Heartleaf Philodendron: The Vine That Forgives Everything

If houseplants had a “hall of fame for people who forget things,” the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) would be a first-ballot inductee. Glossy, heart-shaped leaves on trailing vines that will happily drape off a shelf, climb a pole, or wind around your curtain rod. It tolerates low light, occasional drought, and general neglect, and it still looks lush. It’s also on the NASA clean-air list.

Where to put it (light)

Medium to bright, indirect light. It’s a champion in lower-light rooms and offices, though growth slows and leaves get smaller. Direct sun will yellow and scorch the leaves. Variegated forms like “Brasil” need brighter light to keep their stripes.

Temperature

65–80°F (18–27°C). Keep above 55°F (13°C). Avoid cold drafts.

Watering

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. It forgives forgetting to water far better than it forgives too much. Drooping = thirsty; yellowing = probably too wet.

Feeding

Monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Nothing in winter.

Soil

A well-draining potting mix, ideally with some perlite and orchid bark. It grows fine in standard potting soil if the pot drains.

Humidity

Average is fine. It grows faster and larger with 50%+, but it’s not demanding.

Common pests

Mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, scale, and thrips. Fungus gnats in soggy soil. Mostly pest-resistant; wipe leaves and inspect vines occasionally.

Propagation

Difficulty: Very easy. Stem cuttings with a node. Snip below a node, root in water in about 1–2 weeks, and pot up. Several cuttings in one pot make a fuller plant.

Also worth knowing

Toxicity: toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Mature size: vines 4–10 ft (1–3 m). Repot every 1–2 years. Trim regularly to prevent bare, stringy vines.

Trim leggy vines and root the cuttings in water. Toxic to pets if chewed, so hang it high.