Philodendron Types and Care Guide: Complete Guide to Rising-in-Popularity Varieties

Philodendron is a large genus in the Araceae family with over 500 species worldwide. Though related to Monsteras and Pothos, the Philodendron genus features extremely diverse leaf shapes and colors, and has recently skyrocketed in popularity as a collector's item. There is a wide range of appeal, from varieties easy for beginners to grow to rare species. Here we explain notable Philodendron varieties and care methods.

Philodendrons Recommended for Beginners

Start with varieties that are easy to cultivate.

Birkin (P. 'Birkin') A beautiful variety with cream-colored pinstripes on dark green leaves. It has self-supporting structure, so stakes are unnecessary, and it grows compactly. It also has shade tolerance and is suitable for indoor care. While growth is slow, the pinstripes appear differently on each new leaf, making it enjoyable to watch them unfold.

Brasil (P. hederaceum 'Brasil') A vining variety with heart-shaped leaves marked with lime-green variegation. It is extremely hardy and can grow in dark places. When hung, the trailing vines are beautiful, and it is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to Pothos.

Selloum (P. bipinnatifidum) A self-supporting variety characterized by large, deeply lobed leaves. Previously called "Philodendron Selloum," it has since been reclassified as Thaumatophilum. It grows large and requires considerable space, but has an impressive presence.

Varieties Popular with Collectors

For those with cultivation experience.

Pink Princess (P. erubescens 'Pink Princess') A striking variety with pink variegation on dark green leaves. The variegation pattern varies considerably between individual plants, and those with beautiful pink markings command high prices. Pink variegation becomes less prominent without adequate light, so keeping it in a bright location is important.

Gloriosum (P. gloriosum) A beautiful variety with large, heart-shaped velvety leaves and white veins running through them. It is a creeping type with stems that grow along the ground, so a wide, shallow pot is appropriate. Growth is slow, but the impressive presence of the large leaves as they unfold is spectacular.

Verrucosum (P. verrucosum) A variety with velvety leaves that have a beautiful sheen, and stems covered with distinctive hairs. It requires high humidity and is sensitive to dryness, making case cultivation suitable. Management is for advanced growers, but its beauty is worth appreciating.

Popular Varieties: Management Conditions Comparison Table

Comparing representative varieties by management conditions helps you choose one suited to your environment.

Whether you have an environment where you can maintain high humidity (case cultivation or a humidifier) is the deciding factor in whether you can tackle velvety varieties. The best way to avoid failure is to first gain a feel for management with Birkin or Brasil, then set up your environment before moving on to higher-difficulty varieties.

Basic Philodendron Care

While varieties have some differences, there are common care points.

Light Most Philodendrons prefer bright indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn. A window facing east or north is suitable. Light is especially important for variegated varieties, as insufficient light can cause variegation to fade.

Watering The basic rule is to water when the top 2-3cm of soil is dry. Philodendrons prefer slightly drier conditions rather than overly wet soil. Always empty water that collects in the saucer after watering.

Temperature and Humidity Maintain a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) or above. Ideal humidity is 50-70%, though hardy varieties like Birkin and Brasil tolerate typical indoor humidity. Varieties like Gloriosum and Verrucosum require higher humidity.

Soil Well-draining soil is essential. Mix perlite or bark chips into foliage plant soil at a ratio of 20-30% to create an appropriate mix for Philodendrons. They prefer light soil that allows roots to breathe easily.

How to Propagate Philodendrons

Philodendrons can be propagated relatively easily.

Stem Cuttings (Vining Varieties) Vining varieties like Brasil root easily—just cut stems that include nodes and place them in water. Cut to 2-3 nodes in length, remove the leaves from the lower node, then place in water. Change the water every few days to keep it clean and ensure stable rooting. When using rooting hormone, apply it sparingly to the cut surface of soil cuttings rather than water cuttings. Rooting is extremely slow during cold winter months, so propagating in warm seasons is the key to success.

Stem Layering (Self-Supporting Varieties) For self-supporting varieties like Birkin and Gloriosum, stem layering is effective—lay the stem horizontally on moist sphagnum moss. Keep the moss at a moisture level where water doesn't drip when squeezed, and mist before it dries completely. Covering with plastic wrap or a transparent container increases success rates, but don't forget brief daily ventilation. It takes 2-4 weeks for new shoots to emerge from the growth point.

Division Large plants can be divided during repotting. It's important to divide them so each section has roots attached. Right after division, the plants have weak water absorption, so keep them in bright shade and gradually move them to their normal location.

Pest and Disease Control

Special attention should be paid to fungus gnats and spider mites when growing Philodendrons.

Fungus Gnats These pests thrive in constantly moist, organic-rich soil. Larvae feed on organic matter in the soil, and mass infestations can damage roots. The key to control is to let the soil surface dry out. Spacing out waterings and covering the soil surface with inorganic soil like akadama clay or decorative sand reduces egg-laying sites. Yellow sticky traps are also effective for reducing adult populations.

Spider Mites These develop in dry environments and infest the undersides of leaves, causing discoloration. Varieties with velvety leaves are particularly susceptible. Regular leaf misting is effective for prevention, and in early stages, simply rinsing the undersides of leaves with a spray of water can reduce populations. If the infestation spreads, use a miticide approved for houseplants according to label directions.

Scale Insects These attach to leaf bases and stems, and their secretions can cause sooty mold. While infestations are small, physical removal with a soft brush or cotton swab is most effective.

Early detection is the best control for all pests. Make it a habit to check the undersides of leaves and new growth each time you water.

---

Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Advice

Here we compile frequently asked questions from beginners and practical advice for answering them.

Q. Where should I start if growing Philodendrons for the first time? A. I recommend starting with hardy, easy-to-manage standard varieties. Popular varieties have abundant information available, and it's easier to find solutions when problems arise. Save expensive rare varieties for after you've gained some experience.

Q. I'm not sure about the timing for watering. A. When in doubt, don't water—that's the right answer. Most plant problems stem from overwatering. If the pot feels light when you pick it up, that's a sign of underwatering; if it's still heavy, don't water yet. Insert a wooden skewer into the soil and pull it out; if there's no moisture, it's time to water.

Q. Is it better to grow Philodendrons indoors or outdoors? A. It depends on the variety and your home environment. If you have a spot outdoors with sufficient sunlight, most varieties grow healthier outdoors. For indoor management, consider installing a grow light. In either case, ensuring good air circulation is important.

Q. My plant died, but I'm not sure why. A. The most common cause is root rot from overwatering. The next most common are weakening from insufficient light and damage from winter cold. Next time, use well-draining soil and make sure to space out your waterings.

---

Essential Mindset for Successful Cultivation

The most important thing in plant cultivation is listening to what your plants are telling you. Leaf color, texture, vigor, growth rate, and appearance of new growth—these small changes indicate the plant's health status.

The philosophy that "just a bit less is just right" applies to many plants. Water sparingly, fertilize lightly, and use smaller pots. Excessive care often weakens plants, but moderate thirst and constraint often strengthen their growth.

Learning from failure is also important. Even experienced growers have killed plants. What matters is analyzing why you failed and applying those lessons next time. Avoiding repeated mistakes will steadily improve your cultivation skills.

Connecting with fellow growers also greatly enhances the joy of cultivation. By communicating directly with growers on platforms like Botachoku, you can absorb practical knowledge unavailable in books or online. The willingness to ask questions and actively learn is the fastest path to improvement.

Important Considerations When Purchasing Philodendrons

Here we introduce points to consider when choosing varieties and making purchases.

Verify the Variety Name Because Philodendrons have many varieties and many similar-looking types, it's important to purchase varieties with accurate names. In particular, variegated varieties are sometimes sold under false or confused names. Sellers who include the scientific name (e.g., P. erubescens 'Pink Princess') tend to have strong awareness of variety management.

Distinguishing Imported Plants from Domestically Grown Plants Many Philodendrons sold are imports from overseas. Imported plants often enter the country as bare-root cuttings due to quarantine requirements, and when potted and sold as-is, they may appear healthy but actually have little to no roots—"unrooted, unadapted" plants. Check the following when purchasing:

• Gently shake the pot—if the plant is stable, it has rooted (unrooted plants will be loose)
• Look for signs of recent new leaf growth (new leaves emerge after the plant has acclimated to Japanese conditions)
• Check if leaf color and sheen are uniform (recently imported plants often have dull, tired-looking leaves)

Plants grown from seed or cuttings domestically are acclimated to Japanese climate from the start, making them more resilient to environmental changes and especially reassuring for beginners.

Root Condition Some Philodendron varieties have delicate roots, so purchase well-rooted specimens. If possible, check if roots are visible through the drainage hole or visible on the soil surface for certainty.

On Botachoku, you can purchase Philodendrons from growers who specialize in their cultivation—plants that are well-acclimated to Japanese conditions. You can also directly consult with growers about variety identification and care methods, allowing you to enjoy building your collection with confidence.