Lover of trees

The philodendron is a member of the Aracea family. Its name literally means tree lover – ‘philo’ being Greek for ‘love’ and ‘dendron ’meaning ‘tree’. And this is where you will find it in the wilds of Central and South America, scrambling up trees and dangling in the dimness beneath the canopy. Indoors, philodendrons are much-prized for their air-purifying abilities, but they are also known for symbolising health and abundance. Thanks to their resilience, they make fantastic indoor plants, growing quickly and adding an undeniable tropical lushness to any display, without being too precious or demanding.  

Here are five of our favourite philodendrons for office planting 

Philodendron scandens

Many of you will recognise Philodendron scandens, as it has become a very popular houseplant in recent years – and quite rightly so in our opinion! Otherwise known as the Sweetheart Plant because of its heart-shaped leaves, this incredibly versatile plant is equally happy draping itself over the side of a hanging basket or scrambling up a moss pole. Growing rapidly, Philodendron scandens can reach up to 4m long! We can’t decide if we like it more hanging from one of our EnviroGrids over a coffee bar or scrambling up a pole and adding vertical interest in a tight space! It also comes in a variegated form, Philodendron scandens ‘Brasil’.

Philodendron ‘Narrow’

With its long, serrated leaves, it’s no surprise that Philodendron ‘Narrow’ is sometimes called ‘Tiger Tooth’. The leaves are leathery and can grow up to 90cms long. As a standalone plant, Philodendron ‘Narrow’ has a beautiful arching habit and makes a lovely table-top plant. A bold sweep of Philodendron ‘Narrow’ in one of our EnviroZone planters can make a stunning display that also doubles up as a mobile screen. 

Philodendron selloum

This philodendron is a real show-off, so if you’re looking for impact and tropical vibes, look no further! Broad saw-toothed leaves explode from a thick woody stem – this plant is also known as the Lacy Tree Philodendron and it’s easy to see why. This is a statement plant that deserves a bit of space to shine – the leaves can grow up to 90cms wide and the plant can reach 3m in the right conditions. It can be used to dress smart reception areas or as the central focus of a larger planted display. 

Philodendron ‘Xanadu’

Unlike many Philodendrons, the Xanadu is an upright plant, not a climber or a vine. Its glossy, dark green, frilly leaves and umbrella-like growing habit make it an interesting standalone feature plant. It looks especially beautiful in a dark coloured pot, and with the right lighting, throws striking architectural shadows – ideal for a tranquil soft-seating area.

Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’

Undeniably tropical, Philodendron ‘Imperial Red’ has a neat and compact appearance. It's less greedy for space than some of its relatives, and perhaps less showy, but this makes it incredibly useful for filling mixed displays or fitting into tighter spots. We think it’s a hardworking hero plant for areas of the office that don’t enjoy a lot of natural light.

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It’s easy to see why philodendrons have an enduring appeal – they are lush and tropical, yet relatively low-maintenance and tolerant of indoor conditions. They can provide impact, structure and atmosphere, but also fit into a space on a shelf or a difficult corner if required. Combining ‘wow’ factor with versatility and an undemanding temperament is no mean feat, but philodendrons nail it!