Philodendron

Philodendron Overview

Philodendron is a large genus containing around 500 accepted species of evergreen shrubs, trees and climbers in the Araceae family. These plants are native to the tropical Americas and the West Indies, with many species also found in Australia, some Pacific islands, Africa and Asia - although this may reflect introductions or accidental escapes from cultivation. They have glossy, leathery, simple to pinnately-divided leaves and arum-like inflorescences containing tiny flowers. They are popularly grown as houseplants for their handsome foliage and impressive architectural form. A wide range of exciting variegated cultivars are rapidly gaining popularity. When growing Philodendron, it's advised to support climbing stems using a moss pole, and mist twice daily in the summer. Philodendron plants are toxic to both humans and pets. They can also be a skin irritant.