Philodendron Brasil. Philodendron Hederaceum var. Oxycardium ‘Brasil’. This plant is known for its beautiful leaf shape. This Brasil variety has amazing golden-yellow variegated leaves. Its association with love makes it a great gift for weddings, anniversaries or just to grow indoor as decor.
Philodendron Brasil profile
Philodendron Brasil or Philodendron Hederaceum ‘Brasil’ is a bold and wild cultivar of the Philodendron. The leaves like it have been painted.
The leaves have strokes of yellow and lime green across the deep green foliage. The stems color is a pinkish-orange hue.
Tolerant of a wide range of light conditions, this plant is producing many leaves and producing long cascading vines that can reach the floor.
The Philodendron Brasil is very easy to grow. Categorized as tropicals, tender perennials, vines, and climbers.
The Philodendron Brasil plant is a native of Mexico, Brazil, and the West Indies.
Philodendron Brasil leaves are toxic to humans and pets. Be careful to get ingestion. This will result in swelling of the lips and tongue, stomach irritation, and possible vomiting.
Common name
Scientific name Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium ‘Brasil’. Common name Philodendron Brasil.
Growth and size
Considered a fast-growing plant and can reach 10 to 12 feet or 3 to 3.6 meters. The spread of the plant can be about 3 to 6 inches or 7 to 15 cm.
Usage
You can grow these plants and placed indoor such as the living room, bathroom, guest room. It can also be placed outdoor in hanging baskets.
How to grow Philodendron Brasil
Light requirement
For the best result, place the plant in bright light or medium light. Do not let the plant receive direct sunlight of the leaves will get a sunburn.
The plant can tolerate shady areas or partial shade areas. This plant is durable enough that it can thrive in many different conditions.
A bright north and east window would be fine with receiving a little bit of morning sun.
If by any chance the plant exposed to the sunny Western or Southern windows, you should relocate the plant a bit further away from the window.
You can also use sheer curtains or blinds to block the sun.
Soil
The best soil for the Philodendron Brasil plant is a well-drained soil that contains a high level of organic matter.
You can use sphagnum peat moss or peat-vermiculite or peat-perlite. Just keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
Temperature
The plant can be grown in USDA Zone 11 and 12. The ideal temperature for this Philodendron Brasil plant is between 60 to 75ºF or 16 to 24ºC.
If the plant lives in temperatures above this, the plant may grow slowly.
The plant can not tolerate cold drafts. Avoid being near air condition. Relocate them indoors during winter months (December to February). Keep the temperature above 55ºF at night.
Humidity
This plant species is tolerant of dry conditions. The best humidity for the plant is a basic house humidity. It is about 40% humidity.
Occasional misting is a good benefit for the plant. Especially during the summer months (June to September). During summer it’s good practice to mist the leaves.
If you find out the room or the area does not meet the 40% humidity, you can use a humidifier to adjust the humidity level.
Pot
You can use a plastic pot or hanging basket. The most important thing to consider is to use a pot that has draining holes. Use between 4 to 6 inches of pot size.
Fertilizer
The best fertilizer for the Philodendron Brasil is a balanced granular fertilizer. Apply 1/4 pound of fertilizer during its growth stage.
The plant should be fertilized every month in spring (March, April, and May). After that fertilize the plant every month in the summer (June, July, and August).
This plant can grow rapidly and should be fed especially when new leaves are growing.
Fertilize the Philodendron Brasil every other month in the fall months and winter months.
Watering
Water the Philodendron Brasil well. Keep the soil moist at all times during the spring and summer months (March to August).
While during the winter (December to February), you have to allow the 50% topsoil to dry out before the next watering.
The plant may tolerate a little degree of drought. The plant will not tolerate its roots too wet.
Repotting
Step 1
The first thing to do is to completely water the plant one day or 24 hours before the repotting takes place. The watering will make it easier to re-pot and minimize stress.
Step 2
Prepare a new pot that is 2 inches larger than the original pot. The pot must have holes for drainage.
Step 3
Cut with a pair of scissors or a sharp knife at the desired length.
Step 4
Fill the new pot with an inch of well-drained potting soil.
Step 5
Slide off the root from the original pot or container. Hold the plant upside-down. Tap the lip of the pot or container against the edge of a counter.
Step 6
Inspect the roots for discoloration or for diseases. Healthy roots are flexible and light tan or white. Cut off brittle roots and get rid of it.
Step 7
By any chance that the plant is root-bound, make vertical cuts from the top to the bottom around the root ball. This practice will open the root ball and stimulate fresh and new root growth.
Step 8
Delicately shake excessive the original soil away from the plant.
Step 9
Fill out the new pot one-half way with new and fresh soil. Do not use a dense soil. Use can mix peat moss, potting soil, and perlite with the same ratio (1:1:1).
Step 10
Completely water the plant until the water flow through the bottom of the pot.
Pruning
Always wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and other protective gear when pruning. Since the plant is toxic.
Pruning Philodendron Brasil plants is beneficial if the plant looks leggy and long. Pruning can also be done id the plant is taking up too much space in the room
The best time to prune Philodendron Brasil is in spring months (March to June) or fall months (September to November).
Cut to remove yellowing leaves and cut tall and thin growth. Sterilize pruning tools before practicing pruning the plants. Clean and sterilized tools can prevent the spread of diseases that may cause bacteria. Wash and soak pruning tools with alcohol.
How to propagate Philodendron Brasil
The best way to propagate the plant is by stem cuttings. The best time to take stem tip cuttings is during spring or early summer. Place the stem in water or moist soil and they should root quite easily.
Step 1
Cut about 6 inches off plant stems or about 1/4″ below a node or little bumps on the stem;
Step 2
Get rid of several leaves. Leave about 2 or 3 end leaves.
Step 3
Prepare a jar or glass cylinder vase and fill with water. Place the cutting into the jar or glass cylinder vase. You can also use pot filled with moist soil.
Step 4
You have to be sure 1 or 2 nodes are immersed in the water.
Step 5
Relocate the new cuttings in indirect sunlight in a warm room.
Pests and problem
These plants are susceptible to be infested by insect including aphids, mealybugs, scales, and spider mites.
You can easily get rid of them by using Neem oil or low-toxic insecticidal sprays that contain insecticidal soaps, and horticultural oils.
Just spray the plant every week for pest management.
