Philodendron Species Guide

🌿 Philodendron

Complete Species List, Care Tips & Rare Varieties

With hundreds of recognized species and even more awaiting discovery, Philodendrons are some of the most iconic aroids in the plant world. This guide dives into the genus’s origin, unique features, care, and a growing list of known species — including rare gems and collector’s favorites.

📚 Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Philodendron

2. Quick Genus Facts

3. Philodendron Plant Care

4. Growth Habits & Natural Habitat

5. Propagation

6. Toxicity & Pet Safety

7. About the Species

8. Complete Species List (A–Z)

9. Rare or Collector’s Species

10. References

🌱 1. Introduction to Philodendron

Philodendron is a massive and diverse genus of tropical plants in the Araceae family, with over 600 known species and many more yet to be described. These foliage-forward plants are beloved for their dramatic leaves, trailing or climbing growth habits, and their adaptability as houseplants.

Native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, many Philodendron species are pollinated by beetles in the wild and produce a unique inflorescence made of a spathe and spadix, like other aroids. Whether you're into velvety climbers or bold upright hybrids, there's likely a Philodendron for you [1][2].

🌿 2. Quick Genus Facts

• Scientific Name: Philodendron

• Family: Araceae

• Common Names: Philodendron, Philos

• Origin: Central & South America, Caribbean

• Species Count: 600+

• Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light

• Watering Needs: Moderate – allow topsoil to dry between watering

• Soil Preference: Chunky, well-draining mix

• Pet Safe?: No (toxic to cats and dogs)

🪴 3. Philodendron Plant Care

💡 Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid full sun on delicate leaves.

💧 Water

Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

🪵 Soil

Use a chunky, well-aerated mix of coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite.

🌡️ Humidity & Temperature

Prefers 60–80% humidity and 65–85°F. Mist or use a humidifier in dry climates.

🌿 Fertilizer

Feed monthly during spring/summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

🔁 Repotting

Every 1–2 years, or when roots crowd the pot.

✂️ Pruning

Trim to shape or remove old growth.

🐛 Pests & Problems

Common issues: spider mites, thrips, root rot. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

🌍 4. Growth Habits & Natural Habitat

Philodendrons are hemiepiphytes in the wild — starting life in trees or soil and adapting accordingly. Their broad leaves and aerial roots are natural adaptations to humid, shaded rainforest canopies.

Philodendron Inflorescence, Spathe and Spadix

Source: https://www.exoticrainforest.com/Philodendron%20sagittifolium%20inflorescence.html

Inflorescence showing spathe and spadix structure [3]

🌱 5. Propagation

Philodendrons propagate easily via:

• Stem cuttings (in water or soil)

• Division (for clumping / self-heading types)

• Air layering (for larger vines)

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks.

☠️ 6. Toxicity & Pet Safety

Are Philodendrons toxic to pets?
Yes — they contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and swelling if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and small children.

🧬 7. About the Species

There are hundreds of accepted Philodendron species and many synonyms. Taxonomic changes are ongoing, and species names may shift as botanical understanding deepens. This list includes both currently accepted names and well-known synonyms still used in horticulture.

📜 8. Philodendron Species List (Selected Examples)

Comprehensive List compiled from http://www.theplantlist.org (circa 2013)

6/30/2025 - Started by Andy WORK IN PROGRESS

SPECIES INFO AT BOTTOM

🌿 Philodendron accrescens (syn. P. fragrantissimum)

• Origin: Central and South America

• Notes: Known for its large fragrant inflorescence. Historically classified by Hooker and later by G.Don.

• Source: [3]

source: Bentham-Moxon Trust.; Curtis, William; Curtis's botanical magazine dedications, 1827-1927 : portraits and biographical notes.; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.; Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. - https://www.flickr.com/photos/biodivlibrary/8203250428

source: Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil - Philodendron fragrantissimum (Hook.) G.Don Uploaded by Melchoir

🌿 Philodendron aceriferum (syn. P. squamiferum)

• Origin: South America

• Notes: Recognized for its five-lobed leaves and red bristled petioles.

• Source: [4]

source: WIkipedia - Philodendron squamiferum specimen in the Botanischer Garten, Berlin-Dahlem (Berlin Botanical Garden), Berlin, Germany. Daderot)

Photo from Berlin Botanical Garden [4]

🌿 Philodendron acreanum

• Notes: Thick stems with cataphyll remnants. Deeply lobed leaves. Inflorescence with green/purple spathe and red female zone.

• Fruit: Pale brown berries, typically four-seeded.

source: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/12151103

Photo from iNaturalist [5]

(More species to be added — work in progress)

🌟 9. Rare or Collector’s Species

• Philodendron spiritus-sancti – Endangered, narrow pendant foliage

• Philodendron luxurians – Deep velvet texture with silver veining

• Philodendron plowmanii – Huge rippling leaves, crawling habit

• Philodendron verrucosum – Fuzzy petioles, iridescent leaf surface

📚 10. References

1. The Plant List (2013). Philodendron genus data. Retrieved from: http://www.theplantlist.org

2. Exotic Rainforest. (n.d.). Philodendron sagittifolium inflorescence. Retrieved from: https://www.exoticrainforest.com/Philodendron%20sagittifolium%20inflorescence.html

3. Aroid.org. (n.d.). Philodendron fragrantissimum (Hook.) G.Don. Retrieved from: https://www.aroid.org/philodendron-philodendron-fragrantissimum-hook-g-don

4. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Philodendron squamiferum. Photo by Daderot. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philodendron_squamiferum

5. iNaturalist. (2018). Philodendron acreanum photo. Retrieved from: https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/12151103

Author - Andy | Last updated: June 30, 2025
This Philodendron species list is a living document — more entries coming soon.