Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum

Written by Em Casalena
Updated: March 11, 2023
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The philodendron is the ideal plant if you want something that requires little maintenance and looks good. Philodendrons are renowned for their capacity to filter the air and can easily flourish in a variety of situations and climates.

However, philodendrons aren’t just one type of plant. In fact, the Philodendron genus has hundreds of different species and is one of the largest plant genera in the world. That being said, there are two species of philodendron that often get confused with one another: Philodendron hederaceum and Philodendron cordatum. Despite being referred to interchangeably, these are completely different species.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the main differences between these two philodendron species and what makes them so unique. We’ll also explore how these plants can be grown, and whether or not they should be grown at home.

Comparing Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum

Philodendron CordatumHederaceum
ClassificationPhilodendron cordatumPhilodendron hederaceum
Alternative NamesHeartleaf Philodendron (used incorrectly), CordatumHeartleaf Philodendron, Ivy Philodendron
OriginSoutheastern BrazilMexico, Brazil, West Indies
DescriptionA very rare toxic flowering plant species in the Araceae family that is both epiphytic and epilithic, and not usually used as a houseplant.A flowering plant species in the Araceae family that is commonly used as a houseplant, known for its large leaves.
UsesOccasional houseplant, but otherwise not used for much.Houseplants and landscaping.
Growth TipsIt is not really recommended to grow this species at home, as it is very toxic to humans and animals and is difficult to find in the tropical plant trade.Water your heartleaf philodendron every five to seven days to avoid overwatering and root rot.
Interesting FeaturesThis species is often incorrectly referred to as Philodendron hederaceum. It is a completely different species with a lot of similarities.This species can easily reach 20 feet tall if grown properly, making it one of the largest houseplants that one can own.

The Key Differences Between Philodendron Cordatum and Hederaceum

The Philodendron hederaceum and the Philodendron cordatum are not the same species. Both plants have green leaves that resemble hearts and they are both part of the same genus as well. However, that is the extent of their similarities.

The Philodendron cordatum is a gorgeous trailing houseplant with heart-shaped emerald green leaves. The plant, which is native to Central America and the Caribbean, would be seen climbing up trees in the forest canopy in its natural environment. Like the Philodendron cordatum, Philodendron hederaceum is indigenous to Central America and the Caribbean and is typically found in wetlands, along riverbanks, on highways, and on rock outcrops. When Philodendron hederaceum leaves are young, they seem virtually translucent and somewhat brownish, which is unusual for Philodendron cordatum. Philodendron hederaceum has rough and hardy leaves, whereas Philodendron cordatum has a bit more delicate leaves with lighter green hues and finer vein lines.

Philodendron cordatum and Philodendron hederaceum have nearly identical soil needs; both will grow best in well-draining, healthy, and aerated soil. If the pot contains drainage holes, both plants can thrive indoors as potted plants. But unlike Philodendron hederaceum, which requires leaf mold or coarse peat moss, Philodendron cordatum requires peat, sphagnum, perlite, and wood bark in its potting mixture. Just as well, Philodendron cordatum is an extremely uncommon houseplant, due to its rarity in the plant trade and toxic nature.

Philodendron cordatum does not do well in extremely low light and does best in sunny indirect sunshine. Bright and indirect light will promote the plant’s strong and content growth. But when exposed to direct sunshine, especially in the middle of the day, it will begin to wither. In comparison to Philodendron cordatum, Philodendron hederaceum tolerates light conditions better. Philodendron hederaceum can handle low light but prefers medium brightness. Although the plant can take low light for a considerable amount of time, strong indirect light is preferable for it.

The best growing conditions for the Philodendron cordatum are temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees F. Philodendron hederaceum can thrive in temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees F, making it a great indoor plant.

Philodendron cordatum growing along a tree
Philodendron cordatum

(pictured) is much rarer than

Philodendron hederaceum.

©Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum: Classification

Philodendron cordatum and Philodendron hederaceum are part of the genus Philodendron and the plant family Araceae. The Philodendron genus is one of the largest plant genera today. Philodendron cordatum is most commonly referred to as Cordatum. Philodendron hederaceum is commonly referred to as the heartleaf philodendron. Both species are closely related to plants such as the güembé plant, the silver philodendron, and the pacová plant, among many others.

Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum: Description

Native to Central and South America, philodendron plants are a type of flowering plant in the Araceae family. One of the biggest plant families in the world, the philodendron has over 489 species. Philodendrons may get fairly big and are frequently seen in tropical jungles. Some philodendron species may rise up to 20 feet in height, if not taller. Large, glossy leaves that might be rich green, yellow, or even crimson are what philodendrons are famous for. They bloom in the form of tiny, often white or green flowers. Philodendrons enjoy warm areas and are not frost-tolerant. Although certain species are more cold-resistant than others, they may be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Philodendron cordatum is a very uncommon species of philodendron that is toxic, epiphytic, and epilithic. It is a vining plant that does fairly well in shade. It is known for being very toxic to humans and most types of animals, as it contains a large amount of calcium oxalate. The species itself is commonly mistaken for Philodendron hederaceum, as they look very similar and are closely related.

Philodendron hederaceum, also known as the heartleaf philodendron, is a popular philodendron species that is well-loved around the world as a tropical houseplant. It is an evergreen climbing plant that can easily reach 20 feet tall or even taller. It contains calcium oxalate, but only in small concentrations and is considered relatively harmless to most humans and pets.

Heartleaf Philodendron hederaceum
Philodendron hederaceum

(pictured) is well-known for its glossy heart-shaped leaves.

©iStock.com/Amphawan Chanunpha

Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum: Uses

Philodendron cordatum does not have many uses for humans. It is very rare in the plant trade, so it is rarely used as a houseplant. It also contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to humans and pets. Philodendron hederaceum also contains calcium oxalate crystals, but the concentration of crystals is typically found in very low (though varying) amounts. Philodendron hederaceum is primarily used as a houseplant and for tropical landscaping.

Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum: Origin

The Philodendron genus of plants is indigenous to South and Central America’s tropical areas, including Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Although the identified cultivars have now been assigned to their own genus name of Philodendron, they were first classified under the genus name Arum. Philodendron cordatum is specifically native to southeastern Brazil, while Philodendron hederaceum is native to Brazil, Mexico, and the West Indies. Both species have since been naturalized in other nations.

Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum: How to Grow

It is not really recommended to grow Philodendron cordatum indoors, as it is toxic to people and pets if ingested. However, if a plant collector would be so bold, caring for these plants is relatively easy.

Although Philodendron cordatum prefers medium to low light, this houseplant thrives in strong indirect light. That means you should keep your own a few feet away from a window with natural light that is obscured by shade, drapes, or blinds. Avoid exposing the leaves to direct sunlight as they may burn. A Philodendron cordatum‘s leaves may last for months if you cut them off and place them in a vase with water, as this plant is very easy to propagate. However, remember to replace the water once every week.

If the leaves of your Philodendron cordatum are becoming yellow, the plant is either being overwatered or underwatered. You can cut back your Philodendron cordatum if it starts to overrun your available area. Keep in mind that these are fierce growers and can easily become difficult to manage without pruning.

Philodendron hederaceum plants are similarly easy to manage. Put your Philodendron hederaceum where it can get at least three to four hours each day of bright, indirect light. In addition, these plants can survive in a variety of lighting situations, from diffused light to nearly complete shadow, and they may even flourish when planted inside under fluorescent grow lights.

Philodendron hederaceum does well in bathrooms if it can get adequate light and thrives in houses with higher humidity levels. Although Philodendron hederaceum plants demand high humidity, they can tolerate low humidity found in the average home. However, keep an eye out for brown leaf tips, which indicate that the air is a little bit too dry.

To prevent your Philodendron hederaceum stems from becoming excessively stringy or lanky, trim back the stems. This causes the growing tips at the stem’s nodes to start growing, resulting in a fuller, bushier plant. Although you may snip the stems back at any time, it’s better to do it during the warmer months when the plant is actively developing. When snipping them, make sure to make a clean cut using a clean, sharp pair of scissors just after a leaf node.

Make sure to give your Philodendron cordatum plant regular and abundant waterings because it is similar to water. Make careful to water the soil evenly from the top of the container to the bottom. Water the plant until the water drains from the drainage holes to make sure it receives enough water. It is advised to use distilled, aquarium, or rainwater to water the Philodendron cordatum.

Philodendron hederaceum should only receive moderate watering till the top of the soil is moist, but Philodendron cordatum loves to receive liberal amounts of watering. In the winter, watering should be reduced.

Every two to three weeks in the spring and summer, the Philodendron cordatum has to be treated with a dry organic fertilizer. While the plant is actively developing, the Philodendron hederaceum should be treated with liquid fertilizer at least once every two weeks.

Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum: Special Features

There are not many known varieties or cultivars of Philodendron cordatum, as it is not commonly used as a houseplant. However, there are many varieties of Philodendron hederaceum, such as the Brazil, Lemon, Gabby, Rio, Cream Splash, and Silver Stripe cultivars.

Philodendron cordatum and Philodendron hederaceum flowers are uncommon to see. After roughly 15 years from the beginning of their plantations, both plants will eventually bloom white flowers.

Both of these plants look quite similar and are pretty closely related, but they are far from the same plant. We’d recommend opting for Philodendron hederaceum over Philodendron cordatum as a houseplant, simply because it is significantly easier to find and relatively safer to have in a home with pets, though it should still be kept away from pets and small children due to potential stomach upset that it can cause. Either way, both of these philos are gorgeous and worthy of any plant collection!

Want to learn more about the eye-catching pothos houseplant? Check out our in-depth guide to everything you need to know about pothos!

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©


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About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Philodendron cordatum and Philodendron hederaceum the same?

No. While part of the same genus, these two plants have different appearances and are completely different species.

Is Philodendron cordatum hard to care for?

Not at all. This species can handle low light and will let you know via wilting and curling if it needs more water.

Is Philodendron hederaceum hard to care for?

This plant is slightly more high maintenance and requires plant fertilizer every month, but it is not hard to care for.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.