Heartleaf philodendron Care (Philodendron hederaceum)

This vine thrives in bright and indirect light.

• An east- or north-facing window is an ideal spot for Philodendron hederaceum — a few hours of soft morning sun is enough.
• Low light is acceptable. Growth becomes sparse further than 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the window.
• Direct midday sun can burn the leaves within a couple of hours. In summer, keep the plant away from glass.

Note: Leaves of Heartleaf Philodendron turn pale and begin to stretch when the light is not enough.

The main rule when watering Philodendron hederaceum is to allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again.

• Check the top 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) of soil and water when the soil feels dry.
• Water approximately every 7-10 days in the summer and less frequently in the winter. 
• Yellow leaves and soft, crumbly stems usually indicate that the soil has been wet for too long.

Warm indoor conditions are what Heartleaf Philodendron needs.

• Maintain a temperature of 65-80°F (18-27°C) during the whole growing season.
• Growth virtually ceases at temperatures below 55°F (13°C). Cold drafts also cause leaf edges to turn brown.
• Avoid AC vents and frosty windowsills in winter.

Note: Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) and Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) grow in the same temperature range, so they will be good companion plants.

This plant is undemanding regarding humidity — a slight increase helps, but is not critical. Philodendron hederaceum requires a relative humidity of about 40-60%, which is comfortable for it. Keep the pot at least 3 feet (90 cm) away from radiators and heating vents, as they dry out the air. Brown crispy leaf tips are a common sign that the winter air has become too dry.

The roots of this vine require a loose and fast-draining soil.

• Mix a regular potting soil with a couple of handfuls of perlite to provide aeration.
• Orchid bark or coconut fiber helps recreate the loose forest soil in which this plant typically grows.
• A slightly acidic pH of around 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
• Avoid dense mixes that retain water for several days.

Note: The same airy soil that suits the Silver Queen plant (Aglaonema commutatum) and Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) is also good.

This species is very suitable for container growing in homes and offices.

• Choose a pot just 2-4 cm wider than the root mass to keep moisture levels more predictable and prevent stagnant pockets.
• Use a sturdy pot or add weight at the base when using a moss pole so the container does not tip as vines elongate.
• Select terracotta if the environment is humid to help excess moisture evaporate, or plastic in drier rooms to slow moisture loss.

A small amount of fertilizer is enough to provide stable growth.

• A balanced 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength is optimal.
• Feed once a month from spring to early fall, or about 6-7 times a year.
• Skip feeding in winter, from about November to February, when the plant barely grows.
• Every 2-3 months, rinse the pot with clean water for a minute to remove accumulated salts.

Note: Overfeeding a Philodendron hederaceum causes the leaf tips to turn brown and a white crust to form on the soil.

Regular pruning prevents the plant from becoming stringy.

• Pinch stems about a quarter-inch (0.5 cm) above a leaf node for bushier growth.
• If you want fuller growth, prune any shoots that reach more than 3-4 feet (around 1 meter).
• Remove yellowed or bare stems as they appear.
• Avoid pruning more than a 1/3 of the plant at once.

Every couple of years, you should repot Heartleaf Philodendron to a larger container.

• Repot when roots begin to grow through the drainage holes or wrap around the surface.
• Spring or early summer is the best time for transplanting and a quick recovery.
• Increase the size of the pot by not more than 2 inches (5 cm) in width.

Few plants root as easily as Heartleaf Philodendron.

• Cut about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of stem just below a node.
• Place the cutting in a glass of water — roots will appear in 2-3 weeks.
• Once the roots reach 1-2 inches (3-5 cm), transplant the cutting into soil. Several cuttings in one pot will fill it faster.

Growth slows significantly during winter. During this period, the plant requires less water and no additional feeding. The room temperature should be above (60°F) 15°C. Water every 10-14 days. Also, move the plant away from cold windows. New growth of a Philodendron hederaceum resumes with the return of light in the spring.