Philodendron hederaceum
A fast-growing, easy-care tropical climber/trailing plant with glossy heart-shaped leaves that thrives in bright indirect light indoors, is easily propagated from cuttings, and offers air-purifying benefits.
Common Names
Heartleaf Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant, Parlor Ivy, Velvet Leaf Philodendron
Summary
Heartleaf philodendron, a tropical evergreen climber or trailing vine native to Central America and the Caribbean, is known for glossy heart-shaped leaves and vigorous, forgiving growth, with a habit that can trail or climb and a notable air-purifying reputation, cultivars include Brasil, Micans, and Lemon Lime, culture favors bright indirect light with avoidance of direct sun, water when the top inch dries, and use well-draining soil in temperatures of 65-85°F with humidity around 40-90%, propagation is by stem cuttings and pruning helps to encourage bushier growth, while uses include training on trellises or moss poles or trailing from hanging baskets, with toxicity to humans and pets requiring caution
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
0 ft 4 in - 26 ft
Spread
10-20 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 9-11
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Well-draining, airy, chunky soil that retains moisture but is not waterlogged.
Soil Drainage
Well-drained soil
Soil pH
5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic)
Bloom Color
Insignificant
Bloom Time
Spring to Autumn
Foliage Color
Dark green
Fall Foliage Color
No fall foliage color
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Fast-growing; up to 0-4 inches per week during the growing season.
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Layering
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- (Jacq.) Schott
- Publication
- Wiener Z. Kunst 3: 780 (1829)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Alismatales
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Philodendron
Inferior Taxa
Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium Philodendron hederaceum var. kirkbridei Philodendron hederaceum var. kirkbridei Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum