Heart leaf philodendron

The vine that asks for almost nothing

The heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum, formerly Philodendron scandens or Philodendron oxycardium) is one of the world’s best-selling houseplants, on par with its lookalike the Pothos. Characteristic: heart-shaped leaves of 5-15 cm, glossy tender green, on climbing or trailing stems reaching 4 meters indoors.

Native to Central America (southern Mexico to Panama) and the Caribbean, philodendron grows in tropical rainforests, climbing tree trunks via aerial roots. A facultative epiphyte: can grow at ground level or as climber.

Cultivated indoors since the 19th century, one of the first office and living room green plants. Today, several colorful cultivars (Brasil, Birkin, Lemon Lime) decline the base variety.

Philodendron, Pothos, Monstera: don’t confuse

Three climbing Araceae often confused. How to distinguish:

Heart leaf philodendron: heart-shaped leaves thin and supple, no variegation (solid green, except cultivars). Fine fast growth. Rounded petiole. Thin aerial roots.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): heart-shaped leaves thick and tough, often variegated yellow or cream. Vigorous growth. Petiole with groove. Thick aerial roots.

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa): much larger leaves (20-50 cm), split (fenestrated) at maturity. Not strictly heart-shaped. Thick rigid stems.

Philodendron scandens is more delicate and finer than Pothos, smaller than Monstera.

Why so many choose it

Three characteristics explain its massive success.

Tolerates almost anything. Low light, occasional missed watering, dry air, AC: the plant survives. Ideal for beginners and distracted owners.

Fast spectacular growth. 30-60 cm new stems per year in good conditions. Decorative “cascade” effect within months if hung.

Very easy propagation. Simple stem cutting in water roots in 2-4 weeks. Endless multiplication for gifting.

Light, watering, substrate

Light. Bright indirect or moderate. Ideal: 1-2 meters from east window, or any window behind sheer. Tolerates low light (hallway, bathroom), but slower growth. Direct south sun to avoid in summer (burns).

Watering. Every 7-10 days in summer, every 12-18 days in winter. Substrate should be slightly moist without soaking. Finger test: dry over 2-3 cm = water. Method: water generously, drain, empty cachepot. Overwatering = root rot.

Substrate. Light and draining. Mix: 50% green plant potting mix, 30% perlite, 20% coconut fiber. Pot with drainage holes.

Humidity. Moderate to high ideal (50-70%). Tolerates apartment air (40-50%) without complaint. Occasional misting welcome but not essential.

Temperature. 18-26 degrees ideal. Not below 12 degrees. Sensitive to cold drafts.

Fertilizer. Once a month in growing season (April-September), green plant fertilizer at half-dose. Not in winter.

Growth and care

Fast growth: 30-60 cm per year. Adult height/length 2-4 meters in pot. Can be pruned to stay compact.

Moss pole: to climb, install vertical moss pole. Aerial roots grip and leaves become larger.

Hanging: alternative for decorative cascade. Stems trail elegantly.

Repotting every 2-3 years, in spring. Choose pot 2-3 cm larger.

Propagation by cutting: the king method

One of philodendron’s great pleasures: cutting is ridiculously easy.

1. Cut healthy stem 10-15 cm with 2-3 nodes (bumps where leaves emerge)
2. Remove bottom leaves to expose 1-2 nodes
3. Place in glass of room temperature water, nodes submerged
4. Place in bright indirect light
5. Change water every 5-7 days
6. Roots appear in 2-4 weeks from submerged nodes
7. When roots are 5 cm, replant in pot with moist substrate
8. Recovery guaranteed

Success rate near 100%.

Common symptoms to watch

Symptom	Likely cause	Solution
Yellow leaves	Excess water or aging	Space out, check roots
Brown leaves	Tap water, direct sun, dehydration	Identify precisely
Soft stems	Rot	Cut, root healthy parts
Halted growth	Light deficiency or nutrients	Reposition, fertilize
Mealybugs	Dry air, isolation	Insecticidal soap treatment
Smaller leaves	Light deficiency, mature plant without pole	Reposition, add pole

A toxic plant for pets

Like all Araceae (Monstera, Pothos, Anthurium), Philodendron contains calcium oxalate crystals throughout. Ingestion by cat or dog: immediate intense oral irritation, salivation, vomiting, sometimes edema. Symptoms last 24-48h, mortality rare.

Place plant out of reach of animals and young children. See detailed articles Philodendron toxic to cats and Philodendron toxic to dogs.