Philodendrons and Why You Should Grow Them

Philodendrons are an excellent addition to any indoor plant collection. Their glossy foliage comes in a stunning variety of colors and forms, making them unique and eye-catching houseplants. Best of all, they're incredibly easy to care for and propagate from cuttings!

Philodendron Origins

These striking plants are part of the Araceae family , which consists of hundreds of different species, the vast majority of which only grow in the wild. Many other common houseplants are also a part of this family, from Anthurium Calla’s, elephant ears, Caladium, Pothos, and more. Philodendrons are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America and the Caribbean, where they are often found climbing trees. In fact, "Philodendron" comes from a Greek word meaning "lover of trees" due to their affinity for climbing growth. Many feature aerial roots, which both anchor them to a surface and allow them to absorb moisture from the air.

These showy plants first became popular as houseplants in the 1930s. Since then, their low-maintenance care and high-collectibility have made them highly sought-after. Climbing varieties are ideal for training up moss poles or trellises, while non-climbing varieties have a bushier growth habit and can get quite large. Roger's Gardens carries a wide selection of both climbing and non-climbing Philodendron varieties, making us the best place to find the perfect addition to your home's greenery!

Varieties of Philodendron

What makes these plants so exciting to collect and cultivate is the sheer number of Philodendron varieties available! If you're in the market for a splash of color to offset the green hues of your other houseplants, consider selecting one of these colorful varieties of Philodendron. The rare Philodendron erubescens 'Pink Princess' boasts bright pink splashes of variegation on its leaves, while Philodendron hederaceum 'Micans' sports a more subdued reddish-orange on the undersides of its leaves. Philodendron erubescens ‘Imperial Red' comes decked out in bright red new leaves, which darken to a rich, dark green as they age. However, if you're looking for a real show-stopper, look no further than the very rare Philodendron erubescens 'Black Cardinal' with its stunning contrast of green and dark purple—nearly black—foliage.

Philodendrons aren't just admired for their colorful varieties, however. While many Philodendrons have lovely heart-shaped leaves, several varieties feature more uniquely shaped leaves. One of our favorites, for indoors or out, is Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, which starts small but can grow massive and impresses with its giant, fern-like leaves. Philodendron goeldii boasts similarly outstanding leaves, though these are more fan-shaped. If you're looking to add some fun patterns to your houseplant collection, try Philodendron nangaritense ‘Fuzzy Petiole' or Philodendron ‘Birkin’, which boast eye-catching lime green and white stripes, respectively.

At Roger's Gardens, we carry many Philodendron species, meaning we're sure to have one that will fit your specific requirements perfectly! Call today to see what Philodendron varieties we currently have in stock.

Philodendron Care

Now that you've chosen the perfect Philodendron, it's time to learn how to care for this notoriously easy houseplant. In light of their tropical origins, Philodendrons prefer warm temperatures, bright indirect sunlight, and 85-90% humidity. A humidifier helps when caring for indoor plants, but you can also place your Philodendron in a saucer or tray filled with pebbles and water. If you’re looking for something more low-maintenance, there are varieties of Philodendron that will do well without added humidity. As the water evaporates, it'll humidify your plant! Another effective method for increasing humidity around your houseplants is to keep them together, as their combined transpiration will increase the humidity in the area. To allow for better respiration and make the leaves shine, wipe down your Philodendron's leaves with a damp washcloth every few weeks.

Beyond keeping your Philodendron warm and humid, you'll want to make sure it's well-hydrated. Check the soil moisture routinely and water when the top inch of soil is dry. Standard potting soil is perfect for your Philodendron, and it enjoys being fertilized once a month throughout the spring and summer. During its dormant periods in the fall and winter, scale back your feedings to once every 6 to 8 weeks. Finally, we recommend using a moss pole with climbing varieties to encourage your Philodendron to vine upward.

Propagation

One of the best characteristics of Philodendrons is the ease with which they can be propagated, or grown from an existing cutting. All you have to do is cut one vine from your Philodendron (or more if you'd like), making sure your cutting has at least one leaf node. Remove the leaf and place your stem in water, ensuring the node is submerged. Within a few weeks, your Philodendron cutting will begin growing roots and soon be ready to plant!

No matter what shape or color you're in the market for, you will, without a doubt, find your perfect Philodendron at Roger's Gardens! These beautiful plants are easy to care for, simple to propagate, and make truly unique additions to any space. Stop by and browse our extensive selection of Philodendrons in our garden center today!

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