Looking for a houseplant that combines striking looks with a simple routine? The Philodendron Burle Marx is that elegant and easy-care choice. Named for the famous Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, this plant brings a touch of tropical sophistication to your home without demanding constant attention.
Its long, slender leaves have a beautiful, glossy sheen and a unique, slightly wavy shape. They emerge a soft lime green and mature to a deeper, lush emerald. This philodendron grows in a charming, slightly sprawling habit, making it perfect for shelves, hanging baskets, or as a tabletop centerpiece. It’s a plant that adapts well to indoor life, forgiving the occasional missed watering.
Philodendron Burle Marx
This section covers everything you need to know about your plant’s origins and why it’s such a resilient friend. Understanding its background helps you replicate its preferred conditions.
Origin and History
The Philodendron Burle Marx hails from the tropical rainforests of Brazil. It was discovered and propagated by Roberto Burle Marx, who was not only a landscape architect but also a devoted plant collector. His work emphasized using native Brazilian plants, and this philodendron became a favorite for its form and texture. Bringing one into your home means owning a piece of living design history.
Why It’s Considered Easy-Care
This plant earned its easy-care reputation for several key reasons. It’s not overly fussy about light, can handle some irregular watering, and generally resists pests. It also grows at a moderate pace, so you won’t be repotting it every few months. For new plant owners or busy individuals, it’s a fantastic option that provides a lot of visual reward for minimal effort.
Essential Care Guide
Providing the right basics will keep your Philodendron Burle Marx thriving for years. Let’s break down each element of its care.
Light Requirements
Your Burle Marx prefers bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight it would receive under the canopy of taller trees in its native habitat.
* An east-facing window is often ideal.
* A spot a few feet back from a south or west window works well, shielded by a sheer curtain.
* It can tolerate lower light conditions, but its growth will slow significantly, and the leaves may become smaller and less vibrant.
* Avoid prolonged direct sun, which can scorch and yellow those beautiful leaves.
Watering Your Plant Correctly
Overwatering is the most common mistake with philodendrons. They like to partially dry out between drinks.
1. Check the soil before you water. Stick your finger about an inch or two into the potting mix.
2. If it feels dry, it’s time to water thoroughly.
3. Water slowly at the soil surface until you see it run out of the drainage holes.
4. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
5. In winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows and soil takes longer to dry.
A good rule is to water about once a week in warmer months and every 10-14 days in cooler, darker months, but always let the soil condition be your guide.
Soil and Potting Needs
The right soil ensures healthy roots by balancing moisture retention and drainage. A chunky, airy mix is perfect.
* Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Aroid mix is excellent.
* You can make your own blend with two parts regular potting soil, one part orchid bark, and one part perlite.
* Ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes. Terracotta pots are a great choice because they allow the soil to dry more evenly.
* Repot every 1-2 years in spring if the plant has become root-bound.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, it enjoys warmth and appreciates humidity.
* Temperature: Keep it in a room between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows or doors in winter, and keep it away from heating and air conditioning vents.
* Humidity: Average household humidity (around 40-50%) is often sufficient. If your air is very dry, you can boost humidity by:
* Placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.
* Grouping it with other plants.
* Using a small humidifier nearby, which it will truly love.
Maintenance and Propagation
A little regular maintenance keeps your plant looking its best and allows you to create new plants.
Pruning and Cleaning
Pruning is simple and helps maintain a bushy, attractive shape.
* Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
* Cut just above a leaf node (the small bump on the stem where a leaf attaches) to encourage new growth.
* Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves at the stem base to direct energy to healthy growth.
* Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust. This helps the plant breathe and photosynthesize efficiently.
How to Propagate Philodendron Burle Marx
Propagating this plant is very straightforward, usually done through stem cuttings. Spring or early summer is the best time.
1. Select a healthy stem with at least 2-3 leaves and a few aerial root nubs.
2. Make a clean cut just below a node.
3. Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaves are not.
4. Put it in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
5. Once roots are a few inches long (usually in 2-4 weeks), pot the cutting in a small container with fresh potting mix.
6. Keep the soil lightly moist for the first few weeks as it adjusts to soil life.
You can also propagate directly in moist sphagnum moss or a light soil mix, which some find avoids later transplant shock.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even easy-care plants can have occasional issues. Here’s how to identify and fix them.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves are a common signal, but the cause can vary.
* Older leaves yellowing slowly: This is natural aging. Simply prune them off.
* Many leaves turning yellow, especially with wet soil: This is a classic sign of overwatering. Check your watering schedule and ensure the pot drains well.
* Yellow leaves with dry soil: Could be underwatering or a need for nutrients. Check soil moisture and consider a light feeding during the growing season.
Brown Leaf Edges or Tips
Brown, crispy edges are often related to humidity or water quality.
* Low humidity is a frequent culprit in heated homes during winter.
* Tap water chemicals like fluoride or chlorine can build up. Using filtered or distilled water can sometimes help.
* Salt buildup from fertilizer in the soil can also cause this. Flush the soil every few months by running water through it for a minute.
Pests and Diseases
Thankfully, the Burle Marx is relatively pest-resistant. However, it can occasionally attract common houseplant pests.
* Spider Mites: Look for fine webbing and stippling on leaves. Wipe leaves with a neem oil or insecticidal soap solution.
* Mealybugs: Appear as small, white, cottony masses in leaf axils. Dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
* Fungus Gnats: Tiny black flies that indicate overly moist soil. Let the top layer of soil dry out completely between waterings and use yellow sticky traps.
Styling and Display Ideas
The elegant, arching growth of the Philodendron Burle Marx makes it a versatile design element. Its cascading form looks beautiful when allowed to trail from a high shelf or a macramé hanger. The light catches its glossy leaves beautifully from above. You can also train it to climb a moss pole or small trellis for a more upright, structured look, which emphasizes the size and shape of each individual leaf.
It pairs wonderfully with other plants with different leaf textures, like the round leaves of a Pilea or the strappy leaves of a Snake Plant. A simple, neutral-colored pot—like terracotta, white ceramic, or a woven basket—really lets the vibrant green foliage stand out as the star.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Philodendron Burle Marx toxic to pets?
Yes, like all philodendrons, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, or humans. It can cause oral irritation and stomach upset. Keep it in a place where curious pets and children cannot reach it.
How fast does the Burle Marx philodendron grow?
It has a moderate growth rate. With good light, proper watering, and warmth during the spring and summer, you can expect several new leaves each season. Growth naturally slows or pauses in the fall and winter.
Should I fertilize my plant? What should I use?
Yes, feeding helps support its growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength. Apply it once a month during the active growing season (spring through early fall). Do not fertilize in the winter when the plant is resting.
What’s the difference between Burle Marx and Philodendron ‘Burle Marx Fantasy’?
They are different plants. The classic Philodendron Burle Marx has solid green, elongated heart-shaped leaves. The ‘Fantasy’ variety is a highly sought-after cultivar with stunning, irregular variegation—splashes and sectors of white or cream on the leaves. It requires brighter light to maintain its variegation and is generally slower growing.
Why are the new leaves on my Burle Marx plant smaller than the old ones?
This is typically a sign that the plant isn’t getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter location (with indirect light) to encourage larger leaf development. It could also indicate a need for fertilization or more root space if it’s been in the same pot for a long time.
Can I put my Philodendron Burle Marx outside in summer?
You can, but you must be careful. Acclimate it slowly to outdoor conditions over a week or two, starting in full shade. Keep it in a sheltered, shady spot—never in direct sun, which will burn the leaves. Remember to bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C).
The Philodendron Burle Marx truly stands out as a low-maintenance staple for any plant collection. Its elegant foliage brings a vibrant, living sculpture into your space, while its adaptable nature means you can enjoy its beauty without a complicated care routine. By providing the right balance of light, water, and warmth, you’ll be rewarded with a lush, thriving plant that grows alongside you for many years. Whether you’re just starting your indoor garden or looking to add a reliable yet stunning specimen, this philodendron is an exceptional choice that rarely disappoints.