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Today indoor plants are a vital component of any urban aesthetic establishment. And for all the right reasons.
They are easy to plant and care for, do not require meticulous attention, and add so many colors to any home.
Anthurium and philodendrons are two of the most popular and famous indoor plants that are easy to grow and convenient to look after.
They share certain similarities, but there are some important differences as well. This article will explore them in detail to make it easier for you to plant them. So, let’s get to know them both a little bit better.
Symbolism
Philodendrons are a popular symbol of health and abundance. Similarly, anthurium is known for representing hospitality. Both of these plants make excellent gifts for Christmas or any other festive occasion.
They radiate a sense of warmth and joy, which is indispensable for any home.
Anthurium vs Philodendron – What are the Similarities
Anthurium and philodendrons both belong to the same family of plants called aroids. Aroids are a big plant family containing mostly household plants.
It is very easy to grow both anthurium and philodendrons indoors. They are pretty aesthetic and give a beautiful warm feel to any indoor setting. And if that is not enough, they are not hard to care for either.
With some basic care, you can easily grow any of them in your home, hostel room, office, or pretty much anywhere you want! Anthurium and philodendrons have similar growth requirements in general.
They both like a certain amount of exposure to indirect sunlight and moderate to high humidity levels.
However, direct sunlight can burn them, so it is advisable to keep them near windows or anywhere away from direct sunshine.
The other growth requirements like temperature and water are not very different either.
One thing that sets these plants apart from other indoor plants is that they are easy to grow and maintain. This quality makes them ideal for people with busy schedules.
Anthurium vs Philodendron – What are the Differences
That being said, there are certainly some differences between the two genera as well. Anthurium generally likes to grow well in a compact and self-heading fashion.
Their stems do not need much support to be stable. Their stems develop a somewhat old look, with aerial roots hanging downward with time.
The growth habits of philodendrons are somewhat different. In general, philodendrons tend to be both self-heading and vining.
It is unlikely to be an anthurium if you spot a plant growing upward on a vine or hanging down from it. Another key difference is the look of petioles.
Anthuriums generally tend to have thin petioles, whereas philodendrons have short petioles which have a fleshy appearance.
It is certainly not easy to tell them apart just by looking at them. Still, these points will help you identify whether a plant belongs to anthurium or philodendrons!
Anthurium vs Philodendron – Where Is The Best Place To Plant Them
A common mistake people make while planting philodendrons and anthurium is picking up the wrong location for their plants.
It is important to place your philodendrons and anthurium in the right place where they have access to all of their vital requirements to grow with ease.
With anthurium, you need to take certain precautions as well because anthurium is toxic to both humans and animals. So if you are a pet owner or a parent, place your plants away from the kids and the pets.
Also, try to place them in a spot where they get exposed to indirect sunlight to a certain extent. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can burn your plants.
Keeping these requirements in mind, kitchens and washrooms can be ideal spots for placing your plants because anthurium and philodendrons tend to grow well in humid conditions.
Just make sure that your plants get enough sunshine; otherwise, they will die.
Philodendrons generally can adapt to dark somewhat better than anthurium, but they also need some amount of exposure to indirect sunlight for optimum growth.
Both plants are alike in terms of their love for humidity. At the same time, you do not need to water your plants excessively because it will cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Anthurium vs Philodendron – Varieties
There are about 500 different varieties of philodendrons. Similarly, there is a wide variety of anthurium as well.
This section will cover some of the most popular and common types of both philodendrons and anthurium, along with their specific characteristics and features.
Popular Philodendrons Varieties
1) Philodendron Hope Selloum
The Philodendron Hope Selloum is known for its eye-catching sculptural leaves, this variety of philodendrons has become a common feature on Instagram reels and modern homes.
Check out our article on the philodendron selloum vs xanadu for more information on the philodendron selloum
2) Philodendron Prince of Orange
This variety has a characteristic exotic look. It tends to grow leaves resembling shades of orange, which turn light green as they mature.
3) Pink Princess
This beautiful plant will leave you in awe due to its vibrant pink leaves. It tends to grow well in high exposure to indirect sunlight and a humid environment.
4) Philodendron Brasil
The name comes from the color of its green and yellow leaves. The philodendron Brasil is a cute variety is a popular valentine’s day gift because of its heart-shaped leaves.
5) Philodendron Heartleaf
Heartleaf is one of the easiest plants to grow because it grows well in various conditions. Therefore, it is very forgivable when it comes to neglect, although it is not recommended.
6) Philodendron Lemon Lime
This classic variety is perhaps a little less known than it should be. But it will be an ideal addition to your home because of its brilliant foliage of bright colors.
You may be interested in what is the rarest philodendron which can be found here.
Popular Anthurium Varieties
1) King Anthurium
The name isn’t surprising, considering its leaves can grow up to a height of 1 ft indoors. However, this variety grows best in hanging baskets.
2) Anthurium Andreanum
Also known as “the flamingo lily,” this variety is known for its characteristic red flowers. However, some varieties tend to grow shades of white and pink as well. Known for their spectacular beauty, these plants are valuable to any home.
3) Velvet Cardboard Anthurium
This tropical variety has quite a reputation for its green and white leaves. It grows best in a moss pole fashion.
4) Anthurium Ace of Spades
The ace of spades is mainly grown for its foliage. It can grow up to a length of 3 ft. Its large fuzzy oval leaves are enough to dazzle anyone!
5) Anthurium Forgetti
This variety hails from Columbia. It has nice oval velvety leaves with prominent veins in the center, giving it a beautiful warm look. It is one of the most popular houseplants.
If you have any anthurium leaf problem check out our article on how to solve anthurium leaf problems.
Final Thoughts
Indoor plants are a great way to remain connected with mother nature without fully disconnecting from the reality of the modern world.
Philodendron and anthurium are two of the most well-known varieties of household plants. They are pretty easy to grow and add a lot of beauty to any indoor setting.
Just keep them away from direct sunshine and water them moderately to have a stunning addition to your home.
Some of the varieties can be toxic for both humans and animals if ingested, so place them somewhere away from your kids and pets.
Follow these basic steps, and you will have a lively, vibrant home filled with spectacular sights of beautiful plants! Happy planting!
Before you go, here are some more related articles I encourage you to read below to help solve more of your gardening issues:
What is the Ideal Humidity for an Anthurium
Why is Your Anthurium Flower Bud Turning Brown
Why Does Your Anthurium Have Holes In Its Leaves
How to Care for a Philodendron Over Winter
Can a Philodendron be put Outside
What are the Benefits of Having a Philodendron
