How to Grow and Care for Burle Marx

The Philodendron Burle Marx is an increasingly popular houseplant, recognized for its lush, glossy leaves and a graceful, sprawling growth habit. Named after the famed Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, this plant brings both architectural and natural beauty to indoor spaces. Its scientific name is Philodendron burle-marxii.

Known for its resilience and straightforward care, the Burle Marx is a favorite for both new and experienced plant owners. Unlike many philodendrons that focus on vertical climbing, this plant often grows horizontally. This characteristic makes it an interesting specimen for shelves where its form can be appreciated.

Burle Marx Varieties

The standard Philodendron burle marxii is distinguished by its deep green, lustrous leaves. These elongated, heart-shaped leaves are a signature of the plant, and the consistent, rich green coloration provides a classic tropical feel. Its growth tends to be more horizontal than vertical, creating a dense mound of foliage over time.

A highly sought-after version is the Variegated Burle Marx. Variegation manifests as splashes or marbling of cream or yellow against the green background, a result of a genetic mutation. The pattern of variegation is famously unstable, meaning each new leaf can display a different amount of color, making every plant unique.

Another distinct variety is the Burle Marx Fantasy. This plant has smaller, more rounded leaves compared to the elongated shape of the other forms. Its coloration features a silvery or gray-green leaf surface with prominent, dark green veining that creates a striking, etched pattern.

General Care Guide

Light

Proper lighting is a significant factor in maintaining the health and appearance of a Burle Marx. These plants flourish in bright, indirect sunlight. An ideal location is near a window where the sun’s rays are filtered, such as through a sheer curtain. While the plant can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may slow, and the foliage might lose some of its vibrancy.

Direct sun, conversely, can be damaging, leading to scorched leaves. The Variegated Burle Marx has slightly higher light requirements. Adequate bright, indirect light is necessary to support the non-pigmented sections of the leaves and maintain the vibrant colors. If you notice a variegated plant producing all-green leaves, it may need a brighter location.

Water

Watering for a Burle Marx should follow a “soak and dry” approach. This involves watering the plant thoroughly until water runs from the pot’s drainage holes, and then allowing the soil to partially dry out. A good rule of thumb is to check the top 1 to 2 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water again.

Overwatering is a common issue and can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will change with the seasons. During the warmer growing months, you may need to water more often, while in the fall and winter, when growth slows, watering should be reduced.

Soil

The right soil mix is foundational for a healthy Burle Marx. As an epiphyte in its natural habitat, the potting medium must be airy, chunky, and well-draining to allow roots to breathe and prevent waterlogging. A high-quality aroid mix is an excellent solution.

You can create your own mix by combining a peat-based potting soil or coco coir with amendments like perlite or orchid bark. The ideal soil should hold some moisture without becoming compacted or saturated. A slightly acidic to neutral pH level, between 6.0 and 7.0, is preferable.

Temperature and Humidity

Burle Marx plants thrive in the warmth and moisture of their native tropical habitats. They are most comfortable in average household temperatures ranging from 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C). Protect them from drastic temperature drops or cold drafts, as temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can cause stress and leaf drop.

While they can adapt to average household humidity, these plants appreciate higher levels around 60-70%. This promotes lush foliage and helps new leaves unfurl without issue. If your home’s air is dry, consider using a small humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray filled with water.

Fertilizer

To support its growth, a Burle Marx benefits from regular feeding during the spring and summer growing season. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied every 2-4 weeks to provide necessary nutrients. Suspending fertilization during the fall and winter is recommended, as the plant’s growth naturally slows.

When repotting, incorporating a slow-release fertilizer into the soil mix can provide a steady supply of nutrients over several months.

Propagation Techniques

Propagating a Burle Marx is done using stem cuttings. The key is identifying a node, which is the small bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots emerge. A healthy cutting should include at least one node and a few leaves. Use clean pruning shears to make a cut just below a node.

To root in water, place the stem in a jar of water, making sure the node is submerged while the leaves remain above the water line. Change the water weekly. Roots should begin to develop from the node in two to four weeks.

Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Insert the cut end of the stem about an inch deep, ensuring the node is buried. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide high humidity to encourage root development.

Repotting Your Plant

Knowing when to repot your Burle Marx is important for its long-term health. A clear sign is when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes. Other indicators include slowed growth or the soil drying out much more quickly than it used to. Repotting is typically done every one to two years.

Select a new container that is only one to two inches larger in diameter. Moving to a pot that is too large can lead to the soil staying wet for too long, increasing the risk of root rot. Gently remove the plant from its old pot and inspect the root ball, trimming away any soft or mushy roots.

Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the new pot, center the plant, and fill in the sides with more soil. Water the plant thoroughly after repotting and allow it a few weeks to acclimate before resuming fertilization.

Common Problems and Solutions

Spider mites and mealybugs are common pests. Manage them by regularly inspecting the leaves, especially the undersides, and wiping them away with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For more persistent infestations, an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray can be effective.

Yellowing leaves are a frequent symptom of overwatering. Allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings can resolve this. If you notice the leaf tips are becoming brown and crispy, the cause is often low humidity. Increasing the moisture in the air around the plant can prevent this.

Leggy growth, with long stems and sparse leaves, results from insufficient light. Move the plant to a location with more bright, indirect sunlight. You can also prune back the leggy stems to promote new, bushier growth from the nodes.

Toxicity Information

The Philodendron burle marxii is toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When chewed or swallowed, these sharp, microscopic crystals can cause immediate irritation and discomfort.

Common symptoms of ingestion in pets and children include oral pain, intense burning of the mouth and throat, swelling of the lips and tongue, and vomiting. To ensure safety, place this plant in a location out of reach of curious pets and young children.