Philodendron Brasil Care Guide

The Philodendron Brasil is known for its unique green and lime variegated leaves. The leaves are the shape of the common heartleaf philodendron, but the variegation is a mutation that was discovered in the 1990s. It has become more common to see this cultivar in the care of Philodendron plant owners as it is more widely available than rarer Philodendrons. In this Philodendron Brasil plant care guide, we go over how to care for your Philodendron Brasil and give you tips on how you can help your plant thrive.

Origins

The Philodendron Brasil is a mutation from a Philodendron scandens oxycardium. It was discovered in Holambra, Brazil in 1991.

The mutation is considered to be stable unlike other mutations of Philodendrons such as the Birkin.

A patent was filed in 2000. Costa Farms has the patent, but according to the patent is it expired as of 2020 (2). Costa Farms is still one of the big suppliers of this plant, and they still have it listed under their patented plants (1).

Other Names

• Philodendron hederaceum Brasil
• Philodendron scadens Brasil
• Philodendron scandens oxycardium cultivar Brasil
• Brasil Philodendron
• Philodendron Brazil

Quick Overview of How to Care for a Philodendron Brasil

1. Medium to bright light. Bright indirect light is best.
2. Allow top few inches of soil to dry before watering again.
3. Keep in a well draining pot.
4. Don’t allow the temperatures to go below 55 degrees F. 60 to 85 degrees F is best.
5. Likes high humidity, but can adapt to lower levels.
6. A chunky well draining loose soil is best.
7. Use a liquid fertilizer at half dose during the spring and summer.

Other Philodendron Care Guides:

• Philodendron Burle Marx Care
• Philodendron Billietiae Care Guide
• Philodendron Dark Lord Care
• Philodendron Melanochrysum Care
• Silver Sword Philodendron Care Guide
• Birkin Philodendron Care Guide
• Heartleaf Philodendron Care Guide
• Philodendron Plowmanii Care Guide
• Philodendron Mamei Care Guide
• Philodendron Imperial Green Care Guide
• Philodendron Imperial Red Care Guide

Philodendron Brasil Light Requirements

Medium to bright indirect light is best for the Philodendron Brasil.

Often these plants are labeled as low light plants, but due to the variegation, they need brighter light than a regular Heartleaf Philodendron.

But since the variegation is still a light green instead of white you can often get away with a medium-light area. Having the plant in too low of light will cause newer growth not to be as variegated or not variegated at all.

Direct prolonged sunlight is not recommended as that can lead to burning on the leaves of the plant.

Philodendron Brasil Water Requirements

You want to let the first few inches of the top of the soil to dry out between waterings. The best way to test the soil moisture level is to just use your finger and stick it into the soil to see how moist it feels. If it is dry, give the plant water. If it is still moist wait a few days and test it again.

Don’t allow the soil to completely dry out. These plants need moisture to thrive. Allowing the soil to dry out repeatedly will cause issues such as browning or curling leaves and leggy growth.

Overwatering can cause issues too. Leaving the plant in soggy soil constantly can cause root rot which is hard to get any plant to recover from.

Pots

Have your plant in a pot that allows for drainage. This will help prevent the plant from sitting in soggy soil and causing issues such as root rot.

If you are using a hanging basket and are worried about dripping water, get one that has a reservoir to capture any water that might drip out after your water your plant.

Philodendron Brasil Soil

A loose well-draining potting mix is best.

Taking even parts of regular potting soil, perlite, and orchid soil can give you a great soil mix for Philodendrons.

In their natural habitat, Philodendrons don’t use common soil. They trail along the forest floor and then climb up trees. So having something with chunks of bark in the medium is good for Philodendrons.

Philodendron Brasil Fertilizer

You can fertilize your Philodendron Brasil with a liquid houseplant fertilizer during the spring and summer. Follow the directions on the fertilizer of your choice. It is usually a good idea to cut the dose in half.

Philodendron Brasil Humidity

Like most tropical houseplants, these like humidity too. 50% to 70% humidity is great for the Philodendron Brasil. But they are also a very adaptable plant and can tolerate lower humidity during the fall and winter months.

Letting the plant have its optimum humidity however will allow the plant to thrive and grow faster than if it didn’t have the humidity. You will also find that with the higher humidity levels the plant won’t need to be watered as often as when it is in a dry environment.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for the Brasil is 60 degrees F to 85 degrees F. Do not allow the temperature where you have your plant to go below 55 degrees F.

This is the ideal temperature range for many tropical houseplants, so you can keep it in the same area that you have your other tropical plants.

Philodendron Brasil Climbing or Trailing

Most often the Philodendron Brasil is a trailing plant in houses. They make a great plant to have in a hanging basket and let the vines fall over.

You can also get the vines to climb with these plants. You can train the vine to climb up things that you want. Or you can also use a moss pole in the plant pot to get the plant to climb.

Pruning

You want to remove any dead or damaged leaves as you find them on the plant.

If you want to remove a significant amount of foliage from your Philodendron Brasil, it is best to do so during the growing seasons for the plant (spring and summer).

Make sure to use sterilized scissors or plant shears that are sharp when pruning your plant. This can make sure that you don’t spread any bacteria or disease when you cut back the plant.

Philodendron Brasil Propagation

Since the patent for this plant is over 20 years old many people are propagating their Brasils. You can easily do this with a stem cutting from a healthy Philodendron Brasil.

To get a stem cutting you want to make sure you get a node in your cutting. This will be the part where the leaf is coming off the main vine/stem. Cut a few inches below the node. Place the cutting in water and in a bright area. Propagation stations are my favorite way to start my plant cuttings.

You should have some roots growing in a week or two. After the roots have grown a few inches you can place your cutting in soil. Keep the new cutting’s soil moist for the first few weeks as it adapts.

Is The Philodendron Brasil Toxic to Pets?

Yes, the Philodendron Brasil is toxic to pets. According to the ASPCA all Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals. Pets that chew or bite the plant can get irritation in their mouth and in their GI tract from the oxalate crystals.

If your pet ingests any of your Brasil it would be best to call your veterinarian.

Common Philodendron Brasil Problems

Root Rot

Root rot is most often caused by overwatering. You will notice that the soil constantly feels moist but your plant looks limp like it needs water. Often times yellowing and mushy leaves will start to appear.

To try to fix the issue you can repot the plant and clean out the existing soil from around the root ball. Trim off any damaged and mushy-looking roots. Put the plant into its new pot with new soil. But be aware that this does not always fix root rot. Many plants don’t recover.

Curling Leaves

This can be a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. Only allow your plant’s soil to dry out in the top few inches. Do not let all of the soil dry out, especially repeatedly.

Browning Leaves or Tips

Leaves turning brown or the tips turning brown are another indication of the plant being allowed to dry out too much between watering.

Frequently Asked Questions about Philodenron Brasil Plants

References:

1. Costa Farms Patents; Costa Farms
2. Philodendron plant named ‘Brasil’; Patents.Google.com

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