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Philodendron hederaceum
Also called Heart Leaf Philodendron, Heartleaf Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendron is a fast-growing evergreen climbing vine with glossy heart-shaped leaves, widely grown as a houseplant. It thrives in bright indirect light and evenly moist, well-drained soil.
Philodendron hederaceum, the heartleaf philodendron (syn. Philodendron scandens) is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Central America and the Caribbean which is common in the houseplant trade. Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum, the "velvet philodendron," is a subspecies which is in the houseplant trade under its previous name of Philodendron micans. While toxic under certain conditions, it is also under current review for numerous health benefits.
Layering and cutting are two of the favored techniques when it comes to propagating P. hederaceum. It is best to propagate during the spring and summer. To begin propagation, locate an axillary bud and cut a branch directly beneath it. This branch should then be placed in soil or water with a small amount of activated charcoal. Treatment includes moving the plant to a place of bright sunlight, but one should avoid direct sunlight.
Parts of the plant are known to contain calcium oxalate crystals in varying concentrations. These calcium oxalate crystals are deposited in organs such as the kidneys, and can cause cardiac-related issues in humans. Although the plant is known to be toxic to mice and rats, the current literature is conflicting with regards to its toxicity in cats.
Although Philodendron species can be harmful if ingested, they also have a reputation of being a source of potential therapeutic applications for medical research. This reputation is due to the presence of terpenoids and flavonoids, natural compounds that are of interest because of their biological abilities in acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease preventative.
Philodendron angustisectum · Philodendron atabapoense · Philodendron callosum · Philodendron campii · Spade Leaf Philodendron · Philodendron elegans · Blushing Philodendron · Shortstem philodendron · Philodendron gigas · Philodendron jacquinii · Philodendron mayoi · Philodendron mexicanum
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Philodendron hederaceum by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
Pet safety from the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant lists.
