Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

AKA: Sweetheart Plant, Heartleaf Philodendron

easy low_to_medium water low, medium, bright_indirect Pet caution

Heartleaf philodendron is a classic, fast-growing trailing plant with soft heart-shaped leaves. It is extremely forgiving and ideal for beginners.

Heartleaf philodendron with trailing heart-shaped leaves indoors

Care snapshot

☀️ Light
Low, Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Low To Medium
💨 Humidity
Medium
📈 Growth
Fast

Track watering for this plant

Use the built-in planner to save Heartleaf Philodendron, follow the typical watering guidance, and get a reminder to check it again.

Add to my planner
Recommended first step

Getting Started with House Plants

New to house plants? Start with the basics, find your plant, and get simple watering guidance.

Track this plant

Save Heartleaf Philodendron in the watering helper and get a likely next watering check.

Track this plant

Learn watering basics

See how soil, light, and season change the way you water indoors.

Read watering basics

Start with easy plants

Browse low-fuss plants if you are still building confidence.

See beginner plants
Start here

Getting Started with House Plants

Read the basics guide

Already know your plant? Track it in the watering helper.

Heartleaf Philodendron Care at a Glance

Heartleaf philodendron is a timeless houseplant loved for its trailing vines, heart-shaped leaves, and extremely easy care.

Best For

  • Beginners
  • Low light homes
  • Offices
  • Shelves and hanging pots
  • Fast visual growth

Not Great For

  • Homes with plant-chewing pets
  • Direct sunlight
  • Cold rooms

Light Requirements

This plant adapts well to low light but grows faster and fuller in brighter indirect light. More light also results in larger leaves.

How to Water Heartleaf Philodendron

Allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering. Overwatering is the most common cause of yellowing leaves and root issues.

Watering Tips

  • If leaves droop slightly, it’s time to water.
  • Always use pots with drainage holes.
  • Reduce watering frequency in winter.

Soil and Pot

Use a loose, well-draining mix in a pot with drainage. Heavy soils increase the risk of root rot.

Pruning and Training

Trim vines regularly to keep the plant bushy. Cuttings can be reused to propagate or planted back into the same pot.

How to Propagate Heartleaf Philodendron

  1. Cut a healthy vine just below a node with at least one leaf.
  2. Place the cutting in water or moist soil.
  3. Ensure the node is submerged or buried.
  4. Roots usually appear within 1–3 weeks.

Common Problems & Fixes

Yellow leaves

Cause: Too much water

Fix: Let soil dry more between waterings

Long bare stems

Cause: Low light

Fix: Move to brighter indirect light and prune

Brown leaf tips

Cause: Dry air or mineral buildup

Fix: Flush soil and slightly increase humidity

Pet Safety Warning

  • Heartleaf philodendron is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
  • Keep out of reach of pets and children.

Pet warning

Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion may cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting.

Video tips

Extra reading

TikTok care videos

FAQ

Related plants