Types of Philodendron | Vining and Upright Philodendron Types

Philodendron types include vining and bush philodendrons! In this post, we discuss both vining and bush philodendron and their varieties.

Philodendron belongs to the family Araceae and is the second-largest member of the family. Philodendron is broadly divided into two types, which are Upright philodendron and Climbing or Vining Philodendron. It’s a beautiful houseplant that can aesthetically enhance the beauty of both the home and office. Also, it’s enlisted in the list of NASA clean air study which means that Philodendron removes pollutants from the surrounding air.

There are around 450 varieties of philodendron, so it can be a tough call to select one that’s right for you! We enlist below some of the Best Philodendron varieties based on philodendron types so that you can make an informed decision while choosing the right Philodendron cultivar and Philodendron plant types!

Philodendron Climbing Varieties

As the name suggests, this philodendron plant type includes vining varieties and needs a support structure or stake for support. Climbing types are the most common philodendron, and you can train them around poles, windows, or even done the side of the curtains. Here are our best picks for climbing philodendron varieties.

Heartleaf Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron Hederaceum

It’s the most common philodendron cultivar and gets the name heartleaf as the leaves are shaped like hearts. As it’s a trailing plant, it looks stunning when allowed to fall from the windows, container, or hanging baskets. As it grows to around 4-6 feet in length, you can easily train it on a pole or stake.

Green Heartleaf Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron scandens

This philodendron produces heart-shaped dark green leaves and works as both a vining and climbing plant. It also goes by the name sweetheart plant and, similar to most philodendron cultivars, does well in low lighting conditions.

Philodendron ‘Lemon Lime’

Scientific Name: Philodendron hederaceum Lemon

The yellowish-green foliage of this cultivar is radiant and invites attention, and is similar to the shade of a lime lemon. It can brighten up any space and will be a great companion for those dark, gloomy days. For an impressive show of cascading down foliage, grow this philodendron variety in hanging baskets.

Pink Princess

Scientific Name: Philodendron erubescens

If you are looking for a striking or flashy philodendron cultivar, your search ends here! Also known as a Red-leaf or Blushing Philodendron, this colorful and variegated variety of philodendron can climb to a height of 5 feet. Variegation levels depend on the plant’s exposure to light!

Philodendron Hederaceum ‘Brasil’

Scientific Name: Philodendron Hederaceum ‘Brasil’

It’s a cultivar of heartleaf philodendron, which shows variegation of bright yellow when the plant matures. The glossy and variegated bright yellow foliage can brighten up any space and requires minimal care. The cascading vines grow quickly and can reach the floor in no time if you allow them to grow without support.

Philodendron Micans

Scientific Name: Philodendron Micans

The foliage of this trailing philodendron has a unique velvety texture and greenish bronze hues that attract onlookers. The underside of leaves is also worth the attention with reddish hues! It can grow to a length of 6 feet, so it’ll look great in hanging baskets.

Philodendron Brandtianum

Scientific Name: Philodendron Brandtianum

An ideal choice if you want to have a variegated philodendron in low lights as well. The thick silver patterns running on the leaves adds to the glory of this plant. Apart from the variegation, it’s a lot similar to the classic heartleaf Philodendron.

Upright Philodendron

Upright or bush philodendron cultivar is ideal for those who don’t want the hassle of providing support or hanging baskets. Also, it’s easy to manage and relocate the upright philodendron without much difficulty. Some of the best upright Philodendron cultivars are listed below.

Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’

Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Imperial Green’

This upright philodendron’s broad and vibrant foliage looks grand in appearance and makes up for a great centerpiece. Although you can train it on a stalk, many gardeners prefer to trim it and grow it as a shrub. This low maintenance plant is perfect for office spaces.

Tree Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron Bipinnatifidum / Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum

Going by the name Split leaf Philodendron, this Philodendron’s foliage is unique and acts as a great conversation starter. Deep lobes present on the foliage give a dramatic appeal to the plant. It grows upright and has a spread of around 5-10 feet indoors, so you’ll need a large space to grow it.

Also Read: Split Leaf Philodendron Pruning Guide

Prince of Orange

Scientific Name: 

This hybrid philodendron cultivar grows, starts with orange hues, then changes to copper hues, and finally settles to green. Foliage grows around the center upright stem, giving it a neat appearance. Ideal for creating a tropical flair in indoor spaces!

Winterbourn Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron Xanadu 

It’s another upright philodendron with lobed leaves and upright stature. The exotic appearance of the Xanadu comes from the shiny golden green, leathery, and sophisticated foliage. It needs a roomy surrounding as it grows more wide than tall.

Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’

Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’

Named after Burle Marx, the first architect who used Native plants in modern landscape designs, it’s a great conversation starter. The elongated paddle-shaped leaves aren’t seen often, and delicate pale veining running along the plant’s length further adds to its beauty. It can attain a height and width of two feet indoors.

Silversword

Scientific Name: Philodendron domesticum

The burgundy philodendron’s arrow-shaped glossy leaves can grow to 22 inches in length and 9 inches in width when mature. The stems and foliage is in the shade of burgundy when the plant is young hence the name. Similar to other philodendrons, it also removes pollutants from the surrounding air.

Moonlight Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron ‘Moonlight’

This philodendron cultivar has both a catchy name and appearance! The foliage appears as if it’s glowing under proper lighting, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces. Although it’s a hybrid of heartleaf philodendron, it isn’t a vining plant but a runner. You can still cultivate it as a houseplant!