All philodendrons can be classified as either a vining type or an arborescent type. Some are also self-heading, branching out without any pinching or pruning. Vining types don't really climb, but they can be attached to poles for support. Poles are typically made of slabs of bark, coarse stems of large plants such as palms or wire and moss. Vining philodendrons will send out aerial roots to cling to supports.
Arborescent philodendrons have a main stem that is sturdy enough to support the foliage.
There are several varieties of philodendrons that make excellent indoor plants. The most common vining form is P. scandens. It has heart-shaped dark green leaves and is the easiest of all the philodendrons to grow. It is a vining type and needs to be supported by a large pole, since it can grow in excess of 6 feet tall. Its leaves radiate from a short central stem that usually stays around 3 feet tall and wide.