Aroid fever: you've either already got it, or soon will after discovering the diverse array of beautiful foliage (and flowers) in this precious plant family. Even if you haven’t heard the word before, you’re likely well acquainted with common aroids and maybe even already have a few in your collection, as many of them are our most classic houseplants. Heartleaf Philodendron? That’s an aroid. Peace Lily? Aroid. Golden Pothos? Aroid, too!

Here is a little homage to these beloved plants and our recommendations for how to grow and care for indoor aroids. Take it from us – we know once you adopt one, your space will soon be filled to the brim with these beauties.

Growing and Caring for Indoor Aroids

Anthurium 'Fruffles'

What is an Aroid?

An aroid is flowering plant in the family Araceae. This plant family is quite impressive, with over 100 genera and approximately 3,700 recognized species. All these plants have a distinctive inflorescence (flower structure) known as a spadix. A common example of this flower is that of Anthurium andraenum hybrids. Aroids are found on every continent in the world (except Antarctica). Typically, they reside in the understory of many of the world’s forests.

Anthurium hybrid inflorescence

A Very Clever Family

Aroids have made some smart evolutionary adaptations. They contain oxalate crystals in a milky sap inside their foliage, which is toxic to ingest. This keeps them from getting munched on in their natural habitats, but means that when grown indoors they should be kept away from pets and small children.

Some members of the Araceae family are even thermogenic, meaning that they have the ability to generate their own heat from stored energy tucked away in their roots. Botanists are not completely sure why they do this but most believe it has to do with increasing pollination success in colder temperature seasons.

Aroid Family Members

Some of our favorite genera belong to the aroid family. Here’s an overview of a few of the key players in the aroid family that you’re likely to encounter in local nurseries

Philodendron

From the classic Heartleaf Philodendron to rare and unusual hybrids like Philodendron ‘Pink Princess,’ this genus has a ton of diversity. “Philo” means love and “dendron” means tree, which makes sense considering that many of these plants grow epiphytically, vining and climbing high in trees. 

Native to the Americas and West Indies, Philodendrons are easy to grow and propagate. For vining types, you can encourage larger leaves by providing something to climb up like moss pole, and keeping the humidity high.

Philodendron pedatum

Anthurium

Native to the Caribbean and South and Central America, these epiphytic aroids grow some of our very favorite foliage. We especially love velvety varieties, like Anthurium clarinervium and Anthurium magnificum. For a detailed write-up on these special plants and their care, check out our Introduction to Anthuriums!

Anthurium clarinervium

Alocasia

These rhizomatous or tuberous flowering perennials are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Australia. They’re finicky plants and often drop leaves or go dormant, requiring lots of heat and humidity to grow happily indoors. But their foliage is amazing! Often nicknamed Elephant Ears, some grow massive leaves. We’re particularly fond of a small subset of the genus nicknamed Jewel Alocasias, which includes Alocasia baginda, A. 'Maharani,' A. reginula, and A. cuprea.

Alocasia 'Maharani' (A. reginula x melo)

Other notable genera

• Aglaonema: These low-light tolerant plants come in a wide array of colors and patters, from pink to white and every shade of green. (Our favorite of the genus: Aglaonema pictum 'Tricolor')
• Amorphophallus: Known as corpse flowers, these plants have the largest aroid floral displays of any plants. We sell these plants as dormant bulbs in the spring because we love their umbrella-shaped leaves. (Our favorite of the genus: Amorphophallus atroviridis)
• Caladium: Native to regions of South America that experience seasonal dryness, these plants grow super colorful leaves. We sell these plants as dormant bulbs in the spring. (Our favorite of the genus: Caladium 'Pink Symphony')
• Monstera: Monstera deliciosa is famous for its swiss-cheese leaves, but the genus is diverse, with lots of different climbing, fenestrated species. (Our favorite of the genus: Monstera adansonii)
• Rhaphidophora: These plants have been gaining a lot of attention, with species like the Mini Monstera, Shingle Plant, and the split-leave Rhaphidophora decursiva. (Our favorite of the genus: Rhaphidophora foraminifera)
• Scindapsus: These vining plants are often called Satin Pothos, named after their sparkly leaves and easy care. (Our favorite of the genus: Scindapsus pictus 'Exotica')
• Spathipyllum: These plants are called Peace Lilies, and their easy care and tolerance for low light has made them popular houseplants for decades. (Our favorite of the genus: Spathiphyllum 'Sensation')
• Syngonium: These climbing aroids are often called Arrowhead Plants, but as the plants mature, their leaves split into exaggerated leaflets. (Our favorite of the genus: Syngonium chiapense)
• Zamioculcas: ZZ Plants are an unusual addition to this plant family. Tolerant of low light, these plants make amazing, hardy houseplants that thrive on neglect. (Our favorite of the genus: Zamioculcas 'Zenzi')
• Zantedeschia: These plants from Southern Africa give us one of our favorite flowers: Calla Lilies! (Our favorite of the genus: Zantedeschia aethiopica 'Hercules')

Caring for Aroids Indoors

• Light: Bright, indirect light is best, though some types will tolerate low or medium light.
• Water: Allow the soil to feel dry to the touch within the first 1-2 inches in your soil before giving them a drink. This keeps the roots lightly moist without fully drying out.
• Soil: Use a potting mix that has good aeration with components like orchid bark and perlite. Our Aroid Mix has a great combination of chunky additives and organic soil.
• Fertilizer: Use a diluted organic fertilizer in the growing season, fertilize minimally, as aroid roots can burn easily.
• Temperature/Humidity: Aroids prefer warm and wet conditions. Higher levels of humidity are ideal and temperatures should never drop below 60 degrees F.

Common Aroid Issues

Root rot

As understory plants, aroids naturally have lots of organic material in their soil and are susceptible to rotting if they are sitting in water for prolonged amounts of time. Check soil moisture levels and use a chunky soil mixture when potting these plants.

Leaf curling/Yellowing leaves

Yellowing leaves and leaf curling is most likely a sign of over- or under-watering. If you notice these signs of stress check to make sure your soil is drying out properly before watering and that your plant has enough sunlight.

Browning leaf tips or edges

Browning leaf tips and edges are typically a sign that your aroid is not getting enough humidity. Consider getting a mister or humidifier, or use a pebble tray to get some more moisture in your air.

The more you learn about caring for indoor aroids, the more you’ll want to grow your collection. What aroids currently enchant you? Whether they are grown for their foliage or long-lasting flowers, aroids make lovely and relatively easy-going companions for our indoor spaces.

By: Bee Oxford