Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil'

Brasil’s 1991 beginning in Holambra

‘Brasil’ began with a spontaneous mutation found by Ruben Ernesto Acosta in 1991 at a nursery in Holambra, São Paulo, Brazil. Cuttings from the original plant kept the same central yellow-and-green band and the same sequence of colour changes on young stems.

The mutation appeared on Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium, a heartleaf variety native from Mexico through Honduras.

Care for supported climbing aroids

• Light: Give Philodendron ‘Brasil’ bright filtered light for compact growth and clear yellow-green patterning. Light supports the plant but does not create its inherited stripe, and direct sun can burn yellow areas.
• Water: After the upper layer has begun to dry, wet the full root ball and allow complete drainage.
• Temperature: Maintain warm, steady conditions and avoid cold draughts.
• Feeding: Apply a mild balanced feed while new stems are extending, reducing it when growth slows.
• Repotting: Move up one pot size when the roots fill the current pot. Trim only dead roots and leave healthy ones largely undisturbed.

Troubleshooting Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium 'Brasil'

• The central ‘Brasil’ stripe: The central yellow-to-lime band naturally varies in width and can contain green patches. A repeated stripe in firm tissue belongs to ‘Brasil’; wetness, a moving brown boundary or continuing deformation indicates damage instead.
• Green or very pale shoots: A fully green stem may outgrow patterned sections, while a shoot with almost no green has little capacity to support itself. Prune back to a node with the desired balance and retain vigorous patterned growth.
• Scorch on yellow tissue: Strong sun, salt build-up, cold or severe drying can brown yellow areas before green tissue. Remove harsh exposure, check the root ball and flush the mix if fertiliser salts are likely.
• Yellowing and leaf drop: Cold, a sharp change in light, drought and saturated roots can produce similar yellowing. Check timing, root firmness and moisture through the root ball before deciding on the response.
• Pests and root decline: Inspect rolled leaves for thrips, lower surfaces for mites and nodes for mealybugs or scale. Remove visible insects, then follow the directions for an indoor-plant control that names the pest found. If the pot stays wet and roots are soft or foul-smelling, cut away dead roots and repot into a more open mix.

Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium ‘Brasil’ is toxic to pets

• Philodendron hederaceum var. oxycardium ‘Brasil’ is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Love of trees, ivy-like growth and a pointed heart

Hederaceum is Latin for ivy-like and refers to the plant’s trailing and climbing habit. Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” The epithet oxycardium combines Greek oxys, sharp or pointed, with kardia, heart, and describes a pointed heart shape.