All About Philodendrons

The plant family ‘Philodendron’ is named after two Greek words: dendron, meaning tree, and philo, which means love, because many species in the genus cling to the bark of trees and grow upwards along the trunk. While Philodendrons themselves are tree-lovers, we here at Cross Creek are definitely Philodendron lovers! (Philo-philodendrons, if you will.) It’s hard not to love Philodendron considering the range of colors, shapes, and growth habits across the 500 species in the genus. This week we’re highlighting Philodendron available here at Cross Creek that you can grow in your own home.

One of the reasons Philodendrons make great house plants is that they’re generally easy to care for. They enjoy bright indirect light so it’s best to place them a few feet pulled back from south, east, or west facing windows. Water your philodendron when the top inch of soil has dried out. Like most houseplants, Philodendrons will show signs when they need more sunlight or a different watering regimen. Leggy growth and over-extended stems on your plant indicates the need for more sunlight. Droopy or curled leaves is a sign that your plant needs to be watered more frequently. If you’re unsure what’s wrong with your plant, give us a call or stop by and our houseplant experts will help you figure it out!

Without further ado, here’s some of our favorite Philodendrons:

Philodendron ‘Heart-Leaf’

Heart-leaf philodendron is a fast-growing plant named for its dark green heart-shaped leaves. Each vine can grow several feet in a season, which makes them perfect for hanging baskets and trellises. Heart-leaf Philodendron propagates easily in soil or water so you have the opportunity to multiply your plant for more to love.  

Philodendron ‘Lemon Lime’ 

‘Lemon lime’ is a cultivar of the classic heart-leaf Philodendron with foliage ranging from bright lime green to chartreuse. It’ll surely brighten up any spot in your home.

Philodendron ‘Brasil’ 

Philodendron ‘Brasil’ combines the best of ‘lemon lime’ and the green variety with bold stripes of yellow variegation down the centers of dark green leaves. No two leaves are exactly alike which makes ‘Brasil’ an eye-catching choice.

Philodendron ‘Selloum’

Sometimes called Philodendron ‘Hope’, this variety has large wavy leaves with deep splits in the sides. It’s a particularly hardy type of Philodendron, staying perky even in lower lighting. 

Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ 

Similar to the ‘Selloum’, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ has split leaves on the ends of long stems, but ‘Xanadu’ has significantly smaller leaves. While the ‘Selloum’ typically grows upward quickly, ‘Xanadu’ is a compact plant that grows in a wide clump.

Philodendron ‘Birkin’ 

Philodendron ‘Birkin’ had its moment in the spotlight last year when prices shot up amid high demand and low supply. It’s no wonder the plant was so popular, with its large green leaves covered in white stripes. Now that prices have stabilized, anyone can grow Philodendron ‘Birkin’ in their own home.

Philodendron ‘Giganteum’

It’s no surprise that Philodendron ‘Giganteum’ is among the largest of Philodendron species. In the right conditions, their rippled and veined leaves can grow up to five feet in length! ‘Giganteum’ benefits from extra support so try staking it up on a trellis or moss pole. 

Philodendron ‘McColley’s Finale’ 

‘McColley’s Finale’ features new growth in shades of deep red, orange, and cinnamon that fade to dark green, glossy mature leaves.

Philodendron ‘Prince of Orange’ 

This royal variety sprouts bright creamsicle orange growth that fades to a lovely vibrant green. The petioles – AKA stems – often retain their bright copper color after the leaves fade, which makes ‘Prince or Orange’ the perfect pop of color to add to your collection. 

Philodendron ‘Moonlight’ 

Sometimes called an upright lemon lime philodendron, ‘Moonlight’ has large pointed leaves that fade from a bright yellow to a vibrant lime green. It’s a bright and cheerful houseplant that will stay compact as it grows  – an excellent choice for small spaces. 

Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ 

‘Pink Princess’ is a highly sought-after species because of its bubblegum pink flecked variegation and lovely heart-shaped leaves. It’s labor intensive to cultivate and it’s in incredibly high demand, making it one of the most expensive houseplants on the market. 

Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’ 

‘Black Cardinal’ is a great choice for those who love dark foliage. The glossed leaves are deeply saturated in shades of deep burgundy and green which achieves a dramatic effect. For maximum contrast, try potting ‘Black Cardinal’ in a white pot.

Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ 

Like the ‘McColley’s Finale’, ‘Imperial Red’ grows large glossy leaves that shift color as they mature. The leaves unfurl in a crimson color that fades to burgundy and then to a deep green that almost looks black. This one is a real stunner.

---

There’s a common misconception that houseplants like the Monstera Deliciosa and the Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma are also Philodendron. While they share similar growth habits, these split-leaf plants don’t belong to the same genus. Not to worry though, the Monstera Deliciosa, Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, and other split-leaf plants are included in our 25% off Philodendron sale!

No houseplant collection is complete without a philodendron – or a few. Whichever variety you choose is sure to lift your spirits with its striking foliage and air purifying benefits. There’s a lot to love about Philodendrons, so stop by the garden center here at Cross Creek to check out all these varieties and enjoy 25% off all Philodendron until February 15th.

Emilie Erbland February 8th, 2021