
Philodendron hederaceum
Genus: Philodendron - Species: hederaceum - Family: Araceae
Phonetic Spelling: fil-oh-DEN-dron heh-der-AY-see-um
Common Names:
- Heartleaf Philodendron
- Parlor Ivy
- Philodendron
- Sweetheart Plant
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.
Tags
Quick Facts
- Height: 0 ft. 4 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- USDA Zones:
- 11a
- 11b
- 12a
- 12b
- NC Region:Not specified
Origin:Mexico to Tropical America
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Plant Types:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Poisonous
- Vine
- Houseplant
- Habit:Not specified
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
Uses
N/A