Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Also known as: Velvet leaf philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron, or Philodendron hederaceum, is an evergreen climber native to the West Indies. It's a popular houseplant, recognized for its shiny, heart-shaped leaves. Due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, it can be mildly toxic if ingested.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Plant Comprehensive Care Guide: Beginner's Introduction and Key Details

Perfect for beginners starting their plant care journey

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10 Secrets to Making Heartleaf philodendron Grow Faster (A Must-Read for Beginners)

Advanced tips to accelerate your plant's growth

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Care "Black Tech": 10 Little-Known Highly Effective Maintenance Tips

Expert-level techniques for optimal plant care

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Attributes of Heartleaf philodendron

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Plant Height

3 m to 6 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

Rarely flowers indoors

Flower Color

White Green

Images of Heartleaf philodendron

Quickly Identify Heartleaf philodendron

Look for heart-shaped, glossy leaves that are typically dark green but may also display a lighter green or variegated pattern. The plant has aerial roots that help it climb, and its stems are usually thin and flexible.

Scientific Classification of Heartleaf philodendron

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Water plantains and allies

Family

Arum

Genus

Philodendrons

Species

Heartleaf philodendron

Planting and Growing of Heartleaf philodendron

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-78℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Heartleaf philodendron?

For Philodendron hederaceum, it is crucial to water until the top inch of the soil is moist. The soil should not be waterlogged, as this plant prefers a slightly dry environment to induce healthy growth.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Heartleaf philodendron? ›

What should I do if my Heartleaf philodendron is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Heartleaf philodendron? ›

How to save an overwatered Heartleaf philodendron? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Heartleaf philodendron?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Philodendron hederaceum enjoys partial sunlight, benefiting from a balance of bright yet indirect light. Ideal lighting promotes lush, vibrant growth, maintaining the health and aesthetics synonymous with thriving foliage.

Where should it be placed? ›

How to achieve optimal light? ›

Benefits of ideal lighting ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Heartleaf philodendron?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 78℉

Philodendron hederaceum thrives best in temperatures between 65°F and 78°F. These temperatures mimic the plant's native tropical habitat, providing the warmth needed to support its physiological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and nutrient assimilation. Maintaining these conditions ensures optimal growth and vibrant foliage.

What Soil is Best for Heartleaf philodendron?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Peat soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 7.5

Philodendron hederaceum thrives in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The presence of loamy or sandy loam soil ensures that excess water can easily escape, thus preventing the roots from drowning and promoting healthy plant growth. This plant loves nutrient-rich soil to support its lush foliage. A peat-based mixture can provide the necessary organic matter and nutrients, ensuring vibrant leaves and sustained growth, which is essential for its ornamental appeal. The soil should be airy to allow for root expansion and oxygen exchange. A well-aerated soil structure contributes to robust root development and prevents the accumulation of harmful pathogens, keeping your plant healthy. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Heartleaf philodendron?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Philodendron hederaceum, a balanced 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer should be applied in a diluted form. Use half the recommended dose per gallon of water to avoid root burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Heartleaf philodendron?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Before starting, ensure your pruning shears or scissors are sharp and sanitized to prevent infections. Clean tools reduce the risk of spreading pathogens and ensure clean cuts, promoting quicker healing in the plant. Look for long or leggy stems and trim them back to a node; this is where leaves emerge. Nodes are crucial as cutting just above them stimulates new growth, resulting in a fuller look for your Philodendron. Remove any yellow, brown, or dead leaves by cutting them back to the main stem. This not only improves the appearance of your plant but also allows it to focus energy on new, healthy growth. To achieve a desired shape or size, trim selectively. Prune stems growing in undesirable directions and maintain the plant’s overall symmetry, which enhances its beauty and encourages a compact form. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Heartleaf philodendron plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Choose a healthy section of the plant with at least two or three nodes, as these are the points where roots are most likely to develop. Avoid stems that are showing signs of disease or stress, as they might be less likely to thrive.

Trim the cutting to be about 4-6 inches long and remove any leaves from the lower part of the stem. This prevents leaves from rotting once the cutting is placed in water or soil. The preparation of the cutting is critical for successful propagation.

Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it into a pot filled with a well-draining substrate. Be sure the nodes are covered with soil, as this is where roots will emerge. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

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How to Repot Heartleaf philodendron plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Repot Philodendron hederaceum when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, the plant growth seems stunted, or the soil dries out more quickly than usual. These signals indicate that the plant has outgrown its current pot and requires more space to thrive.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to allow for growth. Ensure the pot has sufficient drainage holes to prevent water buildup, which can lead to root rot. The right pot provides stability and an ideal environment for your Philodendron.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix with high organic content, such as a blend of peat, pine bark, and perlite. This mix ensures good aeration and moisture retention, reducing the risk of waterlogged roots and promoting healthy plant growth.

More About Repotting Techniques→

Toxicity of Heartleaf philodendron

Is Heartleaf philodendron toxic to humans?

Although the heartleaf philodendron is a favored indoor plant, it poses a significant risk due to its toxicity upon ingestion, with every part of the plant leading to typical poisoning symptoms in both humans and animals.

Is Heartleaf philodendron toxic to cat?

The Heartleaf philodendron is recognized as a toxic plant for felines. Even minimal ingestion can result in poisoning, as every component of this plant harbors harmful substances. Cats might inadvertently nibble on or ingest sections of the heartleaf philodendron, potentially resulting in physical distress. To protect their cats' well-being, pet owners must be acutely aware of this plant's existence and ensure it remains inaccessible. Should poisoning occur, it is imperative to promptly consult a veterinarian for medical assistance.

Is Heartleaf philodendron toxic to dog?

The Heartleaf philodendron is recognized as toxic to dogs. If dogs consume any part of this plant, whether inadvertently or out of curiosity, they may experience poisoning. Every component of the plant is harmful, meaning that all sections present a danger if ingested by a canine friend. Signs of toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive pawing at the face or mouth, increased salivation, and in serious situations, trouble breathing or swallowing. It is essential for dog owners to keep a vigilant eye on their pets and restrict their access to heartleaf philodendron. If a dog does eat any part of heartleaf philodendron, it is vital to seek urgent veterinary assistance to ensure the best possible outcome for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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