The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’ is a striking hybrid known for its distinctive, compact foliage. Its silvery-green leaves with prominent, darker veining make it a desirable addition to indoor plant collections. This plant is named after the Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.
Understanding Burle Marx Fantasy Care Needs
Light
The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it receives ample light but is shielded from direct sun, which can scorch its leaves. Filtered light, like that from sheer curtains, is ideal. Too little light can slow growth and fade veining, leading to leggy or pale leaves. Too much direct sun causes burned or discolored foliage.
Watering
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry before watering again. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger or using a moisture meter. Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent root rot from waterlogging. Water more frequently during the active growing season (spring and summer) and less in cooler months.
Soil
This philodendron requires a well-draining, airy, and nutrient-rich potting mix to prevent root rot. An ideal mix includes components like perlite, orchid bark, and a base of peat moss or coco coir. A common recommendation is equal parts perlite, orchid bark, and indoor potting soil. These elements provide aeration for the roots and sufficient moisture retention.
Temperature and Humidity
The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’ thrives in temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Shield it from cold drafts and sudden fluctuations, especially below 50°F (10°C). High humidity is beneficial, with 50-60% enhancing foliage and up to 80% being ideal. Increase humidity using pebble trays, a humidifier, or by grouping plants.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’ with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent over-fertilization. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter. Over-fertilization can cause yellowing leaves or crispy brown edges, while nutrient deficiency may result in slow growth or smaller leaves.
Potting and Repotting
Repot your Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’ when it becomes root-bound (roots circling or emerging from drainage holes) or when the soil degrades. The best time is during spring or summer. Choose a new pot only one to two inches wider than the current one to prevent overwatering.
Carefully remove the plant, gently loosen compacted roots, and inspect for damage. Add fresh, well-draining aroid mix to the new pot, position the plant at its original depth, and backfill, gently tamping to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after repotting and allow it to adjust before resuming fertilization.
Propagation
Propagate Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’ using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least one node and leaf, making a clean cut about an inch below a node. Allow the cut end to callous for a few hours to prevent rot before placing it in a rooting medium.
Cuttings can root in water or a moist substrate like sphagnum moss or airy potting mix. If using water, submerge only the node and change water regularly. For soil or moss, maintain consistent moisture. Warmth and high humidity encourage faster root development. Roots typically form within weeks, ready for potting in one to two months.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellowing leaves often indicate watering imbalances or nutrient deficiencies. Overwatering yellows younger leaves, while underwatering yellows older ones. Brown leaf tips or edges suggest low humidity or inconsistent watering; increase humidity to help.
Drooping leaves can mean either underwatering or overwatering leading to root rot. If soil is consistently wet and leaves droop, inspect roots for mushiness and repot into fresh, well-draining soil. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect for pests and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.