Heart-Leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens) is a popular species of tropical plant that is native to Central and South America. It can be grown both indoors and out, making it an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the beauty of this lush greenery without having to worry about environmental conditions.
This philodendron is known for its deep green heart-shaped leaves, which measure up to 20 centimetres across in mature plants. Its vines can grow up to 11.5 metres long, with small clusters of white flowers appearing throughout their length during certain times of the year.
This plant prefers partial shade and moist soil, making it best suited to humid climates that don’t experience extreme temperatures in either direction. Its low maintenance requirements make it perfect for beginner gardeners or those looking for a hassle-free addition to their home or office space.
Heart-Leaved Philodendron at a glance
| Common Name | Heart-Leaved Philodendron |
| Scientific Name | Philodendron Scandens |
| Growth Rate | Average to Fast |
| Full maturity | 2-3 years |
| Height (max) | 60–120 cm |
| Width (max) | 30–60 cm |
| Pet safe? | No |
| Sunlight | Medium, indirect |
| Soil Ph | 5.0–7.0 (acidic to neutral) |
| Native to | Central and South America |
Growing Heart-Leaved Philodendron indoors in Australia
Growing indoors in Australia can be a challenge, but heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron scandens) is an ideal plant for the home. This species of philodendron does very well in indoor settings with limited light and moisture, making it perfect for those who want to grow plants at home without having to worry about providing too much care.
Heart-leaved philodendron is native to Central America and the Caribbean, but it has adapted remarkably well to Australian conditions. It grows quickly and easily in warm temperatures, making it suitable for any part of Australia where the climate is warm enough.
The plant also doesn’t need much water or sunlight, so even if you live in a cool climate area with low levels of natural light, this species will still thrive.
Quick care tips
Heart-leaved Philodendron, also known as Philodendron Scandens, is an easy to care for houseplant. It is a popular choice among home gardeners due to its lush foliage and cascading stems.
Here are some quick tips on how to provide the best care for your plant: When planting, make sure the soil is well draining and rich in organic matter. Provide adequate sunlight but avoid direct exposure from strong midday sun.
Water regularly but allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. Try not to let water sit on leaves or accumulate in the tray beneath it – this could lead to root rot or other problems. Feed once a month with a balanced fertiliser during spring and summer when growth is most active.
Heart-Leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens) (Source)
Caring for your Heart-Leaved Philodendron
Plant care is essential when it comes to successfully growing a heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron Scandens). This popular houseplant has been around for centuries and its cascading vines of dark green leaves can add some charm to any home.
To ensure your philodendron grows healthy and strong, here are some tips on how to properly care for the plant. In terms of sunlight, Philodendrons prefer indirect light.
When direct sunlight hits their leaves, it can cause sunburns or yellowing of the foliage. Bright, indirect light is best when it comes to this fussy plant which also loves a good misting with filtered water every now and then.
Light
Light is an essential element for any living organism and plants are no exception. When it comes to houseplants, the type of light can make all the difference when it comes to having a thriving plant.
For those looking to bring a bit of greenery into their home with a Heart-Leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens), understanding how much light this species needs is key for keeping it healthy. This tropical vine requires bright indirect sunlight and will thrive in medium to high-light areas that receive 3-5 hours of direct sun per day.
In addition, the right temperature — between 60°F and 80°F — and proper watering must be ensured as well in order to keep this leafy specimen happy.
Water
Water is a key element for the success of any living thing. When it comes to growing heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron Scandens) plants, water plays an especially important role in their health and growth.
This article will explain how much water these plants need and what watering techniques should be used when caring for them. Heart-leaved philodendrons are known as low maintenance houseplants that can tolerate occasional missed waterings.
They prefer soil that is damp but not overly saturated with water, so they should only be watered once the top layer of soil feels dry when touched. A good rule of thumb is to provide your plant with about 1 2–3 cm of water every week during the growing season, making sure to allow excess water to drain away completely each time before providing more water.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser is an essential part of growing houseplants. When it comes to caring for the heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron Scandens), Fertiliser is an important factor in achieving healthy plants.
This tropical houseplant grows best with a regular application of a balanced fertiliser throughout the year. fertilising should begin in spring when growth starts and can continue through fall, until the weather turns cold.
When selecting a fertiliser, make sure you choose one with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. These will help ensure that your philodendrons receive all the nutrients they need for healthy growth. It’s also important to remember not to overfertilise—just follow the instructions on your chosen product for proper application rates.
Temperature
Temperature is a major factor in the success of growing heart-leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens). This vigorous, evergreen climber prefers warm temperatures between 65 and 85°F.
It should not be exposed to cold air, as this can cause damage to the leaves. The perfect temperature for optimal growth is around 72°F during the day and 68°F at night.
When it comes to humidity, the Philodendron does best in moist environments with high humidity levels above 50%. To increase humidity levels, growers should use a humidifier or misting system. Keeping the soil evenly moist by watering regularly will also help maintain higher humidity levels. If possible, try to avoid draughts when growing this plant indoors. For more information on cultivating an indoor Philodendron scandens successfully, read on!.
Humidity
Humidity is an important factor to consider when growing a Heart-Leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens). This tropical vining plant needs high humidity levels in order to thrive.
Providing the right amount of humidity can be difficult, especially if you live in a dry area. If you want your Philodendron Scandens to grow and stay healthy, it’s important to understand what kind of environment this plant needs and how to maintain optimal conditions for it.
The Heart-Leaved Philodendron prefers environments with relative humidity levels of between 60-70%, though it can tolerate slightly lower or higher levels as long as they don’t remain constant for too long. To achieve this level of moisture, mist the leaves regularly or set up a humidifier nearby.
Learn more about how humidity can affect indoor plants.
Flowering
Flowering is the process in which a plant grows and produces flowers. It is an important part of growing any type of plant, including the Heart-Leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens).
This perennial evergreen vine native to Central and South America will produce beautiful heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers during its flowering season. The Heart-Leaved Philodendron has adapted to thrive in tropical climates as well as indoor settings with bright light.
To successfully grow this type of philodendron, it needs soil that drains easily and adequate humidity. The best time for successful flowering is during spring or summer when temperatures are higher than 50°F (10°C) and there’s plenty of sunshine.
Pests
When it comes to gardening, pests can be an unwelcome intruder. The heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron Scandens) is no exception to this and is prone to pest infestations.
While these plants are relatively easy to grow, it’s important to keep an eye out for common pests that may try to disrupt the health of your philodendron. The first step in controlling pests on a philodendron is identifying what type of pest you’re dealing with.
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus gnats which all feed off the sap of the plant’s leaves and stems. Identifying the type of pest will be key in determining how best to eliminate them from your plant.
Find out more about common indoor plant pests in Australia.
Diseases
Diseases are an unfortunate reality for any gardener, and growing heart-leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens) is no exception. These popular houseplants can be prone to a range of fungal and bacterial diseases, including root rot and leaf spot.
However, with the right knowledge and care, gardeners can successfully prevent disease from taking hold in their Philodendron plants. One of the most common problems with Philodendron Scandens is root rot caused by too much water or poorly draining soil.
This issue can cause yellowing or wilting leaves that eventually die off if not taken care of properly. It’s important to keep this plant in soil that drains quickly while also allowing it access to enough moisture without becoming soggy—otherwise, root rot will set in quickly.
Soil
Soil is an essential component of any successful garden, and it is especially important for the heart-leaved philodendron. This popular houseplant is known for its trailing stems and glossy green leaves, but achieving success with this plant starts from the ground up.
To successfully grow a heart-leaved philodendron, it’s essential to use soil that will retain moisture while still allowing adequate drainage. Aim for a potting mix that contains peat moss, compost or sphagnum moss to increase moisture retention, as well as perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage.
Make sure the soil pH is between 5 and 6.2 to help prevent nutrient deficiencies in your plant. Lastly, add slow-release fertiliser according to the instructions on the package before planting your philodendron scandens in its new home!.
Learn how to lower your soil PH.
Pot size
Pot size is an important factor to consider when growing a heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron Scandens). The right pot size will help promote healthy root development and provide the proper balance of air, water and nutrients.
When selecting a pot for your new plant, it’s essential to choose one that is big enough but not too large. When deciding on a pot size, you should take into account the current size of the plant as well as its expected rate of growth.
Generally, it’s best to start with a slightly larger pot so that you won’t have to repot your philodendron too frequently. A good rule of thumb is to select a pot that is at least 3-5 cm wider than the diameter of the existing root ball.
Pruning your Heart-Leaved Philodendron
Pruning is an important part of caring for a heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron Scandens). Proper pruning will help ensure healthy growth and keep the plant looking its best.
To get the most out of your philodendron, there are some things you should know about pruning. First off, it’s best to remove any dead or damaged leaves as soon as possible.
This helps prevent diseases from spreading throughout the whole plant. You can also use pruning to shape and control the size of your philodendron by cutting off any overly long stems or deadheading flowers – if present – as needed. When trimming away unwanted foliage, use sharp, sterilized scissors for a clean cut. Be sure not to take off too much at once so that you don’t shock the plant!.
Propagating your Heart-Leaved Philodendron
Propagation is an essential part of taking care of houseplants. So, if you want to add more heart-leaved philodendron (Philodendron Scandens) to your home, it is relatively easy to do through propagation.
This attractive species of plant needs minimal effort and time for the process. Since the heart-leaved philodendron grows rapidly in nature, it can often be propagated with stem cuttings or by air layering a branch.
Stem cuttings should include at least two nodes on each cutting and should be placed in either water or a pot filled with moist soil so the roots can start forming. With air layering, one must remove a ring of bark from around the branch and then wrap this area with damp sphagnum moss before securing it in place with plastic wrap.
Is Heart-Leaved Philodendron poisonous?
It is essential to be knowledgeable about poisonous plants when growing a garden. One such plant is the Heart-Leaved Philodendron (Philodendron Scandens).
This vining tropical plant originates from Mexico and can be grown indoors or outdoors in warm, humid climates. Though it’s an attractive plant with heart-shaped foliage, it can be hazardous if ingested.
All parts of the philodendron contain calcium oxalate crystals which cause burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat if eaten. Its sap can cause skin irritation in some people as well. The best way to keep your family safe from this poisonous plant is by keeping it out of reach – especially for small children and pets who may not recognize its dangers!.
Featured Image: Source
