Heartleaf Philodendron Care: The Easiest Trailing Plant

Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum or Philodendron cordatum) is one of the easiest houseplants you can grow. The leaves are glossy, heart-shaped, and deep green. The vines grow fast and can trail from a shelf or climb a moss pole.

It is nearly impossible to kill. Heartleaf philodendron tolerates low light, forgives missed waterings, and rarely gets pests. If you want a plant that always looks good without much effort, this is it.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, indirect light (tolerates low light)
  • Water: When top 2 inches of soil are dry
  • Humidity: Normal household humidity is fine
  • Growth habit: Trailing vine (can climb)
  • Biggest mistake: Overwatering

Light

Heartleaf philodendron does best in bright, indirect light but tolerates low light better than almost any other plant.

Best light:

  • East-facing window
  • A few feet back from a south or west window
  • North-facing window works (slower growth)

Signs of too little light:

  • Leggy growth (long stems between leaves)
  • Slower growth

Signs of too much light:

  • Faded, pale leaves
  • Brown, crispy edges

Watering

Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Heartleaf philodendron is forgiving and can handle slight underwatering.

How to water:

  1. Stick your finger into the soil
  2. If the top 2 inches are dry, water thoroughly until it drains
  3. Empty the saucer

Typical schedule:

  • Spring and summer: Every 5 to 7 days
  • Fall and winter: Every 10 to 14 days

Soil and Pot

Use well-draining soil.

Best soil:

  • Standard potting mix with perlite (2:1 ratio)

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Hanging basket, shelf, or pot with room to trail

Temperature and Humidity

Heartleaf philodendron is not fussy.

  • Temperature: 60 to 85 F
  • Humidity: Normal household humidity (40 to 60 percent) is fine

Higher humidity encourages faster growth but is not required.

Fertilizer

  • Fertilize every 4 weeks in spring and summer
  • Use balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted to half strength)
  • Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

Pruning

Heartleaf philodendron grows fast and can get leggy. Prune to keep it full and bushy.

How to prune:

  1. Cut back long, leggy stems
  2. Remove yellowing leaves
  3. Prune just above a node to encourage branching

Propagating Heartleaf Philodendron

Heartleaf philodendron propagates easily from stem cuttings.

How to propagate:

  1. Cut a stem with 2 to 3 leaves and a node
  2. Place in water or moist soil
  3. Roots develop in 2 to 4 weeks

You can propagate dozens of plants from a single heartleaf philodendron.

Common Problems

Leggy growth

Not enough light or needs pruning. Move to a brighter spot and prune to encourage bushier growth.

Yellow leaves

Overwatering or natural aging. Check soil moisture and drainage.

Brown tips

Underwatering or low humidity. Water more consistently.

Pests

Heartleaf philodendron is pest-resistant but can attract spider mites or aphids. Wipe leaves regularly.

Heartleaf Philodendron vs. Pothos

Heartleaf philodendron and pothos (Epipremnum aureum) look very similar, but they are different plants.

Heartleaf Philodendron:

  • Thinner, more delicate leaves
  • Darker green color
  • Slightly slower growing

Pothos:

  • Thicker, waxy leaves
  • Lighter green color
  • Faster growing

Both are beginner-friendly and have similar care needs.

Why Heartleaf Philodendron Is Perfect for Beginners

  • Tolerates low light
  • Forgiving if you miss a watering
  • Grows fast
  • Easy to propagate
  • Pest-resistant
  • Nearly indestructible

Heartleaf philodendron is the ultimate beginner plant.

What To Do Next

  • If you love heartleaf philodendron, try Philodendron Brasil (variegated version)
  • If your philodendron is getting leggy, prune it back and propagate
  • If you want another bulletproof plant, try Pothos or Snake Plant
philodendrontrailing-plantbeginnerfast-growinglow-maintenance