Philodendron Burle Marx

If you’re looking for a stunning, easy-care plant that brings a slice of the tropics indoors, look no further than the philodendron burle marx. This tropical foliage favorite is beloved by beginners and experts alike for its uniquely shaped, vibrant green leaves and forgiving nature.

Its name honors the famous Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, who championed the use of native Brazilian plants in his designs. This philodendron is a living piece of horticultural history that fits perfectly on your windowsill. It’s the kind of plant that grows with you, rewarding even the smallest bit of care with lush, rapid growth.

So, what makes this plant so special? The Philodendron burle marx is known for its distinctive foliage. The leaves are elongated, slightly wavy, and have a glossy, almost plastic-like sheen. They emerge a bright, lime green and deepen to a rich emerald as they mature.

The stems are a striking reddish-purple color, creating a beautiful contrast. It’s a compact, clumping variety, meaning it grows outward in a bushy form rather than climbing extensively like some other philodendrons. This makes it an ideal choice for tabletops, shelves, or as a floor plant in a larger pot.

Essential Care Guide for Your Plant

Caring for your Philodendron burle marx is straightforward. By following a few basic principles, you’ll keep it thriving for years to come. The key is to mimic its natural tropical understory habitat—think dappled light, consistent moisture, and warmth.

Here are the core elements to focus on:

Light: It prefers bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is perfect. It can tolerate medium light, but growth will slow. Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch those beautiful leaves.
Water: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in to check. Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. It’s more tolerant of occasional under-watering than over-watering.
Soil: Use a well-draining, airy potting mix. A standard houseplant mix amended with some perlite or orchid bark works great to prevent soil compaction and root rot.
Humidity: As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity (above 50%). If your home is dry, place it on a pebble tray with water or group it with other plants. A humidifier nearby is the best solution for consistent humidity.
Temperature: Keep it in a warm spot between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Protect it from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops below 55°F (13°C).

Step-by-Step: Potting and Repotting

You won’t need to repot your Philodendron burle marx every year. It actually likes being a bit root-bound. Repotting every 2-3 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes, is usually sufficient.

Choose the Right Time: Spring or early summer is the best time to repot, as the plant is entering its active growth phase.
Select a New Pot: Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes.
Prepare the Plant: Gently remove the plant from its old pot. Loosen the root ball with your fingers, carefully shaking off some of the old soil.
Add Fresh Soil: Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the bottom of the new pot. Position the plant in the center so the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the pot’s rim.
Fill and Water: Fill in around the sides with more soil, gently tamping it down. Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

How to Propagate New Plants

One of the joys of the Philodendron burle marx is how easy it is to propagate. You can create new plants to keep or share with friends through stem cuttings. It’s a simple and rewarding process.

Take a Cutting: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, cut a stem section that has at least 2-3 nodes (the little bumps on the stem where leaves and roots grow). You can include a leaf or two.
Root in Water: Place the cutting in a jar of room-temperature water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Keep it in bright, indirect light.
Wait for Roots: Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. In 2-4 weeks, you should see roots developing from the node.
Plant in Soil: Once the roots are an inch or two long, pot the cutting up in a small pot with well-draining soil. Water it well and care for it as you would a mature plant.

You can also root cuttings directly in moist sphagnum moss or soil, but water propagation lets you watch the roots grow, which is part of the fun. Sometimes the mother plant might even produce offshoots or “pups” at its base, which you can carefully separate and pot on their own.

Common Problems and Simple Solutions

Even the easiest plants can have occasional issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems with your Philodendron burle marx.

Yellowing Leaves

This is the most common issue. It can have a few causes. Overwatering is the usual suspect—check your soil moisture. Older leaves naturally yellow and die off occasionally, which is normal. If new growth is yellow, it might need more light or a nutrient boost.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges

This is often a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. It can also happen if the plant gets too much direct sun or if there’s a buildup of salts and minerals from tap water. Try using filtered or distilled water if you see this pattern.

Leggy Growth or Small Leaves

If the spaces between leaves (internodes) are getting long and the new leaves are small, your plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location with indirect light. A leggy plant can also be pruned back to encourage bushier growth.

Pests

While generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally attract mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and inspect for pests. If you spot any, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, making sure to cover the undersides of leaves.

Design Ideas for Your Home

The Philodendron burle marx’s elegant, arching form makes it a versatile design element. Its vibrant green color complements almost any interior style, from modern minimalist to cozy bohemian.

Tabletop Centerpiece: Its bushy shape makes it perfect for a dining table, coffee table, or desk, bringing life to any surface.
Shelf Accent: Place it on a bookshelf or floating shelf where its leaves can cascade slightly over the edge.
Group Planting: Create a lush, tropical display by grouping it with other plants that have different leaf textures and shapes, like a Snake Plant or a Prayer Plant.
Standalone Statement: In a larger floor pot, a mature Burle Marx can become a stunning focal point in a living room corner or next to a bright window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Philodendron burle marx toxic to pets?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.

How fast does the Burle Marx philodendron grow?
In ideal conditions with good light, warmth, and humidity, it is a moderately fast grower, especially during the spring and summer months. You can expect several new leaves each season.

Should I fertilize my Burle Marx plant?
Yes, feeding it helps support its growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply it once a month during the spring and summer. Do not fertilize in the fall and winter when growth slows.

What’s the difference between Philodendron burle marx and Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’?
They are different cultivars. The classic Burle Marx has solid green, elongated leaves. The ‘Fantasy’ variety has highly variegated leaves with splashes of white, cream, and sometimes even pink, making it much rarer and requiring more light to maintain its variegation.

Why are the leaves on my plant not shiny?
Dust accumulation can dull the leaves. Gently wipe them with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks. This not only restores shine but also helps the plant breathe and absorb more light. Low humidity can also sometimes effect the leaf texture.

With it’s simple needs and striking appearance, the Philodendron burle marx truly earns its status as a tropical foliage favorite. It’s a plant that offers maximum impact for minimal effort, purifying your air and lifting your spirits with its enduring, jungle-like beauty. By providing the right basics—appropriate light, careful watering, and occasional feeding—you’ll enjoy this graceful plant for many years.