Heart-leaf philodendron Plant Care
Cosmostigma cordatum (Poir.) M.R.Almeida
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This exotic plant from tropical Africa boasts heart-shaped leaves with bold red veins that contrast beautifully against its dark green foliage. Cosmostigma cordatum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique aesthetic appeal and rarity in cultivation, making it a prized addition to any indoor jungle.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Heart-leaf philodendron?
Water Heart-leaf philodendron every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Heart-leaf philodendron?
Heart-leaf philodendron (Cosmostigma cordatum) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Cosmostigma genus. Heart-leaf philodendron is native to India and Sri Lanka. Heart-leaf philodendron is also known as Heartleaf Philodendron.
Heart-leaf philodendron displays a vining, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Heart-leaf philodendron produces small, star-shaped flowers in clusters.
How Often Should You Water a Heart-leaf philodendron?
Cosmostigma cordatum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Heart-leaf philodendron Need?
Heart-leaf philodendron thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Heart-leaf philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Heart-leaf philodendron Prefer?
Cosmostigma cordatum grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Heart-leaf philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Heart-leaf philodendron?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Heart-leaf philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Heart-leaf philodendron?
Feed Heart-leaf philodendron every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Heart-leaf philodendron?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide more space for growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Heart-leaf philodendron?
Heart-leaf philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to philippine violet plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Heart-leaf philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Heart-leaf philodendron?
Heart-leaf philodendron is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Heart-leaf philodendron Need?
Heart-leaf philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Heart-leaf philodendron is native to India and Sri Lanka. In cooler regions, grow Heart-leaf philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Heart-leaf philodendron is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cosmostigma genus — compare its care with other Cosmostigma species on PlantoScan.
Cosmostigma is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.
Heart-leaf philodendron thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cosmostigma cordatum (Poir.) M.R.Almeida, family Apocynaceae (first published in Fl. Maharashtra 3A: 239 (2001)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Heart-leaf philodendron is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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