23 Simple Care Instructions To Grow Your Philodendron Cordatum

Sprucing up your interior space comes easily with the help of the Philodendron Cordatum. It is an easy-to-care-for plant, making it an excellent option for many indoor gardeners.

In this post, we’ll provide all the tips and tricks to help you care for your Philodendron Cordatum and keep it well-nourished.

We also have exciting options to explore if you’re looking to buy one. If you want to learn more about this Philodendron’s background and growth behavior, keep reading.

What Is Philodendron Cordatum?

The Philodendron Cordatum is a perennial from the Araceae family. It is characterized by bright green heart-shaped leaves and prized for its stunning foliage.

Also known as Sweetheart Plant, Heart Leaf Philodendron, and Philodendron Angra dos Reis in its native homeland, the Philodendron Cordatum grows well near an east or west-facing window as a houseplant.

This species of Philodendron is often mistaken for P.Hederaceum and Pothos as they all look very similar. The heart-shaped leaves in many of its cultivars like Philodendron Brasil and Silver contribute to the confusion.

While most of this article talks about indoor growing requirements, you can keep this Philodendron plant outdoors in hardiness zones 10-12.

Origin And Family

From the Philodendron genus in the Araceae family, the Sweetheart Plant is native to the forests of Southeastern coastal Brazil.

First published in 1856 with the help of Charles Kunth, this houseplant makes a great addition to any home.

Where To Buy

Philodendron Cordatum is an attractive addition to any garden, and we’ve had tremendous success buying one online. You may stop over at your local nursery first, but if you want to select and purchase plants conveniently at home, then certainly check out Etsy.

The price tags for a Philodendron Cordatum are usually very affordable, ranging from $8 for small cuttings to $20 for more mature or larger plants.

Philodendron Cordatum Plant Size

The Philodendron Cordatum is a fast-growing houseplant placed near an east or west-facing window. It can grow to 50 feet in its natural habitat. In homes, it can fully grow up to an average height of 3-12 feet, an average width of 1-3 feet, and a leaf spread of 2-3 inches.

Philodendron Cordatum Care Needs

Your Philodendron Cordatum will beautifully thrive when properly cared for. It likes to grow in relatively bright indirect light and moist soil.

You typically have to water your Philodendron when the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry. Heavily drench the soil until water seeps out from the pot’s bottom. Because it is a humidity-loving plant, it will thrive when given this necessity.

We’re making it simple for you to care for your Philodendron Cordatum with the extensive list of tips below.

Care Difficulty

With its humidity, light, and water needs, the Heartleaf Philodendron is typically deemed easy to care for. To grow this plant efficiently, you need to be particular with the well-draining soil and amount of light.

Philodendron cordatum 01
Photo by: https://t.co/MYHbqILVT7#Philodendron pic.twitter.com/fBpBs3SoFg

— ぼたにかるぼっと (@bot_botanical) December 9, 2021

Growth Rate

The growing speed of a Philodendron Angra dos Reis is typically fast. Indoors, it reaches a mature height of 3-12 feet.

To manage this plant’s height, properly prune during the growing season in the spring and summer.

Potting

Philodendron plants, generally, prefer a well-draining pot. A medium-sized plastic, terracotta, clay pot, or hanging basket is recommended for your Sweetheart Plant. This plant is an epiphyte, meaning it has aerial roots so it can climb and trail when given support structures like a moss pole. You can even display it as a hanging plant to showcase its cascading growth habit. 

One of the prime killers of houseplants is lack of drainage, which leads to root rot. Make sure that your pot has holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain through.

Repotting

It is a good idea to move your Philodendron Cordatumto to a bigger pot once it grows to a certain size to keep it healthy. When you see roots pushing out of the drainage holes, you’ll know it’s time to repot.

On average, Philodendron Cordatum grows at a fast pace and needs to be repotted every one to two years. Soil loses its natural nutrient components over time, so it’s better to add some standard commercial potting soil when repotting.

Soil

Heartleaf Philodendron grows well in standard commercial potting soil. Creating your own potting mix is also an option just by simply adding peat, sphagnum moss, perlite, and wood bark. This plant likes its soil to stay relatively moist.

Moreover, adequate drainage is critical to avoid fungal diseases, root rot, and other issues.

These are some soil options we recommend:

pH

For this Philodendron Angra dos Reis, you’ll need a soil pH of around 6.5-7.5, which is neutral to acidic. For you not to worry about pH, order a simple pH meter device online so you can check your soil.

If your soil’s pH is too high, you can add aluminum sulfate or sulfur to raise the acidity.

Conversely, if the pH is inadequate, you can add wood ash, baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime to your soil.

Water

When watering Sweetheart Plant, you’ll want to keep your soil somewhat moist. Stick a finger into the pot to gauge moisture, or invest in a soil moisture meter device. It’s time to water your Philodendron when the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry.

Overwatering is a prevalent killer of indoor house plants. Remember that it’s safer to underwater than overwater the Sweetheart Plant when in doubt. Also, you should certainly have fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.

Light

Coming from the forests of Southeastern Brazil, this plant is used to receiving bright indirect light. Between 6-8 is the recommended hours of exposure for your Philodendron Cordatum in an indoor setting.

When the light is too bright for your plant’s liking, its leaves may get sunburned. If this happens, move your plant away from the window, or filter the light with curtains or blinds.

On the other hand, if your Cordatum is not getting as much light as it needs, its leaves may droop and look dull. If this happens, you can move your plant closer to a window and supplement it with grow lights. We recommend the following artificial lighting products:

Avoid putting your Philodendron Cordatum in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

A water-soluble fertilizer is ideal for the Heartleaf Philodendron.Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor, for example, would work. During the spring and summer, feed your plant every other week.

In winter, growth slows down naturally, so you only need to fertilize every other month.

Propagating Philodendron Cordatum

Reproducing your Philodendron Cordatum can be done with the right propagation procedure. Below are options you can choose from, along with detailed instructions to help you out.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

The best way to propagate a Sweetheart Plant is by cutting and planting. Seeds are available at times but might be challenging to find and start. Spring and summer are excellent times to propagate your plant.

1. Cut. Find a healthy section of the stem with fresh growth and make sure it has at least one node. Clip this section using sterile gardening shears.

2. Plant. Plant the cutting directly into sterile soil.

3. Maintain. Maintain an air temperature around 70°F and keep the soil moist.

4. Cover. Use a plastic bag to enclose your plant and trap humidity faster. 

5. Rotate. To ensure all sides have an even growth, rotate the pot from time to time.

I’ve had this philodendron cordatum for less than a year…she’s so lush 😍 pic.twitter.com/1BQBgxDk54

— Rebecca (@rebeccaisdope) September 1, 2021

Humidity And Aeration

Your Philodendron Cordatum needs high humidity levels between 70%-80% for vibrant leaves and lush growth.

If you’re worried about the humidity or if you start seeing browning edges on your plant leaves, you can opt for a humidifier and place it near your plants. You can also use pebble trays to support the humidity indoors. Adding this will make a big difference in your Cordatum’s health.

Temperature

Your Philodendron Angra dos Reis will prosper in a warm area, so keep the temperature between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Like most tropical plants, this houseplant will appreciate consistent temperatures throughout the year. Try not to use hot or cold water when watering your plant. Keep it away from heat sources (such as furnaces and vents) and cold (such as open windows during the colder months).

Toxic

If you have toddlers, young children, or pets, you should be responsible when handling this plant. Toxic to humans and animals alike, the Heartleaf Philodendron is potentially dangerous if consumed. If ingested, the following are possible side effects: swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. It can also cause skin irritation, so I recommend using gloves when handling this beautiful plant. In most cases, this plant is not considered life-threatening.

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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Philodendron Cordatum is not a plant that’s resistant to several bugs, issues, and diseases. In the following sections, I’ll lay out some common problems for the Philodendron Cordatum and some tips and tricks for treating them.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are a frequent yet undesirable occurrence, especially for Philodendron Angra dos Reis. The earliest spider mite damage will appear as tiny, brown, or yellow spots on this plant’s leaves. You might also notice stunted growth or leaves that take forever to unfurl.

Spider mites being related to spiders, they also spin webs (which is gross). The primary distinction is that a spider’s web has a more intricate pattern and will be inhabited by only one or two spiders. On the other hand, if the web you see is fine, sticky, and has a lot of tiny red bugs crawling in it, that’s a spider mite infestation!   

To combat spider mites on your Philodendron Angra dos Reis, take your plant outside and dislodge the bugs by giving it a thorough hose down. When you take it back inside, isolate it from your other plants until you’re sure there are no more spider mites left. 

If that’s not enough, neem oil, insecticidal soap, and horticultural oil are organic products that can do the trick!

Scale Insects

Scales are plant sap-feeding insects. You can tell them apart from other bugs as the mature scale will attach to one portion of the plant and remain there. Armoured scales are brownish lumps that can grow on a plant’s stems or petioles.

To dissuade scales from latching onto your Philodendron Cordatum, dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water and sprinkle it over the plant’s leaves.

You may also release ladybugs or lacewings near your affected plant to take care of the problem for you!

Aphids

You usually find Aphids as a cluster of bugs on your Heartleaf Philodendron. They could be colored green, yellow, black, red, brown, orange, or white. They can weaken your plant within days as they multiply extremely fast!

Aphids are specifically attracted to flower buds, new shoots, and areas of fresh growth. Aphids leave unsightly black and white patches as they feed on the sap.

Upon spotting these icky crawlers, isolate your infected plant from the others immediately. First, cover the soil with plastic to catch any falling bugs and their eggs, then give your plant a vigorous spray of water to knock over the aphids. Throw the plastic somewhere far away from your garden.

An insecticidal soap spray, neem oil, or horticultural oil can solve the problem. Repeat this several times until you’re sure the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Philodendron Angra dos Reis. Once you spot white-fluffed little parasites on your plant, act promptly. Use rubbing alcohol by dipping a cotton swab in it and kill mealies on contact. This will turn them brown or orange in color. As a preventive measure, a spray of diluted Neem oil also works well.

Philodendron cordatum ’Neon’ pic.twitter.com/8aBPsmqAWK

— Cameron Tasker (@cam_95) February 17, 2021

Brown Leaf Tips

When you notice browning tips on the leaves of your Sweetheart Plant, you might need to double-check on several factors.

Check that the humidity level in your home is not too low. If the sun is too intense on your plant, use drapes to block it off. Avoid using too much fertilizer. Allow the water to pass through the soil to wash away excess minerals and salts.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on your Philodendron Cordatum indicate that your plant needs to be watered. In this case, your plant will normally perk back up once it’s watered. Increasing the humidity may also help.

Be careful! Plants infested with pests may initially have droopy and curled leaves, but they may gradually acquire additional symptoms such as spots, reduced development, and a general loss in health. If you suspect pests, always inspect the underside of the leaves.

Yellow Leaves

There are numerous factors that can cause yellowing leaves on Heartleaf Philodendron. For one, light deficiency can deprive your plant of subsistence and turn its leaves yellow. Otherwise, there might be an issue with underwatering, overwatering, or an inconsistent watering schedule.

Remove yellowing leaves so the plant can focus its energy on growing new green leaves instead.

Root Rot

Root rot is a common killer of Philodendron Angra dos Reis, and the rotting starts at the roots and then quickly spreads to the stem and foliage. Remember, you should only water when the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry.

Another source of root rot is the lack of good drainage in the soil, and this tropical plant requires a standard commercial potting soil that stays relatively moist.

Other things you can do to minimize root rot include drilling holes in the bottom of your pot, using high-porosity materials like terracotta and unglazed ceramic planters, and spacing your watering schedules further apart.

Similar Plants

Love Sweetheart Plant? Here are some other Philodendron varieties you should try:

Philodendron Hederaceum: – If your thumb isn’t the greenest, this is a great plant for you. It can thrive even with some neglect and will continue to grow its heart-shaped emerald leaves vigorously.

Philodendron Scandens: – Another Sweetheart Vine plant considered the most popular Philodendron today is this lady with its lush deep green foliage. It’s a well-loved versatile plant as it can grow in several different conditions, making it perfect for indoor gardening.
Philodendron Lemon Lime: – Gorgeous, vivid, and with the perfect aesthetic, this beauty is just what you need for your indoor garden. The pop of color it brings is known to captivate even seasoned plant hobbyists.

Conclusion

With its attractive characteristics, Philodendron Cordatum is a perfect plant choice if you’re looking for a new houseplant. Your care for this plant will result in gorgeous exotic flora that you will appreciate having in your house!

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