Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a beloved houseplant for good reason. Learn how to grow and style it in your home with these simple tips.
Its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves bring a touch of the tropics indoors, and it’s incredibly easy to care for, even if you’re new to the plant world.
I’ve always been drawn to this particular houseplant and have been growing mine for several years. Maybe it’s the way its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves bring a touch of the tropics indoors, or maybe it’s just how incredibly easy it is to care for (seriously, even if you’re a total beginner, you’ve got this!).
But honestly, what I love most is how this plant softens the hard lines of my furniture and shelves. It adds so much life and personality to my space, transforming it from simply a house to a home. There’s something about that vibrant green foliage that just makes everything feel more welcoming and alive.
Ready to learn how to care for this low-maintenance beauty and use it to cozy up your home? Keep reading!
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About the Heartleaf Philodendron
The heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a popular houseplant known for its charming heart-shaped leaves and vining growth habit. This easy-to-care-for plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, where it thrives in the humid understory.
One of the things I love about the heartleaf philodendron is how its glossy, deep green leaves, perfectly shaped like hearts, create a lush, tropical feel. This adaptable plant can trail gracefully from a hanging basket or climb ambitiously up a moss pole, depending on how you choose to support its vining growth.
And while it thrives in bright, indirect light, it can tolerate lower light levels, making it a bit more forgiving for those of us who don’t have the perfect sun-drenched windowsills. Plus, a little extra humidity from misting or a humidifier will really help it flourish.
Why We Love It
- Low-Maintenance: Heartleaf philodendrons are incredibly forgiving, making them perfect for beginners or those who tend to forget to water their plants occasionally.
- Air-Purifying: Studies have shown that philodendrons can help remove certain toxins from the air, improving the quality of your indoor environment.
- Versatile: They look stunning in hanging baskets, climbing up a trellis, or trailing from a shelf. Their adaptability makes them a decorator’s dream.
- Easy to Propagate: Want more plants? Heartleaf philodendrons are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings, so you can easily expand your collection or share with friends.
If you’re looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance houseplant that can add a touch of the tropics to your home, the heartleaf philodendron is an excellent choice!
Light and Location
Heartleaf philodendrons prefer bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight filtering through a rainforest canopy. An east- or west-facing window is ideal. While they can tolerate lower light, their growth might slow down, and the leaves may become smaller. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch those beautiful leaves.
I have grown my heartleaf philodendron in a variety of locations and have found it does best with an east-facing window. I recently moved mine to my piano, which sits in a darker corner of my foyer.
To ensure it gets enough light to truly thrive, I added this grow light that is super easy to use and set up. It’s amazing how much faster it grows and how much fuller the foliage gets with the extra light! It has been pushing out new foliage like crazy with that extra light.
Soil and Planting Your Heartleaf Philodendron
These plants need well-draining soil to thrive. Choose a potting mix that’s light and airy, with components like peat moss and perlite to retain some moisture while still allowing excess water to drain. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that hold too much water, as this can lead to root rot. I like to make my own chunky soil mix that includes peat moss, perlite, potting mix, and orchid bark to ensure good drainage.
Temperature and Humidity
Heartleaf philodendrons are happiest in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep them away from drafty windows or air vents that blast hot or cold air. As tropical plants, they appreciate humidity. If your home is dry, you can mist the leaves regularly, use a humidifier, or group your plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
I live in New Jersey (zone 6b), and I love bringing my heartleaf philodendron outdoors during the summer. It absolutely thrives in the humidity! I’ve noticed a huge explosion of growth during those months.
Watering
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your philodendron. Overwatering is a common mistake and can lead to root problems. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.
To know whether your plant needs to be watered, stick your finger down into the soil about 1-2″ and feel for dryness. But you can also use this moisture meter instead if you prefer.
Fertilizing
During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your heartleaf philodendron about once a month with a liquid fertilizer. I feed my heartleaf philodendron plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks. You can also use a fertilizer that’s a bit higher in nitrogen to encourage lots of leafy growth. In fall and winter, when growth slows down, you can reduce fertilizing to every other month.
Heartleaf Philodendron Common Pests and Diseases
While generally pest-resistant, heartleaf philodendrons can occasionally attract common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Regularly check your plant for signs of these pests, and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. I also use this systemic houseplant insecticide that lasts for 8 weeks to help prevent pest problems.
Root rot is the most common disease affecting these plants, often caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. Prevent root rot by following the watering and soil guidelines mentioned earlier.
I’ve been growing my plant for several years now and have not had an issue with it yet! Overall, the heartleaf philodendron is pretty resilient and a great plant for beginners and those with busy lifestyles.
Heartleaf Philodendron Propagation
One of the joys of growing heartleaf philodendrons is how easy they are to propagate. To propagate through stem cuttings:
- Take cuttings about 3-6 inches long, making sure each cutting has at least one node (the bump where leaves emerge).
- Remove the leaves from the bottom inch of each cutting.
- You can root the cuttings in water or directly in soil. If using water, place the cuttings in a jar or glass, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Change the water every few days. Roots should develop within a few weeks. If rooting in soil, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in a small pot with moist potting mix.
- Once the cuttings have a good root system, transplant them into their own pots. You can even keep some cuttings in water indefinitely – they look beautiful in a simple vase!
Decorating Your Home with Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendrons are incredibly versatile when it comes to decorating. Their trailing habit makes them perfect for hanging baskets or shelves, where their vines can cascade beautifully. After ensuring you are giving them the proper care, here are a few ideas to help you style them:
- Go Vertical: Train your philodendron to climb! Use a moss pole, trellis, or even a decorative obelisk to add height and visual interest. This also encourages larger leaf growth.
- Create a Living Wall: Use wall plant clips to guide the vines up your wall. This is a fantastic way to bring life and greenery to a bare space.
- Embrace the Cascade: Let the vines spill over the edges of shelves, bookcases, or even your piano! This creates a lush, romantic feel.
- Mix and Match: Combine your heartleaf philodendron with other houseplants to create a vibrant indoor jungle. They look stunning alongside ferns, pothos, and other trailing plants.
- Highlight with a Pedestal: Elevate your philodendron on a plant stand or pedestal to make it a focal point in the room.
- Get Creative with Containers: Choose a pot that complements your style and the plant’s foliage. Consider a macrame hanger for a bohemian touch, a sleek ceramic pot for a modern look, or a rustic terracotta pot for a classic feel.
- Don’t Forget Cuttings: Snip a few vines and place them in a vase with water. They’ll root easily and add a touch of green to any corner of your home.
My Personal Touch
I’ve added a willow obelisk to my pot, which adds a lovely decorative touch and gives the philodendron something to climb. I’ve also been using wall plant clips to train the vines to grow up my wall. It’s a fun way to add some greenery and create a living wall feature.
No matter how you choose to display your heartleaf philodendron, it’s sure to bring life and beauty to your home. Have fun experimenting and finding the perfect spot for this easy-to-grow, versatile plant!
Extra Care Tips for Your Heartleaf Philodendron
- Pinch back the stems occasionally to encourage bushier growth.
- Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean and free of dust.
- Repot your philodendron every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound.
With a minimal care and attention, your heartleaf philodendron will thrive and reward you with lush, vibrant foliage for years to come. Happy growing!
For more information about growing the heartleaf philodendron plant, please read this article from the University of Florida Cooperative Extension.
To drill down on houseplant care basics and growing an indoor garden that thrives, please read my articles:
- Easy Houseplants for Busy People: The Low-Maintenance Approach to Growing an Indoor Garden
- From Shop to Home: How to Acclimate Your Tropical Plants
- Stop Guessing and Master Watering Indoor Plants Like a Pro
- How to Revive Houseplants You Thought Were Goners
- Is Your Houseplant Getting Enough Light? Here’s How to Tell.
Thank you for visiting the blog today!
Enjoy your day! xo
