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Philodendron Varieties Explained: Types, Differences & Growth Habits

Philodendrons are one of the most diverse and adaptable groups of houseplants grown worldwide. While they are often grouped together as a single “type” of plant, different philodendron varieties can behave very differently depending on their natural growth habit, leaf structure, and environmental needs.

Understanding the differences between philodendron varieties helps explain why some climb, some stay compact, and why care advice can vary from one plant to another.

What Is a Philodendron?

Philodendrons belong to the genus Philodendron, part of the Araceae (aroid) family. In nature, most species grow in tropical rainforests, where they adapt to low light, warm temperatures, and high humidity.

Despite sharing the same genus, philodendrons fall into two main growth groups:

Climbing (vining) philodendrons
Self-heading (non-climbing) philodendrons

This distinction is the most important difference between philodendron varieties and directly affects how they grow, how large they get, and how they are cared for.

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Climbing Philodendron Varieties

Climbing philodendrons produce long stems that naturally trail or climb up trees in their native habitat. These varieties develop aerial roots and benefit from support such as moss poles or trellises.

Common climbing philodendron varieties include:

Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
Philodendron Brasil
Philodendron Micans
Philodendron Scandens

Key characteristics:

Vining or trailing growth
Smaller leaves when unsupported
Can grow larger leaves when allowed to climb
Ideal for shelves, hanging pots, or poles

Self-Heading Philodendron Varieties

Self-heading philodendrons grow as compact, upright plants. Instead of trailing, they form thick central stems and produce new leaves from the crown.

Popular self-heading philodendron varieties include:

Philodendron Birkin
Philodendron Pink Princess
Philodendron Xanadu
Philodendron Congo (Green, Red, Rojo Congo)
Philodendron Imperial Red

Key characteristics:

Upright, compact growth
Larger individual leaves
No need for climbing support
Well suited to floor pots or tabletops

Self-heading philodendrons tend to show stress more quickly through leaf yellowing or drop, while climbing types often respond with slower growth or smaller leaves.

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Differences Between Popular Philodendron Varieties

Birkin vs Pink Princess: Birkin is more compact and stable; Pink Princess grows larger and needs brighter light to maintain variegation.
Heartleaf vs Xanadu: Heartleaf is a climber with trailing vines; Xanadu is self-heading with deeply lobed leaves.
Brasil vs Micans: Brasil has bright variegation; Micans has velvety leaves and prefers slightly higher humidity.

Do Different Philodendron Varieties Need Different Care?

While all philodendrons share similar baseline needs, growth habit influences care:

Climbing varieties benefit from pruning and support
Self-heading varieties require consistent watering and stable light
Variegated varieties need brighter indirect light

Across all varieties, consistent nutrition is important, especially indoors where soil nutrients deplete quickly.

For indoor philodendrons, a balanced indoor fertiliser such as Indoor Plant Food Fertiliser with NPK 16-4-14 supports healthy leaf growth without overstimulating weak stems or roots.