This post contains affiliate links. I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through these links.
The Heartleaf philodendron is a low-maintenance plant known for its fast-growing vines full of heart-shaped leaves. In this post, we’ll review Heartleaf philodendron care as well as propagating philodendron.
Where Can I Buy a Heartleaf Philodendron?
You can find yourself a gorgeous Heartleaf philodendron on Etsy! Check out this Heartleaf philodendron from one of my favorite Etsy shops.
How do you care for a Heartleaf philodendron?
The Heartleaf philodendron is one of the easiest houseplants out there. Its basic care requirements are the following:
- Medium to bright, indirect light, but tolerant of low light.
- Water when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Don’t let it completely dry out.
- Provide some additional humidity.
- Pot in a well-draining potting mix.
How much light does a Heartleaf philodendron need?
These plants are known for being low-light tolerant which is part of what makes philodendron care so easy.
This philodendron does best in medium to bright indirect light, but they still do very well in low light or even under fluorescent lights. They make great office plants for this reason!
Do not put them in direct sunlight because this can scorch the leaves.
If you suspect that your natural light situation isn’t enough, grow lights are an excellent solution!
I’ve used many different grow lights, but this clip-on, gooseneck grow light continues to be my all-time favorite because it is extremely easy to position in just about any angle you need it to reach!
How often should you water a philodendron?
You should water your philodendron when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Generally, this is about once a week, but it will depend on your environment. In the hot weather, you will need to water more often and vice versa.
Don’t let it dry out completely, but be sure to feel the soil first with your finger to determine that it’s not too wet before watering again.
If your philodendron is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and droop.
Another wonderful part of philodendron care is that they are not too sensitive to overwatering. Overwater once and you’ll be fine, just try not to make it a habit!
Should I mist my philodendron?
Because philodendrons are native to parts of the Caribbean and Central America, they will appreciate some extra humidity in their environment. Misting every few days is one way to do this, but I personally prefer a method that’s a little more foolproof—using a humidifier.
This is my current favorite humidifier because it can last up to 96 hours! (The longer I don’t need to worry about refilling things, the better!)
I also have a post about more methods to create humidity for houseplants.
Potting Mix
As one of the most low-maintenance plants out there, Heartleaf philodendron will do just fine in a regular, well-draining indoor plant potting mix. I usually add a couple of handfuls of perlite as well if I have it on hand for extra drainage!
How do you keep a philodendron bushy?
As with many vining plants, Heartleaf philodendron can get “leggy,” which is when the vines become very long and stretched out with fewer leaves—usually due to the plant trying to reach out to find more light.
Pruning is handy to create a bushier plant and control the size and shape of the plant. You can remove leggy vines and create a more bushy plant by pruning the vines to encourage new growth.
When pruning, use clean scissors to cut about a 1/4 inch above a node. (Cutting ABOVE a node means the node is NOT included on the part you cut off the plant.)
This will cause the plant to push out new growth.
In addition to pruning your plant to make it bushy, you should remove any yellow, dying leaves once they can be gently plucked away from the plant, as part of general maintenance.
When should you repot Heartleaf philodendron?
In optimal conditions, the Heartleaf philodendron is a fast grower and will likely need to be repotted every year. This could also be every other year depending on its growth rate.
Heartleaf philodendrons don’t love to be rootbound, so if you see roots coming out of the drainage holes it’s definitely time to repot it.
If you remove the plant from its pot and see the roots swirled around the bottom of the pot, that’s another sign that your plant is rootbound.
Repot your plant in one the next size up from its current pot, and make sure it has good drainage. If possible, try to repot during the growing season (spring and summer)
I really love terra cotta pots because they dry out quicker putting your plant at less risk of root rot!
Fertilizing
The Heartleaf philodendron is a naturally fast grower so doesn’t necessarily need to be fertilized. However, fertilizer can help boost your philodendron thrive to its full potential.
You can use a balanced indoor plant fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) to feed this plant.
Climbing and Support
In its natural environment, Heartleaf philodendron climbs using aerial roots. Aerial roots also help absorb nutrients, so putting them to use will only benefit your plant.
Allowing your plant to climb by giving it some form of support will help your plant to grow strong and healthy.
Here is the stackable moss pole I use for my climbing plants! It’s so convenient to be able to easily add more to the top once your plant outgrows the pole’s current height.
As part of your watering routine, mist your moss pole around the aerial roots so those roots can get a nice drink, too.
Foliage
You might have guessed that this plant’s heart-shaped leaves are what give it its name of Heartleaf philodendron. In that case, you’d be correct!
Heartleaf philodendrons tend to be solid green in color and don’t usually have any variegation.
Heartleaf philodendron problems and pests
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves are usually caused by overwatering. Make sure you’re feeling the soil with your finger first so you can determine whether or not your plant actually needs water.
Droopy or Curly Leaves
Drooping or curling leaves means your plant is probably too dry. The leaves should perk back up once you thoroughly water your plant.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips
The most common cause of crispy leaf tips is a lack of moisture. This could mean the soil has been too dry for too long, or, if the air is extremely dry, a lack of humidity.
Leggy Vines
Leggy vines are a result of a lack of insufficient light. Move your plant closer to a light source, just don’t place it in too much direct light.
Prune off the legginess by snipping the vines off above a node.
Pests
You won’t have too much of a problem with pests on your Heartleaf philodendron but always keep a lookout for the “general” houseplant pests such as fungus gnats, aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale.
Catching pests as early as possible will make getting rid of them that much easier. For general houseplant prevention and control, I really like Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control.
A Helpful Propagation Tutorial: Above vs. Below the Node on Vining Plants
Propagating Heartleaf Philodendron
Propagating philodendron is very easy, which is part of what makes philodendron care so much fun! You can propagate philodendron in water or soil.
If propagated in water, they can also be left there permanently, but they won’t grow as large or as fast.
Propagating philodendron in water
Propagating philodendron in water is simple!
Use a clean pair of scissors to cut about a 1/4 inch below a node on a piece of vine that has a few leaves. You need to include the node on the cutting because that’s where new roots will sprout from.
Place the cutting in a clear jar of room-temperature water, making sure at least one node is under the surface. If any leaves are sitting under the water’s surface, gently remove them from the stem.
Place the cutting in a location with medium to bright, indirect light. Top off the water when it gets lower and change the water when it gets murky or slimy, about every few days to a week.
How long does it take Heartleaf philodendron to root in water?
Roots will start to sprout from the nodes on your cutting within a few days, but it will be a few weeks before you can transfer your cutting into soil.
Wait until the roots are about two to three inches long, and then transfer the cutting to its permanent pot.
Make sure the pot is sized appropriately for the cutting and has good drainage. (To prevent overwatering, you shouldn’t use a gigantic pot for a teeny plant.)
Give your cutting a good watering and some time to adjust to its new environment, and that’s it!
Propagating Philodendron in Soil (Method 1)
Propagating philodendron in soil follows the same sort of method. Use a clean pair of scissors to cut about a 1/4 inch below a node on a piece of vine that has a few leaves.
You need to include the node on the cutting because that’s where new roots will sprout from.
Now, instead of putting the cutting in a jar of water, plant it directly into an appropriately sized pot that has good drainage.
You can even stick it back into the same pot as the mother plant. Make sure at least one node is underneath the soil because that’s where the roots will sprout from.
Place the cutting in a location with medium to bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not wet, as the roots develop.
You can also place a clear plastic bag over the top to help lock in beneficial humidity. Just open it a little each day to let in fresh air.
It will be at least few weeks before a new root system is established and before you’ll notice significant new growth on the cutting. Patience is key!
You can test the roots by gently tugging on the cutting and feeling if there is resistance. If there is, then a root system has developed.
Propagating Philodendron in Soil (Method 2)
Another method that is easy to do with vining plants like the Heartleaf philodendron is to place the entire vine cutting down so it’s all laying on top of the surface of the soil, with all the nodes on the vine facing down into the soil.
If needed, temporarily “fasten” the vine to the soil using bobby pins or paper clips. Keep the soil moist but not wet and place it in bright, indirect light.
You can also place a clear plastic bag over the top to help lock in beneficial humidity. Just open it a little each day to let in fresh air.
This is another easy method of rooting philodendron. All of those nodes in contact with the soil will eventually take root!
How long do Philodendron cuttings take to root?
In both cases, rooting philodendron will take at least a few weeks. Within the first week or so, tiny roots start to sprout, and after a couple of weeks to over a month, the roots should fully develop.
Additional Information
Is the Heartleaf philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the Heartleaf philodendron is toxic to cats and dogs, so be sure to keep this plant out of your furry friends’ reach!
What is the difference between pothos and philodendrons?
The plant is often confused for the pothos—another fast-growing vining plant that looks very similar.
There are a few ways to tell the difference between the two, based on their look and growing habits. Some of the easiest ways to immediately spot the difference are:
- Heartleaf philodendrons have, you guessed it, leaves that are more heart shaped
- Pothos typically have larger and more waxy leaves with more variegation, while philodendron leaves are thinner and a bit darker green
- Philodendron have a round, smooth petiole (the little stem connecting a leaf to the main vine), while pothos have a little indentation or groove on the petiole
How big do Heartleaf philodendrons get?
The Heartleaf philodendron is a very fast grower, especially in optimal conditions. If they’re growing in the wild climbing up a tree, they can easily reach tens of feet tall.
In the home, they are more likely to reach a few feet in length, but if given proper care and something to climb up, they have the potential to grow over ten feet tall.
Buy a heartleaf philodendron here! You can’t go wrong adding this classic to your collection!
Care Summary
- Medium to bright, indirect light, but tolerant of low light.
- Water when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Don’t let it completely dry out.
- Provide some additional humidity.
- Pot in a well-draining potting mix.
- Repot every year to every other year.
- Ise a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Provide it with a moss pole to climb.
More Philodendron Posts
- Philodendron Melanochrysum
- Philodendron Florida Ghost
- Philodendron Verrucosum
- Pink Princess Philodendron
- Philodendron Gloriosum
- Philodendron Micans
- Philodendron Brasil
- Philodendron Birkin
Debbie says
Plant is dripping water from leaves. Is this normal?
Julie - Houseplant Aficionado says
Hi Debbie – What you’re probably seeing is guttation–the plant is getting rid of extra water. This is a natural function of the plant. It’s possible you’ve overwatered it, or this might happen if the air is extremely humid.
Enya says
Hi. 😊 I have a really leggy philo that lost all it’s leaves. The cutting root well in water, but will it actually grow well if I plant it in a pot of dirt? Does it HAVE to have leaves to grow, or am I just wasting my time?
Julie, Houseplant Expert says
Hi Enya – Stems with nodes but no leaves can sometimes grow leaves on their own, but since the plant has lost ALL its leaves that tells me it’s probably not strong enough to continue growing. You could always try and experiment and see what happens! But overall I would just start over with a new plant 🙂
LauraS says
Hi, I have a question that I’m searching for an answer…. I’m not a novice and I have many different philodendron but I’ve run into something different suddenly that I’m unfamiliar with. I have a heartleaf phil that I’ve had for at least 7-8 yrs. About 4 yrs ago a newer kitten attacked it and just about killed it. I nursed it and got it to live but man… the leaves got tiny and it had very slow growth under the same conditions it was always in. FF a few years and it’s been doing much better for a while now finally. More recently, I’ve been giving it a little more light now and then (my house is dark and I use a lot of plant lights for the most part as supplemental to the low light that I do get from windows) and I just recently noticed that a couple of the leaves are becoming variegated… almost like a golden pothos but this is definitely not a pothos (I have about 18 different pothos and about 10 different phils and recognize the difference). I have never run into this before. It’s just a few leaves at the moment but this is a recent phenomenon. Have you ever run into this? Thanks!