Philodendrons are quite popular nowadays and people love them to decorate their houses and offices. Philodendrons are available in different varieties and their appearance beautiful colored leaves can enhance the look of the place wherever it is kept.
Heartleaf philodendron is one of the most popular and most demanding varieties of philodendron. Collectors like us are quite fond of this plant because of its lovely heart-shaped leaves. This houseplant is often available in hanging baskets and has large, glossy-green heart-shaped leaves.
It is a low-maintenance plant and can survive for years if cared for properly. This heartleaf plant is also known as a hederaceum philodendron and can be grown as a climber too.
As I personally love to grow this plant so, in this post I will talk to you more about heartleaf philodendron care. I will also share some problems that you may face while growing this plant.
How to Care for a Heartleaf Philodendron?
As this variety of philodendrons is generally a vine so, taking care of it does not require too much effort and efficiency. Follow the tips shared below to take proper care of your heartleaf plant so, that it grows fast and thrives longer.
Soil used
A well-draining, potting soil can be the best option for your heartleaf philodendron. To make the soil retain moisture and drain well you should add coarse sand, perlite, peat moss, or garden loam to the soil.
To grow it as a climber you can use a moss pole to provide support to the plant. Use gardeners’ tape to affix the plant to the pole so, that it does not fall off while growing. Hanging this plant can also be a good choice.
Light Requirement
Place the heartleaf philodendron in a shadier location where it can receive indirect bright light. Direct sunlight should always be avoided as this plant cannot tolerate it.
A healthy and properly growing plant will have 2 to 4 inches long leaves. However, overexposure to direct scorching sunlight can cause damage to the leaves.
Watering the Plant
Although this tropical plant likes humid and moist environments, overwatering cannot do any good for the plant. You need to water the plant to keep the soil moist however, overwatering may lead to the yellowing of leaves and root rot.
During winter months check the moisture level of the soil before watering. If you feel the top inches to be dry then, only water the plant. Sometimes dirt and dust can get deposited on the leaves of the plant. So, to remove them spray some water and gently wipe the leaves, using a cloth.
Suitable Humidity and Temperature
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, this plant also survives and grows best in humid weather. However, a heartleaf philodendron can tolerate much more dry air than any other variegation.
The humidity level to grow this plant should be around 40%. Too much humidity may lead to the formation of fungus on the plant. To prevent fungus avoid overwatering and keep your plant away from direct sunlight as it cannot survive under direct sources of heat.
Fertilizer Needed
A heartleaf philodendron does not require any high-quality fertilizer to grow and thrive. Using a dilute, standard-quality fertilizer can keep the plant healthy and durable.
Just follow the proper feeding schedule depending on the time of the year so, that your heartleaf philodendron stays healthy and survives long.
How to Propagate a Heartleaf Philodendron?
It is quite simple to propagate this plant. Follow these easy steps for propagating a heartleaf philodendron.
- A 3 to 4-inch stem cutting should be done during summer or spring as it is the growing time of a philodendron.
- The cut should be made just below a leaf node. The stem cutting should have 2 to 3 leaves attached to it.
- To make new roots form, keep the cutting in a container of water and place it in any location with indirect light.
- As new roots are formed take them out from the water and place the stem cutting along with the new root in a container.
- Always use a clean potting mix and keep the soil moist so, that the plant grows fast.
- Propagation can also be done by removing babies from a parent plant and air layering.
Diseases and Pests
Other than fungus this plant can get affected by diseases and pests. Tiny insects like fungus gnats can be seen around the plant and the soil. This insect grows more in peaty-wet soil and flies away if the soil is dry.
Common pests like mealy bugs, spider mites, aphids, and scale can also affect this plant and thus, can stop its growth of the plant. To prevent these pests and to make your plant survive for a long you should spray the plant using horticulture oil or diluted vinegar. Controlling and managing pests and diseases is very important to make your plant stay healthy and thrive long.
What Problems Can Be Faced While Growing a Heartleaf Philodendron?
Other than pests and diseases you may have to face other problems while growing a heartleaf if, proper care is not taken. Check them out.
Wilting of Leaves
Wilting of leaves can be due to root rot or the soil becoming extremely dry. Although a heartleaf plant can tolerate dryness more than other varieties of philodendron, keeping the soil dry without watering for too long can make the leaves wilt.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Overwatering can make the soil soggy and cause root rot. This can make the leaves turn yellow. So, to prevent this situation reduce watering the plant. The pot where the plant is placed should have enough drainage holes to drain away excess water.
Brown Spots on Leaves
While cleaning the plant with water or misting, a few drops of water may be left on the leaves. These water drops may cause fungus and you may notice brown spots on the leaves. This problem mostly happens with indoor plants however, the plant kept outdoors dries out faster with proper circulation.
Overexposure to direct sunlight can also lead to brown scorch marks on the leaves. The leaves affected by fungus should be cut off immediately to prevent further spreading.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are often seen on a philodendron as these tiny crawling insects prefer to stay in the peaty, wet potting mixes. So, it is always suggested to water the plant only when the top layer of the soil dries out. A heartleaf can tolerate dryness and thus, you can protect it from the fungus gnats easily by reducing watering.
Pests like aphids can also affect the soft stems of a philodendron. So, use insecticides whenever you notice them to prevent them from getting transferred to other indoor plants.
Final Thought
The heartleaf philodendron is a classic houseplant that does not need much care to grow and thrive. Because of its heart-shaped leaves and glossy green color, it is loved by most gardeners. Although it is a vine but can be grown as a climber by providing proper support.
By Taking proper care of this plant, you can easily make it grow faster and last longer. This heartleaf plant is easily available online and often sold in hanging baskets.
So, get one for yourself today and boost up your romantic mood besides making the interior of your house more beautiful and fresher.
FAQs
How Much Sun Does a Heartleaf Philodendron Need?
Unlike all other varieties of philodendron, a heartleaf plant needs indirect bright light to grow and survive. Never place this plant in direct scorching sunlight.
How Often Should I Water a Heartleaf Philodendron?
As a heartleaf philodendron is somewhat drought-tolerant so, frequent watering is not needed. Check out the moisture level of the soil before watering the plant. Watering should be done every 1 to 2 weeks.
Does Philodendron Need Full Sun?
Direct light is not preferred by a heartleaf philodendron and different problems can come up if the plant is kept under direct scorching sunlight. When kept indoors this plant should be placed near a window so, that it gets indirect bright light. If the plant is kept outdoors, it should be placed in a shadier spot like under a tropical canopy.
