Houseplant
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum · Araceae
Also called: Heart-leaf Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant, Philodendron scandens (synonym), Philodendron oxycardium (synonym)
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a low-water houseplant well suited to Tucson and the low desert.
Heartleaf Philodendron at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Bright indirect light indoors; tolerates medium to lower light. Avoid hot direct sun through glass, which burns the foliage in Tucson's strong light.
- Mature size
- Trailing/climbing vines commonly 4-8 ft indoors (longer if untrimmed); easily kept compact
- Growth rate
- Fast (vining/trailing)
- Bloom
- Rarely blooms indoors; greenish-white spathe if it does, N/A indoors
- Cold hardiness
- Frost-tender tropical; keep above ~55 F. Not winter-hardy outdoors in Tucson and intolerant of direct summer desert sun - grown as an indoor plant here.
- Soil
- Well-draining, peat-based or standard potting mix in a pot with drainage.
- Native range
- Tropical Central America, Caribbean, and South America; grown indoors in Tucson
- Best used as
- Easy trailing/climbing indoor foliage plant, Hanging baskets, shelves, and totems/moss poles, Low-light tolerant home and office greenery
- Wildlife
- N/A (indoor plant).
- Toxicity
- TOXIC - contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Harmful to cats, dogs, and children if chewed/ingested (oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing). Keep out of reach of pets and kids.
How to grow Heartleaf Philodendron in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out, then water thoroughly and drain. Roughly weekly in summer and less in winter indoors; in Tucson's dry indoor air it appreciates occasional misting or a humidity tray. Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced, diluted houseplant fertilizer (half-strength); reduce or stop in winter.
Pruning & care
Pinch back stems to keep it full and control trailing length; cut just above a node. Cuttings root readily in water or moist mix.
Notes
Very similar in care to pothos and equally forgiving in Tucson homes; distinguished by thinner, glossier, truly heart-shaped leaves and more slender vines. Accepted name is Philodendron hederaceum (older labels may read P. scandens or P. oxycardium). Easy to propagate from cuttings.
Sources: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension houseplant guidance; ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum); Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder - Philodendron hederaceum