Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil' – Variegated Heartleaf Beauty with Tropical Energy
Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycadium 'Brasil' is a colorful cultivar of the classic heartleaf Philodendron, prized for its bold marbled foliage in lime, chartreuse, and emerald. With the same resilience and fast growth as its all-green cousin, 'Brasil' thrives as a trailing, climbing, or bushy plant—perfect for adding bright tropical vibes to any indoor setup. Each leaf pattern is one-of-a-kind, making this a favorite for both beginners and collectors.
Why Philodendron 'Brasil' Deserves a Spot in Your Collection
- Colorful Foliage: Leaves display unpredictable blends of green, yellow, and lime in dramatic patterns.
- Flexible Growth: Can be styled as a hanging plant, allowed to trail, or trained to climb a moss pole.
- Beginner Friendly: Forgiving and adaptable to different light and humidity levels.
- Toxicity: Like all Philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate; keep away from pets and small children.
Botanical Profile of Philodendron 'Brasil'
- Type: Variegated cultivar of Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycadium.
- Natural Species Range: Parent species is native to tropical regions from Mexico to northern South America.
- Indoor Size: Vines can reach 2–3 meters indoors with regular care.
- Temperature: Ideal range is 18–26 °C; avoid exposure below 15 °C.
- Humidity: Tolerates 40–70%, but looks best with over 50% humidity.
How to Care for Philodendron 'Brasil' Indoors
- Light: Bright, indirect light keeps variegation vivid. It tolerates medium light but growth slows and colors fade.
- Watering: Allow the top 2–3 cm of substrate to dry before watering. Avoid soggy soil to prevent rot.
- Soil: Use a well-draining aroid mix with coconut coir, perlite, and orchid bark.
- Fertilizing: Feed monthly with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer to support healthy growth and color.
- Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years when roots begin circling the pot. Choose a slightly wider container with drainage.
- Semi-Hydro: Adapts well to LECA with stable humidity and careful nutrient management.
Typical Issues and How to Solve Them
- Yellowing Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or insufficient light—let soil dry slightly and relocate to brighter conditions.
- Browning Edges: Linked to dry air or salt buildup. Increase humidity and flush substrate with clean water occasionally.
- Legginess: Results from low light. Move closer to a bright window or use a grow light.
- Pests: Check regularly for mites or mealybugs. Treat early with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
Growing and Styling Tips
- Trim vines just above a node to encourage bushy growth and side shoots.
- Rotate monthly for balanced light and symmetrical development.
- Train it up a moss pole or trellis to boost leaf size and structure.
- Wipe leaves occasionally with a soft cloth to highlight variegation and support photosynthesis.
Name Meaning and Cultivar Background
- Philodendron: From Greek “philo” (love) and “dendron” (tree), referencing its vining habit.
- Hederaceum: Means “ivy-like” – a nod to its climbing, trailing nature.
- Oxycardium: Refers to its sharply pointed heart-shaped leaves.
- 'Brasil': Named for the cultivar’s yellow and green coloration, reminiscent of the Brazilian flag.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will it keep its variegation in low light? No—while it will survive, variegation may fade significantly in poor light.
- How often should I fertilize? Once a month during active growth with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Can I grow it in water? Yes. Cuttings root easily in water and can stay there long-term or be transferred to soil.
- Is it safe around pets? No. Like all aroids, it’s toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals.
Order Your Philodendron 'Brasil' Today
Add vibrant, easy-care foliage to your space with Philodendron 'Brasil' — a tropical classic with a modern twist. Order now and bring bold color into your indoor jungle!
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