Philodendron cordatum

{{Short description|Species of epiphyte}}

{{About|the large vine native to Brazil|the common houseplant|Philodendron hederaceum}}

{{Speciesbox

| image =

| image_caption =

| genus = Philodendron

| species = cordatum

| authority = Kunth

}}

Philodendron cordatum is an uncommon species not often found or offered as a houseplant. It is native to a small region in Southeastern coastal Brazil, not far from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zoCDCwAAQBAJ&dq=heart+leaf+philodendron&pg=PA125 |title=What's Wrong With My Houseplant?: Save Your Indoor Plants With 100% Organic Solutions |last1=Deardorff |first1=David |last2=Wadsworth |first2=Kathryn |date=2016-02-04 |publisher=Timber Press |isbn=9781604697360 |pages=125 |language=en}} It is an epiphytic and epilithic species of Philodendron (growing upon trees or rock outcroppings). This philodendron is typically a vining plant and can tolerate shade.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5MsjDwAAQBAJ&q=philodendron |title=How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged |last=Peerless |first=Veronica |date=2017-08-15 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=9781465469809 |pages=63 |language=en}} It is toxic to humans and most animals if consumed. The toxic principle is calcium oxalate.{{cite web |url=https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/heartleaf-philodendron |title=Heartleaf Philodendron |publisher=American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals |website=Pet Care, Animal Poison Control, Toxic And Non-Toxic Plants |access-date=December 4, 2021}} It has heart-shaped, dark green leaves that generally grow 2″ to 3” across with white speckles on the more mature leaves. This species can easily be propagated by stem cutting by using water, soil, or sphagnum moss as a growing medium.

This name is often mistakenly applied to the popular houseplant Philodendron hederaceum, the ivy Philodendron. While "cordatum" means heart-shaped and both species have heart-shaped leaves the species name cannot be applied to the ivy Philodendron.