Plant Passport
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
LightBright
Water7-10d
PetCheck
PP PHIL ODEN DRON
Issued 2026 · Valid while cared for
Heartleaf Philodendron
Klimmende philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
Also known as Philodendron scandens, Philodendron oxycardium
“The forgiving sweetheart that trails gracefully from any shelf.”
low maintenancebeginner friendlyair purifyingclimbing vinehanging plantshade tolerantfast growingoffice plant
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Keep lightly moist
- Pet safety
- Mildly toxic
- This month
- Last good month for propagation cuttings. Continue regular care. Shower plant occasionally to remove dust and discourage pests.
August care tip
Last good month for propagation cuttings. Continue regular care. Shower plant occasionally to remove dust and discourage pests.
Quick Care Summary
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Keep lightly moist
- Placement
- Bright indirect light, on a shelf or climbing a moss pole
- Temperature
- 15–30°C
- Humidity
- moderate
Free printable Plant Passport card
Print, cut, and place this Heartleaf Philodendron card in the pot. Add the physical card if you want the finished version.
Printable card preview
Compare the simple formats before you download the free card or add a finished card above.
Plant Passport
Heartleaf Philodendron
LightBright
Water7-10d
Botanical stake card
- Format
- 150 x 25mm
- Best for
- Slim plant stakes and gift pots
Use the card section above when you are ready to download or add a printed card.
Protect the printed card
Waterproof badge holders keep the free printable card readable through every watering.
View holders →Detailed Care Guide
Watering Method
Water from the top until water flows from the drainage holes. Allow the top 2-3cm of soil to dry between waterings. The plant will droop slightly when thirsty — a helpful reminder. Avoid leaving the pot sitting in a saucer of water.
Soil Mix
Well-draining aroid mix: 60% potting soil, 20% perlite, 20% orchid bark. Must retain some moisture but never stay soggy. A handful of horticultural charcoal improves drainage and prevents odours.
Repotting
Every 1-2 years in spring, or when roots grow out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot only 2-3cm wider — this plant does not mind being slightly rootbound. Refresh the soil completely when repotting.
Pruning
Pinch or cut growing tips to encourage branching and a fuller shape. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves at the base. Long leggy vines can be cut back to any length — new growth will sprout from the node below the cut. Best done in spring or summer.
Pot Preference
Any material works as long as there are drainage holes. Plastic retains moisture longer (good if you forget to water), terracotta dries faster (good if you tend to overwater). Hanging baskets and wall-mounted planters showcase the trailing habit beautifully.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce to every 6-8 weeks in autumn. Stop fertilizing completely in winter. Over-fertilizing causes salt buildup and brown leaf tips.
Draft Sensitivity
Moderately sensitive. Avoid cold drafts from windows and doors in winter. Also keep away from direct AC airflow in summer, which dries out the leaves.
Sources consulted
- www.rhs.org.uk
- www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
- extension.psu.edu
Room Placement
Window Direction
East or north-facing windows are ideal. West-facing works with some distance from the glass. South-facing needs filtering with a sheer curtain — direct sun will scorch the leaves.
Best Room
Living room on a high shelf or bookcase for trailing. Bathroom with natural light is ideal due to humidity. Bedroom near an east-facing window. Office with fluorescent or grow lighting also works well.
Monthly Care Calendar
Aug (now)
Last good month for propagation cuttings. Continue regular care. Shower plant occasionally to remove dust and discourage pests.
Sep
Growth starts to slow. Bring plant indoors if it spent summer outside before nights drop below 12°C. Reduce fertilizing to every 6-8 weeks.
Oct
Transition to winter care. Stop fertilizing. Reduce watering. Move away from cold windows. Increase humidity as heating comes on.
Nov
Winter mode. Water only when top 3cm is dry. Check for mealybugs and spider mites which thrive in dry heated air. Clean leaves.
Watering Schedule
- Summer
- Every 5 days
- Winter
- Every 10 days
Stick your finger 2-3cm into the soil. If it feels dry, water thoroughly. If still moist, wait another day or two. The plant will droop slightly when thirsty — a reliable backup signal.
Common Problems
Propagation
stem cuttinglayeringeasyspring
One of the easiest plants to propagate. Cut a stem section with at least 2-3 nodes and a few leaves. Remove the bottom leaf. Place in a glass of water with the nodes submerged. Change water weekly. Roots appear in 1-2 weeks. Transfer to soil once roots are 5cm long. Can also root directly in moist perlite or sphagnum moss.
Pests & Diseases
Mealybugs
Early signs
White cottony clusters at leaf axils and stem junctions. Sticky honeydew on leaves.
Treatment
Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Follow up with neem oil spray applied to all surfaces. Repeat weekly for 3 weeks to catch all life cycle stages.
Fungus gnats
Early signs
Small black flies hovering around the soil surface. Tiny white larvae visible in the top soil layer.
Treatment
Allow soil to dry out more between waterings — larvae need moisture. Place yellow sticky traps near the plant. Water with a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution (1 part 3% H2O2 to 4 parts water) to kill larvae.
Spider mites
Early signs
Fine stippling on leaves, tiny yellow dots. Fine webbing on leaf undersides in severe cases.
Treatment
Shower the plant thoroughly with lukewarm water, paying attention to leaf undersides. Increase humidity — spider mites thrive in dry air. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly until resolved.
Buying Tips
Look for full, bushy specimens with multiple stems emerging from the soil — not a single leggy vine. Leaves should be glossy and deep green with no yellowing. Check for pests under leaves and at stem junctions. A slightly rootbound plant is fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
Philodendron means 'tree-lover' in Greek, referring to its natural climbing habit. This species was one of the first tropical plants to become popular as a houseplant in the early 20th century — its ability to thrive in the dim, overheated parlours of Victorian homes earned it the nickname 'parlour ivy'. NASA's Clean Air Study found Philodendron effective at filtering formaldehyde from indoor air.
Origin & Natural Habitat
Native to the tropical rainforests of Central America and the Caribbean, from Mexico south to Brazil. Grows as an epiphytic vine, climbing tree trunks in the dappled light of the forest understory. Adapted to warm, humid conditions with filtered sunlight.
Plants with similar care
Want cards for more plants?
Move from one free card to a ready-to-use set.