Philodendron is a huge genus, and the plants fall into two groups: climbers that want to go up, and trailers that want to hang down. Knowing which one you own makes care much easier.
Climbing Philodendrons
Climbers such as Philodendron gloriosum, Philodendron melanochrysum and Philodendron Pink Princess grow aerial roots and larger leaves when they have something to climb. Give them a moss pole, coir pole or trellis and tie the stem loosely to it.
Trailing Philodendrons
Trailers such as Philodendron Micans, Philodendron Brasil and Philodendron Hederaceum are perfect for shelves, hanging baskets and bookcases. Their vines can grow several metres.
How to tell them apart
- Leaf size: climbers get bigger leaves as they mature on a pole.
- Stem: trailers have thin, flexible stems; climbers have thicker, upright stems.
- Aerial roots: climbers produce strong aerial roots that grip the pole.
Pruning each type
Trailers become fuller when you pinch back the tips. Climbers are pruned just above a node to control height; every cutting can be propagated.
Care is almost the same
Both groups like bright, indirect light, an airy aroid mix and watering when the top few centimetres dry out. The main difference is support: climbers get a pole, trailers get height.
Explore both types in our Philodendron collection.