The heartleaf philodendron’s (Philodendron hederaceum) trailing kind and heart-shaped leaves make it a favourite of many houseplant lovers. However generally, this plant goes from trying tremendous candy to barely bitter. Be a part of me as I cowl some widespread issues and clarify treatment them.
1. Drooping Leaves
Certain, these vegetation are recognized for his or her trailing stems and leaves, however the leaves shouldn’t be droopy. If the usually inflexible leaves flip limp, one thing’s awry.
Sadly, there’s multiple potential reason behind drooping leaves. Once I discover my plant’s leaves drooping, I take a look at my watering practices and the plant’s atmosphere.
Each an excessive amount of water and too little water can result in drooping leaves. When you acknowledge that you just’ve forgotten to water your plant for just a few weeks, offering water will seemingly trigger it to perk again up inside a day.
And if the soil has been moist for weeks on finish, there’s a superb likelihood the plant has an excessive amount of water and sad roots. Repot the plant utilizing contemporary potting soil and reduce the frequency you water.
Different potential causes of drooping leaves embrace too little humidity, sudden adjustments in temperature, and an excessive amount of fertilizer.
2. Yellowing Leaves
When heartleaf philodendron vegetation are wholesome, their leaves are a vibrant, deep inexperienced. Yellow leaves sign that one thing is incorrect, and it’s as much as you to determine what.
Some widespread causes of yellowing leaves embrace underwatering and overwatering. Keep in mind to water when the highest two inches of soil is dry.
Chilly temperatures may also trigger the leaves to show yellow. These vegetation want temperatures between 65–80°F, and temperatures under 50°F will stress the vegetation, doubtlessly resulting in yellow leaves.
Whereas heartleaf philodendrons don’t want a number of fertilizer, they’ll nonetheless turn into nutrient-deficient. When you’ve had your plant for a number of years with out fertilizing it, a nutrient deficiency could also be inflicting the yellow leaves. Apply a low dose of a balanced houseplant fertilizer to perk it again up.
3. Root Rot
Root rot is a generic time period used to explain quite a lot of fungal ailments that assault plant roots. Among the pathogens that trigger root rot embrace Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora. It doesn’t matter what fungus is guilty, you’ll discover drooping leaves and mushy, discolored roots.
Usually, the primary signal of root rot is drooping leaves. You might assume your plant wants extra water, however that is the worst factor you are able to do to a plant with root rot! As a substitute, lower the quantity you water.
When you suspect your plant has root rot, take away it from its container and brush off extra soil. Test if the roots are mushy and/or darkish in coloration, and trim off any severely contaminated components. Repot the plant utilizing contemporary potting soil and bear in mind to water solely when the highest two inches of soil are dry.
4. Gradual Progress
Heartleaf philodendron vegetation are quick-growing vegetation that ought to develop at the least a foot annually. In case your plant stays the identical measurement for months on finish, it’s in all probability sad with its atmosphere.
A scarcity of sunshine is likely one of the most important causes of stagnant progress. These vegetation develop greatest in shiny, oblique mild, and putting them in a darkish nook will make them sad. Keep in mind, vegetation want mild to supply the sugars that gas needed processes!
Strive transferring your plant right into a shiny space like close to a south-facing or west-facing window. Look at elements like watering, temperature, and fertilizer in case your plant continues to be not rising.
I’ve discovered that too little water can forestall the vegetation from rising. These vegetation could look wholesome after just a few weeks with out water, however that doesn’t imply they’re thriving. Once I began watering my plant each week as an alternative of each different week, I seen fast progress and bigger leaves.
5. Aphids
Like most houseplants, the heartleaf philodendron is vulnerable to aphid assaults. Whereas these sap-sucking pests are small, they’ll rapidly take over a plant and drink its juices. Crops turn into spattered with discolored dots; ultimately, total leaves can flip yellow.
When you spot just a few aphids, seize a moist, soapy towel and wipe them off. This technique could not work for bigger infestations, so spray the pests with insecticidal cleaning soap or neem oil. Each of those merchandise work on contact, so be sure you cowl all aphids while you spray.
Aphids usually enter the house while you usher in a brand new houseplant, so test your vegetation for pests earlier than bringing them inside.
6. Dropping Leaves
In case your plant is littering your ground with leaves, an improper temperature or a poor watering schedule is more likely to blame.
Air temperatures under 50°F or above 90°F can stress the plant and trigger it to drop its leaves. Cold and hot drafts may also result in leaf drop. Maintain your heartleaf philodendron in an space the place the temperature stays between 65–80°F, and keep away from drafty areas.
Underwatering may also lead the plant to drop its leaves. Keep in mind to deeply water your philodendron when the highest two inches of soil is dry.
7. Curling Leaves
Curling leaf ideas usually point out an issue with fertilization. Whereas these vegetation profit from low-dose fertilizer within the spring and summer season, offering an excessive amount of fertilizer may cause hurt.
When heartleaf philodendron vegetation obtain too many vitamins without delay, they are going to usually develop curled and brown leaf ideas. Keep away from including extra fertilizer and water completely to flush out any remaining product.
Sooner or later, solely apply a low-dose balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 1-1-1. I like to make use of a liquid fertilizer designed for houseplants. Apply not more than as soon as each week, however observe that a few times a month is mostly enough.
Different potential causes of curling leaves are low humidity, wind, and chilly temperatures. So maintain your vegetation away from followers, fireplaces, and HVAC vents.
Wrapping Up
Heartleaf philodendrons are comparatively wholesome vegetation, however that doesn’t imply they’re resistant to issues. Now that you recognize some widespread points and repair them, you’ll be able to maintain your plant wholesome for years to come back.
For extra, see our in-depth heartleaf philodendron care information.
Briana holds a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Penn State College. She manages a small market backyard the place she grows greens and herbs. She additionally enjoys rising flowers and houseplants at dwelling.
