American philodendron Plant Care
Philonotion americanum (A.M.E.Jonker & Jonker) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognized by its striking silver-gray leaves with prominent green veins, giving it a unique and eye-catching appearance. Originating from North America, Philonotion americanum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. Its distinctive foliage and adaptability make it a prized addition to any plant collection.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for American philodendron?
Water American philodendron every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the American philodendron?
American philodendron (Philonotion americanum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Philonotion genus. American philodendron is native to Central America, South America. American philodendron is also known as Heartleaf philodendron.
American philodendron displays a large, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. American philodendron produces small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by a colorful spathe.
Leaf size: approximately 10 inches.
How Often Should You Water a American philodendron?
Philonotion americanum requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the American philodendron Need?
American philodendron thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing American philodendron in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the American philodendron Prefer?
Philonotion americanum grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. American philodendron prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a American philodendron?
Rich, well-draining potting mix with added perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for American philodendron to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a American philodendron?
Feed American philodendron every 6 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 6 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 American 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 American philodendron?
American philodendron can be propagated through division of rhizomes, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spruce-leaved philodendron plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the American 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 American philodendron?
American philodendron is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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 American philodendron Need?
American philodendron grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. American philodendron is native to Central America, South America. In cooler regions, grow American philodendron as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
American 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 Philonotion genus — compare its care with other Philonotion species on PlantoScan.
Philonotion is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
American philodendron copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Philonotion americanum (A.M.E.Jonker & Jonker) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce, family Araceae (first published in Taxon 59: 121 (2010)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: American 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 13b, 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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