With its heart-shaped green and yellow leaves, it’s easy to see why this gorgeous plant was named after the Brazilian flag. The Philodendron Brasil Tricolor is a very simple plant to take care of, making it an excellent choice for first-time plant owners.
THE CLUB'S EXPERTISE
PHILODENDRON BRASIL TRICOLOR
In-Depth Care Guide
The Philodendron Brasil is a classic houseplant, in large parts because it is so easy to look after and yet such a beautiful addition to your home. With its unique streaks of lime and yellow, you might think it’s hard to find, but this is not the case. The Brasil is treasured by plant-lovers everywhere!
Hailing from the Caribbean and Central America, this plant is a cultivar of the Heartleaf Philodendron, and its vines can grow to 10-20 feet long.
In the case of this plant, overwatering is worse than drying (although both are a no-no!). We recommend waiting until only the top inch of soil is dry before watering - this should even out to once a week, but less so over the winter. Make sure to tip out any excess water to avoid root rot.
For signs of overwatering or underwatering, take notice of its leaves. In either scenario its leaves will be drooping but will quickly return to normal with a regular watering schedule.
This Philodendron can survive well enough in lower light, but it will thrive in medium to bright indirect light. We recommend placing the plant in a window where direct sunlight won’t reach it. Too much direct light can burn the leaves. Look out for clusters of leaves that turn fully yellow - this is a sign your plant is getting too much sun.
Use loose, well-draining soil. Any well-draining potting mix from your local garden store will work, but we do suggest using organic matter with the mix. A good option would be an even mix of peat (50%) and coco coir and perlite (25/25). You can also add some orchid bark, and 100% sphagnum peat moss is satisfactory too.
A well-draining potting mix is essential, as waterlogged soil will suffocate the plant and lead to root rot.
Over spring and summer, you should fertilize between 1-2 times a month. Over winter and autumn, you can adjust this to once every 6-8 weeks. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, and keep an eye on your plant during the growth period (spring and summer). Small leaves, stunted growths, and pale new leaves indicate that your plant isn’t getting enough nutrients.
The Philodendron Brasil thrives in warm and humid environments, but it can also grow perfectly well in a balanced indoor climate. Try to avoid lower temperatures, as any temperature consistently below 55F will stunt growth and eventually kill the plant. An ideal temperature for this plant is between 60 and 75F, with medium to high humidity.