Growing Stunning Variegated Heart Leaf Philodendron Houseplants

About the Variegated Heart Leaf Philodendron

The variegated heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’) is a cultivar of the classic heart leaf philodendron. It features the iconic heart-shaped leaves that philodendrons are prized for, but with a colorful twist.

Variegation in the Leaves

The hallmark feature of the variegated heart leaf philodendron is the variegated leaves that give this plant its name. The leaves showcase a mosaic-like pattern of forest green, lime green, and creamy white. This adds delightful pops of color and visual drama. No two leaves have quite the same mix of shades and patterns.

Growing Habits

This philodendron variety is considered to be part epiphyte and part terrestrial. In their native environments, they grow both on the forest floor absorbing nutrients from the rich soil and also cling to tree trunks and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, leaves, and debris around their aerial roots.

When grown as houseplants, the variegated heart leaf philodendron has a vining growth pattern. The slender stems can trail or climb nearby supports. With proper care and conditions, they can grow up to 3-4 feet long indoors.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Like most tropical houseplants, the variegated heart leaf philodendron will thrive in warm, humid environments with plenty of indirect light. They enjoy normal household temperatures between 60-80°F and do best with 40-60% relative humidity. Lightwise, bright indirect light keeps them happiest.

Caring for Your Variegated Philodendron

While surprisingly low maintenance for such a standout specimen, the variegated heart leaf philodendron does have some particular care requirements to help it flourish.

Watering Needs

These philodendron plants like an evenly moist but not wet soil. Water them whenever the top inch or so of soil has dried out, taking care not to oversaturate or leave standing water in the pot. The leaf tips turning brown is a sign you may be underwatering.

Soil Mix

A well-aerated, loose potting mix is vitally important for healthy roots and proper drainage. A quality potting soil amended with perlite, orchid bark, coco coir, or vermiculite to add air pockets works perfectly.

Fertilizer

Feed them with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength during the active growing season from spring through summer. This fuels ample lush growth. Ease off fertilizing over winter when growth naturally slows.

Humidity

Hailing from tropical environs, these philo beauties relish high humidity. Help supplement the moisture in the air around their foliage by placing pots on pebble trays, misting often, or using a humidifier nearby.

Pruning

Prune off any damaged, diseased, or unsightly growth as needed to maintain an attractive appearance. Make cuts just above leaf nodes. You can trim trailing stems to control size and shape.

Displaying Variegated Heart Leaf Philodendrons

One of the best qualities of the variegated heart leaf philodendron is its versatility to complement nearly any design style. There are lots of possibilities when displaying these stunners!

Hanging Baskets

Let the long tendrils trail down in hanging pots or plant stands to really show off the captivating leaves. Position near seating areas so guests can easily admire every intricate detail.

Shelves

Set pots atop bookshelves, console tables, counters, sideboards, or window ledges to bring pops of pattern wherever you need it. Let some stems trail down for added drama.

Totem Poles

Use moss or coco fiber totem poles for support and let the stems gracefully wind upwards. The heart-shaped leaves will happily climb skywards given the opportunity.

Terrariums

Plant in an open-style glass terrarium to help provide that coveted humidity these jungle plants love. Surround with other shade-loving specimens to create a complete indoor garden.

However you choose to show it off, the variegated heart leaf philodendron makes a eye-catching addition anywhere with its gorgeously colorful foliage.

FAQs

Why are some of my philodendron leaves turning brown?

If the leaf tips are turning brown, the most common cause is underwatering. These plants like evenly moist soil. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings but don't let them get too dry. Overwatering can also cause browning leaves if it leads to saturated, oxygen-deprived roots.

How can I encourage my variegated philodendron to climb?

Give your trailing philodendron stems a support structure to climb like a moss pole, coco coir pole, or trellis. Use plant ties or clips to gently secure ascending stems to the support. The philodendron will then happily wind its way upwards as it grows.

Why is my philodendron losing its variegation?

Sometimes not enough light can cause these beauties to produce leaves with less white variegation. Move the plant to a spot with bright, indirect light to help preserve the striking variegated patterns on the foliage. Insufficient light leads to green leaves instead.

What are good companions to plant with my philodendron?

Group your philodendron with other tropical plants that share its warm, humid, indirect light preferences like prayer plants, pilea peperomioides, ferns, calathea, and succulents for a dynamic indoor garden display.