Heartleaf philodendron care: light, water, and pet safety

Philodendron hederaceum

Care table

LightLow light to bright indirect light. Low to bright indirect. Keep out of hot afternoon sun.
WaterWater when the top inch dries. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
HumidityAverage room air is fine
RepottingSpring to early summer, when roots circle the pot or grow out the drainage hole. Go up 1 to 2 inches in pot width.

Winter care

Growth slows. Let the soil dry a little further between waterings, stop fertilizer until spring, and keep it away from cold drafts and heat vents.

Pet safety

Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Heartleaf Philodendron

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

  • Yellow lower leaves, soggy soil: Watering before the soil dried, or a pot with no drainage.
  • Long bare stems, small leaves: Not enough light.
  • Brown, crispy leaf tips: Dry air, uneven watering, or salt buildup from fertilizer. Flush the pot with plain water a few times a year.

Illinois Extension, Heartleaf philodendron

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool

Guides

Sources