19 Stunning Types Of Philodendron | Rare Varieties

Whether you’re a houseplant beginner or an avid collector, philodendrons are absolute “must-haves”. There are many unique varieties to choose from that will add vibrant color, exotic patterns, and fascinating form to your home.

Quality philodendron care is a simple matter of knowing what it needs. What makes these particular plants even easier is that they’ll actually signal their needs to you. You just need to know how to recognize them.

Continue reading and I’ll introduce you to 19 different types of philodendrons that you can easily grow and how to care for them. 

Philodendron Varieties 

Out of more than 450 different types of philodendrons, only a fraction are commonly grown as houseplants. Yet, that still considerably-sized group is anything but common. 

Each philodendron specimen falls into one of two categories: climbing and non-climbing. Climbing philodendrons (like the very similar, yet unrelated, Pothos) thrive in hanging containers that allow their tendrils to wander.  

Non-climbers present lush leaves, in often unusual colors and shapes, on long stalks, which become bushy in form. 

Philodendron Care Guide 

Now for some specifics on how to keep these beauties thriving. I did touch on this a bit, but this includes best fertilizing, pruning, and repotting practices, too. 

Care recommendations vary between cultivars. But, if you have a few of these or even a whole collection, it’s not practical to try and match each cultivar’s needs perfectly. So, professional growers shoot for a “range” when it comes to watering, temperature, humidity, etc. 

Position 

All philodendron varieties perform best in bright, yet indirect, natural light. Typically, east and north-facing windows provide this. 

Some cultivars like more light, some less. Some can even tolerate low-light conditions. As previously mentioned, philodendrons will tell you what they want, so you can adjust things. 

Watering 

Some species are highly sensitive to overwatering and like to dry out before receiving more. While others prefer consistently moist soil.

Once you’ve determined which one you have, make sure the water drains properly each time. And when the inside air gets too dry (like in winter), misting will do wonders. 

Soil 

Philodendrons are aroids and as such, they grow best in well-draining soil. Soggy soil will inevitably lead to root rot. Organic materials like small wood chips, coco coir, and perlite will loosen the soil for proper drainage and aeration. Yet, hold water long enough for the roots to absorb it. 

Fertilizing 

Potted plants naturally experience a loss of soil/nutrients with every watering. Once plants have absorbed all available soil nutrients, they’ll need to be replenished.

Philodendrons, in general, are not heavy feeders. They will benefit, though, from one dose of slow-release fertilizer, applied at the beginning of each growing season. 

Pruning 

Non-climbing cultivars are usually slow growing and require only occasional pruning to remove damaged material.

Climbing varieties can be pruned, when they get too long, by snipping the overgrown vines with a sterile pair of shears. For both climbing and non-climbing, these prevent microscopic bacteria from infecting your plant. 

Repotting 

Repotting is the best way to ensure that your plant’s roots have enough space to grow. A pot that’s too small causes densely packed roots that can’t absorb water or nutrients. 

Vigorous climbers can be repotted annually, in spring. Slow-growing philodendrons only need repotting every 2-3 years. 

How to Propagate Philodendron 

One of the benefits of owning one of these is that you can easily grow more (for free!) just by taking cutting from a mature plant. Climbers are the easiest.

Place 2” of the stem, with one leaf and a node, in water. Position this on a sunny window sill (changing the water, as needed), and in roughly two weeks, you should see new roots emerge. 

You can also place this same size cutting in soil. Making sure it remains sufficiently watered, you should see new leaves sprouting in roughly four weeks.

Common Problems with Philodendrons 

Philodendrons are relatively easy to grow. But, that doesn’t mean they’re impervious to the ravages of pests and insufficient care.

When these pretty plants begin to experience any kind of distress, whether it be from under or over-watering, a lack of nutrients, inadequate light, or insufficient temperature and humidity, that’s when pests make their move. 

Proper care will not only result in happy, healthy plants. But, it’s the best defender against pests around.

Pests 

The most common pests to infect philodendrons, in particular, are aphids, mealy bugs, white flies, spider mites, and fungus gnats. These typically appear when plants are insufficiently fertilized or watered or lack sufficient humidity.

Catching an infestation early is key to eradicating it. Once diagnosed, there are many homemade and store-bought remedies that will help deter and eliminate most houseplant pests. 

Root Rot 

This is the most common cause of philodendron failure. Root rot is specifically caused by over-watering, which many philodendron cultivars are highly sensitive to.  

When soil stays soggy, the plant roots literally can’t breathe. They cease functioning and subsequently begin to rot. As does the rest of the plant. 

Watering only when needed and ensuring proper drainage are the most effective steps in preventing root rot.

Final Thoughts On Philodendron Varieties 

Looking at all these gorgeous philodendron cultivars might make you feel like a kid in a candy shop.  Just the name “philodendron”, meaning “tree hugger” in Greek, seems relatable, as it describes what climbing varieties do in the wild.

Just remember, whether you’re a houseplant beginner or an avid collector of rare specimens, philodendron care is pretty simple. When they need something, they’ll let you know. All you need to do is listen.

Different Types Of Philodendrons FAQ