Climbing vines and heart-shaped leaves make the Philodendron brandtianum the stuff of dreams. Maybe not literally, but this is a stunning plant. Also known as the Philodendron Brandi, this plant came onto the scene several years ago and is still sought after. The brandtianum is easier to find than it once was, but it’s still somewhat rare. Check out a plant store or nursery if you want to get your hands on one because it’s not mainstream enough to show up at grocery stores or big box stores just yet. Here’s what you need to know about Philodendron brandtianum care if you manage to score this leafy beauty.
Get to Know Brandi
The Philodendron Brandi hails from southern Colombia, northern Brazil, and Bolivia, where it grows as an epiphyte. The elongated heart-shaped foliage can measure 4 to 7 inches long on houseplants. The leaves are green but have slivery-white splotches that look like they were quickly painted over the green. Each leaf is unique, and the variegation can almost look pixelated at times. The midrib and veining are straight green without any silvery-white accents. Due to this variegation, the Philodendron brandtianum earned the fitting nickname silver leaf Philodendron.
Houseplant vines can reach four to five feet in length. This Philodendron is a moderately fast grower when it receives proper care.
Arrested Development
The houseplant we know as the Philodendron Brandi is the juvenile form. Houseplants stay in the juvenile phase because while the conditions in a home are hospitable, they’re just not the same as what the plant would experience in nature. A mature or wild form Brandi will have thicker leaves measuring one foot long and mottled variegation with more green peaking through the silver patches.
The other main difference between a houseplant and a wild-form plant is flowers. Houseplants do not bloom because they are stuck in a juvenile phase. Plants in nature or a highly regulated greenhouse reach maturity and flower. For what it’s worth, the Brandi’s foliage is much more showy than the flowers.
Philodendron Brandtianum Care
This leafy plant needs bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, and medium or low light will stall growth and slowly kill the plant. Philodendrons that do not receive enough sunlight will have smaller leaves, and the variegation will not be as vibrant. Leggy stems, or extended spaces between the leaves, are another symptom of limited sunlight.
Water the Brandi when the top few inches of the potting mix are dry. Drench the soil when it’s time to water so the entire root system can soak up the moisture. Yellow leaf tips indicate the plant is overwatered. Snip the yellow tip and let the soil dry more before watering if you notice this happening.
Regarding ideal potting mix, temperature, and humidity, Philodendron care is the same for the brandtianum as other varieties. Plan to repot your Brandi every two to three years.
Is Philodendron Brandi Pet Safe?
The Philodendron brandtianum is not pet-friendly. All Philodendrons are toxic to pets and people, for that matter. Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals. Eating or chewing on a Philodendron can cause swelling and discomfort in the mouth and gastrointestinal system.
Philodendron Brandi Styling Tips
Styling the Philodendron brandtianum is easy because this plant has an effortless style. The brandtianum is a skilled climber and uses its aerial roots to latch on. Give this plant a moss pole or trellis, and it will show you what it can do. Another option is to give this plant a high perch, like a tall shelf or a hanging planter, and let the stems cascade. There is no wrong way to style a Philodendron Brandi, so go with what you like and what works best in your space.
Philodendron Brandtianum Care Tips
The Philodendron Brandi is a looker with lush foliage with unique variegation. Like all Philodendrons, the brandtianum is easy to care for; just make sure it receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and water when the top few inches of the potting mix are dry. Proper Philodendron brandtianum care will help your plant grow long, leafy vines and look amazing.