I am an evergreen perennial that can be a climbing/trailing vine (e.g., Heartleaf) or a self-heading, non-clumping shrub (e.g., Philodendron bipinnatifidum).

My most iconic features are my leaves, which vary enormously: heart-shaped, deeply lobed, split, velvety, or huge and paddle-like. New leaves often emerge from a protective sheath called a cataphyll.

I produce aerial roots that help me climb and absorb nutrients and moisture from the air.

I belong to the Araceae family and produce a spadix flower enclosed by a spathe, though flowering is rare indoors.

I am native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.

I prefer the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Then, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.

I am sensitive to overwatering, which leads to yellow leaves and root rot. Good drainage is essential.

I can tolerate occasional underwatering but will wilt if severely dry.

I appreciate moderate to high humidity (above 40%) for optimal growth, especially for velvet-leaved varieties, but I adapt to average homes.

I thrive in bright, indirect light. This encourages robust growth and larger leaves.

I am famously adaptable and can survive in low to medium indirect light, though growth will be slower and leaves may be smaller.

Direct sun will scorch my leaves, causing brown, crispy patches. An east or north-facing window is ideal.

Variegated varieties need brighter light to maintain their patterns.

I prefer warm, stable temperatures between 18°C and 27°C.

I am very sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C, which can cause shock and leaf drop.

I am grown as a houseplant worldwide (USDA zones 10-12 if outdoors in shade).

Vining types are perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or climbing a moss pole (which encourages larger leaves).

Upright/bushy types make dramatic floor or tabletop specimens.

Use a well-draining, chunky, peat-based aroid mix (adding orchid bark and perlite is ideal).

Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots circle the pot. I like being slightly root-bound.

Feed me every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.

Reduce to once a month in fall and winter.

Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and leaf burn.

Scientific Name: Philodendron spp. (Over 450 species, e.g., P. hederaceum, P. bipinnatifidum, P. gloriosum)

Common Names: Varies by species (Heartleaf, Split-Leaf, Tree Philodendron)

Plant Family: Araceae

Plant Type: Evergreen perennial vine or shrub

I contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in all parts. If chewed or ingested by pets or humans, I cause oral irritation, pain, swelling, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep me out of reach.

I am an excellent air purifier. NASA's Clean Air Study highlighted my ability to remove common VOCs like formaldehyde, making me a healthy choice for homes.