Photo: Andrés Ramírez-BarreraCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Philodendron cordatum Plant Care
Philodendron domesticum
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Philodendron domesticum is known for its heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that can grow up to 6 inches long. Native to South America, it is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts for its easy care and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Philodendron cordatum?
Water Philodendron cordatum 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 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Philodendron cordatum Native To?
What Is the Philodendron cordatum?
Philodendron cordatum (Philodendron domesticum) belongs to the family. Philodendron cordatum is native to South America. Philodendron cordatum is also known as Heartleaf Philodendron.
Philodendron cordatum displays a climbing, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Philodendron cordatum produces none.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Philodendron cordatum?
Philodendron domesticum 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 Philodendron cordatum Need?
Philodendron cordatum thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Philodendron cordatum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Philodendron cordatum Prefer?
Philodendron domesticum grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Philodendron cordatum prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Philodendron cordatum?
Well-draining potting mix. Good drainage is essential for Philodendron cordatum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Philodendron cordatum?
Feed Philodendron cordatum 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 Philodendron cordatum?
Every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Is the Philodendron cordatum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
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 Philodendron cordatum?
Philodendron cordatum is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, aphids. 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 Philodendron cordatum Need?
Philodendron cordatum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Philodendron cordatum is native to South America. In cooler regions, grow Philodendron cordatum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Philodendron cordatum 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 Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron cordatum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Philodendron Species
Other Philodendron species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philodendron domesticum — World Flora Online.
- Pet toxicity: Philodendron cordatum 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.
- Photo: Andrés Ramírez-Barrera, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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