Introducing...
Philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron
Common name: Philodendron
This is a large and diverse group of tropical plants, many of which are popular as houseplants for their attractive glossy foliage, in various shapes and colours. Some species can grow into large architectural specimens, ideal for making a strong focal point in the home.
Looks
The foliage is variable across the many species, with different sizes, shapes and colours, from green to rich burgundy. Coloured leaves often fade to green with age. Philodendrons often have different juvenile and adult leaves – usually heart-shaped on young plants, but on more mature plants they become the typical shape of the respective species. Plants can be bushy or climbing/trailing – the latter are often trained up a moss pole when grown as houseplants.
Likes
Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light and warm indoor temperatures. They like a moisture-retentive but well-drained potting compost. They prefer to be watered when the top few centimetres of compost have dried out. For lots of lush, large leaves, apply a general houseplant fertiliser in spring and summer.
Dislikes
Philodendrons dislike temperatures below 15°C (59°F), so must be grown indoors in the UK. Potting compost that stays saturated will cause the fleshy roots to rot, so avoid sitting the plant in a saucer of water for long periods. Direct summer sun can burn the leaves, so position plants in bright but indirect light.
Did you know?
Despite being tropical rainforest plants, many philodendrons are easy to grow as houseplants, as they don’t need high humidity or bright sunlight to thrive. Just be aware that philodendrons are poisonous and the sap is a skin irritant, so wear gloves when handling them and position them out of reach of children and pets.
Growing guide
How to grow philodendrons
All the information you’ll need to grow philodendrons successfully in your home.
Philodendrons we recommend
Philodendron selloum
horsehead philodendron
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Philodendron bipinnatifidum
horsehead philodendron
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Philodendron erubescens
blushing philodendron
- 2.5–4 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Philodendron selloum
horsehead philodendron
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Philodendron bipinnatifidum
horsehead philodendron
- 2.5–4 metres
- 2.5–4 metres
Philodendron erubescens
blushing philodendron
- 2.5–4 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Houseplants for cleaner air
Houseplants for different locations
How to grow houseplants
How to help a poorly houseplant
Humidity for houseplants
Leaf damage on houseplants
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.