Heartleaf philodendron care guide
Philodendron hederaceum
Quick answer
Water your heartleaf philodendron when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
How to water heartleaf philodendron
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement for heartleaf philodendron
Bright, indirect light
Heartleaf philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding heartleaf philodendron
Feed your heartleaf philodendron every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate18–27 °C (64–81 °F)
Humidity50–70%
During leafy growth, aim for 18–27 °C (64–81 °F). For routine indoor care, keep it above about 10 °C (50 °F) and avoid cold drafts. This is a care guideline, not an exact damage threshold. Cooler overwintering depends on the species and its rest conditions.
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Heartleaf philodendron in winter
Watering: every 11 to 17 days. Temperature year-round: 18–27 °C (64–81 °F).
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Common heartleaf philodendron problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Is heartleaf philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full heartleaf philodendron toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a heartleaf philodendron?
Water your heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does a heartleaf philodendron need?
Heartleaf philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is heartleaf philodendron safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing it can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep heartleaf philodendron out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like spider plant, pinstripe calathea, moth orchid, or Boston fern.
Why is my heartleaf philodendron turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification · native range
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxIndoor habit · light · moisture · humidity · temperature · pests · leaf spots · root rot
- Royal Horticultural SocietyLight · temperature · watering · humidity · feeding · compost · repotting · support · problems · toxicity · Identity · partial shade · soil drainage and pH · houseplant context
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxicity · insoluble calcium oxalates · clinical signs
- How we check our plant advice
How we check our plant advice → · Last reviewed:
All heartleaf philodendron guides
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