Brasil Philodendron is a cool and simple plant that can add some tropical vibes to any room. Looking after a Philodendron Brasil is a piece of cake, and with a few easy tips, you can have one that’s alive and kicking. This guide will give you the full rundown, from what pot to use and how much water it needs, to the light and food it likes. So if you’re new to plants or have a whole jungle at home, read on for all you need to know to take care of your Philodendron Brazil!

Philodendron Brasil care overview

Botanical Name	Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’
Common Name	Philodendron Brasil, variegated heart leaf philodendron
Family	Araceae
Genus	Philodendron
Mature Size	6-36 in. tall, 12-36 in. wide
Soil Type	Loamy, moist but well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic
Native Area	Brasil
Temperature	65 to 75°F
Light	Bright, indirect light
Watering	Water every 5 to 7 days
Humidity	60-80%
Fertilizer	Fertilize 1 times per month
Propagation	Stem cuttings
Toxicity	Toxic to humans and toxic to pets when ingested

Philodendron Brasil light requirements

Although many Philodendron varieties are labeled as low light plants, because it is variegated, you should give your Philodendron hederaceum Brasil a little more light.

They can deal with all sorts of light, but they’ll be happier if you give them lots of natural light, or even top it up with artificial light if your home’s not blessed with great windows.

Generally, a plant with different colors needs more light than one that’s just green.

Otherwise, you risk losing your variegation, which is most likely why you purchased this plant in the first place!

Philodendrons are pretty happy with a lot of indirect light. A bit of direct sunlight will probably make your plant look even better.

Just don’t leave your Philodendron Brasil in direct sunlight all day. They are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

A bright North window would do the trick, or an East window that gets some morning sun would be good too.

I keep mine in a warm room near an Eastern-facing window, and it adores it. Even the most recent leaf is variegated!

This could become a problem in the future, so keep reading to learn how to manage your plant’s variegation.

Best soil for Brasil Philodendron

When picking a pot for your Brasil Philodendron, make sure it has some holes in the bottom so it doesn’t get too wet. The best soil is loose and drains well, so any extra water can get away. A mix of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part compost or worm poop will give it loads of food and keep some water in. To help make sure the soil keeps some water, you can mix in some slow-release food before you put your Philodendron in. Finally, add a layer of mulch on top to stop water from getting away and to keep weeds away, while keeping the soil a bit wet all the time. With these tips in mind, your Brasil Philodendron will be super happy!

When it comes to soil for the Brasil Philodendron, you need soil that can hold a bit of water but still drains well. A mix of 2/3 potting soil and 1/3 perlite is ideal. Other soil alternatives like sphagnum peat moss, a peat vermiculite blend, or peat and perlite mix can also be used.

Also, the soil should be rich in nutrients and organic stuff to keep your Philodendron healthy. Consider using a soil mix that contains old compost and/or worm poop for the best results. Adding a slow-release food that’s right for your plant can also help with soil nutrition. With the right soil mix, your Brasil Philodendron will be happy for years to come.

Remember that soil does need to be changed from time to time, as the soil can get squashed and lose its nutrients. Changing soil when needed is important for the best plant health. With the right soil care and nutrition, your Brasil Philodendron will be a beautiful addition to your home.

This soil mix has proven to be the best soil for Brasil Philodendrons, but feel free to try out different things and see what works best for you!

How often to water Philodendron Brasil?

Philodendron Brasil, which is a type of Philodendron Hederaceum, needs about the same amount of water as Philodendron Micans. How often you water can change based on things like where the plant’s living, how big its pot is, and what time of year it is. But here are some basic tips for watering your Philodendron Brasil:

Check soil moisture: Before watering, insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If the top bit feels dry, go ahead and water. If it’s still damp, wait a day or two and check again.
Water the plant thoroughly: Keep watering until you see water coming out of the drain holes at the bottom of the pot. This makes sure the roots get plenty wet.
Adjust watering frequency: Usually, you might need to water your Philodendron Brasil once a week or even more when it’s hot out, and not as much when it’s colder and the plant isn’t growing as fast.

Remember, these tips aren’t rules. Every plant is a bit different, and you’ll have to change things based on what your plant needs and where it’s living. Keep an eye on how your plant’s doing and change how you water if you need to. Too much water can hurt the roots and cause other problems, so it’s important to find the right amount for your Philodendron Brasil.

Brasil Philodendron temperature

Basically, if you’re comfy, your plants probably are too! Regular room temperature is usually just fine.

Philodendron Brasil prefers warmer temperatures, with an ideal range of 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

At night, temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit must be avoided (approximately 13 degrees Celsius).

This is a good rule of thumb for most houseplants. And finally, keep them away from any chilly drafts.

Humidity For Brazilian Philodendron

Your Brazil Philodendron, or Philodendron Brasil, or Philodendron Hederaceum ‘Brasil’, is a tropical dude that digs moderate to high humidity, ideally between 50% and 70%. Sure, it can handle lower humidity, but giving it the right amount can help your plant buddy grow well and stay healthy. Here are some hacks to amp up humidity for your plant:

Misting: Regularly mist the plant’s leaves with distilled or filtered water, preferably in the morning, to allow the water to evaporate before the evening. Misting helps keep the humidity up, but it’s a quick fix and might not cut it in dry places.
Pebble tray: Place a tray filled with pebbles and water under the plant’s pot, ensuring that the pot is not sitting in the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
Group plants together: Bunching a few plants together can create a little environment with more humidity, ’cause they all release moisture into the air.
Humidifier: A humidifier in the room with your Brazil Philodendron can help keep the humidity levels steady. Keep an eye on the humidity with a hygrometer so you don’t make it too damp.
Enclosed spaces: Putting your plant in a closed-off space, like a terrarium or a greenhouse, can help keep the humidity up.

Remember though, while your Brazil Philodendron digs humidity, it also needs good air flow to stop mold and other nasties from growing. Make sure it’s in a spot with plenty of fresh air and not squished up with other plants. Keep an eye on its health and adjust the humidity if needed.

Fertilizer For Philodendron Brazil

To feed your Philodendron Brazil, use a balanced liquid fertilizer for leafy houseplants that’s got all the key nutrients.

During the summer and spring seasons, fertilize the plant once a month; during the winter and fall, fertilize it once every 6 to 8 weeks.

If your Philodendron Brazil is growing slow and sprouting little leaves, it’s a sign it’s not getting enough food.

Philodendron Brasil typically exhibits dull new growth when calcium and magnesium, two crucial elements for philodendrons, are deficient.

How to repot Philodendron Brasil?

If you want to repot your Philodendron Brasil, here’s what you’ll need: a pot with holes at the bottom, some potting soil, scissors or something to cut with for the dead leaves, and a small shovel.

Begin with a good quality standard potting mix. Use pest-free, sterile potting soil that is lighter in weight than topsoil. Many include a moderate starting fertilizer in the mix.
Find a pot that’s got holes for draining.
If it doesn’t have any, don’t forget to make some.
Fill the pot with soil up to 2 inches (5 cm) from the planter’s rim.
Remove the Philodendron Brasil from the pot.
Using your hand or a shovel, make a little hole in the soil a bit bigger than the root ball.
Place the plant in the opening and pack the soil nice and tight around the roots.
Give your Philodendron Brasil plenty of water once it’s in to settle the soil and give it a good start.
Find a sunny spot for your plant to chill.

Philodendron Brasil pruning

In the right spot, Philodendron Brasil grows like a weed, and you might need to trim it to keep things looking good indoors.

Cutting it back helps it grow thicker and the leaves get wider. You’ll want to do this in the spring or early summer if your Philodendron Brasil is going wild.

Grab some clean, really sharp scissors or cutters to trim branches that are too long or messy, and those with tiny new leaves. Keep the cut parts, because you can use them to grow more plants.

Related: Heartleaf Philodendron Care And Grow: The Ultimate Guide

Philodendron Brasil propagation

Propagating Philodendron Brasil plants is pretty easy, and you don’t have to work too hard at it.

Stem cuttings propagation

By using stem cuttings with at least one node, just use stem cuttings with at least one node. For the best results, go for a cutting with three nodes and two or three leaves.
This plant is very easy to propagate. Simply take cuttings from your vines and place them in water or directly into the soil.
The plant’s leaves and stem are joined at the nodes. New roots and shoots will start to appear here.
Keep the cuttings submerged in the water for one or more nodes at least. Additionally, observe if your cuttings still have one or two leaflets attached to them.
The main growing season is the best time to do this, because you’ll see the fastest and coolest results then. Spring and summer are the times to go for it.
The nodes always have roots, so they grow fast in water. When they get to be 1 inch long, you can move them to the ground.

Soil Propagation

If you want to speed things up, you can dip the Philodendron Brazil cuttings in rooting hormone before you plant them. But you don’t really need to.
Just stick a bunch of cuttings in a pot and cover the node there. Put the cuttings in the soil after you wet it a little (2-3 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite).
That’s really how easy it is! Keep the soil moist to encourage rooting, and each of the node cuttings will sprout a plant.
You’ll need about 6–8 cuttings for a 4-inch pot. If you only plant one or two seeds, you won’t end up with a whole plant.
If you go with a single node cut, you can get a whole bunch more branches

Philodendron Brazil Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Philodendron Brazil, like your other green buddies at home, can get hit by bugs and get sick if you don’t watch out for ’em. Here’s what usually messes with Philodendron Brazil:

Spider mites: These teeny guys are hard to spot but can spin fine webs on the leaves and make ’em go yellow or spotty. To kick ’em out, use bug-killing soap or neem oil, just follow what the bottle says. Make the air moist and wipe the leaves now and then so they don’t come back.
Mealybugs: These white, fluffy bugs suck the juice out of the plant, messing up the growth and making leaves curl. To fight ’em off, dab ’em with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, or give the plant a good spray with that bug-killing soap or neem oil.
Aphids: Small, green, or black critters that bunch up on new growth and leaf undersides, aphids can make leaves curl and twist. To get rid of ’em, spray the plant with bug-killing soap or neem oil, or bring in the good bugs like ladybugs or lacewings.
Scale insects: These flat, small, brown or white guys stick to the plant and suck it dry, causing yellowing and leaves to fall off. To handle them, scrape ’em off with a cloth or sponge, then hit ’em with the bug-killing soap or neem oil.
Root rot: If you water too much or the pot doesn’t drain right, root rot, a fungus, can turn the leaves yellow, make ’em wilt, and stink up the place. To fix it, pull the plant out of the pot, cut off the bad roots, and put it in new, quick-draining soil. Don’t overwater, and make sure the pot can drain.
Leaf spot: Brown, yellow, or black spots on the leaves can be a fungus or bacteria thing. To deal with it, pluck the bad leaves, let the air flow around the plant, and keep the leaves dry when watering. If it’s really bad, use something to kill the fungus or bacteria.

To keep your Philodendron Brazil in tip-top shape, water it just right, keep the air moist and moving, and keep an eye on it for bugs or anything weird.

Philodendron Brasil Care Common Problems

Philodendron Brasil, like your other leafy pals, can run into some typical problems if you’re not careful. Here’s what might come up and what to do:

Yellow leaves: Too much water or bad drainage can make leaves go yellow, a sign of root rot. Make sure you only water when the top soil’s dry and the soil drains well. Make sure the pot has holes in the bottom, and don’t let the plant sit in water.
Brown leaf tips or edges: This could be not enough water, dry air, or junk from the tap water. Check if the soil’s dry and fix how you water if you need to. Make the air around the plant moist with misting, a tray of pebbles and water, or a humidifier. Use filtered or bottled water to avoid junk buildup.
Leggy growth: Not enough light can make your Philodendron Brasil all leggy with long, weak stems and not many leaves. Move it somewhere brighter but not in direct sunlight to make it grow bushy.
Curling leaves: Watering all wrong, not enough water, or bugs can curl the leaves. Check how wet the soil is and fix how you water if it’s off. Look for bugs and deal with ’em if you find any.
Slow growth: Not enough light, bad food, or dry air can make the plant grow slow. Make sure it gets enough light but not too direct, feed it some balanced liquid food in the growing months (spring and summer), and keep the air moist.
Pests and diseases: Look out for the usual bugs like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale bugs, and deal with ’em if you see ’em. Watch out for stuff like root rot or leaf spot, and sort it out by changing how you care for the plant and where it’s at.

By keeping an eye on your Philodendron Brasil’s health and jumping on any problems, you can keep your plant looking great and loving its flashy, mixed-color leaves.

FAQ About Philodendron Brasil Care

Q: Does Philodendron Brasil like to be misted?

A: Yes, Philodendron Brasil does enjoy a good misting; it’s a top way to up the humidity around the plant. You should do it once or twice a week with lukewarm water. But don’t soak the leaves too much, ’cause that might cause some leaf damage and rot. Always let the soil dry out all the way before watering again. If you’re in a really dry place, you might need to mist more.

Q: Do philodendrons like to climb or hang?

A: Philodendrons, including Philodendron Brasil, naturally like to climb and you can train them to grow up trellises or poles. They also look cool in hanging baskets as they tend to drape down with their vining stems. They dig being near a window for light, but make sure there’s some room between the leaves and the glass to keep them from getting too hot. And remember, they can get top-heavy, so be sure the container or trellis can hold its weight.

Q: How do you make a Philodendron Brasil bushy?

A: You can train Philodendron Brasil to grow bushier by snipping away any long or overcrowded stems. Pinch off the tips of the stems to get more branches and a fuller look. You can also use plant clips to keep the vines along something like a trellis or pole, so the plant grows more tightly. That’ll also help the plant spread out and look fuller.

Q: How can I make my Philodendron Brasil grow faster?

A: Philodendron Brasil likes it warm and humid with lots of indirect light. Keep the soil damp but not soaked, and feed the plant now and then, especially when it’s growing season. If you can, mist the leaves once or twice a week to make the air around the plant more humid. You can also trim back any long stems to get more branches and a bushier growth. This might help the plant grow faster and thicker.

Q: Is Philodendron Brasil toxic to pets?

A: Yes,

Philodendron Brasil is toxic to cats and dogs if they eat it. If your pet munches on any parts of the plant, call the vet right away. It’s smart to keep your pet away from the Philodendron Brasil and other houseplants if you can. And don’t forget to wash your hands really well after touching the plant since all philodendrons can irritate your skin.

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on Philodendron Brasil care, you’re all set to go out and grab one for yourself! These plants are a breeze to look after and they’ll brighten up any home. Just give them lots of bright indirect light, water when the soil feels dry, and feed them once a month. Reach out to FamiPlants if you’ve got any questions.

Philodendron Brasil Care And Grow: The Ultimate Guide