Philodendron scandens (fil-o-DEN-dron SCAN-dens) is one of the more popular and easy-to-grow climbing or trailing houseplants.
Synonymous with Philodendron hederaceum, Philodendron scandens are the perfect addition to any home.
In its native habitat of Eastern Mexico, it climbs from the forest floor to the top of the trees.
While it is also a climber in cultivation, you don’t have to worry about it climbing any extremely tall trees.
The plant may climb up to 30′ feet in its optimum state, but that is not common.
The Philodendron scandens can also be a trailing plant, perfect in a hanging basket.
It has the fantastic ability to fit its leaves into the space of other nearby plants without crowding them out.
There are almost 200 species in the same genus, most climbing vines similar to Philodendron scandens. Therefore, it may be easy to confuse one species with another.
Some of the Philodendron Scandens common names include:
- Sweetheart Plant
- Parlor Ivy
Quick Facts On Philodendron Scandens
- Family: Araceae
- Light: Sunny and shady
- Temperature: 59° to 76° degrees Fahrenheit; moderate temperatures
- Water: Twice a week during the growing season
- Fertilizer: Not required, but slow-release fertilizer will help the plant thrive
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Common Problems: Halted growth, pale yellow leaves
Philodendron Scandens Care
What Does The Sweetheart Plant Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
The glossy, heart-shaped leaves start as a golden color but quickly turn green.
The leaves are usually 2″ to 4″ inches long and surround the plant’s stems, reaching a height of 4′ feet.
It’s a very quick-growing plant. Its vines can grow a few inches per week in the growing season.
The plant can be trained as a climbing vine or a trailing plant, which is easy to care for and maintain.
When Does The Sweetheart Plant Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Flowers appear on the sweetheart plant at any time of year, but primarily in the summer.
However, it is typical for plants kept indoors to not flower. In addition, while the spathe produced by this plant is called a flower, it is more akin to a flower container rather than a flower.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Philodendron scandens can tolerate both sunny and shady conditions outdoors.
However, the plant is best suited in a temperate climate with around 66° to 76° degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season.
Winter temperatures should not go below 59° degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in a colder climate, you can bring your Philodendron plant indoors when the temperature starts to fall.
If you plan on keeping your plant indoors, the plant thrives on a windowsill near other plants.
However, sometimes direct sunlight behind glass can burn the leaves. If this happens, it may need to be placed in a window with less direct sun.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Sweetheart Plant?
The plant is native to the rainforest habitat, so adequate watering is important.
During the growth season, it’s vital to water twice weekly. However, during the winter, you only need water once a week.
While Philodendron scandens do not need fertilizer to grow, the leaves will thrive with a slow-release feeding at the beginning of the growing season of bi-weekly treatments with a liquid fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For Philodendron Scandens And When Should You Transplant?
Philodendron Scandens loves well-draining potting soil.
While it would likely do fine with regular potting soil, adding peat moss or perlite to your potting mix will give the plant better drainage.
While the plant is young, it’s good to repot it annually. If it has outgrown its current pot, purchase a slightly larger pot for repotting.
Getting rid of the old potting soil and using a new potting mix to give the plant all its nutrients is essential.
Once your Philodendron scandens is mature, you should only repot it every 3 to 4 years.
Does Philodendron Scandens Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
One of the main reasons beginner and expert gardeners love this plant so much is its low maintenance.
While you can use fertilizer and unique soil, those things are not required to keep the plant alive.
However, they do help with encouraging growth and maintaining a healthy plant.
The only maintenance required is to cut back your Philodendron scandens if you need more space.
How To Propagate Parlor Ivy?
It is easy to propagate Parlor Ivy using stem cuttings in water or soil.
Here’s how to do it:
- First, ensure you have clean pruning shears or scissors.
- Next, remove a 3-6 inch long healthy stem, ensuring the cut is just above a leaf so regrowth will occur
- Then, remove the leaves from the cutting except for the top 2 to 3 leaves.
- Place the stem into a cup of water, but don’t submerge the top leaves. Instead, put the cup of water on a windowsill with bright, indirect light.
Roots will appear in a couple of weeks, followed by new leaves.
Wait until the roots are about an inch long before moving the cutting into a container filled with fresh potting soil.
Keep your baby plant well-watered to help it adapt.
Propagating leaf cuttings in water is often preferable to soil because the roots will be easy to see.
However, knowing when the roots have formed is challenging if you propagate your leaf cuttings in soil.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron Pests And Diseases
Although the Heart-leaf Philodendron plant isn’t usually susceptible to pests or diseases, any houseplant can be afflicted by aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.
Removing the pests by spraying the plant with water and wiping the leaves is possible.
A trip to your local nursery may be necessary if this doesn’t remove the pests. Many gardeners use Neem Oil to help with their pesky pests.
Philodendron Scandens Suggested Uses
Grow Philodendron hederaceum in a container indoors and display it on a table, shelf, or hung from a wall bracket, where the plant’s long, trailing vines can spread.
You can also let it climb up a screen, trellis, pole, or bark board.
In warmer climates (USDA hardiness zones 10B through 11), Philodendron hederaceum can be planted outdoors.
It often resembles a dark green carpet as a groundcover. The plant can also climb trees or other vertical supports, but it won’t climb as tall as its native habitat.