What Are Aroid Plants?
Aroid plants in the Philippines have become the backbone of the local plant collecting community. Aroids belong to the family Araceae, one of the largest flowering plant families with over 3,700 species worldwide. They are recognised by their distinctive spadix and spathe flower structure. Many aroid species grow naturally in Southeast Asian tropical forests, giving Filipino growers a climate advantage.
The Philippine aroid craze peaked during 2020 to 2021 but continues strongly today. From affordable pothos to rare variegated monstera, aroids offer something for every budget and skill level. Below are the top 10 aroid genera that every Filipino plant collector should know.
Monstera
The monstera is the most iconic aroid in any collection. Monstera deliciosa features large, fenestrated (split) leaves that can grow over 60 cm wide. Monstera adansonii, known as the Swiss cheese plant, has smaller leaves with more holes. Both species climb naturally and grow best when given a moss pole or trellis. Monstera thrives in bright indirect light and needs watering when the top 3 cm of soil dries out. The variegated forms like Monstera Thai Constellation remain highly sought after by Filipino collectors.
Philodendron
The philodendron genus contains over 400 species, making it the largest group of aroids. Common varieties in the Philippines include heartleaf, birkin, brasil, gloriosum, and pink princess. Philodendrons come in two growth forms: climbing types that need support and self-heading types that grow upright. They tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright indirect light. Most philodendrons propagate easily from stem cuttings, making them excellent plants for sharing with friends.
Alocasia
The alocasia is prized for its dramatic, arrow-shaped leaves and striking vein patterns. Popular varieties in the Philippines include zebrina (native to the Philippines), polly, black velvet, dragon scale, and silver dragon. Alocasia prefers high humidity and bright indirect light. They go dormant during cooler months, losing their leaves before regrowing in spring. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Alocasia propagates through corm division during repotting.
Aglaonema
The aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen, is the most beginner-friendly aroid. It tolerates low light, air-conditioned rooms, and irregular watering. Modern hybrid varieties come in stunning colours: red, pink, orange, and multicoloured patterns. Popular varieties in the Philippines include Lady Valentine, Siam Aurora, and Wishes. Aglaonema grows slowly and rarely needs pruning. Water every 7 to 10 days and feed monthly during the growing season.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The pothos is the most affordable and widely available aroid in the Philippines. Its trailing vines grow rapidly in almost any condition. Popular varieties include golden pothos, marble queen, neon, and cebu blue (named after the Philippine island where it was discovered). Pothos grows in water or soil and tolerates low light to bright indirect light. It is an excellent air purifier and ranks among the easiest houseplants to propagate. Simply cut a stem below a node and place it in water.
Anthurium
The anthurium produces striking, waxy spathes in red, pink, white, and green. The Philippines is home to over 200 native anthurium species, making it one of the most diverse anthurium habitats in the world. Common varieties include Anthurium andraeanum (flamingo flower) and Anthurium crystallinum (crystal anthurium). Anthuriums need high humidity, good air circulation, and a chunky, well-draining potting mix. They bloom year-round in the Philippine climate with proper care.
Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant)
Syngonium features arrow-shaped leaves that change form as the plant matures. Young leaves are compact and arrow-like, while mature leaves become deeply lobed with multiple segments. Popular varieties include Syngonium podophyllum (white butterfly), pink splash, and neon robusta. Syngonium grows as a compact bush when young but develops climbing vines with age. It thrives in medium to bright indirect light and handles the Philippine humidity well. Propagate by cutting stems with aerial roots.
Caladium
Caladium produces some of the most colourful leaves in the aroid family. Heart-shaped leaves display combinations of red, pink, white, and green in bold patterns. Popular varieties in the Philippines include Red Flash, White Queen, and Carolyn Whorton. Caladium grows from tubers (bulbs) and goes dormant during the cooler months. Plant tubers in March or April for a stunning display during the rainy season. They prefer partial shade and consistent moisture. Store tubers dry during dormancy and replant annually.
Homalomena
Homalomena is an underrated aroid that deserves more attention from Filipino collectors. Its thick, heart-shaped leaves have a leathery texture and subtle sheen. Popular species include Homalomena rubescens (emerald gem) and Homalomena wallisii. Several species are native to Philippine forests. Homalomena tolerates low light better than most aroids and grows compactly without climbing. Water when the top 3 cm of soil dries out. The leaves emit a pleasant anise-like fragrance when rubbed, earning it the nickname "spice plant."
Colocasia (Taro / Gabi)
Colocasia, known locally as "gabi" in the Philippines, is both an ornamental and edible aroid. The massive, elephant ear-shaped leaves can grow over one metre wide. While Filipinos have grown gabi for food for centuries, ornamental varieties like Colocasia Black Magic and Colocasia Mojito have gained popularity among plant collectors. Colocasia grows best outdoors in full sun to partial shade with wet, boggy conditions. It grows aggressively in the Philippine climate and needs regular division to control spreading.
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Care Tips for Aroids in the Philippines
The Philippine climate provides near-perfect conditions for most aroids. Follow these guidelines for a thriving collection.
- Light - Most aroids prefer bright indirect light. Morning sun from east-facing windows works best. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which burns leaves.
- Watering - Water when the top 3 to 5 cm of soil dries out. Reduce watering during the rainy season. Always use pots with drainage holes.
- Humidity - Philippine humidity (70 to 85%) suits aroids perfectly. Group plants together to create a humid microclimate indoors.
- Soil - Use a chunky, well-draining mix: 40% potting soil, 30% perlite or pumice, 20% orchid bark, 10% charcoal.
- Fertiliser - Feed monthly during the growing season (April to October) with balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength.
- Support - Climbing aroids like monstera and philodendron grow larger leaves when given a moss pole or coco coir pole.
How to Propagate Aroids
Most aroids propagate easily, making them perfect for growing your collection without spending much.
- Stem cuttings - Cut a stem section with at least one node. Place in water or moist sphagnum moss. Roots appear in 2 to 4 weeks.
- Division - Separate clumping aroids like aglaonema and alocasia during repotting. Each division should have roots and at least 2 leaves.
- Corm propagation - Alocasia and caladium produce small corms (bulbs) around the base. Separate and plant these in moist soil.
- Air layering - For larger climbing aroids, wrap a node in moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Cut below the roots after they develop.
The best time to propagate aroids in the Philippines is during the start of the rainy season (June to July) when humidity supports faster root development.
Where to Buy Aroids in the Philippines
- Cartimar Plant Market, Pasay - The largest selection of aroids in Metro Manila with competitive prices
- Quezon City Memorial Circle - Affordable common aroids and occasional rare finds from local growers
- Shopee and Lazada - Verified plant sellers offer aroids with shipping across the Philippines
- Facebook groups - "Aroid Society of the Philippines" and "Rare Plants PH" connect collectors with trusted sellers
- Plant expos and bazaars - Regular events in Manila, Cebu, and Davao feature rare aroids from top growers
- Local nurseries - Marikina, Antipolo, and Laguna have nurseries specialising in aroid collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What are aroid plants and why are they popular in the Philippines?
Aroids belong to the Araceae family, one of the largest plant families with over 3,700 species. They include popular houseplants like monstera, philodendron, alocasia, aglaonema, pothos, and anthurium. Aroids are popular in the Philippines because many species are native to Southeast Asian tropical forests, meaning they thrive naturally in the warm, humid Philippine climate. Their dramatic leaf shapes, easy propagation, and ability to grow indoors make them favourites among Filipino plant collectors.
What is the easiest aroid to grow in the Philippines?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is the easiest aroid to grow in the Philippines. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and almost any soil type. Pothos grows in water or soil and propagates quickly from stem cuttings. Aglaonema is another beginner-friendly option because it handles low light and air-conditioned rooms well. Both plants are affordable and widely available at plant markets across Metro Manila.
How do I propagate aroid plants at home?
Most aroids propagate easily through stem cuttings. Cut a section with at least one node (the bumpy joint where leaves emerge) and place it in water or moist sphagnum moss. Roots develop within 2 to 4 weeks. Change the water every 3 days if rooting in water. For alocasia, propagate by separating corms (bulb-like structures) from the mother plant during repotting. The best time to propagate aroids in the Philippines is during the rainy season when humidity supports faster root growth.
