Philodendron hederaceum, a liana with romantic foliage

Do you think the tropical jungle is full of hairy spiders, giant snakes and killer crocodiles? You'd be right. But the forests of Central America are also home to some romantic plants, such as the Philodendron hederaceum, a rooted plant with heart-shaped leaves.

Philodendron hederaceum, sometimes known as Philodendron scandens or Philodendron micans, is a semi-epiphytic plant. In the wild, it grows by leaning on trees. It reaches a height of six meters and a spread of one meter. Indoors, you can give it a climbing, drooping or even creeping habit, but its growth remains more modest.

The plant develops long, slender stems with aerial roots. At each node, alternate leaves appear, borne on a six-centimeter-long petiole.

In the largest specimens, the leaf blades measure up to 40 centimetres long. In pots, they rarely exceed fifteen centimetres. But whatever their size, the leaves always retain their heart shape and velvety texture. Philodendron hederaceum's leaf blades are shiny dark green on the upper surface and purple on the underside. The species has given rise to hybrids with acid-green foliage Philodendron Lemon Lime) or variegated foliage Philodendron Brasil).

Philodendron hederaceum blooms in summer. Its white flowers are composed of a spathe and a spadix. Flowering occurs only on mature specimens. It is very rare indoors.

NASA has demonstrated the depolluting properties of Philodendron hederaceum. But the plant is toxic to humans and animals. Like other Araceae, it contains calcium oxalate, a substance that causes digestive problems, skin irritation and swollen mucous membranes. Cats are most at risk from ingestion. In cats, philodendron causes vomiting, urinary disorders and nervous symptoms that can be fatal.