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Heartleaf Philodendron Plant Care
Philodendron subhastatum Engl. & K.Krause
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Philodendron subhastatum is a plant with shiny silver leaves.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–80%
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 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 7 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Heartleaf Philodendron?
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron subhastatum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philodendron genus.
Heartleaf Philodendron displays a climbing, trailing growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Heartleaf Philodendron produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Philodendron subhastatum 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 light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Heartleaf Philodendron Prefer?
Philodendron subhastatum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Heartleaf Philodendron prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Requires well-draining soil mix with good aeration and moisture retention.. 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 propagate through stem cuttings or air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to billietiae philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Heartleaf Philodendron 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 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 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Heartleaf Philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
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 subhastatum Engl. & K.Krause, family Araceae (first published in Pflanzenr. , IV, 23Dc: 97 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Heartleaf 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.
- Photo: © PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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