Heartleaf Philodendron Care Guide (and How to Tell It From Pothos)
Soft, heart-shaped leaves on an easy trailing vine
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Philodendron is a huge genus of tropical aroids from Central and South America, from compact climbers to tree-like giants. The one most people bring home is the Heartleaf Philodendron, Philodendron hederaceum, a trailing vine with soft, heart-shaped leaves that's nearly as easy as Pothos.
This guide focuses on the Heartleaf and its popular forms, like 'Brasil' (green with a yellow stripe) and 'Micans' (velvety, bronze-tinged leaves). Most vining philodendrons want much the same care.
Heartleaf Philodendron at a glance
- Water
- When the top 2–5 cm is dry
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect
- Humidity
- 40% or more
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C (65–80 °F)
- Difficulty
- Easy
How to identify a Heartleaf Philodendron
Thin, soft, glossy leaves with a clean heart shape and a pointed tip.
New leaves emerge wrapped in a cataphyll, a papery sheath that dries and falls away, which Pothos doesn't have.
Slender stems with long, thin aerial roots at the nodes.
Leaf stalks (petioles) are round all the way around; on Pothos they have a groove.
Light and water
Medium to bright indirect light. Tolerates lower light with slower, sparser growth. Direct sun bleaches and scorches the leaves.
When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry. It likes more even moisture than Pothos, but not soggy soil.
Humidity and temperature
40% or more. Velvety types like 'Micans' appreciate higher humidity.
18 to 27 °C (65 to 80 °F). Keep above 13 °C (55 °F).
Is a Heartleaf Philodendron safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and stomach.
Tips for a healthy Heartleaf Philodendron
Pinch back the vine tips to keep it bushy; the cuttings root easily in water.
Use an airy aroid mix with bark and perlite, in a pot with drainage.
Feed every month or so in spring and summer.
Common Heartleaf Philodendron problems
Yellow leaves: Too much water, or an older leaf reaching the end of its life if it's just one at the base.
Curling leaves: Usually thirst or low humidity; sometimes too much direct light.
Small leaves and long gaps between them: Not enough light. Move it brighter and trim the leggy stems.
Mushy stems at the soil line: Root or stem rot from soil that stays wet.
Heartleaf Philodendron questions
How do I tell a Philodendron from a Pothos?+
Heartleaf Philodendron leaves are thinner and softer, with a cleaner heart shape, and new leaves come out of a papery sheath. Pothos leaves are thicker and waxier, unfurl along a ridge, and have grooved stalks.
How often should I water a Heartleaf Philodendron?+
When the top 2 to 5 cm of soil is dry, often weekly in summer and every 10 to 14 days in winter.
Is Philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?+
Yes. Like Monstera and Pothos it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to pets if chewed.
Identify it with a photo
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