The Hartley Philodendron, also known as the Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), is a popular houseplant with heart-shaped, glossy green leaves and trailing vines. Originating from tropical Central and South America, this evergreen vine adds lush greenery indoors. Its appealing aesthetic and simple care make it a favorite for new and experienced plant enthusiasts. It also purifies indoor air by filtering gaseous toxins, enhancing its appeal.
Hartley Philodendron Care
Light
Hartley Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat under tree canopies, where they receive dappled sunlight. Placing the plant near a north or east-facing window is ideal for consistent indirect light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth, with elongated stems and fewer, smaller leaves as the plant stretches for light. Conversely, direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing them to brown or yellow and stunting growth.
Watering
Hartley Philodendrons prefer consistently moist soil, but overwatering causes root rot. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. During the spring and summer growing season, water more frequently, typically once or twice weekly. In dormant fall and winter, reduce frequency to every 10-14 days.
Underwatering signs include drooping, wilting, or crispy leaf edges. Overwatering causes yellowing leaves, soft stems, or mold on the soil.
Soil
A well-draining, airy potting mix that retains some moisture is suitable. A good mix includes peat moss, perlite, and bark chips for aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging. Combine two parts potting soil with one part perlite and one part bark chips. Add half a part coconut coir or peat moss for moisture retention, and a quarter part of compost or worm castings for nutrients. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5).
Temperature and Humidity
Hartley Philodendrons prefer temperatures typical of indoor environments, ideally ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods, as this can cause damage. As tropical plants, they appreciate moderate to high humidity (50-60%). While they adapt to average household humidity, additional moisture from misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier promotes larger leaves and more vigorous growth.
Fertilization
During the active growing season (spring through early fall), Hartley Philodendrons benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK). Fertilize every 4-6 weeks, diluting as instructed to prevent root burn. Reduce or cease fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows. If nutrient deficiency signs appear (e.g., yellowing leaves with green veins), a micronutrient fertilizer may help.
Repotting Hartley Philodendron
Repotting a Hartley Philodendron is typically needed every 2-3 years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes, or growth significantly slows. The best time for repotting is during spring or early summer, coinciding with active growth, aiding faster recovery from transplant shock. Choose a new pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to avoid excess soil moisture. Water the plant thoroughly the day before repotting to minimize stress.
To repot, gently remove the plant, loosen tightly packed roots, and trim damaged or rotting sections. Place fresh, well-draining potting mix in the new pot. Position the plant at the same depth, then fill with more mix, gently pressing to remove air pockets. After repotting, water thoroughly and place in indirect light. Avoid fertilizing for 4-6 weeks to allow roots to settle without burn risk.
Propagating Hartley Philodendron
Propagating Hartley Philodendrons is straightforward, most commonly done with stem cuttings in water or soil. To take a cutting, select a healthy stem and cut a 3-6 inch section just below a leaf node, ensuring at least one node. Remove any leaves that would be submerged to prevent rot. For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear jar of room-temperature water, node submerged. Change water every few days to a week to keep it fresh and prevent cloudiness.
Roots typically form within a few weeks; once 1-2 inches long, transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil. For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into a small pot with moist potting mix, ensuring at least one node is buried. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and place in bright, indirect light. New growth indicates successful rooting.
Common Issues with Hartley Philodendron
Hartley Philodendrons are generally resilient, but can encounter common problems. Yellowing leaves often signal improper watering; overwatering is a frequent cause due to oxygen deprivation in waterlogged soil. Underwatering also leads to yellowing, often with drooping or crispy leaves. Adjusting watering to allow the topsoil to dry between waterings resolves these issues. Too much direct light can yellow or scorch leaves, while insufficient light results in pale, leggy growth.
Pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and fungus gnats. These can cause issues like webbing, cotton-like masses, clustered insects on new growth, hard bumps, or tiny flying insects around moist soil. Addressing these pests involves wiping affected areas with a damp cloth, applying insecticidal soap, or using neem oil.