The Allure of Rare Aroids: Philodendrons and Anthuriums
Step into the world of rare houseplants and you’ll see why people get hooked. We’re talking big leaves, velvet textures, metallic sheens. Leaves and textures so dramatic, they look almost unreal. Most of these green icons come from one family: Araceae (pronounced air-AY-see-ee), better known as aroids.
It’s a family reunion full of stars. Think variegated monsteras, dramatic alocasias, and patterned syngoniums. But if we’re being honest, two groups tend to steal the spotlight every time: philodendrons and anthuriums.
Philodendrons are growers. They climb, sprawl, and send out leaf after leaf that seems to outdo the last. Anthuriums are the showers. Bold, glossy foliage, sometimes velvety, sometimes shimmering, always impossible to ignore. Together, they’re the plants people hunt for, talk about, and proudly display once they finally get their hands on them.
They’re rare, yes. Sometimes pricey, sure. But once you get a feel for what they need, they reward you with the kind of beauty you can’t ignore.
Philodendrons: The Forgiving Collector
Philodendrons are often the first rare houseplants people bring home, and one of the most rewarding to care for. They’re forgiving and patient, able to handle the occasional slip in care without giving up on you. Still, they have their preferences, and if something feels off, they’ll find a way to let you know.
Do’s:
Watch their leaves. Yellowing often means too much water, while long gaps between leaves are a cry for more light. If new leaves are coming in smaller than the last, they want better conditions. Try more support, brighter light, or richer soil.
Rotate philodendrons regularly for even growth. These plants naturally reach for the light. Turning the pot every week or two helps them grow evenly instead of leaning dramatically in one direction.
Give them something to climb. In the wild, philodendrons scale trees, and they’re happiest when they can do the same at home. A moss pole or board encourages larger, more dramatic leaves. Without it, they’ll grow but not nearly as impressively.
Don’ts:
Don’t smother the roots. These are rainforest climbers, used to loose, airy soil. Heavy potting mixes keep them wet too long and can rot the roots. Go for chunky. Like bark, perlite, even a bit of charcoal.
Don’t rush new growth. Philodendron leaves often start out small and tightly curled. Tugging them open too soon can tear the leaf. Let them unfurl naturally. Watching that slow reveal is part of the reward.
Avoid treating them like pothos. At first glance, they look like cousins. Both are vining, leafy, and lush. But pothos are the easygoing ones, happy to trail from a shelf in almost any soil or light. Philodendrons, on the other hand, ask for more. Treating them the same way usually leads to smaller, weaker growth and a plant that never shows its full potential.
Common care mistake: chasing variegation the wrong way. Many rare philodendrons have variegated leaves, but if you cut off or prune the wrong parts, you risk losing that variegation.
Anthuriums: The High-Maintenance Beauty
Call them divas if you want, but anthuriums know how to make an entrance.They wear their moods on their leaves, telling you exactly what they need. And when you get it right, the reward feels almost magical. The payoff is stunning foliage and (if you’re lucky) those famous blooms.
Do’s:
Keep humidity high. Anthuriums come from rainforests, not dry living rooms, and their leaves will tell on you if the air is too dry. When they don’t get it, their leaves respond with crispy tips.
Give them steady, bright light. These plants won’t bloom in dark corners. Think bright but gentle. Place them near a window with filtered light, and you’ll see stronger growth and a better chance at blooms.
Check the roots often. Healthy leaves start with healthy roots. Anthurium roots are thick and white, built for air as much as water. Use a loose, chunky mix to keep them breathing easy and thriving.
Don’ts:
Don’t ignore the signs. Anthuriums are expressive plants. Brown tips hint at dry air, droopy leaves signal root stress, and the absence of blooms is almost always linked to poor lighting. Pay attention early, and small adjustments will keep them happy.
Don’t skip airflow. These plants need fresh air, too. Stale air makes it easier for rot to spread and pests to settle in. Even light circulation helps their foliage stay vibrant, reducing stress on the plant and making care easier in the long run.
Don’t crowd the pot. Anthuriums like a little breathing room. When roots circle too tightly or the plant is packed in with no space left, growth slows and stress shows on the leaves. Repot every couple of years to keep them comfortable.
Pro tip: Don’t stress when your anthurium isn’t blooming. They naturally go through rest periods, even under perfect conditions. Use that time to focus on healthy leaves and roots and the flowers will follow.
The Common Ground Between the Two
For all their differences, philodendrons and anthuriums share some core needs. Drainage is non-negotiable. No matter how beautiful the pot, if water can’t escape, roots will sit in soggy soil and eventually rot. Always choose containers with holes or create a drainage layer so both plants can breathe.
Another universal truth? Clean leaves are happy leaves. Dust might seem harmless, but it blocks light and makes it harder for your plants to photosynthesize. It also gives pests a place to hide. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth not only keeps foliage glossy, it helps prevent infestations before they start.
And speaking of pests, aroids are magnets for the usual suspects: thrips, mites, and mealybugs. They especially love the tender undersides of new growth. Get in the habit of checking your plants regularly, even when they look fine. Catching an issue early means a quick fix, while waiting too long can turn one bug into a full-blown headache.
Philodendrons and anthuriums may carry the reputation of being “collector plants,” but they’re not as intimidating as they look. They’ll show you when they’re thriving, they’ll warn you when they’re stressed, and with a little attention, they’ll grow into pieces you’ll be proud to display.
At the end of the day, these plants aren’t asking for perfection: just presence. The more you pay attention, the more they give back. In growth, in beauty, in the quiet joy of watching something thrive because of you. That’s what makes philodendrons and anthuriums worth every bit of effort.
Caring for rare plants is a little easier — and a lot more joyful — when we do it together. Come be part of our community, where plants meet vintage, and every home becomes a mix of living greens and storied pieces.
Connect with others @SproutandSageVintage and @SproutandSagePlants who believe homes grow best when they’re layered with life and history
Pair this with the eco-friendly practices from Grow Greener: 10 Simple Ways to Be a Sustainable Plant Parent and you’ll create a collection that’s as sustainable as it is stunning.
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One wipe, one check, one deep drink — that’s often all it takes. You got this!
💛 KD