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4.8 out of 5 (549 experiences)


About Philodendron Scandens
One of the most common houseplants, the heartleaf Philodendron, gets its name from the Greek words meaning tree-loving. These vining plants can be found climbing trees all across their native range of South America and the Caribbean and in the homes of plant lovers worldwide. 🌳
Philodendrons grow aerial roots that grip the bark of trees, allowing them to grow over 20 feet tall! Their heart-shaped leaves change shape as they climb and can grow larger than a dinner plate. Fossils show Philodendrons growing as far back as 30 million years ago when South America was still connected to Antarctica! ❄️
Taxonomy
Philodendron hederaceum
Philodendron
Araceae
Alismatales
Also known as
Heartleaf Philodendron

How to care for Philodendron Scandens

How often to water your Philodendron Scandens

every 9
Philodendron Scandens needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Heartleaf Philodendron in your home

a window
Philodendron Scandens can tolerate being far from a window and light source.
Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Philodendron Scandens in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Philodendron Scandens

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Philodendron Scandens after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Philodendron Scandens is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Philodendron Scandens prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Philodendron Scandens can tolerate being far from a window and light source. Place it less than 6 feet from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Philodendron Scandens is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Humidity
Philodendron Scandens doesn’t require additional humidity. Plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves, so the best way to provide humidity for your plants is through watering the soil.
Soil
Philodendron Scandens does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Philodendron Scandens should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Dormancy
Philodendron Scandens does not have a typical pattern of dormancy. If you notice their growth slowing down substantially, double check that they are getting enough sunlight and water to thrive!
Native Region
Philodendron Scandens is native to Central, South America, and the Caribbean.
Flowers
Philodendron Scandens produces flowers in the wild, but does not flower when kept as houseplants.
Growth Pattern
Philodendron Scandens is a naturally climbing plant and can be trained to climb indoors if you provide a moss pole or trellis. The newest growth will emerge from the end of the stems.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Philodendron Scandens can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12a. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
Philodendron Scandens can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.
Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Philodendron Scandens, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.
Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Care Summary for Philodendron Scandens
Philodendron Scandens
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 6ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say












I started out with three cuttings of one leaf each mid august 2021 and I now have 20+ leaves. This plant has thrived with ~65% humidity, grow lights, and an inch of spagnum moss on top of the soil. Overall a very easy plant to care for and quick to propagate




