The Philodendron genus is celebrated for its vast array of foliage, ranging from velvety heart-shaped leaves to deeply lobed, intricate forms. With hundreds of species exhibiting both vining and upright growth habits, these tropical plants are popular among novice and experienced collectors. Finding the perfect specimen requires knowing where to look, as different sources offer varying degrees of quality, selection, and risk. This guide explores the diverse venues available for purchasing Philodendrons, from local shops to online specialists.
Local Stores and Garden Centers
Buying a Philodendron locally offers the advantage of immediate physical inspection, allowing buyers to assess plant health before purchase. Large chain home improvement stores often carry easy-to-grow, common varieties at accessible price points. Here, shoppers are most likely to find the classic vining Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) or the variegated ‘Brasil’ cultivar.
Independent nurseries and local garden centers offer a higher level of quality control and a more diverse range of options. While their prices may be higher, these businesses often stock less common varieties like the upright ‘Birkin’ or the velvety-leafed Philodendron micans. Purchasing locally also eliminates the risk and cost associated with shipping a live plant. This option is best suited for beginners or those seeking readily available, robust varieties.
Dedicated Online Nurseries
For collectors interested in acquiring rare Philodendron cultivars, dedicated online nurseries and aroid specialists are the primary resource. These retailers provide access to highly sought-after plants not commonly found in physical stores, such as the Philodendron gloriosum or the variegated ‘Pink Princess’. The selection available online allows enthusiasts to find specific leaf shapes, colors, or variegation patterns that match their collection goals.
When purchasing from an online nursery, it is important to thoroughly review the seller’s shipping policies and customer reviews. Live plant transit introduces risks. Many reputable sellers offer optional or mandatory cold-weather protection, such as insulated packaging and chemical heat packs that provide warmth for up to 72 hours. Buyers in cold climates (below 40°F) should assume they need to purchase this extra protection to prevent chilling injury to the tropical foliage. Understand the vendor’s guarantee regarding shipping damage or loss before finalizing a high-value purchase.
Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces
Peer-to-peer platforms, including Etsy, eBay, and social media plant trade groups, connect buyers directly with hobbyists. This environment is often the best place to find unique cuttings, unrooted propagations, or small starter plants that are priced significantly lower than full-sized specimens. However, this market carries an elevated risk-to-reward ratio compared to established nurseries.
The primary risk involves inconsistent packaging quality, as small sellers may lack the expertise of commercial shippers to secure the plant for transit. Additionally, there is a greater chance of receiving a plant that is misidentified or carrying common houseplant pests. Clear communication with the seller is necessary, including requesting recent photos of the exact plant and inquiring about their shipping methods and lost-mail policies. Using payment methods that offer buyer protection, such as PayPal Goods and Services, is a prudent step when dealing with unfamiliar private sellers.
Essential Buyer Inspection Checklist
Regardless of the source, inspecting a Philodendron before or immediately after purchase is necessary to safeguard your existing plant collection. Examine the foliage for any signs of disease or pest activity, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and the junction where the leaf meets the stem. Tiny dots, fine webbing, or silvery stippling on the leaves can indicate the presence of spider mites.
Look for small, cottony white clusters (mealybugs) or tiny brown, raised bumps (scale insects). Inspect the soil surface and the drainage holes for small, flying insects that hover, as these may be fungus gnats. If any potential issues are detected, the new plant should be immediately isolated for a quarantine period of at least 14 days before being introduced to your main collection.