How to Care for a Heart Leaf Philodendron
Your heartleaf philodendron needs constant care like any other plant, but sometimes it demands more than just regular watering. When placed in a pot, your heartleaf can outgrow the vines that need regular pruning to maintain their appearance. Pruning the trailing stems will help promote its growth and make it look more leafy and complete.
Light
Heartleaf philodendron loves to stay in bright indirect sunlight, so keep this plant in an indoor spot where no direct light strikes. It demands plenty of sunlight to grow and climb, and you will notice it's getting adequate sunlight if it keeps on thriving and leaves grow 5 to 10 cm in length. However, excessive direct light can burn its leaves.
Soil
Heartleaf philodendrons need a good soilless potting mix. You can also add a substantial amount of peat moss and some perlite to help better drainage. There aren't any nutrients available in the soilless potting mix, so it's better to include slow-releasing fertilizer in it. If you wish, you can make a soil potting mix for your philodendrons with peat moss, vermiculite, perlite, and used coffee grounds.
Water
Whenever you water your plants, make sure to use lukewarm water only especially when they are of tropical origin. Cold water will damage the root system of your tropical houseplants with a sudden shock. Also, make sure to avoid overwatering your heartleaf philodendron if you notice the yellowing of leaves. Between watering, make sure the soil is completely dry to touch and select a pot that has drainage holes to remove excess water.
Humidity and Temperature
The heartleaf philodendron like most common philodendrons is a tropical plant that grows well in an environment having 40 percent humidity levels. Often, high humidity can trigger fungus growth in its leaves, so keep the moisture level checked. If your plant tends to catch fungus, you must dry off its leaves every time after watering and wait for the soil to dry out completely between watering. Despite being tropical, they can tolerate dry air very well but be careful about the light as extreme direct light can damage your plant.
Pruning
When you cut back its long trailing stems, your heartleaf philodendron can look tidy, thick, and full. Pruning encourages better growth of plants. It's better to cut the stem after a leaf node. It's at the point where the leaf attaches the stem. You can see a fresh stem growth from that node. Remove fungus-infected leaves and those with spots on them to make your plant look neat.
Common Pests and Diseases
Generally, your heartleaf philodendrons can get fungus growth on its leaves, but it is also prone to fungus gnats. You can notice these little winged creatures crawling all over your plant's soil potting mix, especially on the peaty damp potting mix. To get rid of the fungus gnats, wait for the soil surface to dry out and water it if needed. They are not very fond of dry soil. Fungus gnats are not the only problem for your philodendrons, but aphids are there too. Tiny aphids are present at the freshly grown leaf nodes. You can eliminate these little bugs by spraying them with a vinegar wash.