Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

A tropical vine with heart-shaped foliage, the heartleaf philodendron is a nearly indestructible houseplant that adapts to almost any environment.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Medium light
Humidity

40–60 %
Temperature

16–27 °C

How to care for your Heartleaf Philodendron

Everything you need to keep your Heartleaf Philodendron healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The heartleaf philodendron is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where it grows as an epiphyte along trees. Its dark green heart-shaped leaves typically measure 7 to 10 cm and have a characteristic glossy appearance. This plant is ideal for beginners as it tolerates varied conditions, including low light and irregular watering. Grown in a hanging basket or on a moss pole, it brings a touch of lush greenery to any indoor space.

Watering your Heartleaf Philodendron

Every 7 days

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter.

How to know it needs water

Top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry
Leaves start to curl slightly
Soil pulls away from the pot edges

How much light a Heartleaf Philodendron needs

Medium light

Medium to bright indirect light. Tolerates low light but growth slows. Avoid direct sun which scorches leaves.

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west

Humidity and misting

40–60 %

40–60% Mist regularly to maintain humidity. Benefits from a pebble tray in dry environments. Avoid misting in cold conditions.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Feed monthly during spring and summer. Dilute to half strength. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) · 2-1-2

Repotting your Heartleaf Philodendron

Every 24 months

Choose a pot 2–3 cm larger. Use a well-draining aroid mix with perlite. Gently loosen root ball and place at the same depth.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

Roots growing through drainage holes
Water runs straight through without absorbing
Growth has noticeably slowed despite good care

Pruning your Heartleaf Philodendron

Spring or early summer, or whenever stems become leggy. Cut stems just above a leaf node with clean scissors. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Cuttings root easily in water.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 9 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing in pets and humans.

Good to know

The heartleaf philodendron has been one of the most popular houseplants since the Victorian era, prized for its resilience and adaptability.
In its native habitat across Central and South America, this vine can climb up to 6 meters high along tree trunks.

Frequently asked questions about the Heartleaf Philodendron

How do you care for a Heartleaf Philodendron?

Water it every 7 days. Give it medium light. Ideal humidity: 40–60 %. Ideal temperature: 16–27 °C. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter.

How often should you water a Heartleaf Philodendron?

Every 7 days Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter. How to know it needs water : Top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry ; Leaves start to curl slightly ; Soil pulls away from the pot edges.

How much light does a Heartleaf Philodendron need?

Medium light Medium to bright indirect light. Tolerates low light but growth slows. Avoid direct sun which scorches leaves. No direct sun

Is the Heartleaf Philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing in pets and humans. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Heartleaf Philodendron leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Heartleaf Philodendron?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Choose a pot 2–3 cm larger. Use a well-draining aroid mix with perlite. Gently loosen root ball and place at the same depth.