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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) produces the best growth, but this plant genuinely tolerates low light (more than 8 feet from a window, or a north-facing room. A grow light 10-12 inches away works great if your windows are not cutting it) better than most. Direct sunlight discolors the foliage, so keep it back from unfiltered south- or west-facing windows.Light
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch feels dry, drain fully, and never leave it sitting in a saucer of water. Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering.Water
Tolerates average household humidity (40%+) without complaint. Higher humidity encourages faster growth and larger leaves. Brown leaf tips indicate air that is too dry.Humidity
65-85°F (18-29°C). It can survive brief dips to near 50°F (10°C) but prefers warmth and dislikes cold drafts.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Philodendron hederaceum Heartleaf Philodendron with glossy heart-shaped leaves trailing down

heartleaf philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Easy

Philodendron hederaceum is probably the most forgiving houseplant in this entire genus — a vining tropical with glossy, heart-shaped green leaves that tolerates low light, irregular watering, and general neglect without putting up much of a fuss. You can train it to trail from a hanging basket, climb a moss pole for larger leaves, or just let it sprawl across a shelf. Either way, it grows fast and makes a genuinely difficult plant to kill, which has made it a staple of offices, dorm rooms, and beginner collections for decades.

Philodendron hederaceum Heartleaf Philodendron with glossy heart-shaped leaves trailing down
Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Philodendron hederaceum Heartleaf Philodendron with glossy heart-shaped leaves trailing down
Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Care Guide

How to grow heartleaf philodendron

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.

Humidity

40%

Temperature

65-85°F

Soil

Chunky, well-draining mix is best.

Propagation

Stem cuttings just below a

Common Problems

Aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats,

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Philodendron hederaceum has accumulated more synonyms than almost any other houseplant — P. scandens, P. oxycardium, P. micans, and P. pittieri all refer to the same species, a legacy of 19th-century botanists working in overlapping territories with no way to compare notes quickly.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA. Toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Clinical signs include oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Sources

  1. Heartleaf Philodendron - ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. Heartleaf Philodendron Care - Guide to Houseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. Heartleaf Philodendron Care — Guide to Houseplants (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Heartleaf Philodendron — ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Philodendron hederaceum - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Philodendron hederaceum — Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Philodendron scandens Heart Leaf Philodendron — University of Florida IFAS Extension (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Philodendron scandens Heart Leaf Philodendron - University of Florida IFAS Extension (opens in new tab)University Extension
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