How to Buy Philodendron Scandens

Your Guide to buying the best Philodendron scandens

Overview

Philodendron scandens, commonly known as the 'Sweetheart Plant' or 'Heart-Leaf Philodendron', is a popular houseplant with attractive, heart-shaped leaves. This guide will explain the various aspects to consider when buying a Philodendron scandens, including cost, size, care, and more. With the right knowledge, you can find the perfect Philodendron scandens for your home or office.

Key features

  1. Climate: Philodendron scandens is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and humid conditions. It is not suitable for growing outdoors in areas with cold winters.
  2. Light Requirements: Philodendron scandens should be kept in bright, indirect sunlight in order to thrive. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn or become discolored.
  3. Water: Philodendron scandens should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other problems.
  4. Soil: Philodendron scandens should be planted in well-draining soil that is higher in organic matter. Peat moss or compost can be added to the soil to improve drainage and provide additional nutrients.
  5. Pruning: Philodendron scandens should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged leaves. Pruning also helps to promote new growth.
  6. Fertilizer: Philodendron scandens should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause leaf burn and other problems.

See the most popular Philodendron scandens on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Easy to Care For - Philodendron scandens is a generally hardy and low-maintenance plant. It only requires occasional watering and medium light.
  • Heart-Shaped Foliage - This species of Philodendron has striking heart-shaped foliage that can bring a tropical touch to any space.
  • Air Purifying - Philodendron scandens is part of the Araceae family, making it a great plant to use for air purification.
  • Versatile - Philodendron scandens can be used in a variety of ways, from as a hanging plant to as part of an indoor garden.

Cons

  • Size: Philodendron scandens can easily grow to a large size and take up a lot of space.
  • Light: Philodendron scandens needs a lot of bright, indirect light to thrive.
  • Water: Overwatering can cause root rot, and underwatering can cause wilting.
  • Maintenance: Pruning and repotting need to be done regularly to keep the plant healthy.
  • Pests: These plants are sensitive to certain pests such as mealybugs and spider mites.

Best alternatives

  1. Monstera deliciosa (also known as Swiss Cheese Plant) - an epiphytic perennial climber with large, heart-shaped leaves
  2. Scindapsus aureus (also known as Golden Pothos) - a trailing vine with patterned, heart-shaped leaves
  3. Syngonium podophyllum (also known as Goosefoot plant) - a vining plant with arrowhead-shaped leaves
  4. Calatheas (also known as Prayer Plants) - a genus of evergreen perennials with showy foliage
  5. Fatsia japonica (also known as Japanese Aralia) - a large-leafed evergreen shrub or small tree

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Potting Soil - A high-quality, well-draining potting soil mix for Philodendron scandens.
  • Fertilizer - A balanced, slow-release fertilizer for Philodendron scandens.
  • Pruning Shears - A pair of sharp, clean pruning shears for removing dead foliage and stems.
  • Humidity Tray - A tray filled with rocks and water to provide extra humidity for Philodendron scandens.
  • Misting Bottle - A spray bottle filled with water for misting the leaves of Philodendron scandens.
  • Potting Container - A wide, shallow pot with adequate drainage holes for Philodendron scandens.

Common questions

  1. How large do Philodendron scandens grow? Philodendron scandens grow to a maximum height of around 10 feet, with a spread of around 4 feet.
  2. How much light does a Philodendron scandens need? Philodendron scandens require medium to bright indirect light, but can tolerate low light conditions.
  3. How often should I water a Philodendron scandens? Philodendron scandens should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.
  4. What type of soil is best for a Philodendron scandens? Philodendron scandens prefer soil that is well-draining and slightly acidic. A soil mix of perlite, peat moss, and coco coir is ideal.
  5. What kind of fertilizer should I use for a Philodendron scandens? A balanced fertilizer like a 20-20-20 blend should be applied to Philodendron scandens every two to four weeks during the growing season.
  6. Are there any common pests or diseases associated with Philodendron scandens? Philodendron scandens are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot can occasionally occur.

Trivia

Philodendron scandens is sometimes referred to as "Sweetheart Plant" due to its heart-shaped leaves. It is a popular houseplant and is relatively easy to care for. Native to tropical regions of the Caribbean, it is a climber with long, slender stems that can be trained to climb a trellis or other structure. According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, philodendrons are the second most popular houseplant in the United States. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.