Top 15 Philodendron Varieties in the Philippines

About Philodendron Varieties in the Philippines

Philodendron varieties in the Philippines range from affordable everyday plants to rare collector specimens worth thousands of pesos. The genus Philodendron contains over 400 species, making it one of the largest in the aroid family. The name means "tree lover" in Greek, reflecting how these plants naturally climb trees in tropical forests.

The Philippine climate provides ideal growing conditions for philodendrons. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall mirror their native Central and South American habitats. Whether you live in a condo in Makati or a house in the provinces, there is a philodendron variety for you. Below are the top 15 varieties available in the Philippine market today.

1. Heartleaf Philodendron (P. hederaceum)

The heartleaf philodendron is the most common and affordable variety in the Philippines. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves trail gracefully from hanging baskets or climb up moss poles. This variety tolerates low light, air conditioning, and irregular watering. It grows rapidly and propagates from stem cuttings in just 2 weeks. Available for as low as 50 to 100 pesos at most plant markets. Every collector should start with this reliable classic.

2. Philodendron Birkin

The Philodendron Birkin features stunning white pinstripe variegation on dark green leaves. Each leaf unfurls with unique patterns, making every new leaf a surprise. Birkin is a self-heading variety that grows upright without climbing. It prefers bright indirect light to maintain its variegation. In low light, new leaves may revert to solid green. Birkin has become widely available in the Philippines and costs 200 to 500 pesos for a healthy specimen.

3. Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil is a variegated form of the heartleaf with bold lime green and dark green stripes down each leaf. The cheerful colours brighten any room. Like its parent, Brasil is a trailing variety that grows quickly and tolerates most conditions. It needs slightly more light than the solid green heartleaf to maintain vibrant variegation. Brasil propagates easily and makes an excellent gift plant. Priced at 100 to 250 pesos in the Philippines.

4. Philodendron Gloriosum

Philodendron gloriosum produces large, velvety, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white or pink veins. It is a crawling philodendron that grows along the soil surface rather than climbing upward. Each leaf can reach 30 to 40 cm wide in ideal conditions. Gloriosum needs high humidity and well-draining soil to thrive. It grows slower than most philodendrons but rewards patience with spectacular foliage. Prices range from 500 to 2,000 pesos depending on size and vein colouring.

5. Philodendron Pink Princess

The pink princess is one of the most sought-after philodendrons in the Philippines. Its dark burgundy leaves display splashes of bubblegum pink variegation. Each leaf is unique, and heavily variegated specimens command premium prices. Pink princess needs bright indirect light to produce strong pink colouring. Too little light results in mostly dark leaves. This climbing variety grows best on a moss pole. Prices vary widely from 500 to 5,000 pesos based on variegation quality.

6. Philodendron Rojo Congo

Rojo Congo is a dramatic self-heading philodendron with large, glossy leaves that emerge deep red before maturing to dark green. The red undersides and stems add constant colour to any collection. This variety grows into an impressive bushy plant up to one metre wide. Rojo Congo tolerates lower light conditions than most colourful philodendrons. It handles the Philippine heat well and rarely suffers from pests. A mature specimen costs 300 to 800 pesos.

7. Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)

The selloum produces massive, deeply lobed leaves that give it a tropical tree fern appearance. It grows into a large, tree-like plant that can reach 2 to 3 metres tall outdoors in the Philippines. Selloum is commonly used as a landscape plant in Filipino gardens, shopping malls, and hotel lobbies. It prefers partial shade and regular watering. The large leaves make a bold statement in any garden design. Young plants start at 200 to 500 pesos.

8. Philodendron Xanadu

Xanadu is a compact alternative to the massive selloum. Its deeply lobed leaves grow in tight, symmetrical clumps that reach about 60 to 80 cm tall. This self-heading variety works perfectly as a ground cover or container plant. Xanadu thrives outdoors in partial shade and handles full morning sun well in the Philippines. It is drought-tolerant once established and rarely needs fertilising. Available for 150 to 400 pesos at garden centres and nurseries.

9. Philodendron Micans

Philodendron micans features velvety, iridescent leaves that shimmer between green, bronze, and purple in different light. The soft, touchable texture sets it apart from other trailing philodendrons. Micans grows quickly and looks stunning in hanging baskets or cascading from shelves. It prefers medium to bright indirect light and consistent watering. The velvety leaves attract dust, so wipe them gently with a damp cloth monthly. Priced at 150 to 400 pesos in the Philippine market.

10. Philodendron Prince of Orange

Prince of Orange lives up to its name with new leaves that unfurl in bright orange before gradually transitioning through yellow-green to deep green. A mature plant displays leaves in multiple colour stages at once, creating a beautiful gradient effect. This self-heading variety stays compact and grows about 50 cm tall. It needs bright indirect light to produce vibrant orange new growth. Prices range from 300 to 700 pesos in the Philippines.

11. Philodendron Verrucosum

Verrucosum is a climber with dark, velvety leaves marked by light green veins and fuzzy petioles (leaf stems). The texture and pattern make it one of the most visually striking philodendrons available. It demands high humidity above 70 percent, which the Philippine climate provides naturally. Verrucosum grows best on a moss pole with consistent moisture. It is more challenging than beginner varieties but thrives outdoors in shaded gardens. Prices start at 800 to 2,500 pesos.

12. Philodendron Melanochrysum

The melanochrysum, or "black gold" philodendron, has elongated, velvety dark leaves with golden specks that sparkle in the light. Mature leaves can reach 60 cm long on climbing plants. It is a favourite among serious collectors in the Philippines. Melanochrysum needs a moss pole, high humidity, and bright indirect light. Water when the top 3 cm of soil dries out. This variety has become more affordable in recent years, with prices dropping to 500 to 1,500 pesos.

13. Philodendron Squamiferum

Squamiferum stands out with its deeply lobed, oak-shaped leaves and distinctive red, fuzzy petioles. The hairy stems are unique among philodendrons and make this variety easy to identify. It is a climbing species that grows vigorously in the Philippine climate. Squamiferum tolerates brighter light than most philodendrons and adapts well to outdoor growing. It propagates easily from stem cuttings. Priced at 300 to 800 pesos depending on maturity.

14. Philodendron Florida Ghost

Florida Ghost produces leaves that emerge completely white or pale mint before gradually turning green. The ghost-like new growth gives this hybrid its dramatic name. Each leaf transitions through stages of white, lime, and finally green, creating a multicoloured display. Florida Ghost needs bright indirect light to maintain pale new leaves. It climbs enthusiastically and benefits from a sturdy moss pole. Prices range from 500 to 2,000 pesos in the Philippines.

15. Philodendron Painted Lady

Painted Lady is a climbing hybrid with bright yellow-green variegated leaves and neon pink petioles. The bold colours make it one of the most eye-catching philodendrons in any collection. New leaves emerge bright yellow and develop green patches as they mature. Painted Lady needs bright indirect light and a moss pole for best results. It grows at a moderate pace and stays manageable in size. Available for 400 to 1,200 pesos from Filipino growers.

Care Tips for Philodendrons in the Philippines

The Philippine climate suits philodendrons perfectly. Follow these tips for healthy, thriving plants.

• Light - Bright indirect light for variegated varieties. Solid green types tolerate low light. Avoid direct afternoon sun.
• Watering - Water when the top 3 to 5 cm of soil dries out. Reduce frequency during the rainy season. Always use pots with drainage holes.
• Soil - Use a chunky, airy mix: 40% potting soil, 30% perlite, 20% orchid bark, 10% charcoal. Avoid heavy, water-retaining soils.
• Support - Give climbing varieties a moss pole or coco coir pole. Leaves grow larger and develop better when plants climb upward.
• Humidity - Philippine humidity of 70 to 85% is ideal. Group plants together to maintain humid microclimates indoors.
• Fertiliser - Feed monthly from April to October with balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Stop feeding during cooler months.
• Pests - Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. Spray with neem oil every 2 weeks as preventive treatment.

Where to Buy Philodendrons in the Philippines

• Cartimar Plant Market, Pasay - Widest selection of common and rare philodendrons at competitive prices
• Facebook groups - "Philodendron Collectors PH" and "Rare Aroids Philippines" connect buyers with trusted growers
• Shopee and Lazada - Search for specific varieties with buyer reviews and nationwide shipping
• Local nurseries - Nurseries in Marikina, Antipolo, Tagaytay, and Laguna stock popular and rare varieties
• Plant expos - Regular plant fairs in Manila and Cebu feature rare philodendrons from top collectors

For detailed species information, visit our philodendron plant guide page.

Frequently Asked Questions