, trailing from shelves or climbing a support. Most are easygoing and quick to grow. They tolerate a range of indoor light levels.

1. Heartleaf Philodendron

The heartleaf, Philodendron hederaceum, is the classic easy vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in almost any light and forgives inconsistent watering. It is one of the best starter plants you can grow.

2. Philodendron Brasil

Brasil is a variegated form of the heartleaf, splashed with lime-green centers. It keeps the same easy care while adding bright color. Good light helps the variegation stay vivid.

3. Philodendron Micans

Micans has velvety, heart-shaped leaves in deep bronze and green. New growth often emerges with a pink or coppery tint. Its soft sheen makes it a favorite trailing type.

4. Silver Sword

Philodendron hastatum, the silver sword, shows elongated, silvery blue-green leaves. As it climbs, the leaves grow larger and more arrow-shaped. It makes an elegant vertical feature on a moss pole.

5. Philodendron White Knight

White Knight is a climbing type with dark stems and leaves marked by bold white variegation. Each leaf is unique, which makes it a collector favorite. Bright, indirect light keeps the variegation balanced.

6. Pink Princess

The Pink Princess is famous for dark leaves splashed with bubblegum-pink variegation. It needs bright, indirect light to produce and maintain the pink. It remains one of the most sought-after philodendrons.

Striking Colorful Types

These philodendrons earn their place through bold leaf color rather than trailing habit. They add warmth and brightness to a shelf. Most prefer bright, indirect light to keep their tones strong.

7. Philodendron Birkin

Birkin features dark green leaves finely striped with creamy white pinstripes. Its compact, upright form suits tabletops and desks. Each new leaf reveals slightly different striping.

8. Prince of Orange

This self-heading type unfurls new leaves in bright orange that mature to green. The shifting colors create a lively, multi-toned plant. It stays compact and tidy indoors.

9. Philodendron Moonlight

Moonlight produces neon, chartreuse-yellow new growth that glows against older leaves. Its bright foliage lights up a dim corner. It forms a neat, clumping mound.

10. Rojo Congo

Rojo Congo has large, glossy leaves that emerge deep red and settle into dark green. Its bold, sturdy form makes a strong statement. It is robust and relatively easy to grow.

Self-Heading and Upright Types

Self-heading philodendrons grow outward from a central crown rather than climbing. They form full, bushy plants that fill a pot or floor space. Most are tough and adaptable.

11. Philodendron Xanadu

Xanadu forms a compact, bushy clump of deeply lobed green leaves. It stays manageable indoors while looking lush and tropical. It tolerates a range of light conditions.

12. Tree Philodendron

Philodendron bipinnatifidum, often called selloum, grows large, deeply cut leaves on a spreading plant. It makes a dramatic floor specimen with age. Give it room, as it can grow wide.

13. Imperial Red

Imperial Red displays broad leaves that emerge burgundy-red and deepen to dark green. Its glossy, upright rosette is striking and low maintenance. It suits a bright, indirect spot.

14. Imperial Green

Imperial Green offers the same full, self-heading form with rich, glossy green leaves. It is forgiving and tolerant of ordinary indoor conditions. Its clean look fits almost any room.

Large-Leaf and Collector Types

These prized philodendrons reward a little extra care with dramatic, often velvety foliage. Many appreciate higher humidity and a support to climb or crawl along. They are the gems collectors chase.

15. Philodendron gloriosum

Gloriosum is a crawling type with large, velvety heart-shaped leaves and striking white veins. It grows along the soil surface rather than climbing. A wide, shallow planter suits its rhizome.

16. Philodendron melanochrysum

Known as black gold, this climber has elongated, velvety dark leaves with golden veining. The leaves lengthen dramatically as it climbs. It thrives with warmth, humidity, and a moss pole.

17. Florida Ghost

Florida Ghost unfurls pale, ghostly new leaves that darken to green as they mature. Its multi-lobed foliage is distinctive and eye-catching. It enjoys bright, indirect light and support.

18. Philodendron verrucosum

Verrucosum has velvety green leaves with bold veins and fuzzy, bristly petioles. It is a humidity lover that rewards careful growers. Its lush texture makes it a standout.

19. Philodendron squamiferum

Squamiferum features lobed leaves and distinctive red, hairy petioles. The fuzzy stems are as interesting as the foliage. It climbs happily on a support with good humidity.

20. Philodendron Burle Marx

Burle Marx is a vigorous, spreading type with glossy, elongated leaves. It grows quickly and fills a pot or trails attractively. It is more forgiving than many collector types.

Quick Care Tips

Most philodendrons share a love of bright, indirect light, though many tolerate lower light with slower growth. Let the top inch or two of soil dry before watering, and ease off in winter when growth slows. Give climbing types a moss pole or trellis to encourage larger, more mature leaves, and raise humidity for the velvety collector varieties. Philodendrons are commonly listed as toxic to cats and dogs, so confirm with a veterinarian or a trusted pet-poison source before keeping them in a home with pets.

Final Thoughts

With their enormous range of leaf shapes, colors, and textures, philodendrons can anchor a collection for years. Start with an unkillable heartleaf or Brasil, learn their simple rhythm, and work your way toward the velvety, variegated, and large-leaf treasures. Few plant families offer such a satisfying path from easy beginner greenery to true collector showpieces.