Why pothos leaves turn yellow
Yellow pothos leaves are a message. Learn to read the pattern — soft, crispy, old or new leaves — and fix overwatering, light, roots and more.
Plant Problems
Heartleaf Philodendron
Pothos’ softer-looking twin with heart-shaped leaves. Just as easy.
Philodendron hederaceum
Heart-shaped leaves of Philodendron hederaceum. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Light
Heartleaf Philodendron tolerates: low light, medium / indirect, bright indirect or some sun. It is one of the few plants that copes with a dim room — growth just slows down.
Watering
Water when the top inch or two is dry, about weekly.
Is heartleaf philodendron safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalates). Keep it on a high shelf or in a room pets can’t reach — or pick a pet-safe plant instead. Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.
Size and humidity
Typical size indoors: Trailing vines 4–8 ft (1.2–2.5 m). Humidity: not fussy at all.
Top tips
- Leggy vines with small leaves = needs more light.
- Propagates in water like pothos.
- Perfect for high shelves.
Guides that mention the heartleaf philodendron
Similar plants you might like
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The classic "can’t kill it" vine. Grows in almost any light, tells you when it is thirsty, and roots in a glass of water.
Snake Plant
Thrives on neglect. The number-one way to kill it is love — meaning too much water.
ZZ Plant
Glossy, almost plastic-looking leaves that tolerate dark offices, dry air and forgetful owners.