Heartleaf Philodendron

philodendron hederaceum

Also known as: ["Philodendron scandens","Philodendron oxycardium"]

Family: Araceae Genus: Philodendron Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A popular trailing or climbing houseplant with heart-shaped leaves and aerial roots.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron hederaceum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright room with indirect light
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only)
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"16–29°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if heavily overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate lower light but may grow slower.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to bright light gradually; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), brown leaf tips (underwatering or low humidity), stunted growth (nutrient deficiency or poor soil).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

bright, indirect light

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct light; move to brighter spot if growth slows.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage; adjust based on season and humidity.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).

Use a mix with good aeration; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–80°F (18–27°C); prefers stable temperatures, avoiding drafts or extreme fluctuations.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from vents or heaters; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), none in winter

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid over-fertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil; nodes must be submerged or buried for rooting.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut below node.
  3. Remove lower leaves.
  4. Place in medium.
  5. Maintain moisture.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light.

Medium

Water or well-draining soil mix (e.g., peat-perlite mix).

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks in water; 4–6 weeks in soil.

Tools Needed

Pruners, clean container, rooting hormone (optional).

Quick Tips

Use multiple cuttings for higher success; change water weekly if using water propagation; keep soil consistently moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems just above a leaf node or junction; pinch tips for bushier growth.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy stems, yellow leaves, and overgrown sections to encourage bushier growth and maintain shape.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; cut at correct angle; remove debris; monitor regrowth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in cold; wilting or brown leaf edges in heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid placing near drafty windows or cold surfaces.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown spots; soil dries out faster, increasing water needs.

Solution: Increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; provide shade during peak heat; water more frequently.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Philodendron hederaceum can indicate various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, often resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant health decline.

Wilting in Philodendron hederaceum is typically caused by water stress, either from overwatering leading to root rot or underwatering causing dehydration, both of which can severely impact plant vitality.

Leaf spots on Philodendron hederaceum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to aesthetic damage and potentially compromising the plant's ability to photosynthesize effectively.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Philodendron hederaceum is commonly associated with overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the calcium oxalate crystals in Philodendron hederaceum. Ingestion can cause severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation, leading to intense pain and potential systemic distress. Cats may exhibit more pronounced symptoms due to their smaller size and sensitivity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
excessive drooling vomiting difficulty swallowing crying or vocalization lethargy depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants inaccessible to cats. Seek veterinary care at the first sign of ingestion or symptoms.
Dogs
Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Philodendron hederaceum can cause severe irritation to the oral cavity, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract due to calcium oxalate crystals. The plant's toxicity can lead to significant discomfort and potential dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling pawing at mouth vomiting diarrhea difficulty swallowing lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from pets. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Philodendron hederaceum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mechanical irritation and inflammation upon ingestion. The plant's toxic compounds interfere with oral and gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to acute discomfort and potential systemic effects if ingested in large quantities.

⚠️ Symptoms:
oral irritation painful swallowing excessive drooling vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children. Wash hands after handling. Seek medical attention if ingestion occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Philodendron hederaceum toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Philodendron hederaceum?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.

Q: Can Philodendron hederaceum grow in low light?

A: Yes, it tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light.

Quick Reference
Family: Araceae
Care: easy
Light: bright, indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
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