Philodendron Brasil care guidePhilodendron hederaceum 'Brasil'
Variegated yellow-green trailing form. Ranked #37 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Philodendron Brasil when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Philodendron Brasil is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Philodendron Brasil problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Soft black stems · Root rot · Mushy leaf base. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Drooping leaves · Crispy leaf edges · Fading variegation · Slow growth. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Philodendron Brasil out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Peacock plant, Rattlesnake plant, or Round-leaf calathea.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Peacock plant, Rattlesnake plant, Round-leaf calathea. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
A natural mutation discovered at a Brazilian nursery in the 1990s; the yellow stripe on each leaf is unstable and can revert to green if the light is too low.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Philodendron Brasil based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Philodendron Brasil?
Water your Philodendron Brasil (Philodendron hederaceum 'Brasil') when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Philodendron Brasil need?
Philodendron Brasil is medium / indirect light: thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. The ideal lux range is 2,000 - 10,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 1-2 metres back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is Philodendron Brasil safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Philodendron Brasil out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Peacock plant, Rattlesnake plant, or Round-leaf calathea.
Why are my Philodendron Brasil's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Philodendron Brasil, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, soft black stems, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are drooping leaves, crispy leaf edges, or fading variegation instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.