Royal Philodendron Varieties – Your Ultimate Guide To Growing Regal

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

There’s something truly magical about bringing a new plant into your home, isn’t there? You see a gorgeous philodendron at the nursery, its lush leaves promising a touch of the tropical jungle. But then you start to hear whispers of the “royal” ones—plants with velvety, dramatic foliage that look like they belong in a palace.

I promise that this world of breathtaking plants isn’t as intimidating as it seems. You don’t need a royal title to grow these beauties successfully. With the right knowledge, anyone can cultivate these living works of art.

In this complete guide, we’ll journey through the most stunning royal philodendron varieties, giving you a detailed roadmap to their care. We’ll cover everything from light and water to solving common issues, ensuring you have the confidence to help your regal plants not just survive, but truly thrive.

What Makes a Philodendron “Royal”? Unveiling the Regal Charm

Before we dive in, let’s clear something up. The term “royal” isn’t a scientific classification you’ll find in a botany textbook. It’s a loving nickname coined by plant enthusiasts for a specific group of philodendrons that share some truly majestic qualities.

Think of it as the plant world’s version of haute couture. These varieties stand out from the crowd with their sophisticated and often dramatic features. They are the kings and queens of the Philodendron genus.

So, what are their defining characteristics?

  • Velvety Texture: Many royal varieties have a stunning, soft, velvety, or satin-like sheen on their leaves that beautifully catches the light.
  • Dramatic Foliage: They often boast incredibly dark green, almost black, leaves that create a striking contrast with their surroundings.
  • Prominent Veining: Look for pronounced, contrasting veins in shades of silver, white, or creamy green that trace intricate patterns across the leaf surface.
  • Impressive Size: With the right care, the leaves on these plants can grow to an impressive, statement-making size, turning any corner of your home into a focal point.

The Crowning Jewels: A Closer Look at Popular Royal Philodendron Varieties

Ready to meet the royal family? Each of these plants has its own unique personality and charm. This royal philodendron varieties guide will help you choose the perfect one for your home and skill level.

Philodendron Melanochrysum (Black Gold Philodendron)

If there’s one plant that truly embodies the “royal” title, it’s the Philodendron melanochrysum. Its name means “black gold,” which perfectly describes its juvenile leaves that shimmer with a golden iridescence.

As it matures, the long, heart-shaped leaves deepen into a dark, velvety black-green, accented by pale green or yellow veins. This is a vining variety that absolutely loves to climb. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners willing to provide a little support!

Pro-Tip: To get those jaw-dropping, two-foot-long mature leaves, you must give it a moss pole or wooden plank to climb. This mimics its natural environment and signals the plant to size up.

Philodendron Gloriosum

Unlike the climbing Melanochrysum, the Philodendron gloriosum is a terrestrial crawler. It prefers to creep along the ground rather than climb upwards. Its beauty is simply undeniable.

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It features massive, heart-shaped leaves with a soft, velvety texture. The most captivating feature is the network of striking, bright white veins that stand out against the deep green foliage. It’s a showstopper, pure and simple.

Pro-Tip: Plant your Gloriosum in a rectangular planter or a wide, shallow pot. This gives its rhizome (the thick stem) room to crawl across the surface of the soil, which is essential for its health and growth.

Philodendron Verrucosum

The Philodendron verrucosum is the eccentric and fuzzy member of the royal court. Its deep green, velvety leaves are stunning on their own, but the real magic is on the back and the stems.

The undersides of the leaves often have a reddish or burgundy hue, and the petioles (leaf stalks) are covered in unique, fuzzy hairs called trichomes. This plant screams “ex

Rimon Chowdhury
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