28 Philodendron Brandtianum Care Tips You Should Know

Philodendron Brandtianum is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant that will add some pop to any indoor garden. This houseplant has a distinct appearance and feel that indoor gardeners love.

We’ll go through Silver Leaf Philodendron care in further detail in this post so you may confidently raise this rare plant.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Philodendron Brandtianum, here are a few possibilities to consider. A closer look at the fascinating characteristics of this Philodendron follows. 

What Is Philodendron Brandtianum?

The Philodendron Brandtianum plant, also called Silver Leaf Philodendron, has heart-shaped olive green leaves and is known for its foliage splashed with silver markings. Silver Leaf Philodendron houseplants can grow well in east or north-facing window settings, considered the best spot for optimal growth.

Origin And Family

The Silver Leaf Philodendron comes from the Philodendron genus, which belongs to the Araceae family. It is originally from the rainforests of Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and portions of Colombia. 

In recent years, Philodendron Brandtianum has become a popular indoor plant that can thrive inside most homes. It’s typically considered easy-to-care-for.

Where To Buy

Philodendron Brandtianum is a beautiful addition to any garden, and we’ve had great success buying them online. We recommend visiting your local nursery first, but if you want to try something less traditional, then be sure to check out Etsy. Buy Philodendron Brandtianum in Etsy now.

Philodendron Brandtianum Plant Size

When grown indoors, the Philodendron Brandtianum grows to a mature height of 6-8 inches and a spread of 4-7 inches. In an east or north-facing window, its height and dimensions will reach their full potential. 

Philodendron Brandtianum Care Needs

Brandi Philodendrons need somewhat dry soil all year round to thrive indoors. If you water your plant until the top 2-3 inches of soil are absolutely dry, you won’t have to worry about its leaves curling or drooping all summer. Drain the pot’s bottom after adding enough water to cover it. Remove the water collection tray to prevent root rot.

Take a look at these basic care instructions to get you started. 

Care Difficulty

The Philodendron Brandtianum is a popular choice for indoor gardeners because of its low-maintenance requirements. If the right conditions are met, this plant will not die. When growing Brandi Philodendron, direct sunlight and proper drainage are the most crucial considerations. 

Growth Rate

The Philodendron Brandtianum plant grows to a height of 6-8 inches. Their growing season is between spring and summer. 

A fascinating aspect of this plant is how versatile it is. The Silver Leaf Philodendron may grow on the ground (terrestrial), grow on other plants (epiphyte), or start growing on the ground as a seed when developed organically (hemiepiphyte).

Most Philodendron species, including the Brandtianum, grow fast.

Happy Thursday!! About to have three new leaves on this guy 🤩

🌱philodendron brandtianum pic.twitter.com/ol4Gs7bLme

— 🪴🌱Kimmie (@getplantywithme) June 3, 2021

Potting

In terms of pot size, it’s ordinarily acceptable to utilize a medium-sized container. Most potting materials, including baskets (hanging baskets), terrariums, and terrestrial pots, will work perfectly. Make sure there are drainage holes in the pot. If there aren’t, you may need to make your own.

Philodendron Brandtianum does not like to sit in water and will quickly succumb to root rot.

Repotting

It’s essential to plan ahead for your Brandi Philodendron and repot it as needed. Philodendron Brandtianum plants grow relatively fast; therefore, you can generally expect to repot every two to three years.

In between repottings, you can freshen up your plant’s soil by adding new, well-draining, and loose soil each year to replace the old material.

It’s vital to note that the leaves on this plant are close together because it is a trailing or climbing plant. To keep your Brandi plant healthy and flourishing, remove any dead or damaged bottom leaves once or twice a year.

Soil

The Silver Leaf Philodendron, unlike some houseplants, needs well-draining and loose soil. If you are going to make your own potting soil, we recommend that it has vermiculite, perlite, coarse sand, and peat moss. Remember, you want a growing medium that supports Brandtianum’s relatively dry growing needs.

A quality, well-draining, rich soil type is a good option for the care of Philodendron Brandtianum.

Here are some potting mixes we recommend:

pH

For this Brandtianum to thrive, your soil should have a pH between 6.1 and 7.3, which is considered neutral to acidic. Assuming that you repot your plants every two to three years, this shouldn’t be a major issue in most situations.

A pH test will reveal whether or not the soil has a low pH. Numerous low-cost options can be found online.

The pH is often a more significant focus if you’re raising the Philodendron Brandtianum outdoors in the ground.

The pH can be boosted by adding a pinch of calcitic lime, dolomitic lime, wood ashes, or baking soda.

If you’re worried about your Philodendron Brandtianum’s pH being too high, you can use sulfur or aluminum sulfate to bring it down.

Water

When it comes to watering Silver Leaf Philodendrons, you want to make sure the soil or potting mix is almost completely dry. Putting your finger in the dirt will give you a good idea of this. You should water your Philodendron when the soil is dry or when the leaves begin to curl and droop, which is when the plant needs watering. This vine does not require regular watering.

A major cause of plant death in the home is overwatering. The Silver Leaf Philodendron prefers to be underwatered rather than overwatered when in doubt. You should also always use soil that drains efficiently and a pot with holes for extra water.

Avoid putting your Philodendron Brandtianum in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Light

This easy-to-care-for houseplant prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours a day. Too much sun will scorch its pretty leaves if exposed to too much light. If there isn’t enough light, it may not produce new leaves.

Remember, you’re trying to give Silver Leaf Philodendron a home that’s similar to its natural climate. Since Brandtianum, like most tropical plants, comes from the rainforests of Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and portions of Colombia, it’s most comfortable in bright indirect sunlight or partial shade and humid conditions.

Philodendron Brandtianum and other houseplants may not get enough light if you don’t move them closer to a window or use artificial illumination. Listed here are a few simple alternatives to get you started. 

Fertilizer

To get the best results from your Philodendron Brandtianum, utilize water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. JR Peters All-Purpose Fertilizer, for instance, will do well. Once every two months in the spring and summer, give the plant a feeding.

In winter, you don’t need to fertilize at all. Simulate the nutrients Silver Leaf Philodendron would typically obtain from Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and portions of Colombia, many of which are available in the soil. Read about this plant’s well-draining and loose soil requirements in the section above.

A YEAR. I have had this philodendron brandtianum. She was a one leaf cutting that rotted and I had to nurture for months. I took a top cutting a few months ago, rooted it in water and put back in the pot to make it fuller. She’s finally thriving (,: pic.twitter.com/aMXMGCub4h

— MamaGreen 🌱 (@mamagreeen) May 17, 2021

Propagating Philodendron Brandtianum

Propagating a Silver Leaf Philodendron is doable. Here are some top strategies to propagate this tropical houseplant.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Here are some steps for successfully taking stem cuttings and developing them in water.

First, take cuttings from your Philodendron. For most plants, cuttings should be between 4 and 6 inches long.

Don’t make your cuttings too large; they will not root well or, if rooted, will become too tall and lanky.

Cut the Philodendron stems just below a node using a sharp knife.

Remove all of the lower leaves and blossoms from the Philodendron Brandtianum cutting, but save the top two or three. Leaves should be avoided in any portion of the cutting that will be submerged in water.

Place the cutting in water, and refill it every few days. The nodes of the propagated Brandtianum should constantly be exposed to water to produce roots.

Move Philodendron Brandtianum to soil as soon as the plant’s roots have formed. It may not work well in a pot if you wait too long. 

Air Layering Technique

Propagation of Philodendron Brandtianum can be done by air layering. Trees and shrubs propagated through air layering are popular houseplants.

Air layering entails covering a stem in damp moss to encourage the growth of new roots. It’s usually thought to be a safer option than soil or water cuttings. However, there are a few more steps ahead of you.

The steps of air layering propagation are listed below.

• Identify your cutting – 

Look for the healthy part of the mother plant and choose a section of the stem with the plant node. If possible, use at least two plant nodes.

• Prepare Sphagnum Moss and a Baggy – 

Fill a plastic bag or plastic wrap halfway with sphagnum moss and wet it with tap water until it’s just moist enough to hold the moss.

Next, split the bag in half vertically so that it may completely encircle the nodes of your choosing. Using sphagnum moss as the sole material in contact with the nodes is the trickiest component of the air layering process.

• Securing Your Bag And Moss – 

You can use simple twist ties to secure your bag and moss. Keep the ties in place but not so tightly that the nodes or vine are squeezed, preventing new roots from sprouting. Moss pressing against the nodes is the most important element of the process.

• Watering The Cutting – 

It is ideal to leave a little opening at the top of the bag to keep the cuttings and moss from drying out. In this case, the goal is to protect your cutting from drying out. A few droplets of water in the moss will help it stay moist. If there is a lot of moisture in the bag, small holes can be pierced to allow more air to flow.

• Removing The Cutting – 

Roots should begin to sprout from the plastic bag’s edges in about three to five weeks. You can now begin to remove the cutting from the surface. 

Humidity And Aeration

When considering humidity levels for your Philodendron Brandtianum, keep in mind that you’re attempting to replicate the rainforests of Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and portions of Colombia.

This Philodendron is a bushy plant that likes average humidity levels of 50% or higher.

If you’ve checked your humidity and discovered that it’s low (or could be better), especially if you’ve noticed brown spots or brown edges, consider obtaining a humidifier or moving your plant to a naturally humid location.

Temperature

Your Silver Leaf Philodendron prefers a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant’s life cycle can be sustained in temperatures of 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

While they prefer a consistent temperature, avoid vents and holes that may allow cool air in.

The more significant temperature consideration for this rare plant is consistency. Sudden temperature changes can seriously damage the Philodendron Brandtianum. Keep them away from vents, cold drafts, air conditioners, and openings that may allow chilly air in. Make sure to keep a constant temperature indoors during cold days.

Toxic

You should be on the lookout if you have small children or pets. Toxic to humans and animals alike, the Philodendron Brandtianum is potentially dangerous if consumed. If eaten, the following are possible side effects: irritation and burning sensation, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and vomiting. It may also cause skin irritation, so proper gloves are recommended. This plant is generally regarded to be non-fatal.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Even with expert care, things can go wrong from time to time. Pests, diseases, and general problems pop up now and again. As a whole, the Philodendron Brandtianum is not a disease and pest-resistant plant. Still, it has a few more common issues than others.

In the following sections, review these tips for diagnosing common problems and discover ways to return your P. Brandtianum to a healthy condition.

Spider Mites

People that have Silver Leaf Philodendrons may have to deal with spider mites, which are a common problem. Tiny brown or yellow patches on the Philodendron leaves are the earliest evidence of damage caused by spider mites.

Another clue that anything is amiss with your plant is if it has stopped growing. Also, spider mites (which are closely related to spiders) make webs that can be seen.

Start by spraying your Philodendron Brandtianum down with water from a sink nozzle to get rid of spider mites. Horticultural oil, neem oil, or any other insecticidal oil can help you get rid of them as well.

Ladybugs can assist in getting rid of spider mites if you don’t want to use any chemicals.

Scale Insects

Scale insects may look as lumps on the stems or branches rather as insects. There are a wide range of hues of small bugs that hook onto a plant once they’ve established a foothold.

Care for Light Infestation

If your Philodendron Brandtianum is infested by scale insects, you can use a teaspoon of neem oil in water to keep them at bay, whether on a single plant or a portion of a single plant.

Some damage will be inflicted by neem oil or horticultural oils even if they don’t kill everything. It’s also possible to introduce ladybugs, or other scale insect predators, into the environment.

Aphids

Black and brown areas can be seen where aphids have eaten the leaves.

To get rid of aphids, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil, or make your own with Ivory Liquid, a dish detergent. To avoid harming plants, look for a product without any perfumes or other additives. Gently moisten the soap and water by swishing them together until just combined (starting with 1 teaspoon per gallon and increasing as necessary). Spray the plants, paying particular attention to the leaf undersides.

Mealybugs

Your Philodendron Brandtianum may become infested with mealybugs. Act quickly if you come across these microscopic parasites with their white fluff. A cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol can be used to remove the pests from your plant, and Neem oil can also be used as a preventative application. 

Brown Leaf Tips

Your Silver Leaf Philodendron may be suffering from overexposure to the sun or a lack of humidity in your home if the tops of its leaves become brown. 

I got this #philodendronbrandtianum from the mail last week and it’s still recovering.
Care tips, anyone? 🙂#philodendronfriday https://t.co/o0P6GJPbNV pic.twitter.com/2JEUopCpTv

— YZA RAIF (@yzaraif) February 15, 2019

Drooping Leaves

If the Philodendron Brandtianum is infected with mealybugs, this could happen. Some of these concerns might be caused by excessive watering and fertilizer. 

Yellow Leaves

Several factors might cause the leaves of a Silver Leaf Philodendron to become yellow. It’s possible the cause is a shortage of sunlight or an imbalance in the amount of water in the environment.

Pruning out yellow leaves will foster new growth and keep the degeneration at bay. In addition, yellow foliage can be unappealing. To remove the leaves, simply use a clean pair of shears or a pair of sharp shears. When it comes to beatings, this plant isn’t scared to take it. 

Root Rot

The most important part of Philodendron Brandtianum care is to keep the soil from becoming too moist or too dry. Excessive soil moisture can lead to root rot and other bacterial and fungal problems.

Silver Leaf Philodendrons need plenty of water to stay healthy. If you over-moisturize it, it may not be able to thrive. As a result, the plant is vulnerable to a wide range of illnesses that may have been transmitted in any other way. Soil that has been well-aerated will allow water to drain more easily. 

Similar Plants

Do you adore the Silver Leaf Philodendron? Here are a few more similar-looking plants to consider: 

Philodendron Lemon Lime: This tropical houseplant is simple to recognize because of its brightly colored foliage. Its trailing foliage ranges in hue from vivid yellow to chartreuse. This attractive accent plant is also said to aid in the alleviation of anxiety and tension.

Philodendron Moonlight: The leaf of this chartreuse-green plant unfurls in a luminous white like the moon before becoming green, earning it the name. Because of its rich hues, this plant is guaranteed to brighten up any interior environment.

Philodendron White Knight – This is a stunning and very unusual plant that should be the highlight of any indoor grower’s collection. It’s all the rage right now, so it’s somewhat pricey, but it’s well worth it.

Philodendron Burle Marx – This low-growing shrub with glossy green leaves is a must-have if you wish to create a tropical and exotic ambiance in your home. This low-maintenance plant can brighten up any room and give it a new feel.

Conclusion

The Philodendron Brandtianum is a fantastic choice if you’re seeking for an unusual plant with some oomph. When you see the olive-green leaves with distinct silver markings of this lovely plant, your efforts will be repaid handsomely.

Can’t get enough of Philodendron plant guides? Check out these great possibilities from Two Peas In A Condo!