Araceae
Philodendron Lemon Lime Care Guide
Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime'
Lemon Lime thrives in bright, indirect light and a loose, well-draining aroid mix, watered once the top inch or two of soil has dried out. It tolerates average household humidity but grows lusher above 50% humidity, and benefits from a light monthly feed during spring and summer. Regular pruning of leggy stems keeps the plant fuller and encourages new lime-green growth.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
18° - 27°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Lemon Lime Philodendron?
Lemon Lime Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime') is a easy-care plant from the Araceae family. Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime' is a chartreuse-leaved cultivar of the heartleaf philodendron, a fast-growing evergreen vine in the Araceae family native to Central America and the Caribbean. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves emerge lime-yellow and hold their neon color best in bright, indirect l...
Lemon Lime Philodendron grows up to 60cm, watering every 7 days, 18°C – 27°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Lemon Lime Philodendron tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Lemon Lime Philodendron?
TLDR: Lemon Lime Philodendron needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 18-27°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Lemon Lime Philodendron?
Let the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil dry before watering thoroughly, then let the pot drain completely; soggy soil is the main cause of root rot in this cultivar.
How Much Light Does Lemon Lime Philodendron Need?
Bright, indirect light keeps the foliage a vivid chartreuse; in low light the leaves gradually revert to plain green, and direct midday sun can scorch them.
What Is the Best Soil for Lemon Lime Philodendron?
Use a chunky, fast-draining aroid mix (potting soil, perlite, and bark or coco coir) with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 6.4-7.3.
What Pot Should You Use for Lemon Lime Philodendron?
A hanging planter or elevated pot with generous drainage holes suits its trailing habit and lets excess water escape freely.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Lemon Lime Philodendron and Where Does It Come From?
Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime' is a chartreuse-leaved cultivar of the heartleaf philodendron, a fast-growing evergreen vine in the Araceae family native to Central America and the Caribbean. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves emerge lime-yellow and hold their neon color best in bright, indirect light. In its natural habitat the species behaves as a semi-epiphyte, climbing tree trunks with aerial roots, but as a houseplant it is most often grown trailing from a hanging basket or shelf.
How to Propagate Lemon Lime Philodendron?
Rooting hormone can speed up root development, and cuttings root fastest when taken during the active spring-summer growing season.
- 1 Select a healthy stem with at least one leaf node and 2-3 leaves.
- 2 Cut just below a node using clean, sharp scissors or a knife.
- 3 Remove any leaves that would sit below the growing medium.
- 4 Plant the cutting in a chunky, well-draining aroid mix or root it in water first.
- 5 Keep the medium lightly moist and in bright indirect light until new growth appears, usually within 2-6 weeks.
Materials needed:
Transition rooted cuttings to soil gradually, as roots grown in water are adapted to that environment and can take a few weeks to adjust.
- 1 Take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting with at least one node, cutting just below it.
- 2 Strip any leaves that would be submerged and place the node in a jar of water.
- 3 Set the jar in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
- 4 Change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
- 5 Transplant into soil once roots are a few centimeters long, usually after 2-6 weeks.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Lemon Lime Philodendron Grow?
TLDR: Lemon Lime Philodendron can reach up to 60cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Air Purifying
Improves air quality
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Lemon Lime Philodendron?
TLDR: Lemon Lime Philodendron is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Like other heart-leaved philodendrons, Lemon Lime is popularly linked to love, warmth, and abundance, and its bright color is often read as a symbol of new growth and positive energy in the home.
Fun Facts
'Lemon Lime' is a cultivar of Philodendron hederaceum, the same species commonly sold as heartleaf philodendron and formerly labeled Philodendron scandens.
Its neon-chartreuse color comes from reduced chlorophyll density in the leaves, which is why more light is needed to keep the color vivid.
In the wild, the species is a semi-epiphytic climber that uses aerial roots to scale tree trunks in Central American and Caribbean rainforests.
The plant rarely flowers indoors; in habitat it produces a typical aroid inflorescence with a white spathe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Philodendron Lemon Lime toxic to cats and dogs?
Why is my Philodendron Lemon Lime turning green?
How often should I water Philodendron Lemon Lime?
Does Philodendron Lemon Lime climb or trail?
How do I propagate Philodendron Lemon Lime?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Philodendron hederaceum - Wikipedia
- Philodendron Hederaceum 'Lemon Lime' Care Guide - Garden Pals
- How to care for the trailing neon philodendron lemon lime
- Philodendron Prismacolor Lemon Lime - Plant Care 101 - Gardenia.net
- Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Heartleaf Philodendron - ASPCA
- Philodendron - Philodendron hederaceum - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Philodendron hederaceum: guia de cuidados y reproduccion esencial - Ecoarmonia
- Wikimedia Commons search: Philodendron hederaceum
