Chris Buckland
Whether you’re an indoor plant newbie or a well-experienced gardener, you will be impressed to know that the heart-leaf philodendron is one of the easiest indoor tropical plants to grow. This plant has broad heart-shaped leaves that come in green and red hues. You can find it as a vine or a bush, depending on your preference. Regardless of the type, you choose to grow, read on for tips on how to grow heart-leaf philodendron at home.
Characteristics Table
| Origin | South America |
| Scientific Name | Philodendron hederaceum |
| Common Names | Heart-Leaf Philodendron and Sweetheart Plant |
| Type | Perennial |
| Family | Araceae |
| Temperature | 65-85F |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Toxicity | Toxic for Humans and Pets |
| Propagation | Propagation through root and stem cutting |
| Flowering | Yellowish-green spathes of white flowers (spadix) occasionally bloom |
| Maximum Size | 3-6 m |
What do You need to Grow Heart-Leaf Philodendron?
Before you start growing philodendron, it is important to know what you will need. The philodendron is an easy-to-grow indoor plant that is suitable for all types of indoor growing environments. There are many philodendron varieties that you can choose to grow. Although they all have similar care requirements, there are a few considerations that you need to keep in mind.
Light
Philodendron is a plant that prefers the partial shade. Too much light can lead to leaf scorch, so you need to keep that in mind when choosing a spot for your plant. If you have a natural light source in your home, then you are good to go. If not, you might want to look for a philodendron variety that can thrive in low-light conditions.
Humidity
Like a tropical plant, the philodendron requires a humid environment. The best way to provide this environment is by regularly misting your plant. This helps keep the humidity levels high, which is crucial for the plant’s health. You can mist your plant once every day or every other day.
Temperature
While the philodendron is a tropical plant, it can be grown indoors in any environment as long as the temperature does not drop below 60°F. If you have a cooler house, then you might want to look for a variety that is meant for a low-temperature environment.
How to Care for a Philodendron Plant?
Caring for philodendron is easy. You just need to follow these simple tips and you will be good to go.
Watering
Philodendrons are easy to over-water, so make sure you water them just enough. If the soil feels dry, that is the right time to water the plant. If you water the plant every day, you will likely over-water it. When the soil is wet, it is a sign that there is too much water in the soil.
Soil
When growing philodendron, you can use either potting soil or a soil-less mix. You can add some compost to the soil to improve its texture and consistency. The soil should be light and have good drainage.
Fertilization
You can feed the philodendron once every month with a balanced fertilizer. You can either add fertilizer to the water or you can use a fertilizer mist spray.
Tips on How to Grow Philodendron in Humid Environment
If you want to grow philodendron in an environment with low humidity, then you can mist the plant once or twice a day. You can also add a humidity tray or a small water bowl to the plant’s growing environment to help raise the humidity level. You can also try growing philodendron in a terrarium and you should have no problem with low humidity.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Avoid overwatering
- Avoid overfeeding your philodendron.
- Avoid letting your soil become too dry
Please read the article on how to control the humidity of houseplants.
Tips on How to Grow Philodendron in a Dry Atmosphere
If you are growing philodendron in a dry atmosphere, you have to mist the plant more often.
You can also try growing philodendron in a humidifier or a humidifier tray.
Growing philodendron in a humidity tray is ideal if you have low humidity in your home.
FAQs:
How long does a Heart Leaf Philodendron last?
As a general rule of thumb, the Heart Leaf Philodendron can last up to 10 years. However, this will vary from plant to plant, as well as its care and conditions. Ideally, fertilizing your Philodendron heart leaf with plant food will help it stay healthy and look good. As well as giving it enough sunlight, water, and humidity levels.
Should I mist my Heart Leaf Philodendron?
I don’t recommend misting Heart Leaf Philodendron unless the instructions for a specific cultivar indicate that it’s beneficial. In general, these tropical plants do best when the humidity level is high and the temperature is warm, so misting is likely to do more harm than good.
If you do mist your philodendron, use only purified water and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Too much moisture can cause root rot, which is a fatal fungal disease with no cure.
How much sun does a Heart Leaf Philodendron need?
Give your heart leaf philodendron plenty of bright, indirect light and it will do fine. This tropical plant prefers temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees F with high humidity. If you live in a climate that’s too cool for the plant, you can place it in a sunny window and put a plant heating pad under it. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the heating pad to avoid damaging the plant. When it’s in a sunny window, make sure to turn the plant regularly so that all sides receive equal sunlight exposure.
Where should I place a Heart Leaf philodendron in my house?
Heart leaf philodendrons are great indoor plants, and can be placed just about anywhere in your home. These beautiful plants are low maintenance and easy to care for, making them a great choice for anyone who is new to indoor gardening. The best place to put your heart leaf philodendron will depend on the type of light that is available in that area of your home. These plants do best in bright, indirect light and can tolerate both bright and dark spaces. However, they do not do well in direct sunlight, as this can cause their leaves to sunburn.
Conclusion
The heart-leaf philodendron is a beautiful indoor plant that you can use to decorate your home. This plant is easy to grow and even easier to maintain.
You can choose to grow philodendron in any indoor environment as long as you provide it with the right conditions. These plants can thrive indoors, but they can also be grown outdoors as long as they are in a warm, humid environment.
With these tips in mind, you can easily grow philodendron indoors. It is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow, so go ahead and add it to your home decor today!
