The Lemon Lime Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon Lime’) is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, heart-shaped foliage. Its leaves display shades from pinkish-yellow to bright chartreuse and lime green. This cultivar is a favorite among beginners due to its easy care and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for adding color to any indoor space.
Lemon Lime Heartleaf Philodendron Care
Light
Lemon Lime Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain their vibrant coloration. Position the plant a few feet from a south or west-facing window, or near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing brown patches or faded colors. Insufficient light may lead to smaller leaves, leggy stems, and a duller green hue.
Watering
Allow the top 1 to 2 inches (or about 50%) of the soil to dry out before watering. When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot’s bottom. Overwatering causes root rot and yellowing leaves, while underwatering leads to brown leaves, wilting, or drooping foliage. Water more frequently during spring and summer’s active growing season, reducing frequency in fall and winter.
Soil
A well-draining, airy, and porous potting mix is suitable. An aroid mix is recommended, balancing moisture retention and aeration for healthy root development. You can create a blend using peat moss or coco coir, regular potting soil, and perlite to enhance drainage. The soil pH should be mildly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.4 to 7.3.
Temperature and Humidity
Lemon Lime Philodendrons thrive in average household temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 80°F (18-27°C). Shield them from cold drafts, as sudden temperature drops can cause wilting. While they tolerate average household humidity, these plants prefer moderate to high humidity, 50% or higher. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray or a small room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formulation. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization. Apply this solution monthly, or every two to four weeks, after watering. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization signs include yellowing or browning leaves and a white crust on the soil.
Propagating Lemon Lime Heartleaf Philodendron
Propagating Lemon Lime Heartleaf Philodendron is best done during spring or summer. Stem cuttings are an effective method. Select a healthy stem with at least two to three leaves and several nodes (small bumps where roots and new growth emerge). Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp scissors or pruners, then remove lower leaves to expose the nodes.
For water propagation, place the cutting in a glass of water, submerging the nodes while keeping leaves above water. Refresh water every few days. Roots typically form within two to four weeks; once a few inches long, transfer to soil. Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into moist, well-draining potting mix, burying the nodes to encourage rooting.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves often signal improper watering (either over or under), nutrient deficiencies, or insufficient light. To resolve this, adjust your watering schedule, ensure proper pot drainage, and assess the plant’s light exposure. If a nutrient deficiency is suspected, apply a balanced fertilizer.
Brown Leaf Tips or Browning Leaves
Brown leaf tips or browning leaves frequently result from underwatering, low humidity, or direct sun exposure. Increase watering frequency if the soil is consistently dry, boost humidity around the plant, or move it from harsh direct sunlight. Salt buildup from fertilizer can also be a cause, remedied by periodically flushing the soil with clean water.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth with smaller leaves and long gaps between them suggests insufficient light. Relocate the plant to a brighter spot with indirect light to encourage more compact and vibrant growth.
Wilting or Drooping Leaves
Wilting or drooping leaves can signal either overwatering (leading to root rot) or severe underwatering. Check the soil moisture thoroughly to determine the correct course of action.