Phil

Philodendron Scandens

Heart-leaf; Sweetheart plant

• 
  Most light conditions
• 
  Easy care

• Philodendron Scandens likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    He likes to be watered when his top two inches of soil are dry. He’s not keen on sitting in soggy soil.

  • 
    Medium light

    He’ll be fine in semi-shade, though his leaves may fade a bit. He prefers a position in a bright room.

  • 
    Humidity

    A moist atmosphere helps keep his leaves healthy. Give him a good mist every few days. Or put him in a steamy bathroom.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Philodendron scandens

  Nickname

  Heart-leaf; Sweetheart plants

  Plant type

  Climber, indoor

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  140-150cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  27cm

• About philodendron

  Philo means ‘’loving’ in Greek, while dendron means ‘tree’. Which makes this the ‘loving tree’. While that could be because it’s just so easy to like, it’s probably because of its big heart-shaped leaves.

  In its natural home in Central America and the Caribbean it’s a fast-growing climber, reaching heights of up to six metres. You’ll find it hanging out on the trunks of other trees. In the home it’s grown up a moss pole, to make it a dramatic, very vertical plant. If you like a big plant but don’t have space for one that spreads out, it’s perfect.

  It’s a pretty easy plant to take care of, as long as you give it the right light and water. You can also give it a growth boost by feeding it with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

  Did you know?

  There are 489 different species of philodendron. Gold star to you if you can list them all.