Heartleaf philodendron care
Philodendron hederaceum — also called Philodendron Brasil, Sweetheart plant. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates low. No direct sun. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 7 days in summer, every 12 in winter. Let the top 1.5" dry first. |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix — 4 parts bark, 3 parts perlite, 2 parts potting mix, 1 parts coir |
| Humidity | At least 40%, happiest near 60% |
| Temperature | 65–80°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~30 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Calcium oxalates. |
What people get wrong about heartleaf philodendron
Long bare stems between leaves ("leggy") = reaching for light, not a nutrient problem.
Common problems
Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, aphids. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterHeartleaf philodendron FAQ
How often should I water a heartleaf philodendron?
Roughly every 7 days in the growing season and every 12 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Likes slightly more consistent moisture than pothos, but still hates sitting wet.
Is heartleaf philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Calcium oxalates. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a heartleaf philodendron need?
Bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with low. No direct sun.
Why does my heartleaf philodendron have brown tips?
Heartleaf philodendron is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for heartleaf philodendron?
Chunky aroid mix: 4 parts bark, 3 parts perlite, 2 parts potting mix, 1 parts coir. Aroids grow on tree bark in the wild — they want air around the roots, not dense soil.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.