Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ variegata

Origin of Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ variegata

Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ variegata is a variegated horticultural form within the cultivated ‘Burle Marx’ line. Its formal species placement, wild origin and selection history are still uncertain.

Care for Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ variegata

• Introduce bright light gradually: Give the plant bright, filtered light and make changes in exposure gradually to protect pale areas from abrupt sun or heat.
• Temperature: Maintain roughly 18–29 °C. If conditions approach 15 °C, move the plant away from the cold source. Keep the root ball warm.
• Humidity: Keep relative humidity near 50–60%.
• Check moisture in several places: A plant with many shoots can dry unevenly through the root ball. After part of the potting mix has dried, water the whole root ball thoroughly and let the pot drain.
• Potting mix: Use an airy mix that drains freely.
• Feeding: During a flush of new climbing growth, use a modest dose of complete houseplant fertiliser; then reduce feeding as growth slows.
• Growth and airflow: Let stems spread where there is room or train selected shoots upward. Keep gentle airflow through the base.
• Variegation and pruning: Retain healthy shoots with some green tissue, and observe several leaves on a branch before pruning it for appearance.
• Repotting: Repot into a slightly larger container when roots become crowded. Keep any upright support secure and use a stable pot as the branching plant grows.
• Propagation: Take a healthy stem section with at least one node; an aerial root already present can help the cutting settle faster.

Branch variation and plant problems in Philodendron ‘Burle Marx’ variegata

• One branch turns much greener or paler: Observe several leaves on that branch. Keep it for strength or prune it for appearance, but do not expect a change in light to reverse its pattern.
• A mostly pale shoot weakens or develops brown areas: Preserve the plant’s green-bearing foliage and check abrupt sun or heat, dry and wet root zones, salt residue, and rubbing. Correct the factor you find. If the shoot continues to fail, prune to a viable node that contains useful green tissue without assuming the next leaf’s colour.
• Fine stippling or bronzing spreads across several shoots: Inspect both leaf surfaces for moving mites, eggs, cast skins, and fine webbing; webbing alone does not confirm spider mites. Isolate the plant, rinse both sides of every leaf, remove badly infested material where proportionate, and recheck undersides and new growth. If mites persist, use only an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil labelled indoors for this plant and spider mites, cover the undersides, patch-test if the label advises, and repeat only at the label interval.
• Some parts of the clump wilt while others remain wet: Check moisture and roots in several zones to find where water is collecting or failing to reach. Improve aeration and drainage, then divide or repot if the crowded root ball prevents even watering.

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.