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vilevine (Philodendron hederaceum)

Philodendron hederaceum is a perennial evergreen climbing or trailing vine that can grow attached to tree trunks and may have a semi-epiphytic habit.

LightPhilodendron hederaceum does best in bright, indirect light to partial shade, tolerates low light, and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight.
WaterKeep the growing medium slightly moist but well drained; during active growth, water thoroughly after the surface has dried slightly, avoid prolonged waterlogging, and reduce watering frequency in winter.
HumidityIt is reported to prefer moderate humidity.
TemperatureBased on few sources, it is reported to require a minimum temperature of about 15 °C. It is generally assigned the H1A hardiness category.
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Overview

Philodendron hederaceum is a perennial evergreen climbing or trailing vine that can grow attached to tree trunks and may have a semi-epiphytic habit.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ in their descriptions of its native range, which includes Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean or West Indies, and tropical South America; Taiwan is not native range, and the species has become naturalized there after escaping from cultivation. Sources differ on habitat details; it occurs in evergreen forests and cloud forests, often as a semi-epiphytic vine climbing trees, across habitats from lowlands to higher elevations. It occurs in tropical forest environments and is usually grown as a greenhouse or indoor plant in temperate regions.

Characteristics

Sources differ, with the few available sources placing mature height at about 150–250 cm. It is reported to have a mature spread of about 50–100 cm, based on few sources. Sources differ in leaf descriptions: the alternate, simple leaves range from heart-shaped to broadly ovate with tapering tips, and mature leaves may become larger; their surfaces may be dark green and semi-glossy to nearly velvety, with some plants showing reddish-green or purple tones. Mature plants can form the typical aroid inflorescence, with a generally green to pale green spathe and a spadix that may be white; sources differ on fruit color, describing berries as greenish white in one account while another gives orange, red, or white for Philodendron fruit generally.

Light

Philodendron hederaceum does best in bright, indirect light to partial shade, tolerates low light, and should be kept out of strong direct sunlight.

Watering

Keep the growing medium slightly moist but well drained; during active growth, water thoroughly after the surface has dried slightly, avoid prolonged waterlogging, and reduce watering frequency in winter.

Humidity and airflow

It is reported to prefer moderate humidity.

Temperature and dormancy

Based on few sources, it is reported to require a minimum temperature of about 15 °C. It is generally assigned the H1A hardiness category.

Growing medium and mounting

It is reported to suit a moisture-retentive but well-drained growing medium; RHS recommends a loose, acidic, peat-free formulation that may contain volcanic rock or pumice, fine bark, leaf mould, or chopped sphagnum moss, with an acidic to neutral pH. It is reported to have aerial and soil roots and benefits from an airy mix.

Feeding

It is reported to benefit from liquid houseplant fertilizer during its active growing period, with feeding stopped when growth slows in winter and resumed in spring.

Propagation

Philodendron hederaceum can be propagated by stem-tip cuttings, leaf-bud cuttings, other stem cuttings, or layering; cuttings may be rooted in soil or water, and spring and summer are suitable for propagation.

Common problems

Potential pests include aphids, spider mites or greenhouse red spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and greenhouse thrips. Serious diseases are generally uncommon, but leaf spot can occur, while overly wet growing medium, overwatering, or standing water in the pot can lead to root rot. It is sensitive to low temperatures, requires indoor or greenhouse cultivation in temperate regions, and prefers a sheltered environment.

Identification

Philodendron hederaceum is commonly grown indoors as a climbing or trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves; its petioles lack grooves, prominent stipules are visible on new growth, and older stipules fall away, features that can help distinguish it from pothos-type plants.

Photos

Philodendron hederaceum
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Philodendron hederaceum
📷 Brittany Savoie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by B · CC BY · source

Sources