How to Care for A Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron hederaceum Araceae – Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron Brasil
Natural Habitat
The heartleaf philodendron plant is native to the tropical rainforests of South America. This plant typically grows up trees in the rainforest thus needs support for its leaves to grow in size.
Soil Requirements
The philodendron brasil does well in standard potting mix but there are some amendments that you could make to improve the soil for the plant. You could mix in perlite and orchid bark to a potting mix to make a well draining mix in which this plant can thrive. I currently have my heartleaf philodendron in the abovementioned soil mix and it seems to be doing well. I have repotted my plant in June of 2023 and it is in a hanging basket. For its next repotting, I will change the pot and provide climbing support for the plant as I believe it will lead to larger leaves.
Lighting
The heartleaf philodendron does best in bright indirect light and it is best to put this plant in front of a east of west-facing window. The plant will be able to survive in low light but it runs the risk of losing its variation and it will become leggy. It is also best to keep the plant away from direct sunlight as it might scorch the leaves. My philodendron brasil is next to an east facing window and it gets a good dose of direct morning sunlight.
Water
It is best to let the top layer of soil dry out as this plant hates beiatered. I usually water this plant once a week but once every two weeks during cloudy periods. I have noticed that the room it is in gets a lot of sun in the winter thus I keep watering it once a week during the winter months. If you notice that your plant’s soil is not drying out then decrease the frequency of watering.
General Care Tips
The hearleaf philodendron is native to rainforests therefore it thrives in warm and humid conditions. The indoor temperatures of your home should be suitable but if you could like to increase the humidity around your plants you could get a humidifier or you could fill a tray with pebbles and add water to that. Higher levels of humidity will aid leaf growth.
It is best to give this plant climbing support in the form of a wall or wooden beam. Alternatively, you can also let it climb a moss pole.
It is best to fertilize your philodendron brasil once a month during summer and spring and to discontinue fertilizing during winter and autumn.
If you would like to see the other philodendrons in my collection then check out my tree philodendron.
Common Problems and Solutions
Curling leaves
If your plant’s leaves are curling then it is sign that your plant is not getting enough water. I had this problem after repotting because the soil I used was exceptionally dry. I was able to fix it by bottom watering. It is also best to keep a regular watering schedule to avoid underwatering your plants.