How-to Guide
Heartleaf Philodendron: The Tolerant Trailing Aroid
The short answer
Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) prefers medium light but tolerates low light, even surviving long periods in extremely low light, per NC State Extension. Keep the soil slightly moist with good drainage, and slow down watering in winter.
It handles average indoor temperatures and even dry air, though it prefers medium humidity and appreciates misting. Propagation is a stem cutting away. Like most aroids it contains calcium oxalate crystals, so keep vines out of the reach of pets and children.
What Heartleaf Philodendron Is
The sweetheart plant is a trailing aroid with glossy, heart-shaped leaves, often confused with pothos. It is among the most shade-tolerant common houseplants, which makes it the classic pick for bookshelves and offices far from windows.
Light
Medium light is preferred; low light is tolerated, and NC State notes it can survive for long periods in extremely low light. Growth slows and stems stretch in dim spots, but the plant persists.
Watering
Keep soil slightly moist, and slow down on watering in the winter. Good drainage is essential, because root rot can occur in overly wet soil. Slightly moist means the surface dries between drinks — not a permanently damp pot.
⚠ Overly wet soil causes root rot. If the pot has no drainage hole, repot before adjusting anything else.
Temperature and Humidity
Average indoor temperatures suit it. It tolerates dry air but prefers medium relative humidity and appreciates occasional misting or a pebble tray.
Propagation
- 1Take a stem cutting — NC State lists stem cuttings as the propagation method; cut below a node and root in water or moist mix.
- 2Pot up when rooted — Plant several rooted cuttings together for a fuller pot.
Problems and Pet Safety
- Pests: aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale.
- Leaf spots can develop; keep water off foliage.
- Root rot in overly wet soil is the main killer.
⚠ NC State reports the plant contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation, swelling, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, and it can also cause contact dermatitis. It is a concern for pets — check the ASPCA plant list and hang vines out of reach.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Philodendron hederaceum — Medium light, tolerates extremely low light; slightly moist soil, less water in winter, good drainage; average temps, tolerates dry air; stem cutting propagation; aphids/mites/mealybugs/scale; calcium oxalate toxicity and contact dermatitis.