Philodendron Brasil: How To Propagate This Plant Easily?

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Shaleena Quinlan

Shaleena comes from a long line of midwestern farmers and feels like gardening is in her blood. She loved helping her grandmother in her garden, learning to plow the soil, sow the seeds, and carefully attend to each plant. Her travels had added to her gardening knowledge, and she knows quite a bit about growing produce in the tropics. She always makes space for a bit of a garden no matter where she has lived.

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Philodendron Brasil is simple, quaint, and yet, quite beautiful. It has all the sophisticated and stylish looks of its plant family combined with easy care requirements. Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron is certainly alluring and capable of becoming dear to the hearts of many gardeners.

How to Identify Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron

The quaint and simple look of this plant can cause it to blend in with similar-looking plants both inside and outside its plant family; however, it does feature leaves that are sharply pointed at their tips, which is something that sets it apart from many other plants. Other features of this plant are:

• Leaves that are heart-shaped
• Leaves that are variegated in green and yellow
• Stems that grow in a vining pattern

How to Grow Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron from Seed

Philodendron planted from seed take a long time to show significant signs of growth.  Because of the long waiting period, most gardeners opt for a different method altogether, but this can be a very rewarding process. If you are interested in growing a Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron from seed, you should go ahead and purchase seeds from a reputable seller.

Once you have the seeds, put them a centimeter deep in a seed starting mix that is in a seed starter tray.  Next, moisten the soil with a spray bottle and place plastic wrap over the top of the seed tray to hold in moisture.  Finally, set the seed tray in a warm room with bright but indirect sunlight. 

You will need to remove the plastic wrap and moisten the soil as needed and transport the plant to a more permanent plant container once the seedlings have shown signs of sprouting and significant growth. After the plants have been moved to a permanent container, they can be and treated as mature plants.

How to Propagate Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron

Nearly all Philodendron varieties are easy to propagate via stem cuttings.  This method is simple and straightforward and can be done during springtime pruning sessions. 

If you are interested in propagating a Philodendron with this method, you will first need to cut a healthy stem with a sterilized cutting utensil. After this, fill a clear glass with water and set the stem in the water.  Put the glass in a room that is warm and receives plenty of bright but indirect sunlight. 

After a few weeks, the stem should produce roots, and once you notice this, the stems can be transferred to a container filled with potting soil and treated as a mature plant. Note: It will be necessary to change the water in the glass once a week while the stem is growing roots.

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Growing Conditions

Since this plant is not cold-hardy and it is a native of tropical regions of South America, its ideal growing environment should include high temperatures combined with high humidity. Provide your Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron with temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels ranging between 70 to 80%.   

Create this environment for your tropical Philodendrons by purchasing a Plant Heat Mat and a Pebble tray or a Plant Humidifier.  These technologies will reduce the need to create an indoor greenhouse that will keep you and your family hot and sticky all day.  Also, it is important to keep your tropical plants away from the air conditioner and heater vents, as well as, drafty doors and windows.

How to Plant Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron

Repotting these plants every two to three years will provide them with new, fresh soil and room to grow.  Keep an eye out for the following signs to know whether or not your plant needs repotted before two to three years has passed:

• Compacted Soil
• Roots that are crowded and growing into a ball formation
• A plant that looks too big for its current container

If you sense that your Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron needs to be repotted, you should get a new plant container that is two inches larger in diameter than the plant’s current container.  Once you have the new container, fill it will potting soil and create a hole in the center of the soil. 

After the plant container is prepped, you can remove the plant from its current container and transfer it to the new soil.  Spread the soil around the base of the plant to secure it in its new home.  Lightly water the plant and then set it in a warm room with indirect sunlight.

Note: Repotting should only be done on warm spring days to reduce the risk of the plant going into shock 

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Potting & Soil

This Philodendron variety should be set in potting soil that is able to drain off excess water.  A homemade soil consisting of 50% coco coir or peat and 50% perlite is one option, or, you can use this premade Aroid soil mix.

Don’t forget that the plant container also needs to drain off excess water.  This hanging plant container by UPMCT is an excellent choice for any type of vining Philodendron.

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Water Requirements

This type of plant should be watered using the soak and dry method to limit the risk of root rot.  It is a very simple method with six steps:

1. Test the plant’s soil before watering it.  It should only be watered if the top half of its soil is completely dry.  If it is still moist, wait another day to water it.
2. Fill a tray, container, or tub with water.
3. Set the plant container in the water, but make sure the water isn’t so deep that it will overflow the lip of the container. The point of the soak and dry method is to utilize the drainage holes in the plant container to soak up water from the bottom.
4. Let the plant soak up water for fifteen minutes.
5. Remove the plant from the water.
6. Set the plant in a spot where the excess water can drain from the container’s drainage holes.

If you still have some hesitancies or worries about watering any of your plants, download a plant watering app. 

These apps are designed to help gardeners track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.  Technology and nature have come together to reduce and eliminate gardening worries.

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Light Requirements

This Philodendron variety requires full sun in order to grow healthier and faster.  It can, however, adapt to low light conditions but it will not grow as quickly and it will not have as much variegation. 

If you want to be sure that your plant is set up for success in the sun, use either a light meter or a light meter app to test your indoor lighting.  With the help of these technologies, you will not need to worry whether or not your plants are getting adequate sunlight.

Best Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Fertilizer

These plants should only be fertilized once a month during spring, summer, and fall.  The fertilizer used should be organic, water-soluble, and diluted to a half-strength dosage.  Joyful Dirt offers safe and gentle fertilizers for indoor and outdoor plants.

Best Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Companion Plantings

Gardeners know that plants grow better together.  It is not just about creating a tropical atmosphere or simple aesthetic looks, it is also about healthy plant care.  Provide your tropical plants with extra humidity without added technology by getting a few more humidity-loving plants for your home. 

When considering what types of plants to use as a companion planting for your Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron, keep the following requirements in mind:

• Pick plants that have similar care requirements, e.g., the same type of soil and watering method
• Pick plants that will look aesthetically appealing next to your other plant
• Pick plants that are easy to grow, propagate, and care for

A few examples of plants that will meet these plant companion requirements are:

Split Leaf Philodendron

Here are a couple of plants that are from the same family as Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron.  While they each come with unique features, they will still complement one another, plus, they will all require similar care.

Pros

• Split Leaf Philodendron has care requirements that are similar to those of Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron
• Split Leaf Philodendron has air-purifying qualities

Cons

• Split Leaf Philodendron is toxic

Peperomia Caperata

This is also a tropical plant that is native to South America.  Because of this, it will share many care requirements with Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron.

Pros

• Peperomia Caperata is a very unfussy plant
• Peperomia Caperata stays quite small
• Peperomia Caperata is not toxic
• Peperomia Caperata can be grown with grow lights

Cons

• Peperomia Caperata is susceptible to infestations of mealybugs and spider mites

Pilea Plants

Here is the third type of tropical plant that is similar in its care and maintenance needs.  With these plants growing together, you’ll never feel like gardening is a hassle.  Pilea plants are naturally easygoing and will make the perfect companion for your Philodendron plant.

Pros

• Pilea plants are very easy to care for
• Pilea plants require many of the same care requirements that Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron requires
• Pilea plants come in different shapes, sizes, leaf textures, and colors
• Pilea plants are not toxic

Cons

• None

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Diseases and Common Problems

Here is a list of the most common issues faced by these plants.  In this list is information on how to identify and treat each issue.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny tear-shaped insects that can be seen crawling on the plant and/or its soil. To deal with an infestation of aphids, follow these steps:

1. Spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil and soapy water
2. Wipe down the leaves of the plant
3. Apply neem oil to the leaves to prevent another infestation

Mealybugs

Evidence of an infestation of mealybugs is small white spots that look like cotton on leaves and stems. To deal with an infestation of mealybugs, follow these steps:

1. Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
2. Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
3. Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every few days

Root Rot

This is caused by overwatering a plant.  If you learn how to properly water your plants, they should not get root rot.  If, however, you are suspicious that your plant is suffering from this, look for these symptoms:

• Stems and leaves that have turned black
• Stems and leaves that have turned translucent
• Stems and leaves that have turned mushy
• Leaves that are dropping off regularly

Scale Insects

Evidence of this problem is round lumps on the plant’s leaves and stems.  These lumps are usually small, round, and brown in color.  To deal with an infestation of scale bugs, follow these steps:

1. Spray them off with a hose
2. Wipe the remainder off with neem oil and a cloth
3. Prevent them from returning by coating the leaves with neem oil regularly

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Treatments and Maintenance

Since prevention is better than treatment, take some time to learn about what sort of diseases and pest infestations each of your plants may experience.  Then, learn how you can best treat and prevent those.  Here are few tips to help keep your plants healthy and disease-free:

• Schedule monthly inspections to look for pest infestations or symptoms of diseases.
• Use neem oil to regularly clean your plants.
• Water and feed your plants properly.
• Provide your plants with adequate amounts of sunlight, heat, and humidity.
• Mix diatomaceous earth into the soil of potted plants. 

Where to Buy Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Seeds Online

Since Philodendron seeds are difficult to find, it will require a little effort to search for them.  If you are interested in purchasing these seeds, then start with these online shops:

• Amazon
• Etsy

Where to Buy Mature Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron Online

It is actually better to purchase a mature Philodendron plant since you can be guaranteed that what you are purchasing is real (seeds don’t reveal their true nature until they have been planted for a few months). 

If you are interested in getting one of these plants delivered directly to your door, try one of these online shops:

• Etsy
• PlantVine

FAQs

In Conclusion

Variegated Heartleaf Philodendron is a plant that is sure to warm your heart and fill your garden with tropical vibes.  Take pleasure in your garden as you experience the easygoing and beautiful nature of this Philodendron.

Research Citations

• Bloomscape
• Leon & George
• Wiki How
• Smart Garden Guide