The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ is a popular houseplant known for its lush, tropical presence. Its distinctive appearance makes it a recognized addition to indoor plant collections.
Understanding Your Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’
The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ (Philodendron burle-marxii) features large, glossy, deep green leaves. These leaves can be elongated, paddle-shaped, or even heart-shaped, often displaying a somewhat wavy or rippled texture with prominent veins. Mature leaves can reach lengths of 8 to 12 inches and widths of about 4 inches, though some sources indicate they can grow up to 18 inches long. It exhibits a growth habit that is both bushy and vining, capable of growing horizontally as well as climbing. While it can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, it often maintains a compact, bushy appearance when grown indoors, reaching about two to three feet in height and two to four feet in width.
Essential Care for Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’
Light
Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ prefers bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a north-facing window is ideal, as it provides consistent, filtered light without harsh direct exposure. Intense direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch or discolor. While the plant can survive in lower light environments, its growth may slow significantly.
Watering
Water the plant when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. For larger pots, allowing the top half of the soil to dry out before rewatering is a suitable approach. Overwatering can lead to issues such as root rot and yellowing leaves, while consistent underwatering can cause leaves to droop. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, the plant requires more frequent watering than in the cooler fall and winter months.
Soil
The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ requires a well-draining and aerated soil mix to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A suitable mix includes peat-based potting mix or coco coir combined with perlite and orchid bark. Some growers also find success with a mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, with a small amount of compost. The ideal soil pH for this plant typically ranges from acidic to mildly acidic, between 5.6 and 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ prefers warm and humid conditions. The optimal temperature range for its growth is generally between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Protect the plant from temperatures below 55°F (13°C) and cold drafts, which can cause distress and hinder growth. While it can adapt to average household humidity levels, higher humidity, ideally between 50% and 80%, is beneficial for its vibrancy and leaf unfurling.
To increase humidity, one can place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, group it with other plants, or use a room humidifier. Occasional misting can also provide a temporary boost to ambient moisture.
Fertilizing
During its active growing period in spring and summer, the Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced houseplant fertilizer, applied approximately once a month, is sufficient. Some experts suggest using a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, diluted to about 50% strength. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’
Propagating Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ is often successfully achieved through stem cuttings, particularly during the warmer months of spring and summer. Select a healthy stem with at least one leaf and ideally three to five nodes, which are the points on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, make a cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water or soil to prevent rot.
The cutting can then be placed in a container of fresh water, ensuring that at least one node is fully submerged. Roots typically begin to form within two to four weeks, and once they are about an inch long, the cutting can be transferred to a well-draining potting mix. Alternatively, some growers opt to allow the cut end to callous for a few hours before planting directly into moist soil.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Several common issues can arise when caring for a Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’, often signaling specific environmental or cultural imbalances. Yellowing leaves, for instance, frequently indicate overwatering or, conversely, can be a symptom of excessive light exposure or a nutrient deficiency. Browning leaf tips or scorched leaf margins typically point to insufficient humidity in the air or exposure to too much direct sunlight. An accumulation of salts from fertilizer in the soil can also contribute to brown leaf tips. Stunted growth might suggest a lack of adequate light or insufficient nutrients, preventing the plant from developing properly.
Root rot, characterized by mushy stems and wilting despite moist soil, is a common consequence of overwatering and poor drainage. Addressing this requires repotting into fresh, well-draining soil and ensuring the pot has sufficient drainage holes. Common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips can also affect the plant. These can often be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth, applying insecticidal soap, or using neem oil, and isolating infested plants to prevent spread.
The Legacy of Burle Marx
The name Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ honors Roberto Burle Marx, a distinguished Brazilian landscape architect, artist, and botanist. He pioneered incorporating native Brazilian plants into modern landscape designs, significantly influencing the field of tropical horticulture. His work extended beyond aesthetics, as he was a staunch environmentalist who believed in the preservation and accessibility of natural environments. Burle Marx’s holistic approach to design underscored the importance of integrating human-made structures with the natural world, fostering biodiversity and ecological balance.
The plant was likely named in recognition of his profound contributions to botany and his innovative use of indigenous flora in his iconic projects. This naming serves as a lasting tribute to his enduring impact on both art and environmental conservation.