Probably your first houseplant was a simple heartleaf philodendron, easy and cheap. It’s not demanding; just let the vines trail along (or sits on a shelf) and forget about it most of the time.
That’s what gets you wanting something different, something that has bigger leaves or odder texture, like you imagine in a jungle. Those plants can get pricey though, and are certainly interesting.
How to Pick Your Philodendron
Twenty-three kinds is divided into two categories by their growth habit (above), shown in the visual guide. Self-headers grow upright, often on compact bodies; climbers feature aerial roots that help them grip onto trellises and poles. Knowing which one you have are key to caring for your plant correctly. Don’t prop up a self-header with extra structure, and you can’t train a climbing philodendron to sit still.
Classic climbers like the Micans gets separated here from more upright forms such as the Selloum. That will tell you at a glance how much room they’ll require before ordering.
Beyond the Brasil and heartleaf, which remain favorites for beginners, you venture into world of texture. Some have velvety leaves that capture light in a different way. Others such as the Melanochrysum has a dark foliage that is iridescent and will change colors depending on angle from which you look at them, shifting from bronze to green. They look impressive but they are fussy; they must be kept well-watered and in high humidity. Because the surface holds more moisture different than does the glossy leaf, these guys are touchy. Water when needed, not on a schedule, or else they’ll rot. This could of been avoided by adjusting how you care for them.
These plants range from cheap to eye-wateringly expensive. On the chart, the Lemon Lime falls toward the low end (as do many familiar cultivars), while rarer hybrids lies on the other side. A typical heartleaf will set you back maybe fifteen bucks. Fully variegated plants such as a Florida Beauty or a Ring of Fire can be hundreds of dollars.
Why the disparity? They are rare variegations, unstable, unlike seedlings, and so cannot be propagated that way. It is genetic luck. That’s what it takes; each plant has its own pattern, from the White Princess to the Birkin, and collectors spend hours online seeking out their next treasure. It’s a bet on both biology and aesthetics.
This hobby, growing new plants, levels playing field. From that same stem with a leaf (and a node) you can produce just about every variety of philodendron on this list. It’s easy to water root, and aerial roots will form to hold it in place. Those aerial roots not only anchor the plant, they absorbs moisture from the air. That works best when humidity is above fifty percent. If not, the leaves will shrivel. Give the right conditions and the plant will thrive, growing bigger and bigger.
So how do you pick a Philodendron? Match it to your level of patience. If you’re struggling to maintain a pothos, for example, don’t get yourself a rare velvet hybrid. Begin with the forgiving basics, those at the bottom of the rarity range on the chart (and master its watering rhythm). Once you’ve got that down, go big. The idea is to cultivate a living showpiece: something lush.
As your skills improve, so will your plants. You’ll look back at that single cascading vine and realize you started small… And that worked out just fine.