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How To Make The Philodendron Brasil Flourish

Philodendron Brasil is a tropical and easy-to-care-for plant. With a distinctive appearance and feel, this plant is a must-have in homes!

In this post, we will share essential care practices, so you can confidently raise your Philodendron Brasil. We will also provide various options for you to buy one for yourself. Read on to find out more about this Philodendron’s attractive attributes!

What Is Philodendron Brasil?

The Philodendron Brasil is widely known for its variegated foliage. It is heart-shaped with strokes of yellow and lime green wedged in the middle of its deep green variegated leaves.

It is also called Brasil Philodendron and Heartleaf Philodendron. Often, you’ll see this plant listed as Philodendron Brazil (with a z). It is the same house plant belonging to the Araceae family. Its scientific name is Philodendron Hederaceum Brasil, but it is sometimes confused as a Philodendron Scandens. And while this plant did not specifically come from Brazil, it earned its name because of its close resemblance to the Brazilian flag.

The Brasil is a lovely tropical vine that may be seen climbing, trailing, or sitting pretty and attractive in any house or indoor garden.

This Philodendron would survive outdoors in hardiness zones 11-12.

Origin And Family

The Brasil Philodendron comes from the Philodendron genus, which belongs to the Araceae family. This plant is originally from the rainforests of South America. In recent years, it has become a popular houseplant, typically easy-to-care-for.

Discovered in the 19th century by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott, this tropical plant makes a great addition to any indoor grower’s collection.

Where To Buy

If you are looking to buy a Philodendron Brasil, we have tremendous buying experiences with online sellers from Etsy. The very affordable prices for this plant typically range between $6 for small plants and $25 for larger or more mature plants.

Philodendron Brasil Plant Size

On average, the Philodendron Brasil grows up to 6-36 inches tall and 12-36 inches in indoor spaces. It usually grows fast, especially near an east- or west-facing window. Outdoors, this plant could grow up to 20 feet tall.

Philodendron Brasil Care Needs

Philodendron Brasils are humidity-loving plants that need relatively dry soil throughout the year. During the summertime, water your plant when the top 2-3 inches of the earth are dry. Keep pouring until water flows out of the drainage hole. Be sure to empty the catch plate to avoid root rot.

Check out this more detailed guide to care for your Philodendron Brasil!

Care Difficulty

With its light, water, and humidity needs, the Heart-leaf Philodendron is typically considered easy to care for. To successfully grow this plant, you’ll need to be particular with the well-draining soil and amount of light.

Growth Rate

Philodendron Brazil’s growth rate is typically fast. As it matures indoors or when allowed to trail, it could reach about 6-36 inches in height.

Potting

Philodendron plants generally prefer a pot with good drainage. A medium-sized plastic, terracotta, or clay pot works fine. There are many different ways to present this plant. But first, you must determine whether you want her as a hanging plant to trail or climb. Then you can set her somewhere high in a hanging basket or provide her with something to climb, such as a moss pole.

The bottom of the container must have drainage holes to prevent excess water from drowning the roots of your Brasil Philodendron. This beauty abhors wet soil.

Repotting

Philodendron Brasil typically needs to be repotted every year or when you notice the plant drying quicker between waterings. When this happens, carefully remove the plant from its pot but be careful not to disrupt the leading root ball. You can then transfer the plant into a bigger pot, and the roots will adapt quicker when planted on the same substrate.

Soil

For Heart-leaf Philodendron, a typical commercial potting soil is ideal. The optimal components of the potting mix are perlite, peat moss, and orchid bark. This simple-to-care-for plant requires adequate air circulation and drainage.

Here are some fantastic alternatives for growing media:

Photo Title Price Buy
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting...image Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Grows beautiful Houseplants, 6 qt. (2 Pack) $13.42 ($0.03 / Ounce)
Burpee, 9 Quarts...image Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant $12.99 ($0.04 / Ounce)
Sun Gro Horticulture...image Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A $14.95 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix,...image Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, Potting Soil for Outdoor and Indoor Plants, Enriched with Plant Food, 2 cu. ft. $34.65
FoxFarm Ocean Forest...image FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake $23.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)

pH

A soil pH of roughly 5.5-5.6, which is neutral to acidic, is ideal for the Philodendron Brazil. For newbies concerned about the soil’s acidity, you can buy a simple pH meter device to evaluate it.

To lower pH levels, use sulfur or aluminum sulfate. On the other hand, use baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash to increase pH levels.

Water

When watering Brasil Philodendron, you’ll want to aim to keep your soil relatively dry. To gauge moisture, stick a finger into the pot, or invest in a soil moisture meter device. When the soil’s top 2-3 inches are dry, you’ll know it’s time to water your Philodendron.

Overwatering is one of the most common killers of indoor plants. Remember that it’s safer to under-water than over-water the Brasil Philodendron when in doubt. Also, ensure you have fast-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.

Light

Philodendron Brasil likes 6-8 hours of bright indirect sunlight per day. Remember that you are attempting to imitate the growing conditions of South American rainforests. In most cases, placing this plant near an east- or west-facing window is optimal.

If the leaves of your Philodendron Brasil are burned, it is receiving too much light. Alternatively, if it does not receive sufficient sunlight, its variegation may revert, and its growth may generate leggy vines.

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

Fertilizer

Water, sunlight, and soil are essential nutrients for indoor plants. Soil can lose its nutrient content with time, necessitating the addition of plant food.

Fertilize the Heart-leaf Philodendron once per month during the spring and summer if you want it to flourish. You may use a balanced liquid fertilizer, but you must dilute it if it is very concentrated.

Typically, no fertilization is required throughout the winter.

Propagating Philodendron Brasil

It is possible to propagate a Brasil Philodendron with the proper methods. Here are various techniques for propagating this tropical houseplant.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Water propagation is another easy method to root your Heart-leaf Philodendron cuttings. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Cut. After harvesting a healthy cutting, pluck off the bottom leaves from its stem.

2. Submerge. Let the cutting sit in a glass of water. To avoid rot, ensure no leaves are below the water level.

3. Maintain. Keep your cutting in an area with bright indirect light and good air circulation. A humidifier nearby can boost the plant’s health.

4. Refill. Replace the water each time it starts to turn murky. Keep the leaf node submerged for faster root growth.

5. Transplant. Once the roots are sufficiently developed, place the cutting in clean, aerated soil. Keep the soil wet to aid with root adaptation.

Humidity And Aeration

High humidity (between 60%-80%) is best for your Philodendron Brasil.

Crispy leaves and browning edges often characterize the lack of humidity in houseplants. Consider getting a humidifier, or place your plant in well-lit spaces with higher humidity (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms).

Temperature

Your Philodendron Brazil will prosper in a warm area, so keep the temperature between 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Like most Philodendron plants, this tropical houseplant will appreciate consistent temperatures throughout the year. Avoid using hot or cold water when watering your plant. Keep it away from heat sources (such as furnaces and vents) and cold (such as open windows during the winter).

Toxic

Unfortunately, the Heart-leaf Philodendron is harmful to humans and animals, including cats and dogs. Expect swelling of the lips, tongue, and other areas of the mouth, oral pain, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting if ingested. This lovely plant can also cause skin irritation; thus, gloves should be worn when handling it.

In the majority of instances, this plant is deemed non-lethal.

Toxic To Pets? Care Specifics
Botanical Name Philodendron Brasil
Common Name Brasil Philodendron, Heart-leaf Philodendron, Philodendron Brazil
Plant Family Araceae
Origin South America
Plant Type perennial
Leaf Shape heart-shaped
Leaf Color deep green with strokes of yellow and lime green
Recommended Home Placement near an east or west-facing window
Growth Rate fast
Light bright indirect light
Soil standard commercial potting soil
When To Water Water when the top 2-3 inches of the soil are dry.
When To Fertilize once a month during growing season
Preferred pH 5.5-5.6
Humidity Range 60%-80%
Toxic To Pets? Yes – symptoms include swelling of the lips, tongue, and other parts of the mouth, oral pain, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting
Common Pests & Diseases spider mites, brown tips, fungus gnuts, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, mealy bugs, drooping leaves

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Overall, I would say that the Philodendron Brasil is a plant resistant to disease and pests. Here are some quick remedies for common ailments and general guidelines for maintaining the health of this plant.

Spider Mites

Unfortunately, spider mites are a widespread problem, particularly for plant collectors with a Philodendron Brazil. You will know your plant has spider mites if there are brown or yellow patches on its leaves, silky webbing in between branches, and leaves that take a long time to unfurl.

To fight a spider mite infestation, bring your infected plant to the sink, the tub, or outdoors and thoroughly wash all the leaves with a strong spray of water. Repeated application of neem oil, horticultural oil, and insecticidal soap can also help you eliminate spider mites.

Ladybugs, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs can help control your spider mite population if you want a non-chemical approach.

Fungus Gnats

The fungus gnat is one of the most common pests to infest your Brasil Philodendron. These aptly-named pests will harbor fungal diseases on your plant and produce larvae that feed on the roots.

To discourage adult gnats from laying their eggs on your plant, you can keep the topsoil dry by bottom-watering. Instead of pouring water from above, water your Brasil Philodendron by placing a broad water bowl underneath the pot. Let the vessel sit for 10 minutes as the roots take up water from below.

If the problem persists, make a solution of 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 4 cups water. Spray this on the top of the soil to kill any remaining larvae.

Scale Insects

Sap-feeding insects are known as scales. Adult scales are distinguished from other insects by their ability to adhere to a single plant portion and remain there. On the stems or petioles of a plant, they may appear as brownish lumps known as armored scales.

To prevent scales from attaching to your Philodendron Brasil, dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 milliliters of water and spray it on the plant’s leaves as a preventative precaution.

You can also release ladybugs or lacewings next to the afflicted plant and let them take care of the problem.

Mealybugs

There is a chance that mealybugs will infest your Philodendron Brazil. Take swift action if you detect these white-fuzzed parasites. A cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can immediately kill mealies and change their hue to brown or orange. A diluted spray of Neem oil is also good prevention.

Brown Leaf Tips

Browning edges on the leaves of your Brasil Philodendron can be triggered by many factors. Possible causes are lack of humidity, excessive exposure to bright light, salt and mineral build-up from chemically-treated tap water, and fertilizer burn.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on the Philodendron Brasil can be caused by inconsistent watering, incorrect lighting, and lack of humidity. It might also help clean your plant’s leaves with plain water and a microfiber cloth to remove the layer of dust that can interfere with photosynthesis.

Yellow Leaves

Numerous conditions might cause Heart-leaf Philodendron leaves to become yellow. Lack of light can deplete your plant of nutrients and cause its leaves to become yellow. Alternately, there could be a problem with underwatering, overwatering, or an irregular watering schedule.

Remove leaves that have turned yellow so the plant may concentrate its efforts on developing new leaves.

Root Rot

A common cause of root rot in Philodendron Brazil is overwatering. Excessive wetness may either drown your plant or encourage root-destroying fungal diseases.

Your Philodendron will remain healthy if you determine the correct amount of watering for it. Instead of limiting the quantity of water you pour on your plant for fear of drowning the roots, you can use a substrate that drains and dries quickly. Take your typical potting soil and combine it with chunky yet lightweight components such as perlite, pumice, bark, coco cubes, coal, river sand, and others.

Obviously, you must also verify that your planter contains drainage holes. Choosing permeable pots made of terracotta or unglazed ceramic can hasten the drying of the soil.

Graphic from ugaoo.com

Similar Plants

Love Brasil Philodendron? Here are some other similar plant options with a colorful twist you should try:

Philodendron Gabby: – Creamy green variegation in the middle of the leaf sets this gorgeous plant apart. Spruce up your indoor garden and create a tropical vibe with Philodendron Gabby.

Philodendron Lemon Lime: – This tropical, low-maintenance plant comes in shades of bright yellow to chartreuse. If you like bright-colored plants, add this Lemon Lime and light up your indoor garden.

Philodendron Rio: This unique and new plant was sported from Philodendron Brasil. It has a stunning silver and cream variegation that plant lovers adore. As a cultivar from Brazil, it’s only natural to call it Rio, don’t you think?

Conclusion

Prized for its variegated foliage, Philodendron Brasil is a beautiful decoration for your household. Following our growing tips, you’ll have no trouble growing this Philodendron.

Do you have a Brasil Philodendron in your collection? We’d love to see it! Please submit photos to [email protected], and we might post them on our blog!

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