Plant guide
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum
Heartleaf philodendron is considered toxic to cats. Chewing it can cause mouth irritation or swelling, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
What this guide covers: This guide covers Philodendron hederaceum only. A shared common name or similar appearance does not establish that another plant has the same assessment.
Photo:
Photo details
Philodendron scandens subsp oxycardium2.jpg
By KENPEI
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
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Photo:
Photo details
Philodendron scandens subsp oxycardium2.jpg
By KENPEI
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Heartleaf philodendron
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Keep away from cats. We do not recommend this plant for a home where cats could reach it.
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Look for Philodendron hederaceum and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Philodendron hederaceum
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- Philodendron scandens
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How to grow this plant
Container growing guidance for Philodendron hederaceum.
- Light
- Medium indirect light
Offer medium, indirect light; it also tolerates lower light.
Tolerates lower light; growth or flowering may be reduced. - Watering
- Keep evenly moist
Keep the mix moist during active growth without leaving it saturated; persistent wetness can lead to root rot.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
A normal indoor growing range has not been established in this review.
- Humidity
- Typical indoor humidity
Moderate humidity is suitable, and drier indoor air is tolerated.
- Potting
- Use a well-drained potting mix and let stems trail or climb a support.
- Through the year
- Reduce watering as growth slows in winter. Check stems and leaf undersides for mealybugs and scale insects.
Growing-guide sources
- philodendron hederaceum - Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-11-01
Care guidance for the named taxon; indoor recommendations take precedence over outdoor hardiness information.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-11-01. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Reviewed safety information
- Toxic principle
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Reported signs
- Mouth irritation or swelling; Drooling; Vomiting; Difficulty swallowing
- Severity
- Severity not established
Missing information is unknown. It should not be interpreted as an absence of risk.
Safe alternatives
Photo:
Photo details
NKN-2007-06-13 114250 Hoya Carnosa (Yvan Leduc author for Wikipedia).jpg
By Yvan leduc
.jpg){kind=link}
License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
This displayed image is shared under the same CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Hoya
Hoya carnosa
Bright indirect light
Temperature range not yet established
This guide covers Hoya carnosa. The source explicitly names the species, without restricting its assessment to a named cultivar. Other Hoya species and unidentified hybrids are outside this guide.
For trailing or climbing greenery, consider Hoya carnosa. Its thicker leaves and drying routine differ from heartleaf philodendron.
Sources & review
- Heartleaf Philodendron ↗ASPCA Animal Poison Control · Accessed
Safety last reviewed .