Heartleaf Philodendron Plant Care Guide

Instructions

Soil Preference:

1. This aroid requires a light soil.
2. A mix of potting soil, perlite and orchid bark will keep the roots happiest.
3. Here is our mix.
4. Two parts potting soil to two parts perlite to one part orchid bark.
5. A heavy soil potting mix is not recommended for aroids.

Pot Size and Type:

1. The Heartleaf Philodendron grows relatively quickly and does best when allowed to trail or climb.
2. If you want to encourage faster growth choose a pot about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot.
3. Any well drained pot can be used. It MUST have drainage.
4. Repot every second year or when roots come out the drainage holes on the pot bottom To the next pot size up.
5. Don't jump to a huge pot from a small one unless you wish to encourage faster growth. Just go to the next size up pot.

Lighting:

1. The Philodendron Heartleaf enjoys bright indirect or dappled light.
   It will tolerate lower indirect light if it has some brighter moments in the day.
2. Some filtered sunlight from a window will be appreciated.
3. Shield this aroid from strong direct light in summer south and west sunny windows. The leaves will burn.
4. Tip: Window sheers or blinds can offset some brief periods of high direct light.

Watering:

1. Water your plant when the soil is dry. Aroids do not like to be overly wet. Try a watering schedule of every other week.
2. Watering is best done on a regular schedule so the plant is not over or under watered. Both can cause stress on the plant.
3. This tropical plant enjoys humidity. In dry climates this Philodendron will thrive with a humidifier nearby. OR use a pebble tray under the pot filled half way with water.
4. In dormant winter months reduce watering to when the soil is dry.
5. Never let this plant get wet feet. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. If the soil is compacted the bottom of the soil can remain wet which encourages root rot and fungus gnats.

How to Fertilize:

1. Apply a good quality fertilizer (linked in materials) monthly through Spring and summer.
2. Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow the philodendron to rest through the winter months.

Temperature:

1. Keep the plant at a low of 65 Degrees F. to upward of 85 Degrees F. It enjoys warmth and humidity.

Pruning and Training:

1. Pruning will give you a fuller plant with more even growth. But it's not necessary with the heartleaf unless you want to shape it.
2. Sharp Hand pruners are preferred for pruning. They will give a clean cut that will heal quickly.

Table Top Plants:

1. It’s easy to prune and shape these plants to whatever length and fullness you desire.
2. Since the heartleaf is a trailing plant, it will need to be hung up in a hanging pot when the leaves start vining down the side of the pot.
3. If you don't want to hang the Heartleaf Philodendron, another option would be to stake it so it can climb.

Pests:

1. This plant is not fussy and resists pests. However all plants can get attacked by pests.
2. Stress by longterm overwatering, poor light, extreme temperatures and soil conditions are contributors to plant stress..
3. Spider mites, mealy bugs, scale, thrips and whitefly are the most common houseplant pests you will see.
4. Read our post on How to get rid of aphids and other pests with our homemade pesticide soap recipe or neems oil.
5. To minimize the possibility of pests be sure to check all nursery plants before bringing them home.
6. Quarantine all new plants until you are sure no pests live in them.

How to Propagate:

1. Propagation is easily done through leaf node stem cuttings.
2. You need a 3 to 6 inch leaf stem with a couple of nodes and healthy growth.
3. The nodes are easy to spot on a vine plant.
4. Cut a long stem from the mother plant as close to the base of the plant as possible.
5. Place the node into a jar with water. Use tap water that has settled 24 hours in the jar to dissipate chemicals harmful to the philodendron.
6. Set the jar in a well lit area.
7. After several weeks roots will grow. Allow the roots to get an inch or more in length.
8. Plant gently and firmly into pot with proper soil mix.
9. Make sure to keep the soil moist until the roots begin to set into the soil.