Cordatum Plant Care Guide
Who can resist a lush green vine with heart-shaped leaves? The Cordatum plant is not only a charming interior decoration plant, but it also has air purification properties. Commonly known as the Heartleaf plant, it can grow as a trailing or climbing vine.
Have you noticed small plants and vines covering and living under the shade of trees in jungles? It is one of them! It loves a warm and humid environment with indirect sunlight. It is native to tropical regions of South and Central America, where it is often found climbing tree trunks.
It is a low-maintenance, easy-to-grow plant that can add beauty to your indoor spaces like nothing else. In this blog, we have covered all essential requirements for Philodendron Cordatum plant care. You can now grow your own sweetheart plant, care for it, and tackle common problems all by yourself.
Let’s get started.
Understanding Cordatum plant
The heartleaf Philodendron or Sweetheart plant has symmetrical, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It prefers normal household humidity levels and indirect sunlight, that's why it is considered a low-maintenance houseplant.
If you’re struggling with bad air quality and respiratory issues, bring this natural air purifier to your home. It has excellent air purification capability and can remove toxins like formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. Clean air ensures a soothing and healthy environment for humans.
Besides being a lovely vine hanging in the living room, the Cordatum plant will make your home a better place to breathe.
Botanical profile of the plant
Important attributes and botanical profile of the Cordatum plant are mentioned in the below table.
|
Attributes |
Details |
|
Scientific Name |
Philodendron hederaceum |
|
Common Name |
heart leaf plant, kate, sweetheart plant |
|
Plant Type |
Perennial |
|
Family |
Araceae |
|
Mature Size |
1-3 ft. wide, 3-13 ft. long |
|
Sun Exposure |
Partial |
|
Soil Type |
Well-drained |
|
Soil PH |
Acidic, neutral |
|
Watering |
Weekly |
|
Hardiness Zones |
9 to 11 USDA |
|
Native Area |
Central America, South America |
|
Toxicity |
Toxic to humans and pets |
Let’s now learn details on how to care for Cordatum plant.
Choosing the Right Location
Cordatum plants stay healthy indoors due to their humidity and light preferences.
Grow the plant in any pot with a well-draining potting mix and a drainage hole. Choose a place with low to moderate sun exposure. Do not place the plant it in direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves. A shady spot near a window would be the best choice.
It prefers a high humidity level but can grow in average household humidity, too. You can occasionally spray water mist to the plant to improve its well-being. The Cordatum plant thrives well in temperatures between 18°C to 27°C. You need to protect your plant from sudden temperature changes or cold drafts.
If you’re growing it outdoors, choose a shady or semi-shaded place where your plant is safe from direct sunlight. It prefers slightly acidic soil. The plant is not frost-tolerant. So, bring it indoors if the temperature is less than 10°C.
This simple Cordatum houseplant guide has helped you find a best place for your plant. Now you have to make the Heartleaf your friend. Don’t worry! you just need to know what they like and show them you care. Let’s move on to Cordatum plant maintenance and learn some basics.
Watering your Cordatum Plant
The Heartleaf Philodendron likes its soil to be a little moist, but not soggy. Water it when the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater especially in winters, because this can cause the roots to rot.
Maintaining the Humidity
Heartleaf buddy loves a bit of moisture in the air. Your home might feel dry, especially when the heaters are drying the indoor air. A spray of water mist can keep your plant happy. You can also put its pot on a tray with pebbles and water to give it a mini tropical vacation. Just make sure the pot isn't sitting directly in the water.
Fertilization - Snack Time
Plants also need some food supplements for healthy blooms and growth, just like people. In the spring and summer, you can give your Heartacleaf Philodendron a balanced and water-soluble fertilizer after every two weeks. Don't give it too much. You don't need to feed it in the fall or winter as the plant does not need many nutrients during the dormant period.
Pruning and Growth
Want your Heartleaf to be full and fabulous? Grab your scissors! Spring and summer are the best times for a little trim. Snip off any long, straggly vines. Don’t worry! Your buddy will grow more branches.
If you want it to climb, give it a moss pole or trellis to grow up. If you want to boost the vine growth, regularly pinch the tips and your vines will grow densely.
No Creepy Crawlies: Keeping Pests Away
Little pests such as aphids and spider mites mealy bugs can sometimes bother your Cordatum plant. A simple mix of soap and water or a bug spray from the garden center will send them running. Ensure proper air circulation around the plant. It will reduce the likelihood of infestations.
These plants are also susceptible to fungal diseases. Watch out for yellowing leaves and mushy stems. If you see any, check for increased humidity levels. To avoid fungal diseases, let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Winter Care
When it gets chilly outside, your Cordatum plant needs some extra care. Bring it inside if it's been living outdoors, and keep it away from cold air. Remember, it's having a winter sleep, so give it less water.
Propagation More Plants, More Fun!
Want more of these heart-shaped cuties? Making new plants from your Heartleaf plant is super easy using stem cuttings. Just follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
Select a healthy vine, and make cuttings above and below a node (where the leaves grow).
Step 2.
Make a lot of cuttings. You can also dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage faster root development.
Step 3.
Ppop the cutting in a jar of water or tuck it straight into some damp soil. If you use water, change it every few days so the cuttings stay fresh.
Step 4.
After a few weeks, tiny roots will start to grow! Once they are more than an inch or two long, you can transplant the cutting into soil or a pot.
Step 5.
Give your new plant the same love and care as its parent. The right amount of water and a nice semi-bright spot are great. You can give a little plant food once it's settled in. Your new plant is ready for its own pot with soil.
Oh Oh! Your Plant Seems ill?
Even the best plant parents run into a little trouble sometimes. Don't worry, though, most problems are easy to fix!
Yellow leaves This could mean you're being a little too generous with the watering. Let the soil dry out a bit between drinks. It could also mean your plant needs some fertilizer.
Long and lanky plant If your Heartleaf is getting tall and skinny, it's probably trying to reach for more sunshine. Move it to a brighter spot, but not into direct sunlight.
Crispy brown tips Maybe your plant is thirsty and needs a bit more water. Or, maybe it's getting too much direct sunlight and needs a little shade break.
Conclusion
Cordatum plant is a loved houseplant for its beauty and low maintenance. In this Cordatum houseplant guide, we have discussed all important aspects of caring your heartleaf. Just remember the basics: keep the soil a little damp (but not too wet!), give it some sunshine, and feed it every now and then. And if you want even more Heartleaf friends, you can easily grow new ones from cuttings.
Follow our Cordatum plant maintenance regimes and enjoy this lush beauty in your home 🌿💚.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Heartleaf grow outside?
Yes, the Cordatum plant can grow well outdoors in mild weather conditions. Heartleaf plants can sustain mild to moderate cold and bright indirect light. Better choose a shady place outdoors. There are many other plants if you want to grow outdoors. Check this outdoor Majesty Palm if you want to grow a lush green plant outdoors.
New leaves on my plant are smaller than the old ones. What should I do?
This is a common issue with philodendron plants. Smaller leaves sometimes indicate that your plant needs more light or some nutrient deficiency. Moving your plant to a brighter spot and giving it fertilizer during the growing season can resolve this issue.
My Heartleaf's leaves are turning red! Is it okay?
That’s not a big problem. New leaves on a Heartleaf plant sometimes have a reddish tint. This is usually normal, you just need to wait and watch. The leaves will turn green with time.
Can I grow my Heartleaf in just water?
Yes! Heartleaf plants can grow in just water. You just need to change the water every few days to keep it fresh and add a drop of liquid plants fertilizer sometimes.
How do I know if my Heartleaf needs a bigger pot?
If roots grow out of the drainage hole or if the plant dries out very quickly, it might be time for a bigger pot. Upgrade your pot to keep the plant healthy.