Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is an easy-care houseplant with heart-shaped leaves and long, trailing vines. It tolerates a range of indoor conditions, making it a great choice for beginners and anyone looking for a low-maintenance houseplant.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to care for a heartleaf philodendron, including the best light, watering, soil, fertilizing, pruning, repotting, and growing conditions. I’ll also cover how to keep the plant growing well, common problems, and how to propagate philodendron from cuttings.

The plant shown in my photos is Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’, a beautiful variegated heartleaf philodendron with green and yellow foliage. Its basic care is similar to the green-leaved form, although brighter indirect light helps maintain its attractive variegation.

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Heartleaf philodendron plant care at a glance

Here is a quick guide to heartleaf philodendron growing conditions:

Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum
Common names: Heart leaf philodendron, sweetheart plant, parlor ivy
Family: Araceae
Plant type: Tropical perennial
Toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats
Maintenance level: Low
Sunlight needs: Bright, indirect light, and tolerates low light
Soil requirements: Loose, well-draining potting mix
Watering needs: Water when the top 1-2 inches are dry
Mature size: Long vines can be several feet indoors
Bloom time: Rarely flowers indoors
Fertilizing needs: Balanced fertilizer during active growth
Temperature needs: 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C); avoid cold drafts
Humidity requirements: Average household humidity
Hardiness zones: USDA 10-12

Are philodendron plants toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. All philodendron plants are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract. If you have pets that like to chew on houseplants, keep your philodendron plant out of their reach.

Is a philodendron easy to grow?

Yes, heartleaf philodendron is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It adapts well to typical indoor conditions, tolerates periods of lower light, and doesn’t require frequent watering. Its vining growth also makes it forgiving of pruning, and new plants are easy to grow from stem cuttings.

While Philodendron hederaceum is generally low maintenance, it will grow best with bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and consistent watering without keeping the soil soggy.

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How to care for a heartleaf philodendron

These simple care requirements make heartleaf a good choice for beginners and an easy addition to your houseplant collection.

Light needs for philodendrons

Bright, indirect light is best for healthy growth and larger leaves.
Heartleaf philodendron can tolerate lower light, but growth may slow, and vines can become leggy.
Philodendron ‘Brasil’: Brighter indirect light helps maintain its green-and-yellow variegation.
Avoid harsh direct sun, since strong afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Soil requirements

Use a well-draining potting mix that doesn’t stay soggy.
Grow philodendrons in pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots.
Adding perlite can improve drainage and aeration if your potting mix is dense.

Watering philodendrons

Check the soil and water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Don’t let the plant sit in water – this can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering when growth slows, and the soil takes longer to dry.

Fertilizing philodendrons

Feed when the plant is actively growing in spring and summer.
Use a balanced water-soluble houseplant fertilizer.
Avoid overfertilizing, which can cause fertilizer buildup and damage the roots.
Fertilize less often or stop during the plant’s slower growth period.

Temperature and humidity needs

Philodendrons grow well in average indoor temperatures around 65–80°F (18–27°C).
Avoid cold drafts, frost, and temperatures below about 55°F (13°C).
Heartleaf philodendrons adapt well to normal household humidity.
Extra humidity may be helpful in very dry indoor conditions, especially during winter.

Pruning philodendrons

Light pruning will help to keep your plant healthy and tidy. It will also make your philodendron more bushy if you don’t want long, trailing vines.

Trim long or unruly vines to keep the plant at the size and shape you want.
Cut just above a node, since new growth can develop from nodes below the cut.
Remove damaged leaves and stems with sharp pruning shears.
Use healthy cuttings for propagation; stem cuttings with nodes can be rooted to grow new philodendron plants.

Repotting a heartleaf philodendron

Repot when roots fill the soil, grow from the drainage holes, or the soil dries out unusually quickly.
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger than the original pot.
Use fresh, well-draining soil when repotting.
Spring and summer are generally the best times for philodendrons to recover from repotting.

How to propagate a heartleaf philodendron

Growing philodendrons from cuttings is easy. Here is how to do it:

Propagation is best done in spring or summer during the active growth period.
Use sharp shears to cut 3-4 inch cuttings from the tips of the stems.
Make the cuts just below a leaf node and ensure the cuttings have at least 3 leaves attached.
Place the cuttings in a container of water in indirect light until roots form.
Plant the rooted stem cuttings in a pot filled with clean potting mix and keep them moist.

Heartleaf philodendron plant care printable

You can print the heartleaf philodendron printable as high-resolution JPGs or PDFs by using the links below:

Printing instructions:

Select portrait orientation and “fit to page” on your printer settings for a full-page printout.
You can also print out the list of heartleaf philodendron care tips from the project card at the bottom of this page. Scroll down to the card and press “print”.

How does heartleaf philodendron grow?

Philodendrons are tough, fast-growing houseplants with vining or trailing leaves.

Their long vines can reach up to 9 feet or more indoors.
Their stems carry thin aerial roots.
The leaves are heart-shaped and glossy green, often with variegation.
New growth is not as distinctively shaped or colored as mature leaves are.

Common heartleaf philodendron plant problems

Most philodendron problems are related to watering or light. Here are some common issues and simple ways to fix them.

Why is my philodendron not growing?

The likely cause is not enough light, overwatering, or lack of nutrients during active growth.
Solution: Move it to brighter, indirect light, let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before watering, and fertilize during spring and summer.

Why is my philodendron growing small leaves?

This is usually because of low light or new plant growth. Young plants and cuttings naturally produce smaller leaves.
Solution: Give the plant brighter, indirect light. A small support can also encourage larger, more mature leaves.

Why is my philodendron getting leggy?

This is most likely because the plant is not getting enough light.
Solution: Move it closer to a bright window with indirect light and prune the long, bare vines to encourage fuller growth.

Why are my philodendron leaves turning yellow?

Overwatering is a common culprit, especially if the soil stays wet.
Solution: Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before watering and make sure the pot has drainage holes.

Why is my philodendron Brasil losing its variegation?

While philodendrons can tolerate low light, this often causes the plants to lose their variegation.
Solution: Move plants to brighter, indirect light. Avoid strong direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Why are my philodendron leaves curling?

Dry soil, too much direct sun, or temperature stress can cause this to happen.
Solution: Check the soil and water if it’s very dry. Move the plant away from harsh sunlight, and avoid temperature extremes.

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Yield: 1 heartleaf philodendron care printable

Heartleaf Philodendron Care Guide

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Learn how to grow a healthy heartleaf philodendron with simple tips for light, watering, soil, feeding, pruning, repotting, and propagation.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost $1

Materials

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Instructions

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