Burle Marx is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a striking variegated houseplant that will fill any space with its vibrant, striped foliage. This tropical perennial offers eye-catching foliage design in almost any climate and environment—commonly grown indoors but equally happy outdoors when adequately taken care of.
Although it’s relatively easy to care for, with just a little TLC, you can ensure your Burle Marx plant thrives year after year while providing endless beauty to your home or garden.
Here are the top 15 tips for caring for your Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated.
1. Place in a Bright Spot
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For your Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated to thrive, bright, indirect light is essential. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window allows it to enjoy filtered sunlight without the intensity of a south or southwest-facing window, which can lead to foliage burn.
Alternatively, full-spectrum LED lights are an excellent option for supplemental lighting. Make sure the light isn’t too strong and keep an eye on variegated foliage for signs of sunburn; reduce the amount of sun exposure when in doubt.
2. Do Not Keep the Soil Dry
Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated wants its soil moist, not dry. Keeping soil dry tends to cause the soil to become compact. It will not allow proper drainage or airflow, which is necessary for a healthy soil environment that maintains beneficial micro-organisms that protect plants against disease.
When soil becomes too dry, the soil can become hard and might not allow the water to penetrate quickly enough or deep enough – resulting in distressful or even helpless situations. To prevent this, ensuring your soil is consistently moist (but not wet) allows it to be workable and creates a hospitable environment for your beloved Brulé Marx plants.
3. Do Not Over Water
Taking care of your Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated should be a top priority, as they are exceptionally easy-care plants that thrive in bright dappled light. One primary key to ensuring it stays healthy and vibrant is watering correctly – too much water will cause root rot and quicken the plant’s demise, so establishing a watering schedule and sticking to it is essential.
Every 1-2 weeks should suffice, depending on your soil composition and watering location, but keep an eye out for any signs of overwatering, such as wilting leaves or stem discolouration. The best way to check if your plant needs watering is to poke a finger into the soil – if it is still damp, then there’s no need to do it.
Proper watering practices are vital for keeping these tropical beauties strong!
4. Use Well-Draining Soil
When caring for new Philodendron Burle Marx plants, it is essential to use well-draining soil. This type of soil prevents overwatering and helps to avoid root rot. Furthermore, an equal mix of peat moss, potting soil or compost, and perlite can give the Philodendron air access and help support new roots’ growth. This will ensure that the new plants have a strong enough base for their leaves and prevent any associated issues due to lack of aeration on the root system. Thus, using well-draining soil when caring for new Burle Marx plants greatly enhances the chance of their success and longevity.
5. Fertilize Your Philodendron Yearly
Although new Burle Marx plants may take a while to become established and bloom, it is essential to fertilize them once per year. Proper fertilization supports the new plant’s growth, increasing its root mass and producing new foliage, stems, and healthy leaves. A balanced timed-release fertilizer should be used for these plants to remain healthy throughout the season. Plants not adequately fertilized will suffer from weak new growth and can even die in extreme cases.
Taking the time to fertilize new Burle Marx plants annually will ensure they remain vibrant additions to any landscape.
6. Provide Them With Humidity
Burle Marx Philodendron is one of the favourite eye-catching, undemanding houseplants that thrive in humid conditions. Providing the right environment for optimal growth and health is essential to keep your Philodendron happy.
The most crucial factor for this species of Philodendron is humidity, which can be achieved by increasing the moisture levels in the air around your plant. You can do this by misting the leaves regularly with a spray bottle, grouping plants together, or placing them near other water features like fountains.
Proper potting mix and adequate drainage are essential components of providing the ideal humid environment for your Burle Marx Philodendron. With consistent care and a little extra humidity, you will be rewarded with a beautiful evergreen display for years to come.
7. Keep the Temperature in Check
Burle Marx Philodendron is a beautiful and elegant houseplant, adding a great aesthetic to any room. Maintaining its growing environment at specific temperatures is essential to ensure its health and longevity.
Burle Marx prefers temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit, though extreme temperatures should be avoided. The optimal temperature for growth and flourishing is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures that the plant’s large leaves will remain green and captivating.
Therefore, owners of Marx should consider their environment’s temperature if they want to maximize the beauty of their plants.
8. Repot Your Philodendron Every Two Years
Taking good care of your Burle Marx plant is key to faster growth. Repotting it every two years is one of the best steps for maintaining a healthy plant.
To do this well, use fresh potting mix and transfer the plant cautiously, as these plants are delicate and can be easily damaged during repotting. When removing the soil from the old pots, if it appears compact, add some new soil to loosen it up before transferring the roots into a new container.
It is also essential to choose a pot with drainage holes so that water can efficiently run out instead of accumulating at the bottom of the container.
Following these tips will make sure your Burle Marx plant thrives.
9. Prune Your Philodendron Regularly
Pruning your Burle Marx plant is essential to its health and growth. Regularly pruning vines, stems, and leaves helps promote new healthy growth, achieve a desired shape for the plant, and green tangled branches.
Pruning can be done throughout the year, particularly in winter months during late fall when branches are strong enough to trim. It is important to remember that pruning will remove foliage from the plant. However, this will help achieve a balance between growth and overall appearance.
Remember that plants may take some time to bounce back after being pruned – patience is key!
10. Keep Your Philodendron Away From Drafts
Caring for your Burle Marx plant will help ensure it thrives for years. One of the critical steps in proper care is to keep it away from any drafts. These plants prefer medium heat and enough light sources, so keeping them away from drafty windows is essential for maintaining a consistently warm temperature and allowing the foliage to remain green and lush.
Additionally, tempestuous weather could harm the plant if exposed to strong winds or rain. Greenhouses provide an outstanding alternative for sheltering your plant while taking advantage of natural lighting and warmth.
11. Keep a Check on Pests and Infections
Burle Marx plants are lovely and easy to care for, these houseplants are also pest resistant, but it’s essential to remain vigilant when caring for them. Keep an eye out for pests and infections, so you don’t cause damage to your plant.
Common pests such as spider mites can be particularly damaging since they feed on the sap of the leaves and can quickly turn a lush, lush green into a pale yellow or dusty brown. If you spot any pests on your plant, take immediate action to remove them before more severe damage occurs.
Additionally, keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as pests, stunting growth, or yellowing of the leaves. Taking the time to regularly inspect your Burle Marx plant is essential if you want it to thrive!
12. Propagate Your Philodendron by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a great way to propagate the unique and eye-catching Burle Marx plant. Taking a cutting from your existing plant is an easy and affordable way to raise a new batch of plants, allowing you to have the stunning aesthetic of Burle Marx in your garden or home interiors.
Using only healthy stems for cuttings is essential, as this will ensure that your cuttings develop into strong young plants. To do so, ensure you take stem tips with plenty of nodes showing recent growth signs. Cut just below the nodal point on a slant or diagonal and place each cutting in a potting mix that is light and aerated. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to ensure successful propagation.
With attentive care, you can enjoy Burle Marx plants for many years!
Wrapping Up!
Caring for a Philodendron Burle Marx Variegated plant can be challenging but rewarding. You can keep your plant healthy and thriving for years to come with proper care and attention. Follow the above tips to ensure that your Philodendron receives the best care possible. Remember to dispose of any diseased leaves and sterilize your tools before using them on other plants. Good luck with your Philodendron!