Philodendron cordatum aka Heartleaf Philodendron

Philodendron cordatum is a vine from the tropics. It belongs to the arum family, Araceae. Its home range spans southeastern and southern Brazil. Kew lists it as a climber from the wet tropics. It is an epiphyte: it uses other plants for support. People also call this species heartleaf philodendron. The RHS confirms its name and family. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Its green leaves have a heart shape. They grow on stems that creep and scramble. These stems let the plant climb or spread. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it as a creeping vine. Its profile gives no height or spread at full size. The sources give no bark details for this species. Chicago lists white blooms from September through October. These dates come from its garden profile. They do not describe bloom times in its home range. The evidence gives no details about the fruit.

The plant can cope with low light. It grows best when light passes through a filter. Chicago lists part shade and full shade as suitable. The plant can cope with low air moisture. It can also cope with some lapses in care. More moisture in the air helps it grow better. It suits soil that stays moist and needs moderate watering. Chicago lists USDA hardiness zones 10–13 for this species. These warm growing conditions fit its roots in the wet tropics. The sources give no UK hardiness rating.

Chicago notes its long history of use in homes. Its green leaves and creeping stems give it most of its garden value. The garden also lists it for beds and borders. Pieces of stem form roots with ease in water. Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites may live on the plant. Chicago suggests showers now and then to help cut their numbers. The evidence names no diseases for this species. Its ability to cope with low light does not rule out these pests.

Pet Poison Helpline lists this species as toxic to pets. The plant has tiny oxalate crystals in its tissues. Chewing frees them and can hurt the lips, mouth, and throat. Pets may drool, gag, or vomit after eating it. In rare cases, the throat may swell and hinder breathing. The risk depends in part on how much the pet eats. It also depends on the animal. Seek veterinary help if a pet may have eaten it. The sources establish no edible use for this plant. They also give no human safety rating.