Heartleaf philodendron guide
Philodendron hederaceum, also called sweetheart plant, Philodendron cordatum, Philodendron scandens
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Medium
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. More helps big leaves.
- Temperature
- 16 to 27°C (60 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky houseplant mix with bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain and drooling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- Vines trail 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft). Upright types reach 60 to 150 cm (2 to 5 ft).
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings with a node, rooted in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes heartleaf philodendron different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the philodendron care guide.
What it is
Heartleaf philodendron is the classic green philodendron vine. It is the species Philodendron hederaceum. The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy, and solid green, with a long pointed tip. It is one of the easiest houseplants to grow and one of the most common. ‘Brasil’, ‘Lemon Lime’, ‘Rio’, and ‘Micans’ are all forms of this one species.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| Heartleaf philodendron | Thin, soft, solid green hearts | New leaves unroll from a thin sheath that dries brown |
| ‘Golden’ pothos | Thicker, waxy, with yellow streaks | A groove runs along the leaf stem |
| Jade pothos | Thicker, solid green | Thicker leaves and a grooved leaf stem |
Pothos and heartleaf philodendron get mixed up all the time. Feel the leaf. Philodendron leaves are thinner and softer, and the tip curls into a long, thin point.
Care differences
Heartleaf handles lower light than any other philodendron. In a dim spot it grows slower, with smaller leaves and longer gaps between them. Bright indirect light keeps it full.
It grows fast. Pinch the vine tips often to keep it bushy.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut just below a node. Root it in water or moist soil. Roots show in one to two weeks. Plant several cuttings in one pot for a full plant.
Buying it
Heartleaf philodendron is sold everywhere, often in hanging baskets. Look for full pots with leaves down to the soil. Long, bare vines with tiny leaves have been sitting in low light.