Photo: © Daniel IseliPlantoScanImage: PlantoScan
Heartleaf Philodendron Plant Care
Philodendron hederaceum (Jacq.) Schott
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's heart-shaped leaves are its most distinctive feature, originating from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Plant collectors are drawn to the Philodendron hederaceum for its ability to thrive in low light conditions and its air-purifying qualities.
Every 7–14 days
Bright Indirect
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Heartleaf Philodendron?
Water Heartleaf 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 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 7 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Heartleaf Philodendron Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Cayman Islands
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Haiti
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Heartleaf Philodendron?
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus. Heartleaf Philodendron is native to Mexico, West Indies, and Brazil. Heartleaf Philodendron is also known as Heart-leaf Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant, Ivy-leaf Philodendron.
Heartleaf Philodendron displays a trailing, climbing growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Heartleaf Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Philodendron hederaceum 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 Heartleaf Philodendron Need?
Heartleaf Philodendron thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Heartleaf Philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Heartleaf Philodendron Prefer?
Philodendron hederaceum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Heartleaf Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Well-draining soil mix with organic matter and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Heartleaf Philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Feed Heartleaf Philodendron every 7 months 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 7 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Repot every 1-2 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.
How Do You Propagate a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Heartleaf Philodendron can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to split leaf philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Heartleaf Philodendron Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
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 Heartleaf Philodendron?
Heartleaf Philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, 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 Heartleaf Philodendron Need?
Heartleaf Philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Heartleaf Philodendron is native to Mexico, West Indies, and Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Heartleaf Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Heartleaf 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 Philodendron genus — compare its care with other Philodendron species on PlantoScan.
Philodendron is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Heartleaf Philodendron 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 hederaceum (Jacq.) Schott, family Araceae (first published in Wiener Z. Kunst 3: 780 (1829)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Heartleaf Philodendron as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 13b, 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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