The Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon Lime’ is a popular, easy-to-care-for houseplant. Its heart-shaped leaves display a bright, neon-green to chartreuse coloration, with new leaves sometimes emerging with an orangey-pink hue. This vining plant develops long, cascading stems, making it ideal for hanging baskets or training to climb. Its vibrant color brightens any indoor space, and its adaptability suits both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Caring for Your Lemon Lime Philodendron
Light
The ‘Lemon Lime’ philodendron thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it a few feet away from an east-facing window is often ideal, as this provides gentle morning sun. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, leading to brown patches or a fading of its vibrant color. Conversely, insufficient light can cause the leaves to become smaller, the vines to grow leggy, and its signature neon hue may dull.
Watering
For optimal health, allow the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry before watering thoroughly. Ensure complete drainage to prevent root rot. Consistent moisture without waterlogging promotes optimal hydration. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, while brown, crispy leaves may signal underwatering.
Soil
The ‘Lemon Lime’ philodendron thrives in a well-draining, aerated soil mix rich in organic matter. Amend a standard indoor potting mix with perlite or orchid bark to enhance drainage and airflow. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, typically between 6.5 and 7.5. Good drainage ensures healthy root development.
Temperature and Humidity
The ‘Lemon Lime’ philodendron prefers average room temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 85°F (15°C and 29°C). Protect it from drafts or temperatures below 55°F (13°C), as it is sensitive to cold and can wilt. While it appreciates moderate to high humidity, it generally adapts well to average household levels. In drier environments, increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize monthly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength to prevent root burn. This supports robust foliage development and maintains vibrant coloration. Reduce or cease fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil, never dry, to avoid damaging the roots.
Propagating Lemon Lime Philodendron
Propagation is straightforward, primarily using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one to two leaves and several nodes (small bumps where leaves emerge). Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears. Remove any leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water.
Water Rooting
Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged while leaves remain above the waterline. Change the water every few days. Roots typically form within two to four weeks. Once roots are several inches long, transplant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix.
Soil Rooting
Plant the cutting with at least one node buried, keeping the soil consistently moist in a warm, bright location with indirect light.
Repotting Lemon Lime Philodendron
Repot when the plant shows signs of being root-bound (e.g., roots circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes) or if growth appears stunted. The optimal time is spring or early summer, during its active growth. Choose a container only one size larger with adequate drainage holes to avoid excessive soil moisture.
Gently remove the plant, loosen any circling roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. After repotting, water thoroughly and place it in bright, indirect light to aid recovery. Repotting every one to three years, or as needed, provides fresh nutrients and space for continued growth.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiency. If the soil is soggy, allow it to dry more between waterings. Browning leaf tips or edges often result from low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity or adjust watering frequency. Stunted growth or dull leaf color suggests insufficient light, requiring relocation to a brighter, indirect light spot.
Common pests include spider mites (fine webs, speckled leaves), mealybugs (white, cottony masses), and aphids (small, sap-feeding insects). Regular inspection, especially on leaf undersides, helps catch infestations early. Solutions include wiping pests with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil.
Toxicity Information
All parts of the Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon Lime’ contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic if ingested. This toxicity applies to humans and pets (including dogs and cats). Ingestion can cause irritation and burning sensations in the mouth, tongue, and throat, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep this plant out of reach of children and animals to prevent accidental ingestion. In case of ingestion, seeking immediate medical or veterinary advice is recommended.