Philodendron hederaceum,[1] the heartleaf philodendron (syn. Philodendron scandens) is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Central America and the Caribbean which is common in the houseplant trade. Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum, the "velvet philodendron," is a subspecies which is in the houseplant trade under its previous name of Philodendron micans.[2] While toxic under certain conditions, it is also under current review for numerous health benefits.[3]
| Philodendron hederaceum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Araceae |
| Genus: | Philodendron |
| Species: | P. hederaceum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Philodendron hederaceum | |
| Varieties | |
|
Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum | |
| Synonyms | |
Etymology
editThe name Philodendron originates from the Greek words "Philo", meaning "love", and "dendron", meaning "tree". P. hederaceum are most comfortable growing in an upwards fashion, usually up the trunk of a tree, hence, the name Philodendron.[4]
Description and cultivation
edit
It is an evergreen climber growing to 3–6 m (10–20 ft), with heart-shaped glossy leaves to 30 cm (12 in) long, and occasionally spathes of white flowers in mature plants. With a minimum temperature requirement of 15 °C (59 °F), in temperate regions it must be grown under glass or as a houseplant.[5] Under the synonym Philodendron scandens it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6][7] P. hederaceum have simple leaves that are arranged in an alternate fashion, meaning single leaves are born on alternating nodes.[8]
P. hederaceum can grow with its roots both in and out of the soil, deeming it a semi-epiphyte.[9] Its uses include ornamental household decoration. It is a popular choice for such display due to its striking green coloration, spiraling, fast growing leaves, and convenient size. P. hederaceum are also easy to maintain, requiring medium sunlight and moist soil.[10] Philodendron hederaceum will eventually grow white flowers (approximately 15 years after planting). Inflorescences are rare; spike inflorescences are the most common when one does appear. They have the capacity to bear fruits as well. Philodendron fruits are typically orange, red, or white berries.[11] Philodendron are particularly skilled at eliminating toxins such as formaldehyde from the air.[12]
Toxicity
editParts of the plant are known to contain calcium oxalate crystals in varying concentrations. When ingested in large quantities, P. hederaceum cannot be properly digested. These calcium oxalate crystals are deposited in organs such as the kidneys, and can cause cardiac-related issues in humans [13] Although the plant is known to be toxic to mice and rats, the current literature is conflicting with regards to its toxicity in cats.[14][15][16]
Although Philodendron species can be harmful if ingested, they also have a reputation of being a source of potential therapeutic applications for medical research.[17] This reputation is due to the presence of terpenoids and flavonoids, natural compounds that are of interest because of their biological abilities in acting as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease preventative.[18]
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Philodendron hederaceum can cause oral irritation, a painful and swollen mouth, lips, and tongue, drooling, vomiting (except in horses), and difficulty swallowing in animals.[19]
Propagation
editLayering and cutting are two of the favored techniques when it comes to propagating P. hederaceum. It is best to propagate during the spring and summer.[20] To begin propagation, locate an axillary bud and cut a branch directly beneath it. This branch should then be placed in soil or water with a small amount of activated charcoal.[21] Treatment includes moving the plant to a place of bright sunlight, but one should avoid direct sunlight.[22]
References
edit- ^ "Philodendron hederaceum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
- ^ "Velvet Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum var. hederaceum)". Garden.org. 2022-11-03. Retrieved 2022-11-03.
- ^ "Review on Philodendron Species-Plant Seeking for Validation of its Therapeutic Approaches". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. May 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ "Review on Philodendron Species-Plant Seeking for Validation of its Therapeutic Approaches". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. May 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 978-1405332965.
- ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Philodendron scandens". Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 76. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
- ^ "Angiosperm". Martin Huldrych Zimmermann. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ^ "Philodendron Hederaceum: For people who want to know more about the heart leaf philodendron". University of Minnesota Press. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
- ^ "Philodendron" (PDF). University of Connecticut. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
- ^ "Philodendron Hederaceum var. hederaceum". NC State University. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ "Variation in Formaldehyde Removal Efficiency among Indoor Plant Species" (PDF). Hort Science. 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ "Review on Philodendron Species-Plant Seeking for Validation of its Therapeutic Approaches". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. May 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ Der Marderosian, Ara and Giller, F. and Roia, F. (1976). Phytochemical and Toxicological Screening of Household Ornamental Plants Potentially Toxic to Humans. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health. 1: 939-953.
- ^ Greer, M. J. (1961). Plant Poisonings in Cats. Mod. Vet. Pract., 42, 62.
- ^ Sellers, Sarah J. and King, Maralee and Aronson, Carl E. and Der Marderosian, Ara (1978). Toxocologic Assessment of Philodendron Oxycardium Schott (Araceae) in Domestic Cats. Veterinary and Human Toxicology. Vol. 20, pp. 92-96, ISSN 0145-6296
- ^ "Review on Philodendron Species-Plant Seeking for Validation of its Therapeutic Approaches". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. May 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
- ^ Sülsen, V. P.; Lizarraga, E.; Mamadalieva, N. Z.; Lago, J. H. (12 July 2017). "Potential of Terpenoids and Flavonoids from Asteraceae as Anti-Inflammatory, Antitumor, and Antiparasitic Agents". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017. National Institutes of Health: 1–2. doi:10.1155/2017/6196198. PMC 5529648. PMID 28785291.
- ^ "Heartleaf Philodendron | ASPCA". www.aspca.org. Retrieved 2024-08-12.
- ^ Seifriz, William (October 1943). "The Plant Life of Cuba" (PDF). Ecological Monographs. 13 (4). Ecological Society of America: 375–426. Bibcode:1943EcoM...13..375S. doi:10.2307/1948590. JSTOR 1948590. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ "Propagation, upkeep, and impact on mental health and classroom/workspace success of Dracaena trifasciata, Chlorophytum comosum, and Philodendron hederaceum". University of North Florida. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
- ^ "Review on Philodendron Species-Plant Seeking for Validation of its Therapeutic Approaches". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. May 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2023.