Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

Last updated: August 3, 2025

The Heartleaf Philodendron is a beloved houseplant, famous for its cascading vines adorned with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It's incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced plant parents alike.

Lighting

Heartleaf Philodendrons are very tolerant of various light conditions, which contributes to their popularity.

Ideal: Medium to low indirect light is perfect. They thrive in locations that receive dappled light or are a few feet away from a bright window (east or north-facing is often ideal).
Tolerates: They can survive in surprisingly low light environments, though their growth may become leggy, and new leaves might be smaller.
Avoid: Direct, harsh sunlight will scorch their leaves, causing them to turn yellow and develop brown crispy spots.

Watering Routine

This plant prefers its soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. It's more tolerant of slight underwatering than overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Frequency: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. You can use your finger to check the moisture level. The leaves may also start to look slightly limp or dull when the plant is thirsty.
Method: Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. Ensure no excess water is left standing in the saucer, as this can lead to root rot.
Seasonality: Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter months, as the plant's growth naturally slows down.

Fertilizer Requirements

Heartleaf Philodendrons are not heavy feeders.

Schedule: Fertilize during their active growing season, which is typically from spring through early fall. Once every 2-4 weeks is generally sufficient.
Type: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Commercial Recommendation: Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid) or Schultz Liquid Plant Food are easily accessible and effective options. Dilute these commercial concentrates to achieve approximately 50-100 ppm N in your final solution. This is often equivalent to using them at "half strength" or "full strength" of the package's recommended dose.
DIY Fertilizer Suggestion:
For robust foliage growth, use your homemade 3-1-2 liquid fertilizer concentrate (High Nitrogen) or a balanced 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate.
- For 3-1-2 concentrate (30,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Light to Moderate Feeding" rate, using 1.67 ml to 3.33 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~50-100 ppm N). See recipe details.
- For 1-1-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Moderate Feeding" rate, using 10 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~100 ppm N). See recipe details.
Avoid: Do not fertilize in late fall and winter when the plant is in a period of reduced growth or dormancy.

Misting Requirements

Heartleaf Philodendrons tolerate average household humidity levels very well and do not strictly require regular misting. However, like most tropical plants, they do appreciate slightly higher humidity.

Optional Benefit: If your home's air is particularly dry (e.g., due to heating in winter), occasional misting a few times a week or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (making sure the pot is not sitting directly in the water) can be beneficial for leaf health and vigor.

Pot Size and Soil Type

Pot Size: When repotting, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than its current one. Heartleaf Philodendrons don't mind being slightly root-bound, and this can actually encourage fuller top growth. Repotting is typically needed every 1-2 years or when you see roots circling the inside of the pot or emerging from the drainage holes. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating.
Soil Type: Use a well-draining, all-purpose potting mix. A standard indoor potting mix is generally suitable. To further enhance drainage and aeration, you can amend the potting mix with about 1 part perlite to 4-5 parts potting mix. This will ensure good air circulation around the roots and prevent waterlogging.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning: To encourage a bushier plant and prevent it from becoming too leggy, you can prune back long, trailing vines. Cut the stem just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf emerges from the stem).
Propagation: Heartleaf Philodendrons are incredibly easy to propagate! Simply take a stem cutting with a few leaves and at least one node, and place it in water or moist potting mix. Roots will typically form within a few weeks.
Toxicity: Like many common houseplants, Heartleaf Philodendron is considered toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals. Keep out of reach of pets and small children.