Philodendron: The 'Tree-Loving' Houseplant With a Toxic Secret

Few houseplant names are as literal as this one: "Philodendron" comes from the Greek philo (loving) + dendron (tree) — "tree lover." Botanist H. W. Schott coined it in 1829, and it has nothing to do with heart-shaped leaves, despite what you might have read. It describes how most of these plants grow in the wild: climbing up tree trunks in the rainforest canopy.

Meet the Philodendron Family at Orange's Home

Same genus, wildly different leaf shapes and growth habits — here are 7 varieties in the shop right now.

Philodendron Birkin

Compact and tidy, with crisp white pinstripes running down each dark green leaf. Details: Philodendron Birkin.

Philodendron Florida Beauty Variegated

Deeply lobed leaves splashed with cream and white — no two leaves look quite the same. Details: Philodendron Florida Beauty Variegated.

Philodendron 'Ring of Fire'

A true showpiece — jagged leaves splashed with red, orange, cream and green all at once. Details: Philodendron 'Ring of Fire'.

Philodendron Gloriosum

Velvety, heart-shaped leaves with striking white veins. See the fun fact below — this one breaks the "tree-loving" rule entirely. Details: Philodendron Gloriosum.

Philodendron Domesticum

Long, glossy, arrow-shaped leaves on a plant that climbs eagerly given something to grab onto. Details: Philodendron Domesticum.

Philodendron Mayoi

Narrow, deeply lobed leaves that look almost feathery — a very different silhouette from its cousins. Details: Philodendron Mayoi.

Philodendron McDowell

Big, round, glossy leaves with a silvery sheen — one of the more dramatic Philodendrons for a statement corner. Details: Philodendron McDowell.

The One That Breaks Its Own Name's Rule

"Tree-loving" describes most Philodendrons — but not Philodendron gloriosum. Instead of climbing, it creeps: its stem lengthens horizontally along the ground, with root nodes gripping fallen logs, rocks and soil as it goes, sometimes spreading over a metre wide. No moss pole needed — just a wide, shallow pot. (Quick tip if you're shopping by name: don't confuse it with Philodendron 'Glorious', a hybrid that does climb — easy to mix up, very different plant.)

Important: Keep It Away From Cats and Dogs

The ASPCA lists Philodendron species as toxic to both cats and dogs. The leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — sharp, needle-like structures that irritate the mouth and GI tract on contact. Signs include drooling, oral irritation and vomiting. If your pet chews on one, don't try to induce vomiting yourself — call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control right away. Looking for a collectible houseplant that's actually pet-safe instead? See our guide: Pet-Safe Plants for Collectors.

Care Basics

• Light: bright indirect light; variegated types (Birkin, Florida Beauty, Ring of Fire) need more light to keep their patterns.

• Water: let the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings.

• Support: climbing types (Birkin, Domesticum, McDowell) appreciate a moss pole as they mature; Gloriosum does not.

• Humidity: average home humidity is fine; higher humidity makes for bigger, glossier leaves.

Come see the full Philodendron selection in store, or message us if you're not sure which leaf shape fits your space.