Philodendron types come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. There are over 490 species and cultivars of philodendron, making it the second-largest genus in the Arum family.
Philodendrons can be classified into two basic types:
Climbing Philodendron
Non-Climbing Philodendron
Climbing Philodendron
Climbing philodendrons (also called vining philodendrons or trailing plants) are the most commonly found varieties. These are mainly grown as indoor potted plants or in hanging baskets but can also be planted outdoors as ground covers.
These climbing philodendrons have aerial roots, so they start climbing on the vertical surface around them.
You can train it to grow upward by winding around poles, preferably rough and damp. The roots can easily attach themselves to damp poles.
You can limit the height of the climbing philodendron by pruning.
Non-Climbing Philodendron
Non-climbing philodendrons, as the name suggests, have an upright growing habit and do not climb.
These are commonly known as upright growing philodendrons, self-heading philodendrons, Non-vining philodendrons, or tree philodendrons.
These types of philodendrons typically have larger green leaves in a variety of shapes. Leaves of this plant grow as much as 3 feet long. They are slow growers than climbing philodendron types.
You can grow these types of plants indoors as tabletops or floor level, and you can also grow outdoors as few varieties of philodendron can reach up to 15-20 feet.
The self-heading types grow from a clump at the base. Their leaves are spaced so close together that the stem is not visible until some of the older lower leaves fall off.
Self-heading philodendrons are described as being arborescent types (resembling a tree in growth or appearance).
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Climbing philodendron types
Here is the list of some of the vining philodendron varieties:
Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipennifolium / P. panduriforme)
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Most common types of Philodendron
Following are just a few examples of the many different types of philodendrons available
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) – This is one of the most popular varieties. It has small, heart-shaped leaves and is a good choice for hanging baskets.
Monstera Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) – This is a popular houseplant with large, glossy leaves with unique, Swiss cheese-like holes.
Golden Philodendron (Philodendron Golden Goddess) – This plant has bright, golden-yellow leaves shaped like arrows.
Split-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum) – This plant has large, deeply-lobed leaves that give it a unique, tropical appearance.
Velvet Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum var. micans) – This variety has soft, velvety leaves that are a deep green with a reddish underside.
Xanadu Philodendron (Philodendron Xanadu) – This plant has deeply lobed, shiny green leaves that form a dense clump, making it an excellent choice for landscaping.
Pink Princess Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’) – This is a stunning philodendron variety with dark green leaves and pink variegation.
Black Cardinal Philodendron (Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’) – This plant has dark burgundy leaves that are almost black, making it a dramatic addition to any space.