Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum
A fast-growing tropical climber with glossy heart-shaped leaves and several variegated cultivars, it tolerates a wide range of indoor conditions, thrives in bright indirect light with well-draining soil, is toxic if ingested, and is popular as a long-lived houseplant.
Common Names
Heartleaf Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant, Parlor Ivy, Velvet Leaf Philodendron
Summary
Heartleaf philodendron is a tropical rainforest climber native to Central America and the Caribbean, with a range from Mexico to tropical America. It grows as an evergreen climber or trailing vine with heart-shaped, glossy leaves; new growth may emerge bronze before maturing to deep green, and cultivars such as 'Brasil' (yellow/green variegation), 'Micans' (velvety leaves), and 'Lemon Lime' (chartreuse) add distinct textures and tones; it forms aerial roots at nodes to aid climbing.
Cultivation involves bright, indirect light, avoidance of direct sun, and well-draining soil kept evenly moist; water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, with typical temperatures around 65–80°F and humidity 40–90%; propagation by stem cuttings and repotting every 1–2 years are common. It is frequently grown as a houseplant in hanging baskets or on supports and is noted for air-purifying qualities, including NASA-listed designation.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3-13 ft
Spread
3-13 feet
Hardiness Zones
Zones 9a-11b
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade
Soil Type
Well-draining, loose, chunky, loamy potting mix with organic material; equal parts standard potting mix, orchid bark, and perlite; peat-free preferred.
Soil Drainage
Well-drained, aerated soil; avoid waterlogging.
Soil pH
5.5-6.5 pH
Bloom Color
Insignificant
Bloom Time
Summer to Fall
Foliage Color
Green
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Fast-growing; in ideal conditions vines can exceed 10 ft (3 m) or more (up to 15+ ft when climbing), up to about 4 inches per week; slower in low light and during fall/winter; ultimate height reached in 5–10 years.
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Variety
- Publication
- Unknown
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Alismatales
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Philodendron
- Species
- Philodendron hederaceum
Synonyms
Philodendron acrocardium Philodendron cuspidatum Philodendron harlowii Philodendron micans Philodendron micans var. brevipes Philodendron microphyllum Philodendron miduhoi Philodendron oxyprorum Philodendron pittieri Philodendron prieurianum Philodendron scandens Philodendron scandens subsp. cubense Philodendron scandens var. cuspidatum Philodendron scandens subsp. isertianum Philodendron scandens f. micans Philodendron subsessile Philodendron isertianum Philodendron micans var. microphyllum Philodendron scaberulum Philodendron scandens var. cubense Philodendron scandens subsp. prieurianum