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How to Care for Burle Marx Philodendron
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About Burle Marx Philodendron
Burle Marx Philodendron is easy to care for and easier to love - naturally getting its name from the Greek words Philo - 'love' and dendron - 'tree.' Hailing from Central America and the Caribbean, Burle Marx Philodendron holds a special place in the houseplant world, as it is named after the famous Brazilian architect Roberto Burle Marx - the first to include tropical plants in modern homes and landscapes.
Other common names
- Philodendron imbe ‘Burle Marx’
- Philodendron burle-marxii G.M.Barroso
How Often Should I Water Burle Marx Philodendron?
With easyplant, watering your Burle Marx Philodendron is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once a month and fill it when empty, and you're all set!
If you don’t have an easyplant, be mindful of the fact that The Burle Marx should not be over-watered, so getting the soil just right is essential. Aim for two inches of dryness before you water it again - make sure your soil can also drain out excess moisture! During fall and wintertime, only give this houseplant a drink once or twice per month; During the warm and sunny months that foster rapid growth, be sure to water 3-4 monthly shots of nourishment.
Burle Marx Philodendron Light Requirements
Burle Marx Philodendron grows best in a space with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light, direct sunlight or spaces without natural light.
The ideal spot for a Burle Marx Philodendron in your home would be in a room with bright, indirect light near a north-facing window. You can also use sheer curtains to filter the sunlight and reduce direct exposure to your plant. Exposing a Burle Marx to too much sunlight can lead to damaging results such as scorching and discoloration of its leaves. For a comprehensive look at plant lighting needs, explore our lighting guide.
Burle Marx Philodendron Plant Care
During your Burle Marx Philodendron's first few days at home, one or two leaves might turn yellow or fall. This is a normal part of the adjustment, which can take up to a couple of weeks, and there is no cause for concern. Once adjusted, Burle Marx Philodendron is very easy to care for and will reward your love for it by quickly bouncing back from any mishap.
To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a ¼ turn once a month. To maintain its aesthetic shape and height, you may periodically prune it to your liking. To help it grow to its height, you may attach the leaves to a totem or moss pole and watch it grow tall.
How Big Do Burle Marx Philodendron Plants Grow?
Burle Marx Philodendron grows steadily until reaching about two feet tall and four feet wide when grown indoors, with a growth rate of 2 to 4 inches per week during its active season in spring and summer. Once mature, it will keep growing new leaves to replace older ones. It will normally lose one or two leaves from the bottom when it grows several new leaves at a time.
If your plant displays signs of sluggish growth or its foliage appears to be losing vibrancy, it may indicate that you are either over-watering the soil, providing too much direct sunlight, or need to repot into a larger pot.
Temperature & Humidity
The Burle Marx Philodendron prefers warmth to flourish; typical indoor temperatures of 60-75°F should suffice. However, the plant may become distressed and cease growing completely when exposed to extreme cold - such as near drafty windows or frosty air outdoors. Ensure the temperatures in your home stay above 55°F for any prolonged period, which could lead to leaves dropping or other complications.
Maintaining high humidity levels of around 80% is essential for this tropical Philodendron plant to stay vibrant and full. Even though it can endure lower humidity levels of 30-50%, normal humidity is important for the healthy growth of your houseplant. During drier times like winter, when indoor heating systems reduce the home's natural moisture content, you can add more moisture into the air with a humidifier or pebble tray.
Are Burle Marx Philodendron Toxic for Pets & Kids?
Burle Marx Philodendron may be moderately toxic if ingested, so be sure to keep away from curious children and pets. The Philodendron Burle Marx is poisonous because of the calcium oxalate crystals present in it. When ingested by humans, these crystals can cause skin irritation and a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and salivation.
For dogs, ingesting any part of the Philodendron Burle Marx plant can be extremely harmful and even fatal. Keep an eye out for drooling, wheezing, or vomiting if you suspect your pup may have ingested some; seek medical attention from a veterinarian immediately. Cats can exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, wheezing, or diarrhea when ingesting the foliage of the Burle Marx.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Burle Marx Philodendron
If multiple leaves turn scorched or brown, relocate the pot to a less brightly lit area. On the other hand, if your Burle Marx Philodendron is wilting or drooping despite being regularly watered, it might be root rot; check for soggy soil, mushy stems, too much water around the plant’s base, and yellowing leaves to confirm this. If root rot is the problem, you can replant it in fresh soil and provide more drainage.
A quick spray of pre-mixed neem oil is an effective solution to protect your Burle Marx Philodendron from pests like thrips and mealybugs. Moreover, be sure to wipe down any infested leaves on the plant every few days until there are no signs of bugs or their remains left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions about Burle Marx Philodendron Plant
- Does a Philodendron Burle Marx need a moss pole?
Providing a moss pole or totem for the Burle Marx Philodendron to climb on will help keep its leaves from splitting and ensure it reaches its full potential in terms of size. Though a moss pole isn't required for healthy growth, the Burle Marx is a great climber, and the extra support can help it reach its maximum height. - How big can Burle Marx get?The Burle Marx philodendron is a beautiful, low-growing shrub or vine that grows in clusters around two feet tall and between two to three feet wide. If grown indoors, the Burle Marx Philodendron can reach a height of up to 3 feet, with its mature leaves measuring 18" in length.
- Why are my Burle Marx leaves turning yellow?A few Burle Marx leaves turning yellow can be completely normal; however, in excess, this could be due to overwatering, excess sunlight, a nutrient deficiency, or pests. Check the soil for moisture and ensure it drains properly; if needed, you can use a chopstick to test the saturation level.
- Is Philodendron Burle Marx easy to care for?With proper care, the Burle Marx philodendron is easy to maintain. It thrives best in bright indirect sunlight, high humidity, and occasional light fertilization with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Burle Marx are ideal houseplants for self-watering planters, as they prefer their soil to remain consistently moist but not soggy. The easyplant self-watering system can help ensure your Burle Marx stays happy and healthy by regulating the right amount of moisture in its soil, making it that much easier to care for.
- How fast does philodendron Burle Marx grow?The Burle Marx Philodendron is a moderately fast-growing vine with an average weekly growth rate of 2 to 4 inches. However, the growth rate may vary depending on the amount of sunlight and water it receives. With proper care and adequate humidity, it can quickly reach a full size of up to three feet.