Heartleaf Philodendron is a tropical evergreen trailing or climbing member of the Arum family (Araceae). The plant grows up to 13 feet tall and is grown as a houseplant in temperate climates. The species epithet means ivy-like and likens this plant's climbing, leafy habit to that of English ivy, Hedera helix . This plant is desired for its glossy, green leaves on cascading stems. It can survive for long periods in extremely low light. It is distinguished from Epipremnum aureum by the conspicuous stipules on new growth, the messy, falling stipules on older growth, and by the non-grooved petioles. Climbs or trails if given support. It refers medium light but will tolerate low light. It prefers average indoor air temperatures and can tolerate dry air although it prefers medium relative humidity and moist soil, and it appreciates misting. Keep soil slightly moist, and slow down on watering in the winter. Quick ID Hints: Petioles are entire, not grooved Indoor vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves Stipules are free on new growth Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant has no serious pest or disease problems. Monitor for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Leaf spots may be seen, and root rot can occur in overly wet soil. More information on Philodendron .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Leaves are alternate, simple, cordate, acuminate, cordate base, entire, coriaceous, glossy green above and green or red-purple below. Petioles are slender and shorter than the leaf blade. Stipules are large, free, and lanceolate. Leaves emerge bronze and quickly turn green and cover stems.
Flower color
Green; White
Flower form
Spadix
Flower detail
The flowers are small and greenish-white. The inflorescence is rarely seen in cultivation, but when it appears, it is a spadix and spathe. The spadix is shorter than or equal to the length of the spathe. The spathe forms a tube around the spadix and expands above the spadix to a greenish-yellow hood.
Fruit color
Orange; Red/Burgundy; White
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit detail
Fruits are white or orange to red berries.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Slender green stems with adventitious roots that can grow to 4 ft or more.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Mexico to Tropical America
Distribution
Native: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela; Introduced to Bangladesh, Seychelles, and the United States