Philodendron Cordatum: Why Every Plant Lover Has It

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Shaleena Quinlan

Shaleena comes from a long line of midwestern farmers and feels like gardening is in her blood. She loved helping her grandmother in her garden, learning to plow the soil, sow the seeds, and carefully attend to each plant. Her travels had added to her gardening knowledge, and she knows quite a bit about growing produce in the tropics. She always makes space for a bit of a garden no matter where she has lived.

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This lovely-looking vining Philodendron is a rare variety that is just now coming into popularity as a houseplant.  Its striking good looks are reminiscent of Philodendron Hederaceum, which is why these two varieties are often mistaken for one another. It is important to know the differences between these two plants so that they are each cared for properly.

How to Identify Heart Leaf Philodendron

The key features that this plant has are:

• Large heart-shaped leaves
• Leaves that are a vibrant green color
• Leaves that have light green lines running from tip to tip and from the center to the sides
• Stems that are strong and sturdy and grow in a vining pattern

How to Grow Heart Leaf Philodendron from Seed

Philodendron planted from seed take a long time to show significant signs of growth. Because of the long waiting period, most gardeners opt for a different method altogether, but this can be a very rewarding process. If you are interested in growing a Philodendron plant from seed, you will need the following gardening equipment:

• Seeds from a reputable supplier
• Seed starter tray
• Seed starting mix
• Plastic wrap if the tray does not come with a lid

Once you have collected all the equipment required, fill the seed tray with the seed starting mix and cover the seeds with a centimeter of the seed starting mix. Spray the soil with water so that it is moist but not soggy and set the seed tray in a warm room (68 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit) that gets plenty of bright but indirect sunlight.

Cover the seed tray with its lid or with plastic wrap to hold in moisture and water the soil when it gets dry.  Transfer the seedlings to a more permanent plant container and treat them as mature plants once strong sprouts have grown

How to Propagate Heart Leaf Philodendron

Nearly all Philodendron varieties are easy to propagate via stem cuttings. This method can either be done in water or in soil. Both options are simple and straightforward and can be done during springtime pruning sessions.  

The Stem Cutting in Water Method:

If you are interested in propagating a Philodendron plant in this method, you will need the following gardening equipment:

• A healthy 3-inch long stem that includes a petiole and at least one leaf
• A glass filled with water (preferably rainwater, distilled water, or tap water that has set out for 24 hours or more)
• A sterilized cutting utensil
• A well-draining plant container
• Well-draining potting soil
• Plastic bag

Once you have collected all the equipment required, remove the bottom leaves from the stem and place the stem into the water. Set the glass in a room that is between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to set the glass in a spot that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight.

Cover the glass with a plastic bag to hold in moisture. Change the water on a weekly basis. Once the plant has grown roots, transfer it to the plant container filled with soil and treat the plant as a mature plant.

The Stem Cutting in Soil Method:

If you are interested in propagating a Philodendron plant in this method, you will need the following gardening equipment:

• A healthy 3-inch long stem that includes a petiole and at least one leaf
• A sterilized cutting utensil
• A well-draining plant container
• Well-draining potting soil
• Plastic bag

Once you have collected all the equipment required, remove the bottom leaves from the stem and fill the plant container with the potting soil. Place the stem into the soil and moisten the soil so that it is wet but not soggy. Set the container in a room that is between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be sure to set the container in a spot that receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. Cover the container with a plastic bag to hold in moisture and water the plant when its soil is dry.

Heart Leaf Philodendron Growing Conditions

This tropical plant should be kept in an environment that is similar to southeastern Brazil; mainly, a hot and humid environment. Ensure that your Heart Leaf Philodendron has adequate levels of heat by setting it on a Plant Heat Mat and adequate levels of humidity by setting either a Pebble tray or a Plant Humidifier next to it.

How to Plant Heart Leaf Philodendron

When kept in ideal growing conditions, Heart Leaf Philodendron plants can grow quickly. This means that they may need to be repotted every two to three years, or sooner in some cases. Repotting will provide them with new, fresh soil and room to grow. Keep an eye out for the following signs to know whether or not your plant needs repotted before two to three years has passed:

• Compacted Soil
• Roots that are crowded and growing into a ball formation
• A plant that looks too big for its current container

If you are interested in repotting a Philodendron plant, you will need the following gardening equipment:

• A plant container that is 2 inches larger in diameter than the plant’s current container
• Well-draining potting soil
• Water

Once you have collected all the equipment required, fill the new plant container with the well-draining potting soil and create a hole in the soil for the plant to be set into. Remove the plant from its current container (be cautious about how much you touch its root system) and dust off any excess soil from its roots. 

Set the plant into the hole in the new container and secure it in its new container by spreading the soil around its base. Lightly water the plant and set it in a warm spot with bright but indirect sunlight.

Note: Repotting should only be done on warm spring days to reduce the risk of the plant going into shock 

Heart Leaf Philodendron Potting & Soil

This Philodendron variety requires soil that is well-draining. Plan to use soil consisting of peat, sphagnum, perlite, and wood bark to provide aeration and drainage. A homemade soil consisting of 50% coco coir or peat and 50% perlite is one option, or, you can use this premade Aroid soil mix.

Don’t forget that the plant container also needs to drain off excess water. Depending on how you want to grow your vining Philodendron, you will need to choose between a hanging plant container or a sturdy plant container with drainage and a mossy pole for climbing plants.

Heart Leaf Philodendron Water Requirements

Ideally, this type of plant should be watered using the soak and dry method to limit the risk of root rot. It is a very simple method with six steps:

1. Test the plant’s soil before watering it. It should only be watered if the top two inches of its soil is completely dry.  If it is still moist, wait another day to water it.
2. Fill a container with water.
3. Set the plant container in the water, but make sure the water isn’t so deep that it will overflow the lip of the container. The point of the soak and dry method is to utilize the drainage holes in the plant container to soak up water from the bottom.
4. Let the plant soak up water for fifteen minutes.
5. Remove the plant from the water.
6. Set the plant in a spot where the excess water can drain from the container’s drainage holes.

This Philodendron can also be watered in a shower as long as it gets thoroughly soaked and is allowed to drain off excess water.

If you are still uncertain about when and how to water any of your plants, download a plant watering app. These apps are designed to reduce or completely eliminate gardening worries. They help gardeners track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.  

Heart Leaf Philodendron Light Requirements

This Philodendron variety requires bright but indirect sunlight to grow and look its best. To assist you as you select the perfect indoor location for your Philodendron plant, use this guide to indoor plant lighting along with either a light meter or a light meter app to test your indoor lighting. 

With the help of these technologies, you will not need to worry whether or not your plants are getting adequate sunlight.

Best Heart Leaf Philodendron Fertilizer

Use a gentle fertilizer like Joyful Dirt on your Philodendron plants. This philodendron variety should be fed once a month from spring to fall.  It will need a rest period during winter.

Best Heart Leaf Philodendron Companion Plantings

If you would like to provide your tropical plants with extra humidity without purchasing a lot of technological equipment, try to cluster your tropical plants together. This method of plant care is more than just aesthetics, it is quality plant care.  When considering what types of plants to use as a companion planting for your Heart Leaf Philodendron, keep the following requirements in mind:

• Choose a plant that has similar care requirements, e.g., the same type of soil and watering method
• Choose a plant that will look aesthetically appealing next to your other plant
• Choose a plant that is easy to grow, propagate, and care for

A few examples of plants that will meet these plant companion requirements are:

Peperomia Incana

This plant features leaves that are also heart-shaped and vibrantly colored in green. Peperomia plants are famously unfussy, so you don’t have to worry about any extra hassles in your garden space.

Pros:

• Peperomia Incana can be set in full sunlight
• Peperomia Incana has water and soil requirements that are similar to those of Heart Leaf Philodendron
• Peperomia Incana is not toxic

Cons:

• None

Monstera Varieties

These tropical plants will provide your Philodendron plant with extra humidity without any hassle. Not only do their care requirements resemble those of Philodendron plants, but they are also very beautiful. It is a gardener’s dream to have two unfussy and beautiful plants in the same garden.

Pros:

• Monstera plants are highly decorative houseplants
• Monstera plants are easy to care for with care requirements that are similar to Philodendron plants
• Certain Monstera varieties produce edible fruits

Cons:

• Monstera plants are slightly toxic

Jessenia Pothos

This is a Pothos variety that is lightly variegated and very easygoing.  Like most Pothos varieties, it will not bring any hassles to your garden.

Pros:

• Jessenia Pothos is easygoing and easy to care for
• Jessenia Pothos has air-purifying qualities
• Jessenia Pothos has care requirements that are similar to those of Heart Leaf Philodendron

Cons:

• Jessenia Pothos is toxic

Heart Leaf Philodendron Diseases and Common Problems

Here is a list of the most common issues faced by these plants. In this list is information on how to identify and treat each issue.

Aphids

Evidence that your plant has this type of infestation will be tiny insects crawling on its soil and the plant itself.  These insects are shaped like teardrops. To deal with an infestation of aphids, follow these steps:

1. Spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and soapy water
2. Wipe down the leaves of the plant
3. Apply neem oil to the leaves to prevent another infestation

Root Rot

This is caused by overwatering a plant. If you learn how to properly water your plants, they should not get root rot. If, however, you are suspicious that your plant is suffering from this, look for these symptoms:

• Blackened stems and leaves 
• Translucent stems and leaves 
• Mushy stems and leaves 
• Leaves that are dropping off regularly

Spider Mites

Evidence of a spider mite infestation will show up as webbing on the leaves and stems. To treat this type of infestation, follow these steps:

1. Fill a spray bottle with a quart of warm water, 1 tsp. of dish soap, and 2 tsp. Of neem oil  
2. Spray and wipe the leaves and stems of the plant clean  
3. Repeat as necessary

Heart Leaf Philodendron Treatments and Maintenance

Since prevention is better than treatment, take some time to learn about what sort of diseases and pest infestations each of your plants can experience. Then, learn how you can best treat and prevent those. Here are few tips to help keep your plants healthy and disease-free:

• Look for signs of disease and infestations on a regular basis.
• Regularly clean the plant with neem oil.
• Provide proper amounts of water and fertilizer for your plant.
• Provide adequate amounts of sunlight, heat, and humidity for your plant.
• Mix diatomaceous earth into the soil of potted plants. 

Where to Buy Heart Leaf Philodendron Seeds Online

Since Philodendron seeds are difficult to find, it will require a little effort to search for them. If you are interested in purchasing these seeds, then start with these online shops:

• Amazon
• Etsy
• Grow Organic

Where to Buy Mature Heart Leaf Philodendron Online

If you’re ready to add one of these beautiful plants to your collection, browse the many reputable shops selling them on Etsy.

Philodendron Cordatum FAQs

In Conclusion

Heart Leaf Philodendron has such a lovely and easygoing nature that it is a must-have for all gardens.  No matter what your gardening skills are, you will have no trouble successfully growing this plant.

Research Citations

• Greenery Unlimited
• Plantophiles
• Plant Care Today