Heartleaf philodendron care
Heartleaf philodendron is often confused with pothos. Its leaves are thinner, softer and more heart-shaped, and new leaves emerge from a small sheath (cataphyll).
Light
Low to bright indirect light.
Watering
Water when the top inch or two is dry. Drooping, soft leaves mean thirst.
Soil, feeding and repotting
Soil: Loose, well-draining potting mix.
Feeding: Balanced fertiliser monthly spring and summer.
Repotting: Every 1–2 years.
Propagation
Stem cuttings in water root quickly.
Problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering. | Let the top inch dry. |
| Small leaves, long gaps on vine | Low light. | Move closer to light and prune. |
| Brown spots | Too much direct sun or cold damage. | Relocate. |
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Ask about your heartleaf philodendron
Questions gardeners ask
What is the difference between pothos and philodendron?
Philodendron leaves are thinner and more heart-shaped with soft stems; pothos leaves are thicker and waxier with a groove down the petiole, and new pothos leaves unfurl from the previous leaf rather than a sheath.