Heartleaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron is a classic, low-maintenance trailing vine grown for its glossy, heart-shaped green leaves on slender stems. It is one of the most forgiving houseplants, tolerating low light and irregular care, which has made it a staple since Victorian times.

It is frequently mistaken for pothos, but its leaves are thinner, softer and more uniformly heart-shaped, and new growth often emerges with a bronze or reddish tint. It trails beautifully or climbs a support, growing quickly in warm conditions.

Recognize it by trailing stems of soft, glossy, heart-shaped green leaves with pointed tips.

• Leaves: heart-shaped, thin, glossy deep green; new leaves often bronze-tinted
• Stems: slender, trailing or climbing, rooting at nodes
• Habit: fast-growing vine; trails several feet
• Versus pothos: leaves are thinner, softer and more symmetrical; petioles are rounder

Tolerates low to bright indirect light; bright indirect light gives the fullest growth, while it survives in shadier spots.

• Water: when the top inch of soil dries; tolerant of occasional missed waterings
• Soil: well-draining potting mix
• Temperature: 18 to 27 C; keep above 13 C
• Humidity: average to high
• Feeding: balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
• Propagation: very easy from stem cuttings in water or soil; pinch tips to keep it bushy

Native to Central America and the Caribbean, where it grows as a climbing vine in warm, humid tropical forests, scrambling up tree trunks toward the light. It is grown worldwide as one of the most popular and beginner-friendly trailing houseplants.

Grown as an ornamental trailing or climbing houseplant, excellent for hanging baskets, shelves and as a draping accent, and recognized as an air-purifying plant. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals, so it is toxic to cats and dogs and irritating if chewed.