Heart-leaf Plant Care

Heart-leaf (Hymenocardia acida) belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family within the Hymenocardia genus. Heart-leaf is native to tropical Africa.

Heart-leaf displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Heart-leaf produces small greenish-yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Heart-leaf every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Heart-leaf thrives in partial to full sun.

Hymenocardia acida tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Heart-leaf prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Heart-leaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Heart-leaf every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Heart-leaf is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Heart-leaf can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Heart-leaf while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Heart-leaf is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Heart-leaf can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Heart-leaf is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Heart-leaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Heart-leaf is native to tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Heart-leaf as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.