The Philodendron Brasil is a stunning houseplant. This elegantly variegated vine makes a lovely hanging or climbing vine. Learn all about Philodendron Brasil Care in this post.

This Philodendron Brasil has heart shaped leaves with a lime green stripe down the center. That lime green center is surrounded by a darker green outer edge. Other colors surrounding the lime green add even more interest to the Brasil.

Is the Philodendron Brasil good for Beginners? Philodendron Brasil is easy to grow, low maintenance and often considered a great houseplant for beginners.

Philodendron Brasil is one of our Best plants For Beginner Plant Parents. Gift one to your friends or family members that want to get started growing plants.

Philodendron plant — The Philodendron Brasil with neon striping.

Watch Kayti’s video to learn all about the Brasil philodendron. In this presentation, Kayti goes in-depth on philodendron Brasil care and propagation.

Learn how to properly care for this exotic vine. She also discusses how to propagate the Brasil and gives you many useful tips on growing your own Brasil.

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How Much Light Do Philodendron Brasil Plants Need?

The Brasil Philodendron can tolerate multiple kinds of lighting, including low light conditions. However, the Brasil will grow fastest and have the best leaf colorings in strong bright indirect light.

Like most variegated plants, the more light the plant gets, the more variegation it will produce. If this plant is kept in a lower light area, it could revert back to solid green.

Can a Philodendron Brasil Revert? Philodendron Brasil can revert in prolonged low light conditions. Reverting happens when a variegated plant needs more photosynthesis. Leaf chlorophyll is green. The plant will produce chlorophyll to feed itself. As a result, the leaves will lose variegation and eventually send out solid green leaves if low light conditions persist. Keep the Brasil in bright indirect light to preserve the vibrant variegated colorings.

Show off the splashes of yellow and other variegations that run through the leaves by placing the Brasil in strong indirect light.

Do philodendrons like LED lights?

Philodendrons, like the Brasil, grow well under LED grow lights. LED lights can help increase and retain variegation since LED won’t burn the leaves and can be used for any number of hours needed to benefit the plant.

How Do You Propagate Philodendron Brasil?

The Brasil Philodendron is easy to propagate. Simply take cuttings from the vine and place the nodes in water. Roots will grow within a week or two. You can plant the cutting once the roots measure 2-3 inches long.

The brasil spilling out of a striped Pot. — The Brasil showing off its colors while spilling out of a striped pot.

How often Should I Water My Brasil Philodendron?

Water the Philodendron Brasil when the soil is dry down to the root zone. A Brasil growing in a good aroid soil mix will usually need water weekly. This can change depending on the climate conditions and the season you are in. Always so a soil test with your finger or a moisture meter before adding more water to the pot.

Best Method to Water a Brasil Philodendron:

Bottom watering is a good method for watering philodendrons. Set the pot in your sink in a container and allow the pot to suck up the water from the bottom until the soil is saturated. Now allow the pot to thoroughly drain before setting it back on your shelf.

bottom watering encourages the plant roots to grow deep into the pot and ensures there are no dry pockets of soil in the pot.

Bottom watering also deters pests like fungus gnats that are attracted to wet top soils.

Can you Overwater a Philodendron?

The most common cause of plant stress and death in philodendrons is overwatering.

However, you do NOT want soil that is constantly wet. This will give you root trouble. Yellowing leaves are a sure sign of plant stress and over watering is the number one culprit. Watch the video for more on this.

If you Brasil is suffering from root rot. Read our Post on How to Fix Root Rot to save your plant.

What is the Best Soil for Philodendrons?

Soil for philodendrons should be well draining and chunky. Best soil mix for philodendrons is Two parts potting soil to 1 part perlite and 1 part orchid bark .

The roots of the Brasil and other philodendrons require a light friable soil that will hold some moisture and allow the roots to breathe. Always plant the Brasil in a pot with a drainage hole.

Training a Philodendron Brasil:

This plant will trail out of a basket or with training, climb a moss pole or trellis. The brasil examples the natural beauty of plants in both the hanging and climbing forms.

If left to grow naturally, a Brasil will trail. These plants make really gorgeous hanging baskets. Check out our video to see Kayti’s Brasil grown as a hanging basket.

Hanging Basket Tips:

Hanging the Brasil in Corner windows on the north, east or southeastern side of your home are ideal.
The window light should be bright but not harsh and hot direct sun or the basils leaves will burn.
Use a good quality well draining soil with a good amount of organics and perlite in it so the soil will not compact. Compacted soils do not accept water and you can have a very dry plant even though you water appropriately. This is difficult to see when the planter is above your head.
Use a well draining pot with a DEEP drain tray if you do not plan to take down the planter to water. You can add water to a 2 inch deep drain plate and the plant will suck up what it needs without removing the planter most of the time.
Occasionally you should take the planter down to check out the plant soil and flush the pot with water to remove accumulated salts from fertilizers.
Turn the planter to the light every time you water the pot. This ensures even lighting to all parts of the plants.
Long handled watering cans with a narrow tip are best for watering hanging plants. They put the water exactly where you want it. This way water will not splash on the floor or furnishings.
Trim extra long trailers to even the plant shape. Propagate these trimmings to make a fuller hanging planter or new basils you can grow elsewhere of give as a gift.

philodendron brasil hanging basket — Brasil as a hanging basket

Training the Brasil to Climb:

Training brasil philodendron to climb is simple. Moss poles have a rough surface that aroids roots can grab so they are a good choice to train these vines.

The brasil will not cling as some vines will. You will need to tie the vine onto the moss pole. rod or trellis you choose.

Once they are established on the pole, remember the plant will follow the light. If you want the brasil to stay on the structure you are training it to, keep it turned to the light and use this method to encourage the plant to curl toward the pole.

As the vine grows you may have to add more ties to keep it growing as you wish.

Read our post on How to Train Your Plant Up a Moss Pole

Are Philodendron Brasil Toxic?

All philodendrons are toxic and should be kept away from pets and children. Philodendrons, including the Brasil, contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves.

Like all Pothos, Diffenbachias and some other popular plants the Brasil is toxic. While not fatal, eating or chewing these mildly poisonous houseplants causes distress. Symptoms include irritated skin, nausea, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, vomiting and diarrhea in pets and people.

Keep the Brasil in a safe place away from cats, dogs and kids.

How Do You Care For A Philodendron Brasil?

This plant is a member of the Araceae family. The philodendron brasil is considered an Aroid. These are tropical plants and prefer warmth and higher humidity.

Familiar Names:	Brasil, Variegated heart leaf philodendron, Philodendron Brasil, Brasil philodendron,
Scientific Name:	Philodendron hederaceum brasil
Plant Family:	Araceae
Care Difficulty:	Easy
Temperature:	65 to 85 degrees F.
Watering:	water when soil in pot is dry down to the roots.
Humidity:	Brasil enjoys humidity over 40% and upwards. Pebbles trays and humidifiers work well to increase humidity in dry climates.
Soil:	2 parts potting soil to 1 part perlite to 1 part orchid bark.
Lighting:	Bright INDIRECT light is preferred but will tolerate lower light.
Growth:	Brasil philodendron grows as a vine. This vine grows fast when well treated. Brasil slows its growth in low light or when it is stressed.

The Philodendron Brasil are easy plants to grow. They tolerate neglect and poor conditions including low light, poor soil, and inconsistent watering. But any plant that is stressed will not be at its best.

Learn how to make your Brasil a truly happy thriving, indoor plant with our detailed care tips in the printable care guide below.

Looking for plants without a lot of maintenance? Here you go. This plant is low maintenance.

The Brasil is a sturdy plant. With minimal fuss and proper care it makes a beautifully elegant, versatile living housemate.

Yield: Printable Care Guide

Philodendron Brasil Care Guide

The Brasil Philodendron is a stylish plant with interesting variegations.

This Lovely plant grows as a vine and does well in a hanging basket, or trained on a trellis or pole.

This Care Guide will teach you how to keep this tropical Aroid happy all through the year.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Difficulty easy

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Soil Preference:

This aroid requires a light soil.
A mix of potting soil, perlite and orchid bark will keep the roots happiest.
Here is our mix.
Two parts potting soil to two parts perlite to one part orchid bark.
A heavy soil potting mix is not recommended for aroids.

Pot Size and Type:

The Brasil Philodendron grows relatively quickly and does best when allowed to trail or climb.
If you want to encourage faster growth choose a pot about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot.
Any well drained pot can be used. It MUST have drainage.
Repot every second year or when roots come out the drainage holes on the pot bottom To the next pot size up.
Don't jump to a huge pot from a small one unless you wish to encourage faster growth. Just go to the next size up pot.

Lighting:

The Philodendron Brasil enjoys bright indirect or dappled light.
It will tolerate lower indirect light it if has some brighter moments in the day.
Some filtered sunlight from a window will be appreciated.
Shield this aroid from strong direct light in summer south and west sunny windows. The leaves will burn.
Tip: Window sheers or blinds can offset some brief periods of high direct light.

Watering:

Water your Brasil when the soil is dry. Aroids do not like to be overly wet. Try a watering schedule of every other week.
Watering is best done on a regular schedule so the plant is not over or under watered. Both can cause stress on the plant.
This tropical plant enjoys humidity. In dry climates this Philodendron will thrive with a humidifier nearby. OR use a pebble tray under the pot filled half way with water.
In dormant winter months reduce watering to when the soil is dry.
Never let this plant get wet feet. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. If the soil is compacted the bottom of the soil can remain wet which encourages root rot and fungus gnats.

How to Fertilize:

Apply a good quality fertilizer (linked in materials) monthly through Spring and summer.
Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow the philodendron birkin to rest through the winter months.

Temperature:

Keep the Brasil at a low of 65 Degrees F. to upward of 85 Degrees F. It enjoys warmth and humidity.

Pruning and Training:

Pruning will give you a fuller plant with more even growth. But it's not necessary with the Brasil unless you want to shape it.
Sharp Hand pruners are preferred for pruning. They will give a clean cut that will heal quickly.

Table Top Plants:

It’s easy to prune and shape these plants to whatever length and fullness you desire.
Since the Brasil is a trailing plant, it will need to be hung up in a hanging pot when the leaves start vining down the side of the pot.
If you don't want to hang the Philodendron Brasil, another option would be to stake it so it can climb.

Pests:

The Brasil is not fussy and resists pests. However all plants can get attacked by pests.
Stress by longterm overwatering, poor light, extreme temperatures and soil conditions are contributors to plant stress..
Spider mites, mealy bugs, scale, thrips and whitefly are the most common houseplant pests you will see.
Read our post on How to get rid of aphids and other pests with our homemade pesticide soap recipe or neems oil.
To minimize the possibility of pests be sure to check all nursery plants before bringing them home.
Quarantine all new plants until you are sure no pests live in them.

How to Propagate:

Propagation is easily done through leaf node stem cuttings.
You need a 3 to 6 inch leaf stem with a couple of nodes and healthy growth.
The nodes are easy to spot on a vine plant.
Cut a long stem from the mother plant as close to the base of the plant as possible.
Place the node into a jar with water. Use tap water that has settled 24 hours in the jar to dissipate chemicals harmful to the philodendron birkin.
Set the jar in a well lit area.
After several weeks roots will grow. Allow the roots to get an inch or more in length.
Plant gently and firmly into pot with proper soil mix.
Make sure to keep the soil moist until the roots begin to set into the soil.

Notes

Toxic Plant:

While not fatal, eating these mildly poisonous houseplants causes irritated skin, nausea, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat, vomiting and diarrhea in pets and people.

Keep them in a safe place.

More Philodendrons To Love:

The Philodendron family has over 480 different varieties. New philodendrons come on the commercial indoor plant market all the time.

You may not find the one you are looking for in your local garden shop. However, Etsy shops very likely do have what you are looking for.

Shop Etsy for Philodendrons

Philodendron plants range from affordable to very expensive depending on the rarity of the plant. Choose a less expensive variety for a first time houseplant or gift for beginners.

The majority of Philodendrons can tolerate lower light levels and they filter the air of formaldehyde making them great indoor houseplants.

Read our Care guides linked below to learn more about particular philodendrons.

Philodendron Brasil Care Guide and Plant Profile