Philodendron hederaceum

Heartleaf Philodendron

Medium lightEasyToxic to pets

65–85°FComfort range

AverageHumidity

Background

The heartleaf philodendron is pothos's softer-leaved twin and just as beginner-proof. Glossy heart-shaped leaves trail or climb happily, it tolerates low light and irregular watering, and cuttings root in water within a week or two.

Pinch the growing tips now and then to keep it bushy rather than straggly, and give it a pole if you'd like bigger leaves. People mix it up with pothos constantly — the philodendron's leaves are thinner, softer, and more perfectly heart-shaped, and its new growth often emerges with a coppery or pinkish tint. Easy, fast, and forgiving.

Tolerates low light but grows fuller in medium to bright indirect; keep out of direct sun.

Care at a glance

LightMedium light

WaterEvery 7–10 days; let the top inch dry

Soil mixLight, well-draining aroid-style mix with perlite and bark

HumidityAverage

Temperature65–85°F

DifficultyEasy

HabitTrailing

Mature sizeTrails 4–8 ft

PropagationStem cuttings in water or soil

Watering & safety

How to water

Water thoroughly and drain

Drought tolerance

Tolerant — forgives a missed watering and prefers to dry out.

Toxicity

Contains insoluble calcium oxalates — mouth and throat irritation if chewed.

The routine

Water when the top inch is dry

every 7–10 days

Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser

monthlyGrowing season

Pinch growing tips to keep it bushy

Leggy, far-spaced leaves mean it wants more light

Watch for

AphidsMealybugsSpider Mites