Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) grows naturally in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean. These plants love warm and humid climates, and one of the keys to Heartleaf philodendron care at home is finding an appropriate location that provides suitable environmental conditions throughout the year. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about Heartleaf Philodendron temperature and humidity tolerances indoors.
- Heartleaf Philodendron Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – the Essentials
- Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges Heartleaf Philodendron Plants Receive in Their Native Habitats
- Signs Your Heartleaf Philodendron Is Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
- Ideal Temperature and Humidity Considerations for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants
- How to Boost Humidity in Your Home
- Caring for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants in Spring and Summer
- Caring for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants Over Winter
- Heartleaf Philodendron Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs:
- Wrapping Up
Heartleaf Philodendron Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – the Essentials
Heartleaf philodendron’s optimum temperatures range from 65 – 85°F. They can handle short instances of lower temperatures which should not drop below 60°F. Preferring more humid environments of 40% humidity and dislike cool drafts, you should not place them near an air vent or conditioning system.
Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges Heartleaf Philodendron Plants Receive in Their Native Habitats
Heartleaf philodendrons’ natural environments are the tropical rainforests of South and Central America and parts of the Caribbean. Here the mean annual temperatures range between 78 – 83°F (25 – 28°C), and the humidity levels are those of tropical humidity, which are high.
Signs Your Heartleaf Philodendron Is Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
Your Heartleaf philodendron will let you know if you expose it to incorrect temperatures or humidity levels by displaying specific symptoms depending on what is causing their issues.
Common signs temperatures that are too low include:
- Leaf tips that are browning
- Leaves falling off the plant
- Drooping, limping, or stagnant plant growth
Common signs temperatures that are too high include:
- Wilting of the leaves
- Crispy looking leaves
Common signs the humidity levels aren’t ideal:
- Yellowing leaves
- Brown on the edges of the leaves
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Considerations for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants
Heartleaf philodendrons’ natural habitat is in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America and the Caribbean. Here they experience high levels of humidity and average temperatures of around 78 – 83°F (25 – 28°C).
In an indoor environment, they will happily grow in average temperature ranges of 65 – 85°F (18 – 29°C). Their preference is for temperatures ranging from 65 – 75°F (18 – 23.8°C) at night and 70 – 85°F (21 – 26.6°C) during the day, and these are the average temperatures you should experience in a regular household.
Although they are tolerant of temperatures as low as 60°F (15.5°C), they should not be subjected to these for very long as this can cause adverse reactions in your plant. It would also benefit your plant if you could ensure it remained out of any cold drafts such as those received from an air vent or conditioning system.
When it comes to humidity levels, Heartleaf philodendrons come from a natural habitat with high humidity levels. Although they are tolerant of the lower levels of humidity they receive in an indoor setting, it would be beneficial to keep the humidity levels at around 40%. Heartleaf philodendron grows best in higher humidity levels and will produce larger leaves in these conditions.
If you live in a relatively arid area, you might need to mist your Heartleaf philodendron every few days to help with humidity levels. Humidity levels are of less concern in the winter months as Heartleaf philodendrons, but you should still avoid allowing your plant to dry out.
How to Boost Humidity in Your Home
There are several methods to boost household humidity levels.
Misting
The simplest method to give your plants extra humidity levels in your home would be to use a fine spray mister to mist your plants. You can do this every day or every few days. Use room-temperature water in your mister for best results. Avoid using cold water as you do not wish to shock your plants.
Humidity Trays
Another simple method would be to place your plants on a humidity tray containing pebbles and water. When using this method, you need to ensure that the top half of the pebbles protrude from the water and that the edges of the tray are dry as your Heartleaf Philodendron mustn’t be sitting in water as they do not appreciate ‘wet feet.’
The water will evaporate from the tray and create a more humid environment for your plant. This method is also excellent for watering your plant as you will not need to worry about emptying the tray or saucer once the water has drained out.
In-room Humidifiers
Another method would be to purchase an air humidifier for the room you house your plant in. Depending on budget and room requirements, humidifiers will help regulate humidity and can often be set to run automatically.
Caring for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants in Spring and Summer
Heartleaf philodendron plants require a similar temperature throughout the year as they come from an area where temperatures do not fluctuate too much. During summer and spring, these plants will require a higher humidity level. Suppose your home environment is dryer than average. You might need to invest in a humidifier or implement some of the above suggestions to provide high enough humidity for your plants’ optimum growth.
Be aware that your Heartleaf philodendron will require more frequent watering during the warmer spring and summer months. Aim to check your plant at least every 5 to 7 days, and when the first inch of topsoil is dry, you can give it water. Your Heartleaf philodendron will also benefit from a monthly feed with some plant food during the spring and summer months. Now’s also the best time to consider repotting a Heartleaf Philodendron if needed.
For more, see our in-depth guide to the best soil mix for Heartleaf Philodendrons.
Caring for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants Over Winter
You can relax a fraction when caring for your Heartleaf philodendron during the fall and winter months. You should be careful of maintaining a similar temperature as you did during the warmer months. Heartleaf philodendron comes from a tropical environment where temperatures do not fluctuate too much throughout the year.
During fall and winter, Heartleaf philodendrons do not require as much humidity as they do during spring and summer. However, they need some moisture, so you shouldn’t let your house get too dry.
When it comes to watering your Heartleaf philodendron, they will require less water during the winter months. Check your plants every 7 to 10 days, and when the first inch of topsoil is dry, you can give it water.
Heartleaf Philodendron Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs:
What Temperature Is Too Cold for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants?
Heartleaf philodendron plants prefer temperatures between 65 – 85°F, but they can handle lower temperatures. Anything below 60°F is considered too cold for them. However, records show that they can survive short periods at these low temperatures.
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Heartleaf Philodendron Plants?
Anything over 85°F is considered too hot for a Heartleaf philodendron. In these temperatures, your plant might start to exhibit signs of overheating, such as wilting and yellowing leaves or leaves that start looking a bit crispy, especially on the edges.
Are Heartleaf Philodendron Heat Sensitive?
Heartleaf philodendrons prefer warmer weather conditions, but they can become heat-sensitive if the temperatures get hot. In these cases, your Heartleaf philodendron will start showing signs of heat stress, such as wilting leaves, leaves falling off, or going crispy or brown on the edges.
Can I Leave My Heartleaf Philodendron Plant Outside?
Heartleaf philodendrons will happily grow outside in hardiness zones 9 – 11 in the summer months and 10 – 11 in the winter months. During the warmer months, you can place your Heartleaf philodendron outside for them to get some fresh air.
Ensure that you place your indoor plants in a shady area as Heartleaf philodendrons are not used to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight on their leaves could cause scorching, which you should try to avoid.
How Do I Know if My Heartleaf Philodendron Is Healthy?
You will be able to see that your Heartleaf philodendron is healthy. Its leaves should be their usual shade of dark green, and it should be growing well.
Suppose you notice that your plant’s leaves exhibit signs such as yellowing, wilting, brown spots, crispy edges, etc. You know that there is something wrong with your plant. Otherwise, it would be best to rest assured that your plant is healthy.
Wrapping Up
Heartleaf philodendron plants are tropical forest natives and therefore require temperatures of 65 – 85°F and preferably not dropping below 60°F for extended periods. They also prefer high humidity levels of at least 40% but will cope with lower household humidity levels. If you live in relatively dry regions, you should look into the various ways to increase your household humidity levels.
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