13 Rare Philodendrons That Have a Serious Fan Club
Philodendrons are among the most beloved houseplants, known for their lush foliage and easy care. But some varieties stand out as rare gems, adored by collectors and plant enthusiasts alike. These unique species capture attention with their stunning leaves, vibrant colors, and fascinating growth patterns. The allure of these rare Philodendrons goes beyond their beauty; their scarcity makes them highly sought after, creating a devoted fan base. Caring for them requires a bit more effort, but the reward is well worth it for those who appreciate their distinctive charm.
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Philodendron Pink Princess
The Philodendron Pink Princess is one of the most coveted plants in the Philodendron family, and for good reason. With its striking pink variegation on dark green leaves, it offers a stunning contrast that catches the eye of anyone who sees it. This beauty is relatively rare, as the pink patterns can vary significantly from plant to plant, making each one unique. It is not only its looks that have captured the attention of plant collectors, but also its relatively easy care requirements.
It thrives in indirect light and requires moderate watering, making it a low-maintenance addition to any plant collection. Despite its beauty, finding one of these plants in good condition can be quite a challenge, which is why it has developed such a devoted fan base. With proper care, it can grow into a stunning specimen, with the pink spots becoming more vibrant as the plant matures.
Philodendron Gloriosum
The Philodendron Gloriosum is another fan favorite known for its large, velvety heart-shaped leaves. The plant’s leaves are a deep green with prominent white veins that give it a beautiful, almost ethereal look. This Philodendron variety is native to South America and has become a highly sought-after collectible due to its beauty and rarity. It grows slowly, but when it does, it produces thick, lush leaves that make it a standout piece in any indoor garden.
The Philodendron Gloriosum requires a warm, humid environment to thrive, making it ideal for a tropical setting. While it is not the easiest to care for, its stunning appearance makes it well worth the effort for any serious plant collector.
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti
The Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is arguably one of the rarest and most expensive Philodendrons on the market. Native to Brazil, this plant has long, narrow, and deeply lobed leaves that create a striking and dramatic appearance. The leaves are a pale green, making it stand out from other varieties of Philodendron.
Due to its rarity, it has become a symbol of status among plant collectors, and it is often sold for astronomical prices. As with many rare plants, the Spiritus Sancti requires specific care conditions, including high humidity and indirect light. It is a slow grower and can be difficult to find, making it highly coveted by those looking to add an exotic touch to their collection.
Philodendron Tortum
The Philodendron Tortum is an uncommon variety that is distinguished by its unique, twisting, and contorted leaf structure. Its narrow leaves curl and twist in all directions, creating an interesting texture that appeals to many plant collectors. It is a relatively slow-growing plant, but with proper care, it can develop into a striking specimen with its distinct leaf form.
This variety requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive, which is typical for most tropical Philodendrons. Because it is not as widely available, it has become a rare find among collectors. The Tortum’s unique shape and texture make it a standout addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate unusual plant forms.
Philodendron Billietiae
The Philodendron Billietiae is a beautiful, rare variety that boasts striking yellow veins running through its large, leathery green leaves. This plant is native to the Amazonian region and has become a prized specimen for plant collectors. The yellow veins create an eye-catching contrast against the dark green foliage, making it a standout in any collection.
It requires a warm, humid environment and does best with indirect light. While it can be a bit finicky when it comes to care, its unique appearance and rarity make it a must-have for serious collectors. The Philodendron Billietiae can take time to establish itself, but with patience, it rewards collectors with its distinctive and stunning leaves.
Philodendron Melanochrysum
The Philodendron Melanochrysum is a favorite among collectors for its large, velvety leaves that transition from dark green to a rich, almost black hue as they mature. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a subtle shimmer that gives the plant an otherworldly look. It is a climbing variety that can grow quite tall, making it an ideal choice for those with the space to accommodate its size.
The Melanochrysum thrives in high humidity and indirect light, making it well-suited for indoor environments. Because it is not always readily available, it has become a rare find for plant collectors. With its unique leaf texture and color, the Philodendron Melanochrysum is highly prized by plant enthusiasts who appreciate its beauty and rarity.
Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
The Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ is a beautiful variety known for its attractive, deeply lobed leaves. It is a compact variety that makes it perfect for those with limited space but still want to add a rare plant to their collection. The leaves have a glossy appearance and are a deep green, adding a touch of vibrancy to any room. It is relatively easy to care for, requiring moderate light and regular watering.
While the ‘Xanadu’ is not as rare as some of the other varieties, it is still highly sought after due to its unique leaf shape and ease of care. This plant is a great choice for those who want a beautiful and rare addition to their home without the difficulty of high-maintenance care.
Philodendron Verrucosum
The Philodendron Verrucosum is a rare beauty that stands out with its large, velvety leaves covered in a fine, soft texture. The deep green leaves have prominent yellow veins that give the plant a unique and striking appearance. This plant is native to Central America and thrives in tropical climates, which means it requires warmth, high humidity, and indirect light to flourish.
Although it is a bit fussy about its care, those who provide the right environment will be rewarded with an incredibly beautiful and unique plant. Its slow growth and high demand make it a collector’s item, often sought after by serious plant enthusiasts. The Philodendron Verrucosum’s stunning foliage and rare availability make it a showstopper in any plant collection.
Philodendron Jose Buono
The Philodendron Jose Buono is a rare hybrid known for its large, leathery, and glossy leaves. This plant has an interesting combination of dark green and light green leaves with striking red stems, which makes it stand out in any collection. The leaves are heart-shaped, and as the plant matures, they develop a beautiful velvety texture.
It is a climbing Philodendron that requires a sturdy support structure to grow properly. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires consistent moisture to remain healthy. While it is not as common as other varieties, its unique appearance and slow growth rate have earned it a dedicated fan base among plant collectors.
Philodendron Golden Dragon
The Philodendron Golden Dragon is a stunning variety with leaves that have a golden-yellow hue that changes as the plant matures. The plant’s leaves are elongated and have a unique, elongated shape, which gives it a dramatic appearance compared to other Philodendrons. It is a climbing variety, meaning it will need some support to grow properly, and it can reach impressive heights with time.
The Golden Dragon thrives in moderate to bright light and requires regular watering to keep its roots healthy. Though not as commonly found in the plant market, its rare and vibrant appearance makes it a must-have for collectors. With proper care, the Golden Dragon can turn into a majestic plant, offering a pop of color and texture to any space.
Philodendron Burle Marx
The Philodendron Burle Marx is a beloved variety known for its glossy, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped with a slight wave to the edges. Its compact size makes it an excellent option for smaller spaces, and its tropical aesthetic adds a touch of lush greenery to any room. The plant is relatively easy to care for, thriving in moderate to low light conditions and requiring only occasional watering.
While it is not as rare as some of the other varieties, it has earned a loyal following due to its striking appearance and ability to adapt to a variety of environments. Its slow-growing nature and unique leaf shape make it an attractive and somewhat rare find for plant collectors looking for something special but manageable.
Philodendron Bipinnatifidum
The Philodendron Bipinnatifidum, often referred to as the “Tree Philodendron,” is a large, impressive plant with deeply lobed leaves that give it a tropical, almost rainforest-like appearance. It is a slow-growing climber, but when given enough space, it can become a substantial indoor tree. The leaves are a bright, glossy green that deepens with age, and they have a unique, almost fern-like shape.
While this plant requires more space than smaller varieties, its dramatic appearance makes it a highly sought-after specimen for plant lovers who have room for it. The Philodendron Bipinnatifidum requires indirect light and consistent moisture, along with a humid environment to thrive. Its size and striking foliage make it a must-have for collectors looking for a rare statement piece in their collection.
Philodendron Tetrasperma
The Philodendron Tetrasperma is often referred to as the “Mini Monstera” because of its unique leaf shape, which resembles a small version of the Monstera Deliciosa. This plant is prized for its distinctive split leaves and easy care, making it a popular choice among collectors who prefer a smaller, more manageable plant. It thrives in moderate to bright light and requires regular watering, making it an ideal plant for both beginner and experienced collectors.
Although it is not as rare as some of the other varieties on this list, it still commands a high level of attention for its unique appearance. Its compact size and dramatic foliage make it a favorite among those who want the beauty of a Monstera without the large size.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.