Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ variegata

The Burle Marx cultivar and its variegated form

This variegated plant descends from the older ‘Burle Marx’ cultivar known through the work of Brazilian plantsman Roberto Burle Marx. Botanically, the green cultivar is often connected with Philodendron cordatum, a climbing species native to southeastern and southern Brazil.

The cream-and-lime form arose later in cultivation.

Care for supported climbing aroids

• Branching habit: Let the stems form a clump, trail over the rim or climb a low support. Branches that root into the pot can be separated as the plant spreads.
• Watering a many-stemmed plant: Water once the surface begins to feel dry and drain completely. Check more than one area of a wide clump so the root ball is wetted evenly.
• Routine growth: Consistent warmth, humidity and air circulation suit the dense plant. Feed gently during active branching.
• Renewal and propagation: Refresh the pot when roots crowd it or the mix loses structure. Divide a rooted branch or use a node cutting; each bud may produce a different green-to-cream balance.

Variegated Burle Marx shoot and clump problems

• Different shoots show different colour: A single clump can contain green, marbled and very pale branches. Assess each stem separately. Pruning back to a patterned node can redirect growth, although the next shoot may still arrange its colours differently.
• Very pale shoots weaken: Several cream-heavy leaves may grow slowly or brown first. Protect them from abrupt sun and heat, keep the roots healthy and retain enough green growth to support the clump; extra fertiliser cannot replace chlorophyll.
• Brown or spreading spots: Dry damage confined to a cream sector often follows light, heat or moisture stress. If a damp patch crosses into green tissue, move the clump away from other plants, dry the leaves and mark the edge to check if it keeps expanding.
• Uneven wilting: A broad multi-stem pot can contain dry pockets beside persistently wet areas. Test several parts of the root ball and replace potting mix that has become dense or water-repellent.
• Pests among the branches: Check stem junctions, lower leaf surfaces and old sheaths for cottony wax, attached scale, black thrips specks or feeding scars. Treat every affected branch and hidden node, then continue inspecting the different shoots separately.

Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ variegata is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

About the names Philodendron and ‘Burle Marx’

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The cultivar name ‘Burle Marx’ honours Brazilian landscape architect and plant collector Roberto Burle Marx.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.