Heart-leaf philodendron Philodendron scandens

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Philodendron scandens, also known as the Heart-leaf philodendron, is a climbing or trailing perennial plant.
It has dark green, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are typically 2-3 inches wide and 2-4 inches long. The leaves grow on long, thin stems that can climb or trail as the plant grows.
The plant can reach a height of up to 10 feet when grown in ideal conditions. It's a fast grower, and it can produce long runners with small aerial roots that can be used to propagate the plant. It's a popular indoor houseplant, it can be grown in hanging baskets, on poles or in a container.
It's easy to care for and it's a great choice for beginners, it's also a durable plant that can withstand low light and drought conditions.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Araceae
- Synonyms
  Sweetheart plant, Heart-leaf, Parlor Ivy, Sweetheart vinea, Sweetheart vine, Sweetheart ivy
- Common names
  Philodendron cuspidatum, Philodendron micans, Philodendron scandens
Toxicity
- To humans
  Philodendron scandens is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. The leaves and stem of the plant contain a chemical called oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and burning in the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
  In humans, ingesting small amounts of the plant may cause minor mouth and throat irritation, but larger ingestions can cause more severe symptoms and require medical attention.
- To pets
  Philodendron scandens is toxic to both humans and animals if ingested. The leaves and stem of the plant contain a chemical called oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and burning in the mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.
  In animals, ingesting Philodendron scandens can cause severe mouth and throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. In some cases, it can also lead to more serious problems such as breathing difficulties, tremors, and even death.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Height
  Up to 10 feet
- Spread
  Up to 10 feet
- Plant type
  Climber
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  Caribbean, Central America, South America

Benefits

General Benefits
It is easy to care for, making it a great option for those who are new to gardening or who have limited time to devote to plant care;
It can be grown in a variety of ways, including as a climbing plant, a trailing plant, or in a hanging basket, making it a great option for any space;
Its glossy, dark green heart-shaped leaves add a touch of greenery to any room, making it a great option for adding a pop of color to a room;
It can tolerate low light levels, making it a great option for rooms that don't get a lot of natural light;
It can release humidity in the air through transpiration, which can be beneficial for dry indoor environment.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying Qualities
Philodendron scandens is known to have air-purifying qualities. This is due to the presence of tiny openings on its leaves called stomata, which absorb pollutants and toxins from the air, and the microorganisms present on the plant's surface which help to break down pollutants.
Other Uses
- Heartleaf Philodendron can be used creatively in terrariums due to its climbing nature, adding a lush, mini-jungle feel to enclosed glass spaces.
- Its trailing vines make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, allowing the leaves to cascade beautifully over the sides.
- Heartleaf Philodendron can be trained to climb around windows and frames, making it a natural and decorative way to add greenery to window areas.
- It serves as a living backdrop or green wall when grown on trellises, enhancing the aesthetic of indoor spaces with its vibrant green foliage.
- Used in office spaces, it can create a more welcoming and calming atmosphere, helping to reduce stress in work environments.
- When incorporated into floral arrangements, its vines and leaves add a touch of greenery, making the arrangements more vibrant and fuller.
- In creative arts, the leaves of the Heartleaf Philodendron can be used as natural stencils or patterns for eco-printing on fabrics and paper.
- As a gift, it symbolizes a wish for good health and happiness, making it a thoughtful and caring option for friends and family.
- Its use in educational settings, such as classrooms, can introduce children to plant care and the importance of nature in our lives.
- In fashion, the distinctive heart-shaped leaves have inspired various designs and patterns in clothing and accessories.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
This plant is not used in Feng Shui practice
Zodiac Sign Compitability
This plant is not used in astrology practice
Plant Symbolism
Philodendron scandens is commonly associated with love and heart. As its common name is Heart-Leaf Philodendron, this association is not surprising. This can make it a thoughtful gift for someone you love or to use in a room where you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

💧

Once a week

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

60%

Humidity

🪴

Once every 1 - 2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring - summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
When it comes to watering Philodendron scandens, it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the top inch of soil is dry to the touch before watering. In general, it's best to water once a week, but this may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment.
Light
Philodendron scandens prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower light levels. It can tolerate a range of light conditions, but it will grow best in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause leaf burn.
Temperature
Philodendron scandens prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate a range of temperatures between 55-85°F. It's best to keep it away from cold drafts and air conditioning vents. This plant can tolerate humidity and is not picky about it.
Pruning
Prune Philodendron scandens as needed to control its size or shape. It is best to use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. You can remove any yellow or brown leaves, as well as any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Pruning will also promote bushier growth.
Cleaning
Once a month
Soil
Philodendron scandens prefers a well-draining, peat moss-based potting mix with a pH of around 6.0-6.5. It is important to ensure that the soil is not too heavy or dense.
Repotting
As for repotting, you can repot Philodendron scandens every 1-2 years, or when the roots become tightly packed in the container. It is best to do this in the spring, before the growing season. Use a pot that is one size larger than the current pot and ensure that there are drainage holes in the bottom.
Humidity & Misting
The best humidity level for Philodendron bipinnatifidum is around 50-70%. Maintaining the proper humidity level is important for the health and growth of the plant, as it helps to prevent the leaves from drying out and turning brown.
If the humidity is too low, you can increase it by placing a tray of water near the plant, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves with water.
If the humidity is too high, you can decrease it by increasing air circulation or moving the plant to a drier location.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  All year round
- Outdoor
  In general it is considered as tropical plant and it will do best in tropical and subtropical climates.
  Plant it in a shaded area with well-draining soil. A consistent temperature between 60-75°F. Humidity around 50-70%.
  Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
  It can tolerate some sun, but too much direct sun will burn the leaves.
- Hardiness zone
  10 - 11 USDA
Life cycle
Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a perennial evergreen plant that is known for its large, deeply lobed leaves.
The plant typically does not produce flowers, but can produce small, inconspicuous flowers on a spadix that is hidden within a spathe.
The plant goes through a growth cycle in which it produces new leaves and stems, and then matures and reaches its full size. Over time, it may produce aerial roots, which can be used to propagate the plant.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring - summer
- By STEM CUTTINGS:
  The best time for stem cutting is during the growing season, typically spring or summer.
  Cut a stem that has at least two leaves and a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
  Plant the stem in a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat moss-based mix and keep it moist.
  Rooting can take 4-6 weeks, after which you can transplant the rooted cutting into a larger pot.
  By ROOT CUTTINGS:
  Take a cutting of an aerial root that is at least 2-3 inches long and has at least one leaf. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder.
  Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat moss-based mix, and keep it moist.
  Rooting can take 4-6 weeks, after which you can transplant the rooted cutting into a larger pot.