Philodendron scandens (Heartleaf Philodendron) Indoor Care, Propagation & Common Problems

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Philodendron scandens (Heartleaf Philodendron) thrives in medium to bright indirect light, warm and humid conditions, and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Philodendron scandens also called Sweetheart Plant is a popular, fast-growing, climbing Philodendron variety which will thrive in a wide range of growing conditions.

The heart-shaped leaves appear bronze and quickly turn green. The leaves measure about 2 inch long and cover the long slender stems.

Philodendron scandens is ideal for a hanging basket or can be grown as a climber on a trellis or moss stick. Firm support for the stems needs to be provided for the climber.

To encourage branching, pinch the growing tips otherwise Heartleaf Plant will grow with long, single stems. Always pinch after a leaf node and a new stem will grow from the node.

The Sweetheart Plant produces aerial roots from the stems and these roots have an important part to play. Push them into the soil to provide moisture for upper leaves. Flowers rarely appear under room conditions.

Based on the beauty of their heart-shaped leaves and ease of care, Heartleaf Philodendrons are some of the most popular indoor plants found in most homes.

Botanical name: Philodendron scandens
Synonym: Philodendron hederaceum
Family: Araceae
Common names: Heartleaf Philodendron, Heartleaf Plant, Sweetheart Plant

Origin

Philodendron scandens also called Philodendron hederaceum is native to the tropical forests of Central America and the Carribean where it grows as an epiphyte on trees.

Size

In its native habitat, Heartleaf Plant can grow 10-20 feet long but when grown indoors it grows to about 6 feet. The heart-shaped leaves can grow to about 1 ft long. It is among the best plants for a hanging basket.

Varieties

Heartleaf Philodendron has many varieties and cultivars, which include;

1. Philodendron hederaceum 'Micans' also called Philodendron hederaceum var hederaceum or Velvet Philodendron.

2. Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil' which has green and yellow variegation and resembles the Brazilian flag and hence the name.

3. Philodendron hederaceum 'Cream Splash' which is thought to be a mutation of Philodendron 'Micans'.

4. Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime' has entirely yellow or pale green leaves.

5. Philodendron hederaceum 'Silver Stripe' has a silverish-cream stripe in the middle of the leaf.

6. Philodendron hederaceum 'Rio' has a silver, cream, silver, dark green variegation.

7. Philodendron hederaceum 'Gabby' has light green, cream, dark green/light green variegation and sometimes the leaf can be entirely yellow.

8. Philodendron hederaceum 'Variegata' bears leaves with pale-green or cream variegation.

Air Cleaning

According to the NASA Clean Air Study, Philodendron scandens was found to be one of the best air-cleaning plants which removes trichloethylene from indoor air.

On account of its trailing growth habits, spectacular foliage and air-purifying properties, Heartleaf Philodendron is one of the best plants for a study table to boost productivity.

Is Philodendron scandens toxic?

Yes. Philodendron scandens like other Philodendrons is toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The plant contains Calcium oxalate crystals.

If ingested, these crystals can cause burning and swelling in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Therefore, keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets.

Where to Buy

If you are looking to acquire Heartleaf Philodendrons, you may acquire them online from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

Philodendron scandens Care Indoors

To care for Philodendron scandens indoors, give it medium to bright indirect light, warmth of 18-26⁰C, humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained potting soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Heartleaf Philodendron care requires regular pruning to keep the plant neat, to encourage a compact, bushy growth and to rejuvenate growth. Repotting is needed every 2-3 years to provide adequate space for growth. Keep reading for a detailed account on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

How often should I water Philodendron scandens?

Water Philodendron scandens liberally in spring and summer while allowing the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry a little between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, yellowing and leaf drop.

Cut down on watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely as underwatering can lead to wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf loss.

Use tepid (room temperature) water to prevent cold shock which can result in stunted growth and leaf drop. Make sure that the water is free of chlorine and other dissolved chemicals to prevent brown leaf edges.

Select a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging which can cause root-rot and death of the plant. Always discard the catch plate or saucer to prevent the plant from sitting on soggy soil.

Light Requirements

Does Heartleaf Philodendron need sunlight?

No. Heartleaf Philodendron needs medium to bright indirect light; place it infront of a large, bright-lit, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can cause scorching of the leaves.

Philodendron scandens will adapt to lower light conditions but it will grow more slowly in these conditions. Too little light will result in leggy growth and yellowing of leaves. Therefore, use a grow light if the natural lighting is inadequate.

Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent leggy growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Heartleaf Philodendron prefers a warmth of 18-26⁰C. Keep it away from sources of drafts to prevent temperature stress which can result in stunted growth, wilting, yellowing and leaf drop.

Philodendron scandens will do with a humidity of 50-55%. However, too dry air will lead to brown leaf tips and edges. To heighten humidity, surround the pot with wet moss, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Which is the best fertilizer for Heartleaf Philodendron?

Feed Heartleaf Philodendron with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in the growing season to boost a lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season to prevent fertilizer burn as growth is reduced at this time.

Regularly, leach out excess salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage holes. Repeat the process several times to get rid of as much salts as possible.

Potting Soil

What is the best potting soil for Heartleaf Philodendron?

The best potting soil for Philodendron scandens should be rich and free-draining to prevent waterlogging while providing the required nutrients. A blend of 2 parts of all purpose potting mix and 1 part perlite is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

When to repot Heartleaf Philodendron?

Repot Heartleaf Philodendron every 2-3 years during the growing period. Use a pot which is 1 size larger than the current one.

Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting of the roots and death of the plant.

Philodendron scandens is a trailing plant perfect for a hanging basket where the the stems can cascade downwards beautifully. Take a look at these hanging planters with macrame hangers on Amazon.

Pruning & Maintenance

How to prune Heartleaf Philodendron?

Pruning Heartleaf Philodendron involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also reduce pest and disease infestations.

To encourage a bushy and compact growth, pinch off the growing tips at a node as new growth emerges from a node. The tips can be used to propagate new plants.

Cutback the leggy stems at the beginning of the growing season to rejuvenate growth.

Clean the leaves occasionally by damp-wiping to get rid of dust and to discourage pest and disease infestation.

Philodendron scandens Propagation

Philodendron scandens (Heartleaf Philodendron) propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season from stem cuttings, by spreading the stems on the soil or by plant division. The stem cuttings can be rooted either in soil or in water.

1. Propagating Heartleaf Philodendron from stem cuttings in soil

1. Take a stem cutting of about 4-5 inches long from a healthy plant by cutting the stem below a leaf node.


2. Strip off the lower leaves to expose the leaf nodes as this is where roots will form.


3. Insert 2-3 inches of the stem into moist, well-draining soil while ensuring that at least one leaf node is below the soil.


4. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


5. Keep the soil moist until new growth emerges.


6. Allow the new plant to be well established before transplanting after which you can begin routine care.

2. Propagating Heartleaf Philodendron from stem cuttings in water

1. Take a stem cutting of 4-5 inches long from a healthy plant by cutting the stem below a leaf node with sterilized scissors.


2. Strip off the lower leaves to expose the stem and leaf nodes.


3. Submerge 2-3 inches of stem in a jar of clean water while ensuring at least one leaf node is below the water surface.


4. Place the set up in a well-lit place away from direct sunlight.


5. Change the water every 5-7 days until roots have developed.


6. Transfer the new plant into individual pots in moist, well-draining soil when the roots are about 4 inches long.


7. Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged on the new plant.


8. Allow the new plant to be well established before placing the pots in their permanent position after which you can begin routine.

3. Propagating Heartleaf Philodendron by plant division

1. During repotting, divide the large plant into several sections. Ensure each section has adequate healthy roots to hasten establishment.


2. Plant the sections in individual pots in moist, free-draining soil.


3. Position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place away from direct sunlight.


4. Keep the soil moist until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

4. Propagating Heartleaf Philodendron by spreading the stems on the surface of the soil

1. Spread the stems on the soil surface while still attached to the mother plant.


2. The stems will root at every leaf node that comes into contact with the soil.


3. Once rooted, sever the stems from the mother, dig them up.


4. Pot the rooted stems in moist, free-draining soil in individual pots.


5. Place pots in a well-lit, warm place away from direct sunshine.


6. Maintain the soil moist until the new plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.

Philodendron scandens Problems & Solutions

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens) common problems are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, brown leaf tips and edges, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Heartleaf Philodendron are low light, nutrients deficiency, salts buildup, inconsistent watering, soggy soil or aging.

How to fix it

Low light: Position the plant in medium to bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not enough.

Nutrients deficiency: Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Do not feeding in fall and winter.

Salts buildup: Occasionally, leach out accumulated salts by running a stream of water through the soil until it drains through the drainage hole.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out.

Soggy soil: Use a fast-draining soil and a pot with a drainage hole.

Aging: Naturally, the older leaves turn yellow, brown and drop as the plant matures.

Dropping leaves

Dropping leaves on Heartleaf Philodendron are caused by dry air, temperature stress, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, too little light, use of cold water among others.

How to fix it

Dry air: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together to elevate humidity.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like AC units, hot air vents, windy doors, drafty windows, heat sources among others.

Inconsistent watering: Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a pot that has a drainage hole and a well-draining soil.

Too little light: Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive medium to bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is not sufficient.

Use of cold water: Water with water that is at room temperature water to prevent cold shock.

Brown leaf tips and edges

Brown leaf tips and edges on Heartleaf Philodendron are caused by low humidity and being pot-bound.

How to fix it

Low humidity: Set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier to raise humidity.

Being pot-bound: Repot the plant into a pot 1 size larger with a drainage hole and fast-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.

Leggy growth

Leggy growth and small pale leaves on Heartleaf Philodendron is caused by insufficient light.

How to fix it

Position the plant in a more brighter spot where it will receive medium to bright indirect light or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Pests

Common pests on Heartleaf Philodendron are scales, mealybugs and aphids which are prevalent in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants.


2. Treat the affected plant with neem oil or an insecticidal soap as recommended by the manufacturers.


3. Keep the plant well pruned to discourage the pests.


4. To raise humidity, use a humidifier, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or group the plants together.

Diseases

Heartleaf Philodendron is prone to stem-rot disease which is promoted by humid conditions coupled with too little warmth.

How to fix it

1. Use the upper stem to propagate new plants and discard the infected parts.


2. Treat the affected plant with a neem oil as per the manufacturers' instructions.


3. Reduce the frequency of watering in fall and winter to reduce occurence of the disease.

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