How to Grow Philodendron Brasil, A Beginner Care Guide

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Philodendron Brasil, often known as the Brasil Philodendron, is a colorful variegated dark green and lime green leaf variety. It is a member of the tropical plant family Araceae, which is often referred to as aroids. 

Philodendrons, like many other houseplants, require a habitat that closely resembles their native environment. In this beginner guide of how to grow a Philodendron Brasil you will learn about this popular plant which has become a coveted houseplant for plant lovers, including:

  • Is Philodendron Brasil rare?
  • Is it a climber or a creeper?
  • Is the brasil philodendron easy to care for?
  • How to care for a Philodendron Brasil?
  • How Much Does Philodendron Brasil cost?
  • Why Are Philodendron Brasil So Expensive?
  • Where Can I Buy A Philodendron Brasil?
  • How to propagate a Philodendron Brasil?
  • What are Glorisum Hybrids?
  • Common pests and diseases of the Philodendron Brasil?
  • And a few Frequently asked questions
How To Grow Philodendron Brasil

Is Philodendron Brasil Rare?

A favorite house plant for many of us, it is commonly sold in our local garden centers. 

The Philodendron Brasil is a member of the Araceae plant family, more frequently referred to as aroids. Philodendron hederaceum are vines found in the rain forests of Mexico, tropical regions of Central America, South America and parts of the Caribbean.

Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium

  • Family: Araceae
  • Genus: Philodendron
  • Species: philodendron hederaceum ‘brasil ( Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium)
    • Synonym – Philodendron micans
    • Synonym – Philodendron scandens

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Is Philodendron Brasil A Climber Or A Creeper?

The Brasil is a climbing Philodendron with heartleaf shaped dark green and lime green variegated foliage. 

By crawling we mean creeping on the ground. Its stem grows horizontally along the grounds surface. Philodendrons are either climbers or creepers. This one is a climber.

If provided with a something to climb, Philodendron Brasil will utilize its aerial roots to grasp and climb. While your Brasil will grow just as well trailing rather than ascending, allowing it to climb (which is its natural nature) will aid in its growth and strength.

I provide moss poles for my climbing plants to hold onto with their aerial roots. The moss pole I use to support my climbing plants is shown below.

I like how stackable it is, as it allows me to continue adding more to the top when my plant outgrows the pole’s height.

50+ Most Popular Philodendron Species to add to your collection (2022)

Is the brasil philodendron easy to care for?

I cannot emphasize enough how easy this philodendron is to care for! It requires little care and is ideal for all levels of plant parents—anyone looking for a fresh take on the classic heartleaf philodendron.

How to care for a Philodendron Brasil

These tropical Aroids are simple to grow. Simply follow the specified instructions, and they will flourish without much effort on your part.

Soil

Philodendron Brasil thrives on a moist, well-draining mix rich in organic matter such as peat moss and compost.

You might be wondering about the definition of well-draining soil: A soil type that is well-drained allows water to flow in and out at a moderate rate.

When a plant’s soil is saturated with too much water, the plant’s oxygen absorption from the soil is reduced, which can lead to death.

The best way to ensure the mature pant is to avoid using garden soil for your indoor planting.

Garden soil may include disease organisms, introduce pest infestations, weed seeds, and is not always well-draining. However, you might use a well-draining high-quality potting soil. Philodendrons require good drainage in order to thrive.

However, an ordinary potting mix will not suffice. You should include some other ingredients.

I recommend using about 30 to 50 percent potting mix and then adding perlite and orchid bark to the balance of the soil.

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Water

Water when the top inch of soil dries out.

Be on the lookout to not overwater, since brasil philodendron will rot if kept in soggy soil.

If the leaves are brown and slump, the plant will probably not get enough water.

Droopy leaves can mean the plant is getting either an excessive amount of or not enough water, but they need to revive once you correct the matter.

Light

Bright indirect sunlight is sweet for the brasil philodendron.

Not sure of the difference between direct and indirect light?

If you place your hand between your plant and the light; and if you feel the heat of the sun on your skin, or if the shadow your hand casts has sharp, hard edges, your plant is indirect light, which is just too extreme for most indoor house plants. If the shadow is soft, that placement has indirect light, and most likely your houseplants are going to be happy there.

How much light do my plants need?

You’ll want to place it indoors near a window, where the sun shines in but doesn’t reach the plant directly. Importantly, exposure to direct sunlight may burn the foliage.

Yellowing leaves may be a part of natural development.

Older leaves turn yellow naturally. However, if an oversized number of leaves are turning yellow, it’s getting to be a sign of over-exposure to sunlight. 

On the other hand, the leggy vines indicates a shortage of sunlight.

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Temperature & Humidity

The temperature tolerance of brasil philodendron is standard for the species. Generally, average room temperatures are acceptable, and avoid exposure to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Indoors, protect them from cool drafts, like those from an air conditioner vents. 

These plants do like high humidity, so if you reside during a dry climate you would possibly need to boost humidity around your philodendron.

To do so, you’ll place a humidifier, like this one, near your philodendron. You furthermore may can place the container on a tray of pebbles full of water, ensuring that the lowest of the container isn’t touching the water, which can cause disease.

Brown leaf tips usually indicate that the humidity level is simply too low.

Fertilizing

Feed brasil philodendron houseplants with a balanced liquid foliage houseplant fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients.

My favorite organic liquid fertilizer that I use on my houseplants is LiquiDirt. Water the plant with the fertilizer monthly in the spring and summer months and each six to eight weeks in the fall and winter months.

Slow growth and small leaves are the plant’s way of telling you that it isn’t getting enough fertilizer. Pale new leaves usually indicate that the plant isn’t getting enough calcium and magnesium, which are essential micro-nutrients for philodendrons.

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Where Can I Buy A Philodendron Brasil?

You might be interested in adding a Philodendron Brasil to your home garden now that you know more about it.

They are, thankfully, fairly popular and readily available at local nurseries or in the home improvement garden area of stores like Home Depot or Lowes.

If shopping online is more convenient, another nice option is to get a Philodendron Brasil from Etsy.

How to propagate a Philodendron Brasil

Brasil philodendrons are often propagated using either water or soil propagation.

As part of the pant genre’s survival strategy, most (but not all) Philodendrons are for the most part easy to propagate.

Imagine if an animal breaks a portion of a plant growing and living in the canopy of a tree, another one will start growing from the broken cutting on the forest floor.

Most philodendron species can be propagated rather easily thanks to this survival characteristic.

Propagate the Philodendron Brazil in 8 Easy Steps!

Taking a top stem cutting (not a leaf-cutting) from a mature Philodendron Brazil and putting it in a rich, organic potting mix is the easiest approach to propagate your Brazil.

A lot of aerial roots are produced by healthy Brazil. You should cut right below a node with a lot of aerial roots coming out of it.

  1. Using moist coco coir, perlite, and worm castings, make a tiny pot.
  2. Choose a healthy section of the main stem with 1-2 nodes with aerial roots from the top of your mature Philodendron Brasil.
  3. Cut the stem just below the node with a clean pair of pruning scissors.
  4. Dip the freshly cut stem in a rooting hormone powder or solution.
  5. Plant the stem in your pre-made potting mix, burying the aerial roots 2-3 inches into the soil.
  6. Fill the rest of the pot with potting mix that has been left over.
  7. Thoroughly wet the area.
  8. Place in a warm environment with plenty of bright, indirect light.


Roots can take anything from 3-6 weeks to form, and in some cases even longer.

Lightly tug (and I mean gently) on the base of the stem to see if roots have begun to grow.

You’ve got roots if there’s some resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Should I Place My Philodendron Brasil?

Put your Philodendron Brasil somewhere where it will get plenty of bright, indirect sunshine. This could be in close proximity to a west-facing or east-facing window.

What Type Of Pot Should I Use For My Brasil?

Philodendrons thrive in terra cotta, ceramic or plastic pots.
Allow enough room for growth and always ensure that your container has drainage holes.
When the plant’s growth slows due to root entanglement, it’s time to upgrade to a larger pot.

Are Philodendron Brasil Plants Toxic To Dogs?

Philodendron Micans, like other Philodendron species, are poisonous to dogs. Keep your pets away from this plant!

Are Philodendron Brasil Plants Toxic To Cats?

Philodendron Brasil, like other Philodendron species, are dangerous to cats. Keep your pets away from this plant!

Common Pests and Diseases of the Philodendron Brasil

Spider mites, fungus gnats, aphids, and mealybugs are the main pests that attack these tropical plants. Regularly checking the leaves for signs of pests is the greatest approach to detecting and eradicating infestations early.

Philodendron Brasil are also prone to root rot, which can arise from insufficient hydration or compacted soil. Mushy stems and brown, decaying leaves are both symptoms of root rot, which can quickly kill a plant. You may be able to rescue the plant if you catch root rot early enough by cutting out the rotting areas and propagating the remaining stem to create new roots.

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