Philodendron hederaceum var hederaceum
Philodendron Hederaceum Heartleaf
Philodendron hederaceum, commonly known as heartleaf philodendron, is a popular houseplant that is easy to please.
It's known for its heart-shaped leaves and robust vining growth. It's also commonly cited as one of the easiest houseplants to grow thanks to its tolerance for a wide range of lighting and water conditions.
Also, if you love sharing or swapping plants, philodendron hederaceum is for you! It's very quick and easy to grow new baby plants.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Appearance
- Care
- Light
- Soil
- Fertilizer
- Water and humidity
- Temperature
- Common pests
- Propagation
- Cal Plants tips and tricks
- Common questions
- Companions
Philodendron Hederaceum Summary
Feature | Facts |
---|---|
Botanical name | Philodendron hederaceum var hederaceum |
Common name | Heartleaf philodendron, Heart leaf plant, Parlor ivy, Philodendron scandens, Philodendron scandens, Sweetheart Plant |
Family | Araceae |
Origin | Tropical rainforests of South America |
Toxicity | Can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested |
Sun exposure | Can tolerate low to bright indirect light |
Soil type | Well-draining soil with organic matter |
Watering | Low to Moderate |
Hardiness | 55°F, USDA Zone 10 |
Philodendron Hederaceum Appearance
Philodendron hederaceum's common name is heartleaf philodendron. Its classic heart-shaped leaves and vining growth habit may remind you of a pothos, another popular houseplant.
When grown as an indoor houseplant, it has 2-5 inch long leaves that are glossy and mostly deep green. Some newer leaves may have a lovely gold or copper tint. Heartleaf philodendron is prized for its beautiful leaves and vining habit. It rarely blooms indoors.
When grown outdoors and allowed to climb up trees, the leaves will become larger, even reaching 12 inches in length. The leaves take on a slightly different texture as well, as it becomes thicker and glossier. The veins in the leaves will become more pronounced as well.
Philodendron hederaceum will easily bloom outdoors. The flower is in the form of a spadix and spathe. It is small and white.
Philodendron Hederaceum Care
Heartleaft philodendron is a low-maintenance plant that beginners can easily care for.
It can tolerate some neglect and inconsistent care. It's also easy to tell if it's not healthy and happy, allowing for ample time for extra care and recovery.
Light
Philodendron hederaceum prefers medium indirect light. Soft direct morning or late afternoon light is fine, but harsh direct afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves. Direct light refers to the sun rays hitting the plant directly, whereas indirect light refers to diffused light.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial so that your plant doesn't rot. Commercial indoor potting mixes work well. To create your own indoor potting mix for your philodendron hederaceum, mix 50% coconut coir with 25% perlite or sand and 25% composted soil.
Fertilizer
Fresh potting soil should already contain good fertilizer, but it will eventually be devoid of nutrients as the philodendron uses it up. At the next growing season, use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer, following the instructions on the label. If you create your own potting soil, add new composted soil every time you repot to a larger pot.
Water and humidity
The main reason that philodendron hederaceum is so easy to care for is because it can tolerate inconsistent watering and a wide range of humidity levels. For the watering schedule, water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. You can stick your finger in the soil or use a moisture meter.
Although philodendron hederaceum is from tropical climates, it can tolerate medium to low humidity levels. We have seen it do just well indoors in desert climates where the humidity can be 15% or lower. It will thrive if you increase the humidity such as by using a humidifier, but it is not necessary for keeping it healthy.
Temperature
Philodendron hederaceum thrives in a warm environment, ideally between 65-85°F. If growing outdoors in a container, bring it indoors once the temperatures drop to below 55°F.
Philodendron Hederaceum Common Pests
Philodendron hederaceum is mostly pest-resistant, but it can still be susceptible to spider mites.
Since they proliferate quite rapidly, it's best to eliminate them quickly once you spot them. Small spider webs are a tell tale. Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth, use soapy water for the areas that are infected, or use horticultural oils.
One way to ward off spider mites is by misting the leaves occasionally. Use distilled water if misting leaves.
Philodendron Hederaceum Propagation
The easiest way to propagate philodendron hederaceum is via cuttings.
Using a sharp pair of shears of scissors, cut a stem with 1 or 2 nodes right above the node on the mother plant. The node is a growth point where new stems or leaves grow. Either place the cutting in water or soil. If you're using water, change it every week to prevent algae and mold. If using soil, you can optionally use rooting hormone or just stick it right into the soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until the cutting becomes established.
Philodendron Hederaceum Tips and Tricks
Philodendron hederaceum, or heartleaf philodendron, makes a great Valentine's Day gift, Mother's Day gift, or any other kind of gift to show admiration and warmth. It's a low maintenance plant that you can gift to even those that are not very knowledgeable about plant care.
Philodendron hederaceum grows and propagates quickly. If you're looking for a plant to spread to various places in your home or share amongst with friends and family, hederaceum is a great candidate.
If you live in an area where the lowest temperature rarely goes below 55°F, philodendron hederaceum can be used as a ground cover. Choose an area that is mostly shaded and gets regular water, and it will quickly fill out the area. For a fun, tropical look, have it grow among trees!
Philodendron Hederaceum Common Questions
How much does philodendron hederaceum cost?
We at Cal Plants sell them for $10 - 22 based on size.
How do you make philodendron hederaceum bushy?
If your philodendron hederaceum is healthy and happy with its conditions, the leaves will soon grow in and naturally become full. You can also selectively prune areas to promote multiple growth points.
Is heartleaf philodendron a climber?
Yes, in the wild, heartleaf philodendron is an epiphyte that climbs up and grows among trees. However, many people that grow it as a houseplant choose to grow it in a hanging planter so that the vines trail down. To promote larger leaves, you can train it up a moss pole or trellis.
Is philodendron hederaceum rare?
Philodendron hederaceum has recently become a more common plant. It would no longer be considered rare by many.
Can philodendron hederaceum take direct sunlight?
Philodendron hederaceum grows under a dense canopy in the wild. Although it would be happy to get direct early morning or late afternoon sunlight indoors, harsh, direct sunlight in the middle of the day may scorch its leaves. Also, keep in mind that not all windows are made of the same material. Some windows let a lot of sunlight through, while others do not. A tell tale sign of too much sunlight is leaf burn, which you will see in concentrated areas of the leaves that get the most sun. Once you choose a new spot for your philodendron, monitor for any symptoms.
Philodendron Hederaceum Companions
Below are some plants with similar needs for care.
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