Philodendron

tropical plants · indoor gardening · climbing vines

Love of trees. The name philodendron comes from Greek words meaning 'love' and 'tree.' In nature, these plants grow by climbing up tree trunks in tropical rainforests, using their roots to grip the bark as they reach toward the sunlight.

Houseplant superstars. Philodendrons are grown all over the world as indoor plants because they're tough, beautiful, and don't need tons of sunlight or special care. Many people keep them on desks, shelves, and windowsills because they're so forgiving.

Massive plant family. Scientists have identified over 625 species of philodendron, making it one of the largest plant families ever. It's the second-biggest genus in its plant family, right after anthuriums, with new species still being discovered.

Still being discovered. Even though philodendrons are so common as houseplants, scientists don't fully understand how all the different species are related to each other. Many species in tropical rainforests haven't even been named or studied yet.

Actual flowers. Even though we think of philodendrons as leafy houseplants, they do produce flowers in nature. Their flowers cluster together in a unique spike that's protected by a large, colorful leaf called a spathe.