Philodendron hederaceum, botanical reference photograph
Photo: KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cropped & resized.
HouseplantEasygoing

Heartleaf philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Soft heart-shaped leaves on vines that happily trail or climb.

Light
Medium to bright, indirect light
Water
Let the upper layer dry
Soil
Airy indoor mix with drainage
Temperature
Warm room; avoid cold drafts

JUST BROUGHT IT HOME?

A good start, in three steps.

  1. Choose a shelf with indirect daylight.
  2. Check moisture and drain any standing water.
  3. Decide whether its stems will trail or climb.

Light & placement

Indirect daylight suits this climbing vine. It tolerates less light, but growth may become sparse. Keep it clear of hot, direct afternoon sun.

Water & drainage

Let the upper layer of mix dry before watering thoroughly. Empty the outer pot and adjust to how quickly your actual container dries.

Growing well

Trim long stems above a leaf joint to encourage branching. Feed modestly during active growth and give climbing stems a support. Repot when roots are crowded, not just because it has long vines.

When something looks wrong

Yellowing can have several causes; wet soil is a reason to inspect drainage. Tiny webbing or speckled leaves call for a closer look for mites. Separate a pest-affected plant from others while investigating.

A little further

Root a stem section with a node in water or suitable mix. Keep cuttings bright but out of direct sun.

Check, water, drainCheck the soil against your plant’s care guide. Water the soil when needed. Let extra water drain and empty the saucer.01 · Check the soil02 · Water if needed03 · Drain completely
Your plant sets the pace. Check its moisture cue above, not a fixed weekly schedule.

Three things to avoid.

  • Keeping the root ball soggy.
  • Scorching soft leaves in harsh direct sun.
  • Confusing a leaf cutting with a stem cutting.

Rooted in good information

NC State Extension · Philodendron hederaceum ↗

Reviewed October 3, 2026. Guidance is for container growing. Light, climate, pot size, and season change what your plant needs. Outdoor winter survival varies by location and cultivar.

How we write our guides & use photographs