©Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
Philodendron cordatum
Plant Common Name
Heartleaf Philodendron
General Description
Heart-leaf philodendron climbs by fleshy stems bearing numerous glossy, mid- and deep- green, heart-shaped leaves, each with a pointed tip that collects morning dew. A native of tropical southeastern Brazil, it is a fast growing, tender evergreen vine. The waxy, juicy stems are light green and the leaves are evenly spaced along them. When dew appears on the leaves, it drains to the very elongated, pointed tip, which gathers the dew into drops. In the warm season, green and white flowers, in the shape of a hood (spathe) surrounding a floral column (spadix), may only rarely appear.
Grow heart-leaf philodendron in bright indirect light or partial shade that receives direct sun only around sunrise or sunset. The soil should be fertile, well drained and always moist. This is a fantastic houseplant, either in a pot with a post to climb upon, or spilling over the edges of a hanging basket. Outdoors, plant it at the base of a tree or trellis in bright shade and allow the stems to grasp and climb informally.
All parts of philodendrons are poisonous to humans and pets. The juices from the stems and leaves are a skin irritant for some people.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Tropical, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
