Looking for a low-maintenance plant and hearing a lot about Philodendron Cordatum or Hederceum? Well, these are decent recommendations. However, these two plants look so similar that many growers easily mistake them for one another. When you get to know each plant, you will know they are different.
At first glance, the leaves can trick you into believing they are the same plant. But getting up close and personal with these plants will show multiple differences.
So, if you are keen on comparing philodendron Cordatum vs Hederaceum, this article will give you proper insight.
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What is Philodendron Cordatum?
This plant is an excellent option for growing indoors to ornament an office or a living room. This plant is originally cultivated in South America. But it has been spreading recently across the US as a household plant.
Despite its pleasant appearance, the plant is not safe for humans and animals. So, keep your little ones and furry friends away from it.
The plant has cordate leaves, which means a heart-shaped leaf. It is also a climbing plant that uses other trees for support and climbing. As for indoor growth, you can use a moss pole for this purpose. This plant looks its best when placed in hanging baskets.
What is Philodendron Hederaceum?
Philodendron Hederaceum or Scandens is a beautiful plant commonly known as the heart leaf plant or heart leaf philodendron. A member of the Araceae plant family and the same Philodendron genus makes the Hederaceum plant related to the Cordatum plant.
Maybe these common roots stand behind the confusion when comparing Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum.
This plant’s other common name is derived from the shape of its cordate leaves, which resemble a heart drawing. Regarding the heart shape of leaves, both plants have this in common. However, their colors and leaf details are typically diverse.
This plant is native to Mexico and tropical regions of South America. Also, the plant is commonly found almost everywhere in the countries of Central America.
So this makes the plant easy to obtain. It is one of the top-selling non-native plans in the US local market. Keep this plant away from the reach of children and pets, as it is poisonous.
Differences between Philodendron Cordatum and Philodendron Hederaceum?
These two plants share common features, including their origin, family, leaf shape, and a few growing needs. However, when you spend a few minutes observing both of them, you can notice the significant differences.
1. Color
Both plants have green leaves, but the difference lies in the shade of the color. The leaves of Philodendron Cordatum have a standard green or bluish-green (emerald) shade.
On the other hand, the leaves of the Philodendron Hederaceum are lighter and glossier, with pointed tips that can appear transparent at times.
2. Leaf veins
Another highlight of comparing Philodendron Cordatum vs. Hederaceum is their veins. Both plants feature leaf veins. However, Hederaceum veins are more visible than Cordatum.
Even if you are looking from a close distance, you can notice the veins on the surface of the Hederaceum leaves. Cordatum veins are somehow faint, but you can notice them if you look very closely at the leaves.
3. Hardiness Zones
Another noteworthy difference between these plants is their hardiness zones when brought outside their native habitat. Hederaceum needs a US hardiness zone between 9a and 11b.
As for the needs of the Philodendron Cordatum, it can grow anywhere between 10 and 12 zones.
4. Plant size
A Cordatum plant can reach its maximum height of 1.5 meters when kept indoors. Smaller plants can be between 0.5 and 1 meter tall. However, when it is left outdoors, the plant grows up to 15 meters.
The Philodendron Hederaceum is a bit shorter than the Cordatum. A fully-grown plant ranges between 1 and 1.2 meters tall. Outside, this plant can grow to be nearly 13 meters long.
5. Growing soil
Both plants grow in similar soils, but soil components might be slightly different to ensure proper growth. For instance, the ideal potting mix for the Hederaceum’s soil must have perlite and peat.
Cordatum’s ideal potting mix should contain wood bark and sphagnum. The soil must offer proper drainage without losing adequate moisture in both cases.
6. Companion plants
The companion plants for these two plants also vary for different reasons, including decoration or disease problems. Philodendron Cordatum’s best companions could be any monstera or dracaena varieties. Philodendron Hederaceum gets along more with Alocasia or Calathea varieties.
7. Light requirements
Both plants do not like full exposure to sunlight. However, the Cordatum is more demanding when it comes to lighting requirements.
Philodendron cordatum wants indirect light; it should not be facing the sun. So, ensure there is a curtain to make the atmosphere bright enough without exposing the plant to the sun.
On the other hand, the ideal lighting conditions for the Philodendron Hederaceum are medium indirect bright sunlight. However, it won’t mind being placed in a room with poor natural lighting conditions.
8. Water needs
Both plants are tropical. This means warmer weather, increased humidity, and ongoing rains. So, both plants love water. However, Cordatum adores water a bit more than Hederaceum.
Cordatum’s soil should always be moist, especially during the growing seasons. But make sure the soil drains well to avoid sogginess and root rot.
Things are slightly different with Hederaceum, though. You can water your Hederaceum only once per week. The watering needs can be reduced during the winter, as you can water it every 10 to 12 days.
Typically, it would need less water if the temperature was not high and the sunlight was poor.
Philodendron Cordatum vs Hederaceum: are they the same?
Philodendron cordatum and Hederaceum are not the same plant. They are different varieties of the same plant family, Araceae. They come from the same Philodendron genus as well.
Also, they have similar cordate leaf shapes. However, they showcase different characteristics that make identifying them easy.
For instance, the color shades and sizes of both plants are different. The Cordatum is generally darker and taller than the Hederaceum.
Also, the growing requirements can be somehow similar, but Cordatum needs a more personalized setting for better growth results.
You can bring different soil blends for both plants. As for the light, both won’t thrive when fully exposed to bright sunlight. But Hederaceum shows more flexibility when it comes to lower levels of water and light.
