1 named cultivar

‘Brasil’Brasil Philodendron

vine

Heartleaf Philodendron

The Story

Plant Bio

Philodendron hederaceum, the heartleaf philodendron, is an evergreen climbing or trailing vine native to Central and South America that secures itself to support structures using aerial roots. The glossy, heart-shaped leaves emerge with bronze tones before maturing to a deep green, cascading reliably from hanging baskets or scaling trellises.

This species is distinguished by its smooth, non-grooved petioles and the presence of conspicuous, free-standing stipules on new growth. While it rarely produces its pale green to whitish spathe-and-spadix inflorescences in cultivation, the dense, overlapping foliage provides year-round structural interest.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, cascading or climbing green foliage with a classic heart-shaped leaf structure.

Adapts exceptionally well to low-light indoor environments where other houseplants struggle.

Offers minimal ecological value when grown indoors, but provides dense ground cover in frost-free tropical landscapes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Vine

Height

240"

Width

180"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

Long-lived (perennial)

Native To

Central and South America

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans

Planting

How to Grow

Select a loose, rich potting mix high in organic matter that drains rapidly.
Position the container in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct afternoon sun which scorches the foliage.
Water thoroughly only when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Provide a moss pole or trellis if climbing growth is desired, securing the stems until aerial roots attach.

Pro Tip

Allow the top two inches of soil to dry completely between waterings; persistent moisture triggers root rot, whereas slight drying encourages robust root development.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune leggy stems in spring just above a leaf node to promote bushier growth.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during the active spring and summer growth periods.
Wipe the leaves periodically with a damp cloth to remove dust and deter pests.

Don't

Do not allow the pot to sit in standing water, which deprives roots of oxygen and causes rot.
Never cut blindly back into old, leafless woody stems where dormant nodes may fail to activate.
Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below freezing, as it has no frost tolerance.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Indoor HouseplantHanging BasketsTrellis or Totem ClimberUnderstory Groundcover (Frost-Free Zones Only)

Companion Plants

Epipremnum aureum Spathiphyllum Chamaedorea elegans

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Heartleaf Philodendron questions

What zones can Heartleaf Philodendron grow in?

Heartleaf Philodendron is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Does Heartleaf Philodendron need full sun?

Heartleaf Philodendron does best in part shade.

Is Heartleaf Philodendron drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Heartleaf Philodendron handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.