'Birkin' philodendron guide
Philodendron 'Birkin', also called Philodendron Birkin, pinstripe philodendron
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps big leaves.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky houseplant mix with bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain and drooling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Birkin' philodendron different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the philodendron care guide.
What it is
‘Birkin’ is a compact, upright philodendron with dark green leaves covered in thin white or cream pinstripes. New leaves often come in creamy white and darken as they age. It does not vine. It grows from a central stem, like a small shrub. Select-A-Plant lists it at 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) tall.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Birkin’ | Dark green with thin white pinstripes | Fine parallel lines, upright plant |
| ‘White Wave’ | Similar pinstripes, more white | Heavier white streaks, sometimes white sections |
| ‘Pink Princess’ philodendron | Dark green with pink splashes | Pink, not white, and a climbing habit |
Care differences
The pinstripes need bright indirect light. In low light, new leaves come in plain green.
It grows slow and stays compact. It does not need a pole.
Reverting
‘Birkin’ came from a mutation of ‘Rojo Congo’, a dark red-green philodendron. Now and then, it reverts. New leaves come in larger, darker, with red stems and no stripes. If that happens, cut off the reverted growth at the stem. If the whole plant reverts, you now have a ‘Rojo Congo’. It is a good plant too.
Grow it from a cutting
‘Birkin’ is upright, so it does not make long vines. You can take a top cutting with a few leaves and a node, or remove a side shoot with roots. Root it in damp sphagnum moss or water.
Buying it
‘Birkin’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for clear pinstripes on most leaves. Skip plants with dark red leaf stems and plain leaves. They are starting to revert.