Heartleaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron likes to dry out a bit between waterings. To prevent stagnant moisture, which can lead to root rot, allow the soil to dry out until slightly damp. Water thoroughly and allow the water to drain. Never leave standing water in the tray. Overwatering is the number one cause of death for these plants, so it’s essential to avoid overwatering.

The Heartleaf Philodendron prefers bright, indirect light. While the Philodendron can survive in lower light, it will not thrive. Direct sunlight can scorch and damage the foliage, leaving it looking brown and crispy. Ideal lighting is in the range of 250-500 foot candles. If placed in a window with direct light, move it further away from the window or give it some protection against the intense sun.

The Heartleaf Philodendron will do best in temperatures between 65- 85°F (18-29°C). It can survive temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C).

The Heartleaf Philodendron prefers humid environments, but can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. It does benefit from an occasional misting, especially in dry, air conditioned environments. Put it on top of a tray of pebbles and water to create an extra humid environment.

The Heartleaf Philodendron prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly on the acidic side. A light, peaty soil is ideal. Avoid soils that are too light or too heavy. If you're repotting, use a potting mix specifically designed for houseplants.

Fertilize the Heartleaf Philodendron at least every other month, or once every month during the growing season (April to September). The best fertilizer is a balanced fertilizer formulated for houseplants. Fertilize in small amounts, as too much fertilizer can actually damage the plant. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and water the plant before application. Stop fertilizer application during the winter months, when the plant is not actively growing.

The Heartleaf Philodendron is vulnerable to common houseplant pests like mealybugs, aphids, spider mites and scale. If you see small, white bugs moving around on the underside of the leaves or on the stems, you likely have mealybugs. If there are small, green bugs on the top side of the leaves or small webs, these are likely spider mites. Identification is key to treating the pest infestations. Mealybugs can be washed off with water or you can try applying isopropyl alcohol directly to them. For spider mites, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil will do the trick.

The Heartleaf Philodendron prefers to stay in the same pot. Repotting should only be done when the plant has outgrown the current pot, generally every two to three years. When repotting, use a well-draining potting mix and make sure not to over-water after repotting.

Pruning is one of the ways to keep your Heartleaf Philodendron healthy and vibrant. Prune off any discolored or damaged foliage and flowering stems. Prune away any extra long shoots to maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. Make sure to use a pair of sharp, clean pruners.

The Heartleaf Philodendron does not need any kind of mulching. If, however, you're repotting and would like to add some mulch for aesthetic purposes, make sure to use organic mulch such as bark chips or wood chips. These will help retain moisture in the soil and provide a great environment for the plant.

Propagating the Heartleaf Philodendron is quite easy. You can propagate the plant by stem cuttings. Take a 3-4 inch stem cutting and strip off all the leaves except for the top few. Place the cutting in clean water or moist, well-draining soil and keep it in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Make sure to change the water every few days, and within a few weeks, you should see new roots starting to form.

The Heartleaf Philodendron does best when it has something to climb up. It will look best cascading down from a high shelf or climbing up a moss pole. If you choose to use a moss pole, make sure to tie string or twine around it, as the Philodendron is likely to outgrow the pole.

The Heartleaf Philodendron does not require a rest period, but it does benefit from one. During the winter months, when the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler, the plant will require less water and fertilizer. Less water also means less fertilizer, so back off on the fertilizer during this time.

The Heartleaf Philodendron is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and a burning sensation in the mouth. It is best to keep this plant out of reach of pets.