An Introduction to Philodendron Burle Marx
The Philodendron Burle Marx is a stunning tropical plant known for its beautiful and unique foliage. This plant is gaining popularity rapidly thanks to its large, graceful leaves that feature a one-of-a-kind variegated pattern.
The Philodendron Burle Marx, sometimes referred to as Philodendron Burle Marxii or variegated Burle Marx, is a variation of the iconic split-leaf Philodendron. It’s named after the famous Brazilian landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx.
What sets this philodendron variety apart is its distinctly elongated leaf shape and the eye-catching variegated patterns on every leaf. Each leaf features painted-on strokes of chartreuse yellow over deep green foliage for a vibrant and tropical look. No two leaves have the exact same markings, adding to its visual appeal.
The Philodendron Burle Marx brings energy and vibrancy wherever it is displayed with its brightly colored leaves. It’s gaining popularity both as an indoor house plant for those wanting to add a touch of the jungle and as landscape designers leveraging its dimensions in garden beds or planters.
This plant isn’t always easy to find at local nurseries, but it’s worth seeking out to add liveliness to indoor spaces. Caring for this Burle Marx philodendron variety doesn’t have to be challenging if its basic needs are met. Read on to learn all about how to best care for your new Philodendron Burle Marx plant!
Philodendron Burle Marx Varieties
The Philodendron Burle Marx has a few different varieties to choose from, each with their own interesting leaf patterns and colors.
Some of the most popular cultivars include:
- ‘Moonlight’ – This variety has brighter neon-green leaves with fewer yellow variegations. The leaves are closer to heart-shaped. It maintains a compact growth habit.
- ‘Green Form’ – As the name suggests, this variety lacks the yellow variegation and features deep green leaves. It is one of the more affordable options but lacks visual punch.
- ‘Silvery Ann’ – The leaves on this cultivar have sections of silver-gray combined with the signature chartreuse yellow variegations over deep green. The grayish sections give it a more ruffled appearance.
In addition to the leaf patterns, the overall size and shape can vary slightly between cultivars. Some may be more oval-shaped, while others are distinctly arrowhead-shaped. The leaf size ranges from large, hand-sized to enormous, 12-inch or greater leaves.
When selecting your Philodendron Burle Marx, decide if you want brighter or more muted variegations or the classic leaf patterns this variety is known for. Evaluate the size of the specimen to determine the growth rate and final dimensions.
How to Care for Philodendron Burle Marx Indoors
Caring for the Philodendron Burle Marx is relatively straightforward as long as you provide adequate bright, indirect light, water when the top inches become dry, maintain average room humidity, keep temperatures above 60°F, and fertilize regularly during the growing season.
Here are the basic care guidelines to keep your Philodendron Burle Marx healthy:
Light: Bright, indirect light is essential. Some gentle direct morning sun from an east-facing window is tolerated, but afternoon direct sun will scorch leaves. Bright light brings out the beautiful variegations. Insufficient light leads to sparse, dark green growth.
Water: Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out between waterings. Water less in winter. Leathery, drooping leaves indicate under-watering, while soft yellow leaves point to overwatering. Always pour off excess water in the saucer after 30 minutes.
Temperature: Ideal temperatures are 60–80°F year-round. Can tolerate 50–90° for brief periods. Avoid cold drafts. Use a portable heater in winter or move away from drafty areas.
Humidity: Prefers 40% humidity or higher. Use a humidifier nearby or place on a pebble humidity tray with water. Mist leaves daily if the air is dry. Yellow leaf edges signify insufficient humidity.
Meet these basic care guidelines for your Burle Marx philodendron, and it will readily grow over 2 feet tall indoors, with leaves reaching lengths of 12 inches or greater within a few years.
Best Soil Mix for Growing Philodendron Burle Marx
Using the right type of soil is vital to growing a healthy Philodendron Burle Marx. This tropical plant needs a loose, well-draining soil mix that will prevent soggy roots.
The best potting mixes for Philodendron Burle Marx feature:
- Coconut coir or peat moss as a base
- Perlite, pumice, or bark added for drainage
- A small amount of worm castings or compost
Avoid regular garden soil or potting mixes with water retention additives, as these will hold too much moisture. The soil for this philodendron needs to dry out in between waterings.
Here is an easy soil recipe to mix yourself:
- 2 parts peat moss or coconut coir
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part compost, worm castings, or charcoal
Mix the ingredients together thoroughly before filling your planter or pot.
When choosing a planter or pot, ensure it has drainage holes. Ornamental pots without holes require double-potting with a nursery container inserted that can drain. Avoid oversized containers and only repot into slightly larger pots.
Provide the Philodendron Burle Marx with this fast-draining tropical mix and an appropriately sized container, and you’ll prevent excess moisture issues.
Watering Tips for Healthy Philodendron Burle Marx
Proper watering practices are key to maintaining a healthy Philodendron Burle Marx. Water too much or too little, and you’ll run into issues with leaf browning, yellowing, or eventual leaf drop.
Follow these watering tips:
- Check soil moisture by inserting your finger. Water when the top 2 inches become dry
- Water thoroughly until it drains from the holes at the bottom, then discard any excess water after 30 minutes.
- Reduce watering frequency in winter, allowing soil to dry out further between waterings
- Leathery, wrinkling leaves indicate under-watering; Soft, yellow leaves usually signal overwatering
- Allow soil to slightly dry between waterings; Completely saturated soil leads to root rot
- Water with room-temperature filtered water or rainwater if possible
During the active growing period in spring and summer, you’ll likely need to water your Burle Marx philodendron every 7–10 days on average. This may stretch out to every 14–21 days in the winter months, depending on the humidity and light levels provided.
If you notice any crispy brown leaf edges, it means the air is too dry and the plant is losing moisture faster. Increase humidifier use, mist more frequently, or group plants together to boost ambient humidity.
Stick to these watering best practices, and your Philodendron Burle Marx will readily grow over 2 feet tall within a couple years!
Light Requirements for Philodendron Burle Marx Plants
The Philodendron Burle Marx needs bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Light is vital for maintaining the beautiful variegated leaves this plant is prized for.
Here are the ideal light levels:
- Bright indirect light is essential for lush growth and pronounced variegations
- Some gentle morning sunlight is tolerated
- Strong afternoon direct sun will scorch and fade leaves
- Low light causes sparse, deep green growth with minimal variegation
An east-facing window is often perfect to provide the required intensity. Sheer curtains can filter the intense midday sun from an east or west-facing window.
If you don’t have a bright indoor spot, consider supplementing with a grow light. LED growing lamps should be positioned 12–18 inches above the leaves. Start with 8–10 hours daily.
Rotate the pot weekly since the variegated leaves will grow towards the light source. This prevents the plant from becoming uneven and encourages fuller growth on all sides.
Monitor light levels based on new growth patterns. If new leaves remain dark green without variegations or growth is lanky and spaced out, boost light quantity. Move to a shadier spot if the edges are brown or the leaves are yellow.
Providing proper lighting ensures your Burle Marx philodendron reaches mature widths of 3 feet with 12 inch leaves or larger within a few years!
Maintaining Ideal Temperature and Humidity for Philodendron Burle Marx
In addition to water and light, monitoring temperature and humidity levels contributes to a healthy Philodendron Burle Marx environment.
Here are the ideal ranges to maintain:
Temperature:
- Preferred temperatures are 60–80°F during all seasons
- Can briefly tolerate 50–90°F but prolonged freezing or heat stresses the plant
- Utilize portable heaters near plants in winter or move away from drafty areas
Humidity:
- Prefers 40% humidity or higher
- Use a humidifier nearby or place pot on a pebble tray
- Group plants together to boost ambient humidity
- Dry air, heaters, and air conditioning sap moisture
Acclimation:
- When bringing home new plants, allow 1-2 weeks to gradually transition and acclimate to your environment before repotting or changing conditions. Slow adjustments prevent shock.
Monitor for signs of temperature or humidity stress, like:
- Dry, crispy brown leaf edges indicate insufficient humidity
- Drooping leaves can signal temperature extremes or shocks.
- Allow soil to dry between waterings; moisture fluctuations challenge plants
Meeting the ideal temperature and humidity ranges keeps your Philodendron Burle Marx actively growing. Pair that with proper lighting and water when just the top layer of soil is dry, and your plant will readily develop 12-inch green leaves with alluring yellow patterns within a couple years.
Fertilizing Your Philodendron Burle Marx for Optimal Growth
While the Philodendron Burle Marx adapts well to average indoor conditions, providing fertilizer during the active growing season can boost growth and intensify leaf variegations.
Follow these fertilizer tips:
- Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
- Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall
- Take a break from fertilizing in winter months
- Always apply to moist soil and flush the soil monthly
Look for a houseplant fertilizer with an NPK ratio of around 3-1-2 or 20-10-10. This represents the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) that plants need to develop strong roots, lush foliage growth, and brighter variegated colors.
Slow-release pellet fertilizers can provide longer-lasting nutrients with fewer applications needed. Insert them just beneath the soil surface.
Signs that your Burle Marx philodendron needs more fertilizer include:
- Smaller-sized leaves
- Pale, faded variegations
- Sparse foliage growth
While the Philodendron Burle Marx enjoys occasional fertilizer supplements, it does not need heavy feeding. Never apply at full concentrate – 50% dilution is ideal. Flush the soil monthly by watering heavily to wash away any built-up salts.
By regularly providing a balanced fertilizer solution in spring and summer, you’ll enjoy vividly colored leaves on your showstopper, Burle Marx!
Pruning and Training Philodendron Burle Marx for Full Growth
Proper pruning and training techniques promote a full, bushy Philodendron Burle Marx. Directing its growth habit makes the plant more manageable while enhancing its tropical effects.
Follow these pruning tips:
- Prune off yellow, ragged leaves using sterile pruners -Trim leggy stems back to just above a node to encourage branching -Pinch off new stem tips to intensify bushy, compact growth -Remove air roots extending from lower stems
As the Philodendron Burle Marx matures, the stems become quite long and invinescent. Use plant velcro ties to gently train wandering stems against a support structure.
Some options include:
- Attaching the main stems to moss stick poles
- Weaving longer stems through bamboo hoops
- Securing heavier trailing stems with soft plant ties
Situate support structures near the base of the plant. Gently move stems into position against the supports, allowing leaf nodes to make contact and air roots to adhere over time.
Routine pruning and training focus on growth while keeping your Burle Marx philodendron manageable, as its impressive leaves reach lengths over 12 inches wide!
Propagating Philodendron Burle Marx Successfully at Home
Propagating the Philodendron Burle Marx from stem cuttings is quite straightforward. Cloning your plant through propagation allows you to easily multiply this gorgeous variety for more lush, tropical displays.
Follow these simple propagation steps:
- Clip off a stem with 3–5 leaves, cutting just below a leaf node
- Optionally, dip cut ends in rooting hormone powder
- Insert cutting into potting mix; sphagnum peat or perlite work well
- Maintain high humidity by covering pot with a plastic bag
- Check for root development in 4–8 weeks
Nodes are the bumps on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. New roots will generate from submerged nodes, so ensure at least 2 nodes are situated within the soil mix.
Rooting hormone is optional but boosts the rate of success up to 90%. Maintain a consistently warm temperature of around 75°F while propagating.
Within 2 months, most Burle Marx philodendron stem cuttings will readily generate an actively growing clone plant that achieves similar size and leaf variegations as the parent.
Propagating allows you to easily multiply your plant to create a vibrant, tropical-inspired indoor oasis. Gift or trade these fast-growing cuttings too!
Related Tpoic: How to Propagate Philodendron Congo Green
Effective Potting and Repotting Tips for Philodendron Burle Marx
The Philodendron Burle Marx is a fast-growing plant when given proper care. It requires occasional repotting into larger containers as its root system expands. Timing the repotting right ensures continuous, healthy growth.
Follow these potting tips:
- Repot young plants annually in early spring
- More mature plants only need repotting every 2–3 years
- Choose a pot that is 2 inches wider than the current size
- Trim any circled roots and loosen root ball
- Use a well-draining tropical plant soil mix
There are signs your Burle Marx philodendron needs more space, including:
- Roots growing from the drainage holes
- Top-heavy appearance and occasional toppling over
- Reduced growth rate
When repotting, gently remove it from the current container, trim off the circled roots with sanitized pruners, and loosen up the bottom third of the root ball. This encourages new root growth into the fresh soil mix.
Select an appropriately sized pot—about 2 inches wider than the current size allows room for 1-2 years of growth before getting root-bound. Make sure the planter has drainage holes and use a quality potting mix, not standard garden soil.
Timely repotting into an appropriate container with free-draining soil ensures your Philodendron Burle Marx actively grows for years to come! Let the soil dry slightly between waterings after reporting to prevent shock.
Identifying and Treating Common Pests on Philodendron Burle Marx
When caring for the Philodendron Burle Marx, it’s possible you may encounter some occasional insect pests. Identifying signs of infestation early and using integrated pest management techniques helps control populations so your plant stays healthy.
Common philodendron pests to look out for include:
Mealybugs
- White cottony buildup on stems and leaf undersides
- Sticky honeydew residue left on foliage
- Leaf yellowing or stunted growth
- Use an alcohol-water solution or insecticidal soap to break up colonies
Spider mites
- Fine silk webbing and speckling damage, often on underside of leaves
- May progress to extensive leaf loss and dieback
- Treat with horticultural oils or insecticidal soap, or introduce predator mites
Scale insects
- Small bumps like crusty bumps adhering to stems and leaves
- Sap green portions causing slow growth
- Remove physically, then spray neem oil or horticultural oil
Closely monitor and treat infestations early before they proliferate. Combine treatments with prevention, like removing affected leaves and stems, applying horticultural oils, and introducing beneficial insects.
Preventing and Managing Diseases in Philodendron Burle Marx
Philodendron plants have relatively few disease issues but may occasionally suffer from fungal or bacterial infections, which manifest as leaf spots, blights, or root rot issues. Maintaining proper cultural care and acting quickly when noticing potential disease problems will keep your Burle Marx philodendron healthy.
Prevention The best disease management strategy involves prevention by providing good air flow, pruning off affected leaves and debris, allowing the soil to dry adequately between waterings, and avoiding high-humidity environments.
At the first sign of disease indications like blackened roots, foul odors, yellowed foliage, wilting stems, leaf spotting, or sudden dieback of stems, begin treatment.
Solutions
- Remove affected plant parts immediately and cease overhead watering methods to reduce the spread of infection.
- Apply a fungicidal solution containing neem oil or a copper-based mixture per label instructions.
- Repot plants in fresh pasteurized potting mix if root infections have occurred.
- Increase air circulation with nearby fans.
Following sanitary practices and treating disease issues promptly reduces the likelihood of major issues occurring with your Philodendron Burle Marx. Maintain ideal care conditions and inspect plants routinely to catch any problems early.
Creative Ways to Display Your Philodendron Burle Marx
The dazzling foliage of the Philodendron burle Marx makes it a sensational display plant in many unique ways. Take advantage of its tropical vining nature by letting it cascade from bookshelves, hang as a living chandelier, or train up a decorative support.
Some eye-catching ideas for showing off your Burle Marx philodendron include:
- Suspend stems from a hanging basket to trail below
- Weave multiple stemmed plants along a window curtain rod
- Train up a moss pole or living wall backdrop
- Sit atop furniture to let stems vine down sides
- Plant in layered decorative planters
This show-topper plant combines nicely with other plants like:
- Calathea: shared tropical vibe with colorful leaves
- Pothos trails dramatically and tolerates similar conditions
- Ferns: Complement the defined leaves with softer fronds
- Begonias: Contrast solid and patterned leaves
Take advantage of its flashy variegated foliage by displaying your Burle Marx in elevated hanging containers or fascinating living walls to captivate visitors!
FAQs for Growing Philodendron Burle Marx: Expert Answers
How large do Burle Marx philodendrons grow?
Indoors, provide ample bright light and fertilizer to achieve leaves 12 inches long on plants reaching 3 feet tall and wide within a few years.
Why is my plant losing leaves?
Leaf drop can result from overwatering, root rot, or underwatering. Ensure soil dries adequately between waterings and humidity is maintained above 40%.
Should I mist my Burle Marx?
Occasional misting keeps humidity levels higher, which this variety prefers. But allow leaf surfaces to fully dry out overnight to prevent disease issues.
What temperature range is best?
Ideal temperatures are 60–80°F year-round. Can briefly handle 50–90°F. Avoid direct cold or heat drafts from exterior windows and doors.
How often should I fertilize?
Fertilize monthly during the growing period with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Take a break from fertilizing during the winter.
