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    1. Home
    2. Plant Encyclopedia
    3. Araceae
    4. Philodendron
    5. Species
    6. Philodendron hederaceum

    Philodendron hederaceum

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    Classification Information

    Scientific Name
    Philodendron hederaceum
    Family
    Araceae
    Genus
    Philodendron
    Last Updated
    October 16, 2026

    Origin & Distribution

    Native Region
    Mexico to tropical America
    Distribution
    Mexico, Central America (Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama), the West Indies (including Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles) and South America (Venezuela, the Guianas, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil). Introduced in Bangladesh and the Seychelles, and naturalized in Hawaii and Florida.
    Habitat
    Moist forests of low and middle elevations in the wet tropics, climbing tree trunks or creeping over the ground. Herbarium specimens have been collected from sea level to 2,700 m.
    Altitude
    0–2700m

    About hederaceum

    Philodendron hederaceum is a climbing species in the genus Philodendron (Araceae), widespread from Mexico through tropical America. It is a hemiepiphytic vine (it can start life on the ground and climb, or germinate on a tree branch), climbing with aerial roots and reaching 10 m in the wild. The leaves are glossy and heart-shaped, emerging bronze and soon turning green, and adult leaves measure 14 to 30 cm long and 10 to 20 cm wide. Plants have been sold as P. scandens, P. oxycardium and P. micans, all now included in this species. Var. oxycardium ranges from Mexico to Honduras. Cultivars include 'Brasil', with yellow variegation along the midrib, and 'Lime', with entirely yellow leaves. It contains calcium oxalate, and chewing the plant causes pain and swelling of the mouth, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing, so keep it away from pets and children. It has naturalized in Hawaii, Florida and elsewhere.

    Care Guide

    LightBright Indirect
    WateringModerate (When Dry)
    HumidityModerate
    Difficulty:
    Beginner

    Care Tips

    Prefers bright, filtered or indirect light but tolerates low light and shade well. Strong summer sun can scorch the leaves, so give it partial shade. Water once the soil surface has dried slightly, using a free-draining mix, and water less in winter. Overly wet soil causes root rot. It tolerates dry air, but misting helps deter spider mites. It is not frost hardy, so bring it indoors before temperatures drop. Grow it trailing from a hanging basket or train it up a moss pole or other support. Stem cuttings root easily. Watch for aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects. Wear gloves when handling it, as the sap can irritate skin.

    Growth Records of hederaceum

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