Philodendron Care Tips: 'Brasil'
First of all, congratulation if you just picked up this plant: you hit a jackpot!
A variation of a common Philodendron Hederaceum (also knows as a Heartleaf Philodendron), this guy got his name for matching the bright colors of the Brazilian flag. This lustrous aroid is often confused with pothos varieties, and although they are closely related and similar in care, philodendrons tend to be less forgiving, although they are still a perfect plant if you are starting off you plant parenting journey.
Keep the watering consistent and light bright to help Brasil push out gorgeous variegated leaves and watch it flourish and amaze you with its fantastic growth rate.
Light: I always say that there is no such thing as a "low-light plant" and although it might not be entirely true, this guy is not ideal for a dark bookshelf or a corner far from the window. A spot near any window (minus a southern one with direct exposure: chose to keep your plants 1-2ft away or behind a curtain if you are getting a lot of harsh afternoon light) will be ideal. Supplementing a grow light in a darker spot will help keeping your leafy friend happy: take a note of the variegation and growth pattern: if your Brasil's growth slows or ceases altogether or it starts giving you solid green leaves - most likely it is craving more light.
Notes from the grower: disappearing or reducing variegation is not always due to lack of light: more often than not genetics of your plant and its parent play a crucial role. Always chose carefully where you are purchasing variegated plants from to avoid paying for a plant that is actively reverting.
Water: your philodendron will forgive you for forgetting to water it every now and then, but it has a finer root system than a common pothos and might not spring back to life as easily (or die altogether) if neglected for a long period of time.
Pro Tip: A good rule of thumb is to feel the soil and if the top inch or two are dry to the touch - your philodendron is thirsty. Water the plant until the saucer is full, let it soak for up to 30 minutes and dump any excess water.
Soil: a generic potting mix with some extra perlite will do the trick and some tree bark is appreciated (philodendron are aroids by nature and their roots like to have something to hold on to). 'CHONKY' Aroid Potting Mix is recommended for this plant type. Do not rush into moving this one to a bigger pot: philodendrons tend to prefer snug pots and might shed foliage if given too much room at once.
Pro Tip: experiment with a moss pole for bigger leaves: philodendrons love to climb and produce aerial roots on every leaf node to help supply foliage with extra nutrients for speedier (and bigger) growth!
