Beautify Your House Landscape with Philodendron Cordatum | A Guide for Healthy & Fuller Plant

Philodendrons like pink princess plants are among the top wish list of nature-enthusiasts to add a refreshing and homey feeling to the place.

They are always looking for an easy-to-care houseplant that can be a great addition to increase the landscape beauty of their house.

Are you among the ones? Yes?

We have such a perfect plant for you, the philodendron cordatum!

So, how can you care for this heart shaped leaf plant to let it beautify your home garden? Let us show you how!

Disclaimer: Neither it’s the common name of philodendron hederaceum, nor is it the same as any pothos variety you see in several online blogs. Yes! We have discussed the difference later in our guide.

Philodendron Cordatum

Native to Brazil, philodendron cordatum is a beautiful houseplant that is popular for its stunning heart-shaped leaves. If provided the right care, it can be a cascading, trailing, or climbing flora.

You may also know this gorgeous indoor variety by sweetheart vine plant or heartleaf philodendron. (also common name for Philodendron scandens and philodendron hederaceum)

It is a perennial with green emerald leaves with other varieties and cultivars like:

• Philodendron Cordatum Lemon Lime/Gold (lime-yellow veins in the center of leaves)
• Philodendron Cordatum Silver (leaves with a silvery hint)
• Philodendron Cordatum Brasil (yellow-green variegation)

In general, they are not challenging plants to grow like alocasia zebrina or some monstera varieties. Here is the basic philodendron cordatum care:

Let’s find out how do you care for the stunning philodendron cordatum for its long and healthy life.

Philodendron Cordatum Care

The evergreen perennial, green philodendron is a rare cordatum that requires low maintenance to grow and prosper.

Moreover, it can form a beautiful cascade even with minimum care, whether outdoors or indoors.

. Philodendron Light

Philodendron cordatum prefers a spot with moderate bright indirect light but can also grow well in a low-lit space. However, the low light will make them slow grower.

You can put them a little away from an east-facing window or in front of artificial growing light to boost their growth.

So, can green philodendrons handle low light? Or, what type of sunlight do they need?

To answer the first, yes! They can handle low sunlight for a long time (slow growth) but prefer to sit in moderate light.

Secondly, they can’t tolerate direct sunlight exposure, so keep your philodendron plant away from any spot with high bright light.

Like other philodendrons, cordatum may demand a moss, bamboo, or even sphagnum pole to support the climbing vine.

Moreover, the leaves might grow 2 to 3 inches wider indoors. (The size differ outdoors)

. Soil

The heart leaf philodendron plant grows perfectly in a well-aerated soil mix with wood bark, sphagnum, peat moss, coarse sand, and lots of perlite (to distribute the moisture throughout the cordatum evenly and avoid the sogging of soil).

However, it is only a rough estimate to create your potting mix as philodendron cordatum is not a tricky plant to handle. You can always modify the quantity to adjust to your plant needs.

. Philodendron Watering

In bright moderate indirect light, let the topsoil dry halfway to the bottom before watering. If your philodendron cordatum is in a low light space, make sure to add water in a 2/3 dried soil.

The beautiful heart leaf cordatum likes to sit in moist soil that has a good water level throughout the roots.

So, how often should you water your philodendron cordatum?

Overwatering (yellow leaves) and underwatering (brown leaves) can both affect your plant’s health. Generally, if you observe any wilting on the plant, it is the right time to give it some water.

You can also use a self-watering basket to give this philodendron the moisture it needs as it is not a tricky plant and can handle low watering as well.

Pro-Tip: Mist the leaves once or twice a week to keep the moisture.

. Temperature

The heart shaped leaves of philodendron cordatum will thrive in the temperature between 13°C (55°F) to 28°C (82°F). However, they don’t appreciate high heat.

Also, avoid rapid temperature changes.

. Humidity

The cordatum plant needs bright to medium indirect light, moderate temperature, and humidity to fully prosper and grow. The ideal humidity level is above 70%.

It may become a slow grower in a less humid area but will not be happy to sit there for a while.

Pro-Tip: To increase the humidity, use a humidifier or water-filled pebble tray. You can also mist the leaves when they feel dry or wilted.

. Fertilization

The cordatum plant needs to be fertilized once every two weeks in early summer or spring (during the growing season) with a well-balanced fertilizer diluted to a half-strength.

For instance, mix a teaspoon of diluted liquid fertilizer in a gallon of water.

. Repotting

This philodendron doesn’t need much repotting but only when the roots are overgrown (outside of the pothole). The ideal time is the growing season or early summer.

Take 1-2 size bigger pot than the previous, add the new potting mix (combined with 30% soil from old), and place the plant inside.

Pro-Tip: While repotting, check for damaged leaves or nodes, and cut them with prune shears.

. Propagation

The philodendron cordatum propagation is similar to any other trailing varieties in this family. The easiest way is to use a stem cutting and then further propagate it via soil or water.

How to Take the Stem Cutting:

Pick a healthy stem or branch (with a minimum of one node) and cut right above the leaf node. You also choose a long stalk and make several stem cuttings or take a smaller one.

Here’s how you can grow it in water and soil:

Water:

Put your prepared cutting in the water (keep the node inside and leaves outside of water) and let it grow.

Make sure to place it in a humid and warm spot. After a few days, when you notice the new roots, transfer them to a freshly prepared potting mix.

Keep the new plant in a humid environment with bright indirect light and take extra care of its watering needs.

Soil:

Soil cordatum propagation is almost the same except for the watering process. In this method, you have to place the cutting in a potting mix directly provided the right humidity, temperature, and light.

You can also cover the newly developing roots with a plastic bag to maintain the warmth and heat.

Problems

Like any other philodendron varieties, these plants also tend to attract pesky bugs like aphids, mites, and scales. You might also observe the yellowing of leaves in poor watering or brown leaves in excessive watering.

All you need to do is clean the leaves with a soft weathery cloth to remove the dirt. You can also use warm water, alcohol (diluted), or DIY neem oil solution to solve these issues.

Philodendron Cordatum FAQ’s

Is philodendron Cordatum Toxic for Pets?

Yes!

Philodendron cordatum is poisonous and toxic for pets like cats and dogs. So, keep the beautiful plant away from the reach of pets.

In case of ingestion, visit a vet as they might suffer from digestive and respiratory problems.

How Do You Care For A Healthy Philodendron Cordatum Plant?

• Place your philodendron in a bright to medium indirect light spot
• Give it a good airy soil mixture (perlite, wood bark, sphagnum, peat moss)
• Keep it moist (not soggy), but avoid overwatering
• Biweekly fertilization (well-balanced) during the growing season
• Prefers to sit in a moderately humid room (away from direct heat)

Philodendron Cordatum Vs. Philodendron Hederaceum?

Philodendron hederaceum is one of the most sought-after philodendrons popular among the plant-enthusiasts. However, it is also often confused with philodendron cordatum.

Hederaceum is native to Mexico or Central America and has glossy green leaves. It is more similar to scandens than cordatum.

Is philodendron Cordatum a Good Indoor Plant?

Yes! Philodendron cordatum is among the best indoor houseplants that are somewhat forgiving and tolerant to poor caring conditions (of course, there is a limit to it).

Philodendron Cordatum Vs. Heartleaf?

Philodendron cordatum or heart leaf philodendron is the same plant with different names. Heartleaf is usually referred to as a common name for hederaceum also as both have similar heart-shaped leaves.

What is Philodendron Cordatum Brasil?

Brasil philodendron is a fast-growing variegated vine plant variety of the rare philodendron cordatum. It is popular because of its easy care and beautiful yellow-green foliage.

What Are The Red Dots On My Leave?

They are probably the nectaries (happy sap) or sticky things that plants release to attract ants.

Are Pothos and Philodendrons The Same plants?

Despite the similarities in some pothos (neon) and philodendrons (Lemon-Lime), both are different plants with unique caring requirements.

In neon pothos, the heart leaves are elongated, and new leaves emerge from the stem of an existing leaf.

Whereas, in philodendron cordatum lemon-lime, the leaves are not elongated (perfectly heart-shaped), and they emerge from a new root stem.

How Can You Make Philodendron Fuller?

Philodendron Cordatum is a trailing vine plant like peperomia hope. It needs occasional pruning and cleaning to keep its natural growth active and healthy. Regularly trim the plant (cut above the nide) for a fuller look.

Bottom Line

Philodendron cordatum is a perfect plant that can add a refreshing, aesthetic, and cozy vibe to the place they are in.

It is among the best houseplants that enhance the room’s beauty with its attractive cascading style growth.

Yes, it is one of the easiest to care for indoor plants, but still, you need to know all the basic philodendron care tips to help it look the fullest and healthiest.

To help you out, we have described all the essential caring steps that can make your philodendron the best climber.

There you have it, a complete guide to know everything about this gorgeous epiphyte. Did we miss something you wanted to know? Share with us in the comments below!

Lastly, if you love to read such comprehensive and effective tips about your favorite plant varieties, do check the Gardening category of Inspire Uplift Blog because we have got so much more for you!