

Meet the plant
The classic, easy heartleaf vine
Philodendron hederaceum (sold as Philodendron scandens) · also known as Heartleaf philodendron, sweetheart plant
Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean
The classic heartleaf Philodendron, with glossy, heart-shaped green leaves on long, trailing stems. It forgives the odd missed watering and grows quickly.
- A green heartleaf Philodendron in a 12cm grow pot, one of the easiest houseplants to grow.
- Glossy heart-shaped leaves on stems that trail from a shelf or climb a pole.
- Copes with lower light for long spells and needs water about once a week at most.
Where it thrives
The best spot in your home
Medium to bright indirect light, near a north-facing window behind a sheer curtain or a bright south-facing one. It tolerates lower light, but move it somewhere brighter from time to time.
Safety: Keep away from pets and kids.
Care card
- Light
- Medium to bright, indirect
- Water
- When top 3cm dry
- Humidity
- Average to high
- Temperature
- 15 to 30°C, no frost
- Soil
- Airy potting mix
- Feeding
- Monthly in summer
- Growth
- Fast trailing vine
- Outdoors
- Best indoors
Care made simple
Your first weeks together
- Place it in medium to bright indirect light, out of direct sun.
- Water once the top 3cm of soil is dry, about once a week at most.
- Let it trail or give it a pole to climb.
Plant doctor
If you see this, do this
- Yellow lower leavesUsually too much water. Let the top 3cm dry before watering.
- Small leaves, long gaps on stemsToo little light. Move it somewhere brighter.
- Brown, crispy edgesDry air or very dry soil. Water a little sooner and raise the humidity.
Questions
Good to know
How big is the plant?
How big is the plant?
A plant in a 12cm grow pot. Every plant is unique; the photo shows the size to expect.
Can I make it bushier?
Can I make it bushier?
Yes, pinch or trim the stem tips in spring and it branches out.
Is it safe around pets and children?
Is it safe around pets and children?
Keep it out of reach of children and pets: it is toxic if eaten.
Packed to arrive alive
4.94 out of 5 from 1114 reviews
We ship living plants across South Africa every week. This is what our customers say when the box arrives.
Our unboxing test: a plant box after a rough courier trip
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★★★★★
“Even after 7 days packed, the plants arrived in perfect condition - perky and happy for their new homes.”
Review on Scindapsus Aureus Devils Ivy · Nov 2023
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★★★★★
“All plants were sent beautifully packaged and arrived safely to Durban by courier.”
Review on Hoya Carnosa Krimson Princess · Aug 2025
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★★★★★
“I can't believe how beautifully my plants were packed. I received 5 and none was damaged!”
Review on Dracaena Compacta · Apr 2026
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★★★★★
“I ordered 3 plants, they were all bigger than the photo and delivered in great condition. Highly recommended.”
Review on Jade Money Plant Variegated · Sep 2025