Philodendron burle-marxii
Philodendron burle-marxii
Burle Marx Philodendron
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Taxonomy
Family Araceae · Genus Philodendron
Description
Philodendron burle-marxii is a compact, climbing aroid with glossy, paddle-shaped leaves named after landscape legend Roberto Burle Marx. It’s easygoing, thrives in bright filtered light, and brings lush tropical texture to shelves, poles, or as a cascading houseplant.
Common Names
Burle Marx PhilodendronPhilodendron burle-marxiiRoberto Burle Marx Philodendron
Context
nativeRegion
Tropical Brazil (Atlantic Forest and adjacent lowland rainforests).
usdaZones
10–12 (outdoors year-round); commonly grown as an indoor plant elsewhere.
companionPlants
Monstera adansonii, Epipremnum aureum, Scindapsus pictus, Anthurium clarinervium, Calathea orbifolia, Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
culturalUses
Popular ornamental for modern tropical landscapes and as a houseplant; often used as a groundcover or to climb trellises and poles, honoring Roberto Burle Marx’s design legacy.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light; tolerates medium light. Avoid harsh direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) of mix are dry; thoroughly soak and drain. Reduce in winter; never let it sit in water.
SoilChunky, well-draining aroid mix: peat/coco + bark + perlite + a bit of charcoal. Slightly acidic to neutral pH.
FertilizerFeed lightly every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer with a balanced, diluted fertilizer or use a slow‑release aroid formula.
HumidityPrefers 50–70%+. Tolerates average homes but improves with a pebble tray or humidifier.
TemperatureIdeal 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid below 55°F (13°C) and cold drafts.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen climber/creeper; can shingle when juvenile and climb supports or trail.
Mature SizeIndoors 2–6 ft (0.6–1.8 m) vine; leaves 4–10 in (10–25 cm). Larger in tropical landscapes.
Growth RateModerate to fast with warmth, bright light, and regular feeding.
BloomingAroid spadix with spathe; blooms are infrequent indoors and primarily ornamental in foliage.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in cool, low‑light winter conditions.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings (single- or multi‑node), Division of clumps, Air layering
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer for quickest rooting and recovery.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch or cut back leggy vines to promote branching; remove yellow or damaged leaves. Stake or moss pole for upright growth.
RepottingEvery 1–2 years or when rootbound; step up 1–2 inches in pot size and refresh chunky mix.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats. Overwatering can cause root rot; poor airflow may lead to bacterial/fungal leaf spots.
ToxicityToxic if ingested (insoluble calcium oxalates). Keep away from pets and children; may irritate skin/sap.
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