The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Variegated’ is a highly sought-after plant, celebrated for its distinct foliage. This hybrid features elongated, glossy leaves adorned with a blend of deep green and creamy white or yellowish variegation. Its irregular, marbled patterns ensure a unique visual display, making it popular among plant enthusiasts and collectors. Named for Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, it merges artistic design with natural beauty. Its striking appearance and straightforward care contribute to its widespread appeal, making it a prized addition to indoor plant collections.
Care Essentials
Light
The Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Variegated’ thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window, provides optimal illumination. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Water
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Check soil moisture by inserting a finger 2-3 inches deep; water if it feels dry. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering, indicating the plant is receiving too much moisture and its roots may be struggling. Conversely, wilting leaves or general droopiness suggest the plant is underwatered.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated soil mix is ideal for the Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Variegated’. Components like perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir create a loose substrate that prevents waterlogging while retaining moisture. Using an aroid-specific potting mix or custom blend ensures roots receive adequate air circulation. The pot must have drainage holes to prevent root issues.
Temperature and Humidity
This tropical plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 27°C). Consistent temperatures are beneficial, as sudden fluctuations can stress the plant. High humidity is important for its well-being. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water, or use a humidifier nearby.
Fertilizer
During its active growing season, spring and summer, it benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, apply every 4-6 weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization during the cooler, dormant months. Over-fertilizing can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, harming roots and causing leaf tip burn.
Maintaining Variegation
Maintaining the distinct variegation of this Philodendron requires specific environmental attention. Light directly influences the intensity of its coloration. Consistent bright, indirect light is paramount; too little light can cause the variegation to fade, leading to more all-green leaves, a phenomenon known as reversion.
To preserve vibrant patterns, avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch delicate variegated areas. If variegation diminishes or new leaves emerge mostly green, relocating the plant to a brighter spot or supplementing with an adjustable LED grow light can help. Variegated sections contain less chlorophyll, making them less efficient at photosynthesis than green parts.
Pruning also enhances variegation. Prune entirely green stems or leaves. These chlorophyll-rich parts can outcompete variegated sections for resources, potentially causing further reversion. Removing these non-variegated growths redirects the plant’s energy towards producing more variegated foliage from nodes with existing variegation. Cut back to a node where variegation is present on the stem, to increase the likelihood of new variegated growth.
Repotting
Repotting this Philodendron is important for its long-term care, given its fast growth rate. While many philodendrons go two to three years between repottings, this plant may benefit from annual repotting. The best time for repotting is during spring or early summer, when it is actively growing.
Several signs indicate your plant needs a larger pot. Signs include roots visibly growing out of drainage holes or circling tightly around the current pot. Slowdown in growth despite consistent care, or soil drying out faster than usual, also suggest the plant has outgrown its container. When selecting a new pot, choose one only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to prevent overwatering issues.
To repot, gently remove the plant, minimizing root disturbance. Loosen tightly bound roots and remove as much old soil as possible without damage. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining potting mix at the bottom of the new pot, center the plant, and fill the remaining space with soil, gently patting it down. After repotting, water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.
Propagation
Propagating the Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Variegated’ is a straightforward process, primarily achieved through stem cuttings. This method allows you to create new plants or encourage a bushier appearance in the parent plant. The most effective time to propagate is during the plant’s active growing season, spring or summer, when it has ample energy for root development.
To take a cutting, select a healthy stem with at least one node and a few leaves. A node is the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Using clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife, make a cut just below a node. Allow the cut end of the stem to air dry and callous over for a few hours or overnight; this helps prevent rot when placed in water or soil.
For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear container filled with room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged while leaves remain above the waterline. Position the container in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically form within two to four weeks. Once about an inch long, transfer the cutting to a small pot with well-draining soil.
Alternatively, you can propagate directly in soil. Prepare a small pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as an aroid blend containing perlite and orchid bark. Plant the calloused cutting, burying the node about an inch deep, and gently firm the soil around it. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and maintain high humidity to encourage root development. Bright, indirect light will support the cutting as it establishes itself.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with optimal care, the Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Variegated’ can encounter a few common issues. Recognizing these problems early and understanding their causes can help in effective troubleshooting.
One frequent concern is yellowing leaves. While an occasional yellow leaf, particularly older ones, can be normal, widespread yellowing often indicates overwatering. This can lead to root rot. Check the soil moisture; if it feels soggy, allow it to dry out more between waterings. Yellowing can also stem from insufficient light or a nutrient deficiency.
Browning leaves or crispy tips often signal low humidity or underwatering. If the air is too dry, leaf edges can become dry and brittle. Increasing humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier can alleviate this. Inconsistent watering, where the soil dries out too much, can also cause browning.
Loss of variegation, where new leaves emerge mostly green, is a common issue. This happens when the plant is not receiving enough bright, indirect light. Moving the plant to a brighter location or supplementing with a grow light can help restore variegation in new growth.
Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light. The plant stretches in an attempt to find more light, resulting in an elongated and less full appearance. Providing adequate bright, indirect light will encourage more compact and bushy growth.
Like many houseplants, the Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Variegated’ can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and stem joints for signs of these pests. If an infestation is detected, isolate the plant immediately and treat with appropriate methods, such as wiping leaves with a damp cloth, applying insecticidal soap, or using neem oil.