Plant · GBIF taxon 2871003
Heart-leaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceumAlso known as Heartleaf Philodendron, Velvet Philodendron, Sweetheart Plant, Parlor Ivy
Heart-leaf philodendron is a resilient tropical vine native to rain forest understories across Central America and the Caribbean. Climbing via sticky aerial roots or trailing from tree branches, its glossy heart-shaped leaves adapt easily to varying light levels. Mature wild vines produce understated spathe-and-spadix flowers, while cultivated vines gracefully adorn indoor spaces worldwide.
Climbing VineHouseplantHeart-shaped
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic
Predators
Not available
ThreatsHabitat destruction in native tropical ranges
HabitatsTropical moist forests, rain forests, indoors as ornamental houseplant
Life span20+ years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAlismatales
- FamilyAraceae
- GenusPhilodendron
- SpeciesPhilodendron hederaceum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if chewed or ingested.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, swelling, and upset stomach if chewed or swallowed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for trailing slender vines bearing soft, dark green heart-shaped leaves with papery stipule sheaths.
- What to do
- Keep potted specimens on elevated shelves or in hanging baskets out of reach of children and domestic pets.
Responsible observation
- Lighting: Position in bright, indirect light to encourage dark green foliage without scorching leaves.
- Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry completely between waterings to avoid root rot.
- Safety: Hang pots high or prune trailing vines to keep foliage away from inquisitive pets.
Frequent Companion (c) Forest and Kim Starr, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative Alialb / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Arum Family Cousin (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui Geux · cc-by
Arum Family Cousin (c) Skjold Søndergaard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Skjold Søndergaard · cc-by
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