It feels like there are endless philodendron varieties, but have one more: the electric philodendron Brasil!
This heartleaf cultivar features signature lime-coloured variegation on the leaves, turning the plant into a stunner. It’s less fussy than its variegated cousins, though, so it’s easy to care for.
The key factor in philodendron Brasil care is light – it needs bright, indirect light to maintain variegation. Alongside a chunky, well-draining potting mix and regular watering, your plant is sure to stay happy and bright.
If you want to try caring for a variegated plant, the Brasil is one of the best ways to start! This guide will give you everything you need to know about care and maintenance.
Soil | Light Conditions | Environment | Watering | Pruning | Climbing | Repotting | Fertilising | Propagation | Common Problems
Philodendron Brasil: An Introduction
Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’ is actually a cultivar of the popular heart-leaf philodendron!
The Brasil features lime green variegation on the heart-shaped leaves, usually as a striation up the middle. You’ll also see it called a variegated heart-leaf, philo Brasil, or a Philodendron Brazil (with a z, not an s).
It’s not as flashy as the Pink Princess or White Knight, but the philo Brasil is a great beginner plant thanks to its low-maintenance needs.
This tropical plant is native to Central and South America, and in the wild, you’ll often find it growing up the trunks of trees.
Philodendron Brasil Growing Conditions
Philo Brasils are primarily grown as indoor plants, though you can also keep them outdoors on balconies or patios.
How to grow a philodendron Brasil? Your main considerations will be the potting mix, light, and humidity/temperatures.
Soil or potting mix
Philodendrons are aroids, just like monsteras and alocasias. So the best soil mix for a philodendron Brasil is a chunky, well-draining potting mix that’s slightly acidic.
Look for a soilless aroid mix, or you can amend regular potting mix with perlite, coco coir, or orchid bark.
You want a philo Brasil soil mix that retains moisture but doesn’t get waterlogged or compact.
Make sure you keep your plant in a pot with several drainage holes. Nursery pots work great, especially if they’re clear and let you monitor moisture levels.
Light conditions
How much light does a philodendron Brasil need? At least 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day – ideally, by a window with morning sun.
For potted Brasil plants kept outdoors (on a balcony or patio), position them where they get indirect or filtered sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight in the afternoon.
Light is key for any variegated plant! Too little light and you won’t get those signature colours, but too much and you’ll scorch the paler spots on leaves.
If you can’t meet the philodendron Brasil light requirements, keep it under a full-spectrum grow light for 8-10 hours a day.
You can keep a Brasil in low-light conditions, but it won’t look as pretty!
Environment
Since Philodendron hederaceum is native to tropical rainforests, the Brasil plant does well in warmth and high humidity.
Still, typical household humidity levels – between 50-70% – will be fine. You can group your philo with other plants or use a pebble tray to increase humidity a bit.
The Brasil plant doesn’t tolerate cold well, though, so don’t keep it in temperatures lower than 16ºC (60ºF). It can also wilt at temperatures of 38ºC (100ºF) or higher, even if it is a tropical plant!
Philodendron Brasil Care
Knowing how to take care of a philodendron Brasil is key to keeping it healthy and happy.
Whether you’ve got a new plant or you’re growing propagations, proper care ensures your plant doesn’t just survive, but thrive!
When to water a philodendron Brasil
Like other aroids, water your philo Brasil when the potting mix is halfway to three-quarters of the way dry.
Philodendrons don’t store much water, so you can’t let them dry out for too long – but you shouldn’t overwater them either. Overwatering (meaning watering too frequently) leads to root rot.
How often to water a philo Brasil will depend on growing conditions such as light and temperature. Use your finger or a wooden chopstick to test the soil for moisture.
Does a Brasil philodendron need pruning?
Brasil plants are fast growers, so you’ll only need to prune a healthy plant if it’s getting too long or unruly.
Other times you’ll need to prune a philodendron Brasil include:
- Leggy growth
- Pests or fungal disease
- Dead or dying leaves and stems
- Balding (lack of growth at soil level)
To prune a philo Brasil, use a pair of sanitised pruning shears. You can disinfect your shears with rubbing alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Prune leaves as close to the stem as possible. For stems, cut 2-3 nodes above soil level and make one clean cut between nodes.
How to make a philodendron Brasil climb
Brasil philos are climbers! When provided with support, your Brasil plant will climb and likely put out larger leaves.
Common supports used for philodendrons include a moss pole, wood plant, and bamboo trellis.
Use garden ties or twine to attach the plant to its support. Always tie between the nodes, and avoid trapping the leaf petioles (where the leaf meets stem).
When to repot a philodendron Brasil
You’ll only need to repot a philo Brasil when it becomes rootbound or has outgrown its container – generally once a year.
Signs of a rootbound philodendron or one that needs repotting include:
- Slow or no growth
- Circling roots at the pot base
- Roots poking out of the pot base
- Soil drying out quickly or more frequently
When repotting, choose a pot size that’s just 2-6cm (1-2in) larger to avoid suffocating the roots with too much soil.
To repot a philodendron Brasil, remove it from its current container. You can poke or wiggle it out, but never pull by the stems.
Avoid removing the potting medium if there are no issues (e.g. hydrophobic soil). Instead, place the roots and soil together into the new pot, then fill in the gaps with fresh mix.
Only remove soil if there are signs of disease or soil issues.
Shimmy the new pot a bit to settle the potting medium, then water the plant thoroughly.
Does a Brasil philodendron need fertiliser?
Houseplants will need fertiliser if you use a soilless aroid mix so your plant gets the proper nutrients.
Plant food also gives your philo a boost during the growing season.
Use a balanced fertiliser once a month during spring and summer.
During cooler or rainy seasons, reduce fertilising to once every 8-10 weeks. You can also opt to not apply any fertiliser from autumn to winter.
If your plants are underneath grow lights year-round, stick to a regular fertiliser schedule.
How to Propagate a Philodendron Brasil
Philodendrons are easy to propagate! They root best in water, but can be propagated in moss or potting mix.
Note that propagating your philo Brasil does not guarantee the new plant will have the same variegation. Use cuttings with variegated leaves to increase your chances.
Propagating philodendron Brasil stem cuttings in water
This is the easiest method of philodendron Brasil propagation!
Take cuttings from your philo Brasil – ideally tip cuttings, which are taken from the end of a stem. From the tip, count 2-4 leaf nodes down.
Make one clean cut between leaf nodes and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Place the ends of the stem in a clear jar with water that just covers the nodes – don’t let it touch the leaves!
Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light or under a grow light. Philodendrons root quickly, so you should start seeing new roots after 6-8 weeks.
Wait until you have at least 5cm of roots with secondary roots growing. Transfer the cuttings to a small pot (10cm or less) with a chunky soil mix and keep it moist while the roots adjust.
TIP: If you’re propagating other plants, add a philodendron (or pothos) cutting to the jar! They can help the other cuttings root faster.
Propagating philodendron Brasil stem cuttings in soil
You can also root philo Brasil cuttings directly in soil!
Soil propagation lessens the risk of transplant shock, but it does increase the risk of rot.
Take your cuttings and remove the leaves from the bottom half, making sure there’s one good leaf node.
Fill a small pot with starter mix or aroid mix and plant the cuttings halfway down. The nodes should be fully covered – but make sure the potting medium isn’t compacted!
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and don’t let it dry out. Place the pot under bright light or a grow light, and monitor the cuttings for signs of rot such as drooping or yellowing.
Clear pots are most useful since you can check for root growth.
Propagating philodendron Brasil in sphagnum moss
This method works best for mid-stem cuttings, which may not have leaves. Cut a stem up into 5-7cm pieces, each with at least one leaf node.
Fill a small translucent box or prop box with moist sphagnum moss (perlite works too). Layer each stem cutting so the node is partially covered by the moss.
Lightly mist the cuttings with water, then close the box and place it in indirect light. Open the box once a day to air it out and check for mould or rot.
Once the roots have come in, you can transfer the cuttings to a pot with soil mix as usual.
Common Brasil Philodendron Problems
Brasil philodendrons are pretty low-maintenance, but improper care or pests can still cause issues.
Why is my philodendron Brasil turning yellow?
If your Brasil plant’s leaves are yellow and wilting, that’s a classic sign of overwatering.
Skip the watering and check the roots. If they’re dark, mushy, or stinky – that’s a sign of root rot, which comes from overwatering.
You’ll need to cut off the dying roots and repot the plant in fresh soil ASAP. Don’t water immediately so the roots can recover.
However, if you’re seeing only one or two yellowed leaves near the base, that’s just the plant’s natural life cycle! The leaves are ageing and will eventually fall off as new growth comes in.
Why is my philodendron Brasil not growing?
If you notice your plant has small leaves or stunted growth, common causes include:
- Lack of humidity
- Hydrophobic soil
- Low nutrients in soil
- Rootbound conditions
Inspect the pot for signs the plant is rootbound, such as circling roots or ones that poke out. If you can’t find any, the issue may be in the soil itself.
If you water the plant and the water runs down the sides of the pot or the soil rises out of the pot, then the potting medium is hydrophobic! That means it’s not holding water and your plant is thirsty.
Soak the whole pot (soil and all) in a container of water to rehydrate the potting medium, or remove it and give your plant fresh potting mix.
Why are my philo Brasil leaves curling?
Curling leaves on any plant are usually a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or too much sun.
Check the soil’s moisture levels and touch the leaves to see if they feel crispy or dry – that’s a sign of an underwatered philodendron Brasil. Water your plant and move it somewhere with more humidity.
Avoid putting your philo Brasil in a draughty or cold spot.
If the curling is accompanied by brown leaf tips or spotting on the variegation, that’s a sign of too much sun! The exposure is “scorching” the leaves, so move it out of direct sunlight.
Why is my philodendron Brasil turning neon?
Healthy leaves on a philo Brasil have moderate lime variegation. That ensures the plant has enough chlorophyll to absorb energy.
If only one or two leaves have turned fully neon or lime green, that’s not a problem! However, if you notice plenty of neon leaves without variegation, it may be getting too much or too bright light.
Move it somewhere it gets bright indirect lighting. You can also prune the stem back to a more variegated leaf to prevent more neon leaves from emerging.
On the other hand, if you have no variegation, the plant is reverting to the standard philodendron leaf colours. That means it’s getting too little light and needs more chlorophyll.
What are common Brasil philodendron pests?
The Brasil plant isn’t susceptible to specific pests, but it can suffer from common houseplant pests like:
- Fungus gnats
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
- Thrips
Keep an eye on the leaves and potting mix for signs of pests. You can treat infestations with insecticidal soap, rubbing alcohol, or neem oil.
What are common philodendron Brasil diseases?
Like other indoor houseplants, your philo Brasil may develop fungal diseases like root rot, leaf spot, or powdery mildew.
FAQs About a Philodendron Brasil
Still have questions about the Brasil plant? Here are some common concerns home gardeners have about growing and caring for a philo Brasil.
Can philodendron Brasil grow in water?
Yes! You can grow philodendron Brasil plants entirely in water, especially if you’re propagating cuttings.
Just transfer the plants to larger containers as the roots spread and take up more space. Change the water when it becomes murky or green (a sign of algae).
Add water-soluble or hydroponic fertiliser to ensure your plant’s getting enough nutrients. Follow the fertiliser’s instructions regarding frequency and dose.
How fast does philodendron Brasil grow?
A philodendron Brasil’s growth rate depends on how much light it gets, but in general, philodendrons grow about 30cm a year.
Mature philo Brasil plants can get to 2m if allowed to trail or climb, but they often reach just 1m indoors. Less light or cooler conditions might slow down your plant’s growth.
Fun fact – it can take well over a decade for a Brasil philodendron to “fully” mature!
How to make philodendron Brasil bushy?
To make your Brasil plant more bushy, you’ll need to do some smart pruning!
Look for leggy stems or growth, and follow the stem to soil level. Count 2-3 nodes above that and make a clean cut between nodes.
Cutting close to the soil level lets the plant create new growth inside the pot, resulting in a fuller plant.
If you want to encourage variegation, cut above a leaf with plenty of colour.
Does philodendron Brasil flower?
The Brasil plant rarely flowers, especially indoors.
A mature philodendron Brasil might flower after a decade, but the blooms are pretty insignificant.
Is philodendron Brasil toxic?
Yes. Like most philodendrons, the Brasil is not pet-safe.
If ingested, it is toxic to cats and dogs and can cause gastrointestinal issues.
Philodendron Cream Splash vs. Brasil
The Philodendron ‘Cream Splash’ is another variegated cultivar of Philodendron hederaceum!
The main difference is the colour of the variegation.
The Cream Splash has cream and off-white marbling, while the Brasil has lime and neon green striations.
Philo Brasil vs. Pothos
Philodendron Brasil – and other philodendrons – is not the same as a pothos!
They’re both aroids, so they’re both part of the Araceae family.
However, new pothos leaves tend to unfurl from existing leaves, while new philodendron leaves grow off the vine (called “cataphyll”).
The two plant types will also have slightly different care requirements, so make sure you know what plant you’ve bought!