Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil' – Bold Color for Effortless Indoor Greenery
Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil' is a vibrant cultivar known for its unpredictable variegation of lime, emerald, and golden-yellow on heart-shaped leaves. Originally selected from a spontaneous mutation, 'Brasil' offers the fast, forgiving growth of classic heartleaf Philodendrons with an extra splash of tropical flair. Perfect for trailing, climbing, or compact bushy displays indoors.
What Makes Philodendron 'Brasil' Special?
- Striking Variegation: Unique color patterns on every new leaf.
- Flexible Growth Habit: Trails gracefully or climbs vertically with support.
- Low Maintenance: Highly resilient and beginner-friendly.
- Pet Safety Warning: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
Philodendron 'Brasil' Plant Profile
- Origin: Cultivar derived from Philodendron hederaceum, native to Central and South American tropical forests.
- Indoor Size: Vines can reach 2–3 m indoors with ideal care.
- Temperature Range: Best kept between 18–26 °C; sensitive below 15 °C.
- Humidity Preference: Thrives between 50–70%, but tolerates average indoor humidity.
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing with regular watering and moderate light.
Essential Care Guide for Philodendron 'Brasil'
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Tolerates medium light but variegation may reduce.
- Watering: Allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry out before watering. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
- Soil Mix: Use a well-draining, chunky substrate including orchid bark and perlite.
- Humidity: Grows happily in typical indoor humidity but flourishes above 50%.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.
- Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when roots visibly outgrow the pot.
- Semi-Hydroponics: Adaptable to LECA systems after gradual root transition and stable humidity.
- Propagation: Easily propagated via stem cuttings rooted in water or moist soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
- Yellow Leaves: Caused by overwatering or low light. Let soil dry adequately and reposition the plant.
- Browning Tips: Often from low humidity or mineral buildup. Use filtered water and raise humidity if needed.
- Leggy Growth: Indicates insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot or supplement with LED grow lights.
- Pests: Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Treat with insecticidal soap first; neem oil as a secondary measure.
- Salt Buildup: Flush the soil every few months to prevent fertilizer residue accumulation.
Additional Tips for Thriving Growth
- Wipe leaves regularly to maintain variegation visibility and photosynthesis.
- Use a moss pole for climbing and to encourage larger, fuller leaves.
- Rotate the pot monthly to ensure even exposure and balanced growth.
Botanical Origins and Name Meaning
- Philodendron: Derived from Greek "philo" (love) and "dendron" (tree), highlighting its natural climbing habit.
- Hederaceum: Means "ivy-like," referencing the plant’s trailing and vining behavior.
- Oxycardium: Refers to the pointed, heart-shaped base of the leaves.
- 'Brasil': Named for its vivid green-and-gold coloration, inspired by the Brazilian flag.
Questions About Philodendron 'Brasil'
- Can it grow in low light? It survives but grows slower, and variegation becomes less pronounced.
- Is Philodendron 'Brasil' safe for pets? No. It contains toxins harmful if chewed or ingested.
- How to keep it bushy and full? Prune regularly and rotate to promote even, compact growth.
Order Your Philodendron 'Brasil' Today
Bring bold tropical color into your space with Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil'. Order now and enjoy low-maintenance beauty all year round!
Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil'
Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil' comes in following sizes:
Baby Plant – approx.12 cm tall/ long, and comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot
S – is approximately 20 cm tall/ long, and comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot
M – is approximately 30 cm tall/ long, and comes in a ⌀ 15 cm pot
L – is approximately 40 cm tall/ long, and comes in a ⌀ 28 cm pot
XL – approx.120 cm tall/ long, and comes in a ⌀ 24 cm pot
XXL – approx.150 cm tall/ long, and comes in a ⌀ ⌀ 27 cm pot
