I am such a sucker for big velvety heart-shaped leaves. I thought it would be fun to go over some of my favorites!
It’s no secret that philodendrons are loved for their strange foliage. So it’s no surprise that heart-shaped leaves are some of the most popular philodendrons in the houseplant world.
Melanochrysum
Let’s start with the mother of heart-shaped leaves, the Melanochrysum. The philodendron melanochrysum is a stunner of a plant. Mature specimens can grow extraordinarily long and develop breathtaking velvety foliage.
Generally, the Melanochrysum is relatively easygoing. It can do well in bright to moderate light and thrives with a moss pole or totem’s support. Like most Philodendrons, it’s important to let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering. I always stick my finger in my plants’ soil; it really is the best way to tell whether it needs watering.
Gloriosum
The Philodendron Gloriosum is another big-leafed fan favorite. There’s something so lovely and straightforward about the Philodendron Gloriosum. With large and pillowy heart-shaped leaves, it’s hard not to fall in love with them. Its bright white veins help the Gloriosum stand out from the rest.
Relatively easygoing, the Gloriosum is a crawler, which means it won’t be going up any moss pole. But that doesn’t make it any less beautiful!
Glorious (Melanochrysum x Gloriosum)
Just when you thought Philodendrons couldn’t get any better, along come the hybrids. The Philodendron Glorious is precisely that; glorious. It might very well be my favorite velvety heart-shaped leaf.
Taking the best attributes from the Melanochrysum and the Gloriosum, the Glorious likes to climb or crawl, making it quite a variable plant. It is easily one of the most beautiful Philodendron hybrids.
Verrucosum
Not only does the Philodendron Verrosum have some beautiful velevety heart-shaped leaves, it also features a fuzzy petiole! Some people may not be fans of fuzzy or hairy stems, but I think it is just adorable. Verrocosum’s are a bit more sensitive than other philodendrons on this list. From my experience, they do not enjoy being shipped very much, and require a higher humidity.
Melanochrysum x Verrucosum
Probably my favorite hybrid, the Philodendron Melanochrysum x Verrucosum is such an easygoing philodendron that is just a pleasure to grow. Also known as the Philodendron Splendid this hyrbid is such a statement piece in any collection. Mine thrives with little interference, attaching itself to its pole and shooting out a new leaf almost every week. The foliage features the beauty of a verrucosum without the added fragility.
Luxurians
Philodendron Luxurians are just that, luxurious. Their velvety leaves almost shine in the right lighting. With thick contrasting white veins, it’s sure to add a pop to your heart-shaped leaf collection. Luxurians tend to enjoy lower light, as they like to grow across the forest floor.
El Choco Red
An undescribed Philodendron species from Ecuador, the El Choco Red is quite a beauty. Although there is a whole naming debate surrounding this plant, it is a gorgeous collectors plant. It is closely related to the Philodendron Verrocosum and Philodendron Luxurians.
What makes this plant so unique is the striking red backside of the leaves. That’s not to say that the front isn’t gorgeous too, with its velvety texture and pillowy shape.
Thanks for the education, Dee. Do you sell some or all of these varieties on your Lutz Botanicals web site?