Family: Araceae

Philodendron hederaceum (synonym: Philodendron scandens) is a vigorous herbaceous vine native from Mexico to the West Indies and much of South America and is one of the most common houseplants. Fruit has not been observed in the Hawaiian Islands but the species easily propagates from even short sections of discarded stem. It is now reported to be naturalized on Kauai, Maui, Hawaii and potentially Oahu, and may smother or overgrow other desirable vegetation.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Thrives, and able to spread, in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai and Maui, as well as Hawaii Island (unpublished)
  
• Possibly naturalizing on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, and naturalized in Florida
  
• A possible weed of banana crops in Costa Rica
  
• Described as invasive, and weedy in non-native forests of the Hawaiian Islands
  
• Other Philodendron species are invasive
  
• Poisonous to animals and humans
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing and smothering growth habit
  
• Reproduces vegetatively, and possibly by bird-dispersed seeds in some locations
  
• Tolerates repeated cutting and pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Seed production may be limited in cultivation (possibly due to pollinator limitations)
  
• Limited or absent seed production limits ability to spread
  
• Herbicides can effectively control Philodendron species