Overview

Philodendron is a climbing conservatory greenhouse in the genus Philodendron, part of the Araceae family, with evergreen foliage. Philodendron grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1A. Suggested uses include houseplants.

About

Philodendron, commonly known as Chinese ivy, is an evergreen climbing plant from the Araceae family. It thrives in partial shade and prefers a sheltered position with moist but well-drained loam soil that is acid to neutral in pH. Suitable as a houseplant, it is best grown in conservatories or greenhouses in the UK, where it is protected due to its H1A hardiness rating. Propagation is typically done by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings, and the plant is particularly attractive during the spring and summer seasons.

About the genus

Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. As of September 2025, the Plants of the World Online accepted 625 species; other sources accept different numbers. Regardless of number of species, the genus is the second-largest member of the family Araceae, after genus Anthurium.

Wikipedia contributors, "Philodendron", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Philodendron

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Philodendron

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1A

Plant details

Philodendron size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Evergreen

Suggested uses

Houseplants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Philodendron

Propagation

Propagate by stem-tip or leaf bud cuttings

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions