Philodendron Varieties
A comparison of the most popular Philodendron varieties — learn which one is right for your space and skill level.
| Variety | Key Feature | Care Difficulty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philodendron Hederaceum (Heartleaf) | Glossy, uniformly green heart-shaped leaves on long trailing vines | Easy | Varies |
| Philodendron Brasil | Variegated green and yellow-green leaves with striking longitudinal stripes | Easy | Varies |
| Philodendron Micans | Velvety deep green leaves with bronze undersides and a soft, iridescent sheen | Easy | Varies |
| Philodendron Pink Princess | Dark leaves with striking pink variegation patches; upright, self-heading growth habit rather than trailing | Easy | Varies |
Variety Details
Philodendron Hederaceum (Heartleaf)
The classic heartleaf philodendron with glossy, deep green, heart-shaped leaves. The most common and affordable variety, found in garden centers everywhere.
Distinguishing feature: Glossy, uniformly green heart-shaped leaves on long trailing vines
Care notes: Most forgiving variety. Thrives in low light and tolerates irregular watering. Perfect for beginners.
Philodendron Brasil
A striking variegated cultivar with leaves that feature bold chartreuse and lime-green stripes against dark green. Each leaf has a unique pattern — no two are exactly alike.
Distinguishing feature: Variegated green and yellow-green leaves with striking longitudinal stripes
Care notes: Needs slightly more bright indirect light than the all-green variety to maintain variegation. Reverting all-green vines should be pruned to keep the variegated look.
Philodendron Micans
A velvety-leaved variety with deep green leaves that shimmer with an iridescent quality and a striking bronze or rusty-red underside. One of the most sought-after philodendrons.
Distinguishing feature: Velvety deep green leaves with bronze undersides and a soft, iridescent sheen
Care notes: Prefers slightly higher humidity than standard heartleaf. Avoid getting water on the velvety leaves, which can cause spots. Grows a bit slower than the standard variety.
Philodendron Pink Princess
A rare and dramatic self-heading philodendron with dark, nearly black-green leaves splashed with bright pink variegation. Each leaf is a unique work of art, making it one of the most coveted houseplants.
Distinguishing feature: Dark leaves with striking pink variegation patches; upright, self-heading growth habit rather than trailing
Care notes: Needs bright indirect light to maintain pink variegation — low light causes reversion to all-green. Very expensive and often mislabeled. Water when top 2 inches are dry. Prune all-green leaves to preserve variegation.