Happy Flower Pot

Heartleaf philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum (Araceae)

Also called Cordatum, Sweetheart Plant.

Cats and dogs

Toxic to cats and dogs

Cats: toxic Dogs: toxic

What makes it toxic: Insoluble calcium oxalates.

Signs to watch for: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing

Source: ASPCA entry "Heartleaf Philodendron", checked October 3, 2026.

Light

  1. Low light 3+ mol Copes
  2. Medium light 6+ mol Best
  3. Bright indirect 10+ mol
  4. Direct sun 12+ mol

Heartleaf philodendron prefers medium or bright diffused light but tolerates low light and shade well. Direct sun can burn the leaves.

Direct sun: best kept out of it.

On our scale it grows well from about 6 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).

Will it grow in my window?

Care

Care level: Easy. Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and water less in winter.

Too little light or too much water can cause yellow leaves.

Pet-safe plants for similar light

Sources