Heartleaf Philodendron — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Philodendron hederaceum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–30 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–91.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 15.2–30.5 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 91.4–243.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 10–12 |
| Light | Shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Root stem cuttings in water or moist potting mix and grow in partial to full shade; heartleaf philodendron is a classic tropical vining houseplant and shade garden perennial with deep-green, glossy, distinctly heart-shaped leaves (3–4 inches at maturity, much larger when climbing in tropical conditions) on long, trailing stems that root readily at every node. It is considerably more shade-tolerant than pothos and produces a uniformly rich, velvety, dark-green appearance that remains attractive across a very wide range of light conditions — from bright indirect light down to quite dim interior corners. New leaves emerge with a bronze-copper tint before maturing to deep forest-green, a distinctive and attractive feature of the young growth. In zones 10–12 it covers the ground under trees and climbs tree trunks as a large-leaved epiphytic vine. Extremely easy to propagate — a single node cutting placed in water produces roots within days. 'Brasil' (yellow-green variegated center stripe), 'Micans' (velvety bronze-green), and 'Lemon Lime' (chartreuse) are popular cultivars. All parts toxic if ingested.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · philodendron-hederaceum
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0