On this information, I’ll cowl some soil fundamentals and data that can assist you select the most effective soil combine for heartleaf philodendron crops (Philodendron hederaceum). These beauties have heart-shaped leaves and are comparatively straightforward to take care of – particularly whenever you give them a great begin by planting them in the precise potting combine.

Key Takeaways
Heartleaf philodendron crops desire a lightweight, chunky potting combine that features peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite and have a impartial to barely acidic pH vary from 6 to 7. Most pre-mixed potting soils will suffice so long as they embody a wealthy nutrient supply.
The Final Heartleaf Philodendron Potting Combine House Recipe
To create a lightweight, well-draining heartleaf philodendron potting combine, I mix two elements peat moss and one half every of perlite and vermiculite. Then, add a couple of handfuls of used espresso grounds or slow-release fertilizer pellets to enhance the combo’s richness.
I like so as to add a little bit of water when mixing as a result of the moisture will assist maintain your new potting combine collectively.
Simply watch out to not create a moist combine that might want to sit and dry out earlier than it’s secure on your moisture-sensitive plant.
The Greatest Pre-Blended Soils
If you’d like a much less messy and hands-on course of, you possibly can at all times plant your heartleaf philodendron in a pre-mixed potting combine prepared to make use of from the bag.
Heartleaf philodendrons do properly in most all-purpose, soilless potting mixes. The next are nice choices:
If needed, you possibly can enhance drainage by including vermiculite or perlite and including vitamins with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer in the course of the rising season.
Widespread Indicators You’re Utilizing the Fallacious Soil Combine

Yellow, wilting, drooping, and mushy leaves are the commonest indicators of root rot in heartleaf philodendrons. In case your plant’s leaves don’t look as wholesome as they as soon as did, the issue is likely to be that your potting combine retains an excessive amount of moisture.
In case your plant is rising extra slowly than you’ll anticipate it to or producing leaves which can be smaller than common – simply tiny hearts as a substitute of bursting hearts – then your soil’s nutrient content material is likely to be too low.
The Significance of Effectively-Draining Potting Soil
Heartleaf philodendron crops have a vining development behavior and aerial root techniques that assist them cling to branches within the wild or trellises in your house. Because of their distinctive roots, they’re significantly vulnerable to root rot when their roots are allowed to sit down in soggy soil or standing water. The temperature and humidity vary for Heartleaf Philodendrons can also be an vital consideration.
What pH Ranges Are Greatest?
Heartleaf philodendrons thrive in an solely barely acidic to primarily impartial potting combine with a pH vary between 6 and seven.
Why Soil Alternative Issues

Important to plant well being, soil selection can imply the distinction between a wholesome, thriving plant or a sickly, dying plant.
All all over the world, in several ecosystems, crops develop in strikingly several types of soil. The truth is, some don’t even develop in precise soil. Selecting appropriate soil for a heartleaf philodendron will be certain that its roots are adequately supported and aerated. On the similar time, the plant has the correct moisture stage and all of the vitamins it must develop.
Moreover, a plant’s potting medium can assist shield the plant from ailments and pests. On the similar time, its pH stage modifications the soil regarding its toxicity, construction, micro organism content material, and nutrient availability.
FAQs:
How typically ought to I swap soil?
Heartleaf philodendron crops sometimes must be repotted each 2 to three years once they grow to be rootbound. They will develop fairly shortly with sufficient daylight. In these circumstances, yours may must be repotted extra continuously.
You’ll be able to refresh your plant’s soil with a month-to-month utility of all-purpose houseplant fertilizer in the course of the rising season.
Though it drains properly, cactus soil doesn’t present the vitamins, moisture retention, or the correct pH stage for heartleaf philodendron crops. Most general-purpose, soilless houseplant mixes work properly for those who’re in search of pre-mixed potting soil.
Do heartleaf philodendrons like moist or dry soil?
Heartleaf philodendrons desire a moist surroundings that’s not overly soggy. Because of this, the potting combine must retain moisture whereas providing ample aeration.
Does the dimensions of the plant have an effect on the soil combine?
No, the first issues when repotting a bigger philodendron must be that your container accommodates the plant’s rootball and that you simply keep consistency with the unique potting combine to keep away from surprising the plant.
Does the potting container affect the kind of soil combine?
No matter their containers, heartleaf philodendrons want a wealthy, impartial, well-draining potting combine to thrive.
Do heartleaf philodendron crops want deep potting containers?
Heartleaf philodendron crops are happiest in containers about 2 inches wider in diameter than the plant’s rootball.
Good Potting Combine, Joyful Hearts
While you develop a heartleaf philodendron in the precise soil combine from the beginning, you possibly can rely on having fun with years of wholesome, heart-shaped, leafy-green magnificence together with your new houseplant.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc diploma in Plant Sciences and has educated professionally at main floristry faculties in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a world editorial crew, Andrew’s a passionate content material creator round all issues flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.