Have you ever wondered how the Philodendron Burle Marx got its name? It was named after a talented architect, Mr. Roberto Burle Marx. He was the first architect to employ the use of gorgeous evergreens in landscaping. This variety from the Philodendron family is perfect for imparting a fresh, breathable vibe to your living space.
The color of its leaves represents a vibrant interplay between slimy and Castleton green shades. These colors are further enhanced by the glossy texture of the leaves, giving the foliage a radiant sheen.
If you’re planning to grow and care for the Philodendron Burle Marx, good on you! But you must realize that this plant is not an easy-going one. It does require its fair share of care and attention.
This climbing plant can be grown in whichever direction you want. Having a rapid growth rate, the Philodendron Burle Marx can spread out quickly in a short time span if left un-pruned.
This article is going to provide you with all the information you need to grow a Philodendron Burle Marx from scratch. We will also be talking about aspects of maintenance and propagation.
Table of Contents
Meet The Philodendron Burle Marx: Basic Knowledge And Origins
The Philodendron Burle Marx was particularly popular during the Victorian era. These plants were praised for their exquisite look and air-purifying capabilities.
Not much has changed since then; the Philodendron Burle Marx remains a cult favorite in the field of horticulture.
Unlike a few varieties of Philodendrons, the Burle Marx is not a rare one. It may not be abundantly available in many nurseries, but finding one won’t prove to be hard. This plant is native to Brazil, where it thrives in humid climates.
Family Type | Araceae |
Common Name | Philodendron Burle Marx, Burle Marxii |
Botanical Name | Philodendron Imbe |
Plant Type | Philodendron |
Size | 2-3 feet tall |
Native Area | Brazil |
Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect sunlight |
Soil Consistency | Well-drained, aerated soil |
Toxicity | Toxic to animals and plants |
Common Pests | Most common pests are thrips and mealybugs |
Varieties of The Philodendron Burle Marx
Cousins of the Philodendron Burle Marx are also charismatic and gorgeous species. We will be discussing a few of them below.
Philodendron Burle Marx Fantasy
The Philodendron Burle Marx Fantasy is a gorgeous aroid with greyish to green foliage. The veins are structured symmetrically in a deep green color. This plant belongs to the collection of the founder Roberto Burle Marx himself.
The Philodendron Burle Marx Fantasy is also known as a hybrid Philodendron.
Philodendron Hederaceum
The Philodendron Hederaceum has green and yellow leaves. It is one of the least demanding plants amongst its cousins.
Philodendron Goeldii
Goeldii is widely loved for its leaves. Once its leaves mature, they droop down, resembling a canopy or small tree.
Philodendron Brasil
This heart-shaped Philodendron has glossy, almost leather-like luscious green leaves. Its leaves are subject to color variation.
Philodendron speciosum
This aroid belongs to the North-western areas of Brazil and Bolivian lowlands. The Philodendron produces enormous leaves that size up to 5-6 feet.
How to Care for The Philodendron Burle Marx
There is considerable debate over the maintenance of the Burle Marx. One side of the internet claims that it is a fairly easy plant to grow and care for. I beg to differ because as far as I’ve noticed, it requires its fair share of maintenance sessions, as do all Philodendrons.
That being said, the Burle Marx is relatively easier to care for than its cousins in the family.
Sunlight
Bright but indirect sunlight is the key to growing a healthy Philodendron Burle Marx. A decrease in the intensity of light exposure will decelerate its growth rate. Therefore, a north or east-facing window serves this plant best.
Direct sunlight is the leading cause of leaf burn for the Philodendron Burle Marx. It can cause them to turn either brown or yellow.
Soil
I have said this many times before, and I’ll say it again: choosing the right soil consistency determines the survival and health of your plant.
For the Burle Marx, you can use pure peat moss or a mix of peat moss and perlite. Both these elements render the soil well-aerated.
The soil consistency should be loose enough to allow adequate aeration of the roots since ill-drained soil is the foremost cause of root rot.
Water
Balancing moisture levels for the Philodendron Burle Marx is essential. We don’t want the soil to go soggy from over-watering, nor too dry and lumpy due to lack of moisture.
The soil should be watered just enough to render it mildly damp to touch. Drying of the soil will prevent oxygen from reaching the roots.
The watering frequency is determined by your area’s temperature and humidity levels.
Temperature and Humidity
We want to mimic the temperature of Brazil as closely as possible to allow this plant to thrive. Therefore, a temperature of 64-79 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels reaching 60% or more prove to be optimal.
A 10-degree drop in temperature may cease the plant’s growth entirely.
Fertilizer
Philodendron Burle Marx loves fertilizer, making it a heavy feeder. During its growing season in the spring, you must apply a liquid or slow-release fertilizer (high in Nitrogen content) at least once a week.
However, the frequency is to be reduced to once a month during winters and fall.
Moistening the soil before applying fertilizer is mandatory as it prevents damage to the roots.
Propagating The Philodendron Burle Marx
There are two ways to propagate the Philodendron Burle Marx; we will be explaining each procedure separately.
Propagation using stem cuttings is recommended for beginners because of its convenience.
Propagation by stem cuttings
- Cut a 2-4 inch stem right beneath the node using sterilized pruning shears or scissors.
- Cure your stem cutting by leaving it at room temperature for about 8-10 days.
- The end will become calloused, and that’s when you know that your stem cutting has cured.
- Plant it in a sieved pot containing peat moss.
- To provide the stem support, tie it to a stick or straw.
- Place this pot next to an east-facing window, and your Philodendron Burle Marx will start growing.
Propagation by air layering
- This method involves wounding the plant using sterilized pruning shears or scissors.
- Cut into the Philodendron’s stem by shearing it 2 inches in depth and 2 inches in length.
- Pierce a toothpick through the cut that you just created.
- Apply sphagnum peat moss all over the stem, especially the wound area.
- Use a string to tie the sphagnum peat moss to the stem so that both are bound together.
- Tightly wrap plastic around the stem.
- Soon, roots will start to grow. That is when you should shift your stem cutting to a soiled pot.
Challenges & Solutions
Browning of leaves
Overwatering or lack of humidity are the leading causes of brown leaves of the Philodendron Burle Marx.
An excess reservoir of salts in the soil may also pigment the Philodendron’s leaves brown, probably because of overly frequent fertilizer application. Soil flushes will help you get rid of the excess salts.
Wilting
The Philodendron Burle Marx will wilt if it isn’t offered ample water or humidity. Check the top layer of the soil; if it’s dry to touch, you’re probably underwatering your Philodendron.
Shedding of leaves
Overwatering causes excess shedding of the Burle Marx’s leaves. The easiest way to determine the cause is by checking the soil by touch.
Soggy, ill-drained soil will prevent oxygen from reaching the roots.
Ask Away: The FAQ Section
Re-potting is considered when there’s no more room for growth in the container and roots of the Philodendron Burle Marx compact to the size of a ball.
Re-potting should be carried out before the arrival of spring.
The Philodendron Burle Marx is indeed a climber and can grow rapidly under ideal conditions. You can even choose to grow it in any direction you may please by changing its orientation.