Vilevine (Philodendron hederaceum)

How much light does a Vilevine need?

Vilevine prefers medium light indoors. It will also tolerate low light. Outdoors, in zones 11a to 12b, it prefers part shade. Full shade is also listed, meaning less than two hours of direct sun down to none. Part shade means direct sunlight for only part of the day, about 2 to 6 hours.

• Light: Medium light; tolerates low light^1,2,3

How often to water a Vilevine

Water vilevine when the top of the soil is dry. The listed range runs from dry to medium moisture needs. Keep the soil slightly moist, and water less in winter. Moist soil and good drainage are both listed for this plant. Root rot can occur in overly wet soil.

• Water: Dry to medium^1,4,2

Best soil for a Vilevine

Vilevine grows in soil that is well drained and moist. Good drainage and moisture are both listed for it. No cited source records a soil pH range for this plant, so that value is not documented. Root rot can occur in overly wet soil. Leaf spots may be seen as well. Medium relative humidity and moist soil are what it prefers. Water it when the top of the soil is dry.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist^1,1,1,5

Temperature and humidity

No cited source records a minimum temperature for this plant, so that value is not documented here. Vilevine prefers medium relative humidity. The humidity level on file is average. It also prefers moist soil and appreciates misting. Misting is the humidity step the source mentions. Its hardiness range is zones 11a to 12b. The range tops out at zone 12b.

• Humidity: Average^1,5

Fertilizing a Vilevine

Fertilize vilevine lightly, about once or twice a month. The frequency on file is monthly in the growing season. Light feeding is the advice given, not heavy feeding. Feeding is tied to the growing season in the listing. The quoted advice is simply to fertilize lightly.

• Fertilizer: Monthly in the growing season⁴

Pruning a Vilevine

Pruning for vilevine is light shaping. Vining types can be kept to the height of their support through training and pruning. It climbs or trails if given support. Its height range is 0.3 to 6 ft (0.1 to 1.83 m). The spread range is 0.5 to 6 ft (0.15 to 1.83 m).

• Pruning: Light shaping²

How to propagate a Vilevine

You can propagate vilevine from stem cuttings or by air layering. Stem cutting is the recommended propagation strategy. Plants may be propagated at any season. Layering is the other method listed. Air layering is the layering method named. Climbing and trailing stems are the growth habit given for this plant. The source gives no rooting medium or timing steps, so those details are not documented.

• Propagation: Stem cuttings and layering^2,1

Common problems

Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects can infest vilevine. Monitor the plant for these pests. Four pests are listed: aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale. Leaf spots may be seen. Root rot can occur in overly wet soil. Leaf spot and root rot are the diseases listed.

• Common pests: aphids, spider mites, mealybugs and scale insects^1,2
• Common diseases: leaf spot and root rot¹

Questions and answers

Is vilevine toxic to cats and dogs?

Vilevine is listed as toxic to cats and toxic to dogs. Chewing the plant releases crystals that irritate the lips, mouth and throat. Keep that in mind for cats and for dogs alike.

How often should I water vilevine?

Water it when the top of the soil is dry. Keep the soil slightly moist, and water less in winter. Its listed water needs run from dry to medium.

Does vilevine need bright light?

It prefers medium light indoors and tolerates low light. Outdoors it prefers part shade, and full shade is also listed. Part shade means direct sun for only 2 to 6 hours.