Philodendron cordatum aka Heartleaf Philodendron
Taxonomy
Philodendron cordatum is an uncommon, toxic species of Philodendron native to Southeastern coastal Brazil. It has heart-shaped, dark green leaves with white speckles that grow 2” to 3” across. This species is often mistakenly referred to as Philodendron hederaceum due to its heart-shaped leaves, but they are two distinct plant species. Philodendron cordatum is an epiphytic and epilithic species that can tolerate shade and can grow up to 4 feet long. It is also known as the heartleaf or sweetheart plant and is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care. Aerial roots grip the bark of trees and can grow over 20 feet tall, and fossils show that the plant has been around for over 30 million years.
Common names
Heartleaf Philodendron, Heart Leaf Philodendron, Philodendron BrazilHow to care for Heartleaf Philodendron
Difficulty
Heartleaf Philodendron demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.
Water
Heartleaf Philodendron should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Heartleaf Philodendron loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Heartleaf Philodendron prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Heartleaf Philodendron to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Heartleaf Philodendron. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Heartleaf Philodendron should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Heartleaf Philodendron’s native range is Central, South America, and the Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Philodendron Genus
Philodendron cordatum Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum Heart Leaf Philodendron
Philodendron subincisum
