Heartleaf philodendron Philodendron hederaceum
Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Araceae family, native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and tropical South America. It grows 1–6 m (3.3–20 ft) tall and 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Heartleaf philodendron in your garden →
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Heartleaf philodendron at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 1–6 m (3.3–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and tropical South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Heartleaf philodendron toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, sap
Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Heartleaf philodendron
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Heartleaf philodendron
- How far apart should I plant Heartleaf philodendron?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1.5 m (20 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Heartleaf philodendron need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Heartleaf philodendron need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Heartleaf philodendron?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- Is Heartleaf philodendron poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals: chewing it causes burning, swelling and drooling in people, cats and dogs; the sap can irritate skin.
- What grows well with Heartleaf philodendron?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Heartleaf philodendron. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Trailing or climbing stems of glossy, heart-shaped leaves; one of the easiest houseplants, happy in low light. ‘Brasil’ is striped lime-green. Indoors it almost never flowers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Calla lily (arum lily) Zantedeschia aethiopica
- Caladium (angel wings) Caladium bicolor
- Lacy tree philodendron Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum
- Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa
- Giant taro (elephant ear) Alocasia macrorrhizos
- Flamingo flower Anthurium andraeanum
- Tannia (malanga, yautía, cocoyam) Xanthosoma sagittifolium