Philodendrons are a diverse and popular genus of plants, comprising over 400 species. They are prized for their vibrant, tropical looking foliage and often used as an ornamental plant in the home or landscaping.
Broadly, the different types of philodendrons can be categorized into five main groups: climbing, compact, vining, bushy, and self-heading.
Climbing philodendrons are the most popular group and often have heart-shaped leaves and vigorous growth habits. Examples of this type of philodendron include the Philodendron scandens ‘Sweetheart’ and the Philodendron Brasil.
Compact philodendrons, like the Philodendron bipinnatifidum, are slightly different from other philodendrons, in that they tend to grow much slower and have a much shorter lifespan than the others.
Vining philodendrons are usually tall-growing and resemble vine-like plants. These plants usually require support to climb, and examples include the Philodendron hederaceum ‘Micans’ and the Philodendron Selloum.
Bushy philodendrons are usually smaller in size and are usually easy to care for. Common examples of this type of philodendron include the Philodendron Red Emerald, the Philodendron Gloriosum, and the Philodendron Xanadu.
Finally, self-heading philodendrons are unique in the fact that they produce their own stems and typically have a lot of foliage. Popular examples of this type of philodendron include the Philodendron Burle Marx, the Philodendron bipinnatifidum ‘Hope’, and the Philodendron Pink Princess.
What is the rarest philodendron?
The rarest philodendron is believed to be Philodendron Spiritus Sancti. This rare philodendron can be identified by its glossy green foliage with purple-tinged undersides. It typically grows in a cascading vine-like pattern, reaching lengths of up to three feet.
In its natural habitat, Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is native to Central America, South America and Caribbean Islands. Unfortunately, due to its extremely limited range and the destruction of its wild habitats, it is listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
This Philodendron species is rarely seen in gardens or homes and is very hard to find in nurseries.
What does a philodendron look like?
Philodendrons are an evergreen, climbing or trailing tropical plant that can be easily identified by their large, thick, heart-shaped leaves. Depending on the species, their leaves can vary in size, shape and color.
They can be dark green with light, striped veins, or light green with dark, striped veins. Some species of Philodendron also have smooth and shiny leaves, while others have glossy, or “hairy”, or velvety leaves.
The leaves of most Philodendrons are large and can range from a few inches to several feet in size, although some have smaller leaves. They also have aerial roots, which can be seen hanging from their vines.
Their flowers, when in bloom, are a dull yellow to greenish color and, depending on the species, can be hidden beneath their foliage, making them difficult to spot.
How do you tell if a plant is a pothos or a philodendron?
To tell if a plant is a pothos or a philodendron, look closely at the leaves and distinguishing characteristics. Generally, pothos has thicker leaves with more of a “heart-leaf” shape, while philodendron has more slender leaves with pointy tips.
The color of the leaves can also be a key indicator, as pothos typically have bright green leaves with splashes of yellow or white, while philodendron has an even lighter green hue. Additionally, pothos has aerial roots that cling to surfaces, while philodendrons do not.
It’s also worth noting that pothos grows more upright and vining than philodendron, so if the plant is tall and climbing, it’s likely a pothos. Finally, when in doubt, take a look at the flowers on the plants.
Pothos produce white or greenish-white flowers, while philodendron flowers produce light yellow-green blossoms.
Is a Monstera plant a philodendron?
No, a Monstera plant is not a philodendron, despite the fact that they are closely related. While Monstera plant have a perforated leaf, philodendrons do not. While philodendrons are grown for their foliage, Monstera plants are grown primarily for their aerial roots.
Additionally, Monstera plants have a fleshy, orange-colored fruit, whereas philodendrons do not produce fruit. Philodendrons have slender stems and their leaves are shallowly lobed, whereas Monstera plants have thicker stems and deeply cut leaves.
Another key difference between Monstera plants and Philodendron is the shape of their leaves. Philodendron’s leaves are smooth, while Monstera’s leaves are irregularly shaped and have perforations.
Is Devil’s Ivy a philodendron?
No, Devil’s Ivy, also known as Pothos, is actually in the genus Epipremnum and is a species of the Araceae family. The plant is easy to care for and mostly resembles a Philodendron, even though it is not one.
Its scientific name is Epipremnum aureum, with its common name being Golden Pothos and its nickname, Devil’s Ivy. It is a popular air-purifying houseplant with glossy, heart-shaped, variegated leaves and striking vines that can reach up to 8 feet in length and can be grown in either soil or water.
Is a philodendron poisonous?
Yes, philodendrons are considered to be toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), philodendrons contain a substance called calcium oxalate which can cause burning, swelling, and irritation of the mouth and throat if ingested.
In extreme cases, it can cause difficulty in breathing and could even be fatal if not treated immediately. Since the effects can be so serious, it is important to keep philodendrons away from children, pets, and any curious eaters.
If you believe that someone or an animal has ingested a philodendron, it is important to call a poison control center or a doctor immediately.
How do I identify my philodendron?
Identifying a philodendron can be a daunting task, as there are over 4,000 species of this plant! Firstly, you will want to take a detailed look at the leaves, which is the most reliable way to identify the type of philodendron it is.
Most philodendrons have large leaves that can range from 6-20 inches in length. Look closely at their colors and shapes, as each species has a unique color and leaf shape. Additionally, pay attention to the plant’s vines and petioles, as they also vary in size and color depending on the species.
Lastly, the flowering structure of a philodendron can help determine its identity. Some species are solid, while others produce spathe flowers or vining tendrils. Remember that the best way to identify a philodendron is through observation and research, so be sure to take detailed notes and compare them to images you find online.
What are philodendron varieties?
Philodendron is a diverse and varied genus of plants and there are many different varieties to choose from. Some of the more popular varieties include the heartleaf philodendron, also known as philodendron scandens.
This variety is often grown as a houseplant and features long, heart-shaped green leaves. Another popular type of philodendron is the jungle or Mexican breadfruit variety, philodendron bipennifolium.
This variety is known for its deep green, leathery leaves and its ability to quickly vine and spread. The monstera variety is also gaining in popularity. It features large, deeply cut leaves and could often be confused with the heartleaf variety.
There is also the elephant ear philodendron, or philodendron selloum, which features large, very deeply cut leaves and is often used as a landscape plant in tropical climates. Lastly, the philodendron hederaceum, commonly known as the velvet leaved philodendron, is a popular variety due to its dark, shaggy foliage and its ability to climb.
Why is philodendron pink princess so expensive?
Philodendron pink princess is an incredibly rare and sought-after variety of the philodendron plant that is known for its vibrant pink and green leaves. It is native to Brazil and has been prized as a collector’s item ever since it was discovered in 2005.
The reason it is so expensive is mainly due to its rarity—Philodendron pink princess is known to have some of the most brightly colored leaves of all the philodendrons. The colorful foliage of the plant is a result of a natural mutation in one lucky individual.
This mutation causes the plant to produce more anthocyanins (the molecules responsible for the deep purple and pink hues).
In addition to its rarity and beautiful leaves, the other major factor in the cost of Philodendron pink princess plants is the fact that cultivating them is quite challenging and time-consuming. Unlike many other philodendrons, this variety needs to be grown and maintained in very specific conditions.
It needs bright but indirect sunlight, warm temperatures (at least 70-80°F), and plenty of moisture. The soil it is grown in should also be pH balanced and well aerated. It can take a long time for Philodendron pink princess plants to reach full maturity, which further increases the cost involved in caring for them.
Overall, the combination of rarity, impressive foliage, and difficult cultivation techniques are what make Philodendron pink princess plants so expensive.
Is philodendron Mamei a creeper?
No, Philodendron Mamei is not a creeper. Philodendron Mamei is an ornamental vine-like plant. It is native to the Caribbean and Central and South Americas and is known for its large leaves and vibrant colors.
Its scientific name is Philodendron bipinnatifidum. Philodendron Mamei is a non-woody member of the genus Philodendron, which means ‘’Tree-Loving. ’’ As such, this plant requires support from a trellis or pole to climb, which it does with aerial roots that grow around the support structure.
It can reach a height of up to 15 feet, but daily trimming will help to keep it at a manageable size. Philodendron Mamei does not have extensive root systems, so it does not spread like a creeper would.
Are Philodendron climbers?
Yes, philodendron are climbers. Philodendron are a popular houseplant known for their ornamental foliage, perfect for brightening up any home interior. Their climbing nature makes them ideal for decorating soaring ceilings, high windows, or large bookcases.
Not only are they attractive to look at, but they are also very easy to care for. Philodendron climbers come in several varieties, including Philodendron erubescens (greenheart or blushing philodendron), Philodendron scandens (sweetheart vine, heartleaf, or cordatum), and Philodendron oxycardinum (velvetleaf philodendron), among others.
When given the right conditions, these plants have an aggressive growth habit that can extend up to six or seven feet in length. They are able to climb using aerial roots and aerial stem nodes that act like little suction cups to attach themselves to a support system.
If a support system is not provided, the plants will trail and hang, adding a unique element and charm to the interior decor. Philodendrons prefer warm, moist environments and should be fertilized regularly.
Does Mamei crawl or climb?
Mamei is a type of Chinese gecko, and like other geckos it has claws. Depending on the surface, Mamei can either crawl or climb. Its claws allow it to easily grip onto and maneuver around vertical surfaces like walls and tree trunks, but can also grip hard surfaces like rocks and glass, letting it crawl and move quickly.
Mamei usually resorts to crawling when it needs to cover large distances and climbing when it wants to reach up to higher places, giving it plenty of options when trying to move around.
How does a Plowmanii grow?
Plowmanii is a garden shrub also known as the Plumbago or Cape Leadwort. It is a very low maintenance and adaptable shrub that produces beautiful blue, violet or white flowers.
To properly grow a Plowmanii, plant it in a well drained area of your garden in full sun or partial shade. It will do best in a highly loamy soil, with a good amount of organic matter and a pH of around 6.5-8.
5. Make sure that the location you choose to plant it provides some wind and frost protection, as this shrub is not tolerant to either of these.
When planting, make sure to add a slow release fertiliser in the forms of peat (or other organic material), and a low amount of nitrogen to help promote vigorous growth.
For the first few months, water regularly and don’t allow the soil to go completely dry. Once it has established itself in the soil, it should require minimal watering. Prune the shrub lightly after it has flowered and periodically remove dead branches or any stems that cross over each other and interfere with airflow.
With some attention and love, your Plowmanii will grow to be an evergreen, densely branched shrub with flower clusters of up to 30 lavender to violet or blue flowers from early summer until the end of autumn.
How do you take care of a philodendron Plowmanii?
When it comes to taking care of a Philodendron Plowmanii, there are several things that you should keep in mind. Firstly, Philodendron Plowmanii prefer a warmer climate, so they should be kept in an area of your home where temperatures stay between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should also keep the soil in which your Philodendron Plowmanii is planted moist and moderately humid. You will know when it needs to be watered by lifting the pot and feeling if it is light or heavy; if it feels light, it is time to water it.
Place your Philodendron Plowmanii in an area of the home where it can receive some indirect but bright light. Philodendron Plowmanii should also be fertilized on a regular basis using a balanced fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 solution diluted at half strength and apply it every two weeks.
Finally, it is important to prune your Philodendron Plowmanii when necessary as this will help keep the foliage healthy. Trim off any yellowing or dead leaves with a pair of clean, sharp gardening scissors.
As you can see, taking care of a Philodendron Plowmanii requires a bit of TLC, but if done properly, you will be rewarded with an attractive and thriving plant in your home.