philodendron

noun

phil·​o·​den·​dron ˌfi-lə-ˈden-drən 

plural philodendrons also philodendra ˌfi-lə-ˈden-drə 

: any of various aroid plants (as of the genus Philodendron) that are cultivated for their showy foliage

Illustration of philodendron

Examples of philodendron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Good foliage plants for these low light areas include pothos, heartleaf philodendrons, aglaonema, sansevieria (snake plant), ZZ plant and variegate schefflera. —Tom MacCubbin, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025

To get the vining look at home, train a climbing plant like philodendrons, monstera, or pothos to climb upwards against a wall. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2025

Try these houseplants: monstera, peace lily, philodendron, pothos, snake plant, ZZ plant. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2025

Split leaf philodendron doesn’t climb like a monstera, and is faster growing, too. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, neuter of philodendros loving trees, from phil- + dendron tree — more at dendr-

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing philodendron

• cutleaf philodendron
• split leaf philodendron

Kids Definition

philodendron

noun

philo·​den·​dron

ˌfil-ə-ˈden-drən

plural philodendrons also philodendra

-drə

: any of several plants of the arum family that are often grown for their showy usually shiny leaves