Philodendrons have an excellent reputation when it comes to enhancing air quality inside homes. But they’re also sought-after because of their stunning foliage and low-maintenance care requirements. Philodendron cordatum is one of the varieties of this well-reputed plant, and if you have one, here’s how you can ensure its healthy growth.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to the best blogger Guy About Home who offers the best garden and home improvement tips! If you are a home decor and design fan, don't miss the tips on home ideas. If you are a home garden owner, then you might be interest in our complete guides to house plants!
Is Philodendron Cordatum the Same as Heartleaf?
Image Sources: a) Wikimedia Commons, b) Wikimedia Commons
If you see the words philodendron cordatum heartleaf, it would be good to double-check the information. Though similar in shape, philodendron cordatum is not the same as the heartleaf philodendron, which is formally known as philodendron hederaceum.
Both the heartleaf philodendron and philodendron cordatum flower, but they differ in terms of their leaf color. Cordatum has lighter and less veiny foliage, while heartleaf has darker leaves and more pronounced veins.
Philodendron Cordatum Information & Facts
Image Source: Pinterest
- Genus: Philodendron
- Plant type: Vining plant
- Common name: Sweetheart vine
- Origin: Southeastern Brazil, South America
Philodendron cordatum grows in tropical America, particularly near Rio de Janeiro in Southeastern Brazil. It’s a species under the Araceae philodendron family, known for its low maintenance (as with the other philodendron varieties). This plant species has many variants, such as philo cordatum green, lemon lime, neon, and many others.
Philodendron Cordatum Plant Care: My Full Story
Image Source: Pinterest
Depending on your preferences, getting a philodendron cordatum variegata would be great for its appearance. Sweetheart vines are typically non-fussy. They grow well in well-draining soil that can trap moisture at the right pace.
Image Source: Pinterest
Philodendron cordatum plants belong to the vining or trailing type, and you can maximize its vining ability by giving them a moss pole.
Image Source: Plantly
Cordatums also love being showered with bright diffused light in areas with temperature ranges of 18° to 26° C. Placing it near a window may help your plant grow well, provided that you water it regularly.
Image Source: Inspire Uplift Blog
Philodendron Cordatum Care: Things To Know
No worries! Though you might encounter the difficulties when learning how to care such an plant as a new plant caring starter, we got the most popular plant lover quotes that can partner with you and you are going to succeed in plant care and grow.
Is philodendron cordatum rare?
The philodendron cordatum plant can be considered uncommon due to a lack of proper care (which may stem from lacking details about the species).
Not confident in planting an indoor plant? Why not getting power from our inspiring indoor plants quotes?
Is philodendron cordatum an indoor plant?
Although not usually found inside homes, indoor philodendron cordatum plants are gaining popularity in recent years. It’s somewhat rare to use as an indoor plant due to its toxic properties.
Is philodendron cordatum easy to grow?
Image Source: Houseplant Gardening
Definitely, yes. Based on philodendron cordatum growth rate, their leaves can become as long as 10-inches with stems up to 4 feet long in their natural habitat. As an indoor houseplant, the leaves can be as wide as 2 to 3 inches.
Is philodendron cordatum a climber or a creeper?
Philodendron cordatum is a climbing plant, making it one of the most suitable choices in decorating home interiors. Pairing your plant with a moss pole is a good tactic to make use of its climbing characteristics.
Is the philodendron cordatum toxic?
As mentioned, the sweetheart vine is toxic due to its chemical oxalates. These are needle-like crystals that can cause pain when chewed. Keeping the plant away from children or pets who may be tempted to swallow the plant’s parts would be for the best.
How to Care For Philodendron Cordatum
With the rarity of philodendron cordatum plants, finding guides about their proper care can be difficult. This guide works with most philodendron cordatum varieties, such as philodendron cordatum neon, philodendron cordatum gold, and philodendron cordatum Brasil.
Besides this plant, we also make a full care guide on how to care for Philodendron imperial red.
Philodendron cordatum light requirements
Image Source: UrbanOrganicYield.com
Philodendron cordatum plants are ideally placed in areas with bright indirect light. In case of low-light conditions, using artificial light with fluorescent or bulbs would be good. Sweetheart vines can live in low-light areas but with slower growth.
Philodendron cordatum soil
Image Source: The Spruce
To ensure good growth for your philodendron cordatum, mixing perlite, peat, wood bark, and sphagnum is one of the ways to do so. These materials make up for a well-draining potting mix, which ensures enough moisture for your plant but does not trap water that may damage it.
Philodendron cordatum water
Image Source: GFL Outdoors
You just need to ensure that your plant’s roots are well-moistened but ensure that you don’t give it too much water. Rainwater is the best type of water you can use for your philodendron cordatum, but tap water works just as fine.
Philodendron cordatum fertilizer
Image Source: Greenery Unlimited
It’s recommended to feed your philodendron cordatum half-strength diluted slow-release fertilizer every 2 weeks. Do this every spring and summer because these are the times when your plant grows more quickly. If you want to feed it in fall or winter, limit it to one or two times.
Philodendron cordatum potting and repotting
Image Source: Inspire Uplift Blog
Repotting should be done once your sweetheart vine starts to grow bigger than its pot. Ensure that you get a pot one size bigger with plenty of drainage holes. Use a new potting mix and check for root damage before transferring the plant to its new container.
Philodendron cordatum temperature and humidity
Image Source: Simplify Plants
Since the philodendron cordatum plant is native to tropical areas, its ideal temperature conditions range from 18° to 30° C. Never let the temperature go lower than 10° C to ensure good plant growth at night. It needs high levels of humidity, which you can give using a humidifier.
Philodendron cordatum pruning
Image Source: Blooming Backyard
Pruning your philodendron cordatum at regular intervals is much needed due to its climbing characteristic and quick growth. Doing so helps keep its shape and spread. Cut off all damaged leaves and branches. If you prefer, you can also start propagating your plant while you’re at it.
How To Propagate Philodendron Cordatum
Besides this plant, we also make a full care guide on how to propagate Philodendron jose buono.
Propagate philodendron cordatum from seeds
Image Source: Potted Well
Philodendron cordatum propagation can be done in many ways, with seed propagation being one of the rarely used methods. This is because this plant flowers only after 15 years in its mature state, making it uncommon. Plus, it takes too long. If you, fortunately, have its seeds, it’s pretty easy to plant them.
- Plant the seeds into your prepared soil as deep as a third of an inch.
- Keep the soil moist by spraying it regularly with water.
- Wait for roughly 14 to 56 days for the seeds to germinate, provided that temperature ranges go from 20° to 23° C.
- Once sprouted, you can begin transferring them to your prepared pot.
Propagate philodendron cordatum from cuttings
Image Source: YouTube
If you want to use stem cuttings, ensure to pick a mature branch from the plant. Cut it to your preferred length, ensuring that a node and a leaf are present in the cutting. Dip the stem into a rooting medium and position it in a warm environment. Once the cutting has started to sprout roots, transfer it to a pot and provide it with its ideal care requirements.
Philodendron cordatum propagation in water
Image Source: Balcony Garden Web
Propagating your philodendron cordatum in just water goes about the same steps as you would do in planting a stem cutting. The only difference is that you need to secure at least two nodes and 2-3 leaves in the stem that you cut, placing it in a jar with regularly changed water.
Philodendron Cordatum Care Problems & Tips
Besides this plant, we also summarize the caring issues and concerns on the plant Philodendron lupinum.
Philodendron cordatum dying
If your philodendron cordatum is exposed to a water-saturated potting mix, it may lead to root rot and make your plant die. Signs include yellowing and drooping leaves, with blackish hues emerging gradually. You can save it by ensuring to use well-draining soil coupled with pots that have good drainage. Cut away all rotten roots and replant.
How Much Does Philodendron Cordatum Cost?
Philodendron cordatum prices go from US$ 10 to US$ 35 on average. This is true for online selling platforms like Amazon and Etsy. However, the per-piece price may also vary depending on the seller and the variety that you want.
Philodendron cordatum varieties
Philodendron cordatum brasil
Image Source: Olive Hill Greenhouses
Among the philodendron cordatum types, the Brasil variant is characterized by the yellow streak found on its foliage. Prices go from US$ 8 to US$ 19 on average on Amazon.
Philodendron cordatum lemon lime
Image Source: Plants Craze
Named after its bright yellow to chartreuse color, the philodendron cordatum lemon lime is another popular variant you can try. Prices go from US$ 11 to US$ 40 depending on their maturity and seller.
Philodendron cordatum neon
Image Source: Olive Hill Greenhouses
Although highly similar in appearance to the philodendron cordatum lemon lime variant, this neon philodendron has lighter and brighter foliage than the other. Prices may vary between US$ 10 to US$ 40+ on Etsy.
Where To Buy Philodendron Cordatum
There are many places to buy your philodendron cordatum plant, such as the local plant shop in your area. The easiest way to do it is to buy from online marketplaces such as Etsy and Amazon. You can also look for philodendron cordatum at Bunnings.
Philodendron Cordatum vs Other Philodendrons
There are as many as 450 philodendron species available on the planet, and more often than not, it gets pretty challenging to identify which is which. Popular houseplants are philodendron Xanadu, Brasil, and Moonlight, while the rarest is the philodendron Spiritus Sancti.
Philodendron cordatum vs hederaceum
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
You can distinguish a hederaceum (heartleaf philodendron) plant from a cordatum by examining the leaves. Usually, hederaceum leaves are darker. Their veins are also more noticeable than that of a cordatum. Hederaceum philodendrons are native to Central America, as opposed to the South American origin of the cordatum plant.
Philodendron cordatum vs pothos
Image Source: The Spruce
Although both plants have heart-shaped leaves, the ones of pothos are far less noticeable than that of cordatum. Pothos leaves are also thicker and more waxy than philodendron cordatum leaves.
Philodendron cordatum vs scandens
Image Source: Two Peas In A Condo
Did you know that philodendron scandens is another name for philodendron hederaceum (heart-leaf philodendron)? As such, it differs from a cordatum in terms of foliage color and origin.
Philodendron Cordatum Care: In Summary
Philodendron cordatum is a lesser-known houseplant not commonly found in homes for its toxicity. However, this philodendron species is great for interior decoration, especially since it’s a low-maintenance trailing plant. Give it its best conditions and take advantage of its attractive heart-like leaves today.
For more step-by-step ideas, diy tips and guides, kindly visit the website guyabouthome.com providing the best garden & home improvement tips.
Guy Keenan
Hi there! I’m Guy, the guy behind Guy About Home (that’s a lot of guy’s). I’m just your average guy (ok, I’ll stop) living in the USA who is really interested in making and doing.
